SHADES OF GREEN at Walt Disney World Resort Information & Questions

[DMGeurts]

Hi everyone...

I used to be quite active in the first SoG thread...

It seems that the girls and I are taking another trip in Oct 2013, and SoG is a very viable option for us.

I've read the entire thread (phew!)... No huge questions...

Just curious... any drawings or anything released about the pool refurbs... Would love to see artist concepts (or anything for that matter) of what the Mickey pool is going to look like.

I don't think I have any ticket questions - as of now, no military tickets extend into our time frame. Even if they did - I am not sure if they would work for us.

It seems the food is still sucky... Like so many others - I wish SoG would fix that problem... It's the main reason I've stayed away.

But with the specials they are offering for early bird bookings (hopefully they will offer some for October) - SoG has everyone beat.

And we do LOVE the resort iteself... Can't wait to go back if the stars align for us.

D~

 

[ColoradoDis]

We're going to be first timers at SOG in May. Just wondering if any one has tried out the spa services?

 

[WDW 3]

I think I'm ready to go (aside from packing)

Reservations made:
Hotel
Airline
Car company
Tony's Town Square for Halloween night
'Ohana for our special date night

and
Keys to the Kingdom Tour
Got our MNSSHP tickets in the mail Friday

All this in 9 days (except dining) and we leave in 13 days!
In anticipation of dh making up his mind I made the dining ressies earlier.
'Ohana 180 days in advance every Friday for about 6 weeks. Canceled the ones we can't use.

It's kinda exciting to see it all come together but sheesh I could use some advance notice. Same thing last year

 

[Mousemommy1]

Hello SOG Peeps!!!

I have never stayed at SOG before but am considering it for next years food and wine.

I was wondering....if it is just myself and my friend going, would that be ok? My DH is the eligible military member and I have my valid defendant card that gets me onto military bases. Am I allowed to stay there if he is not going??

 

[household6]

I finally get to plan a Disney trip again! We are planning to visit May 27 - June 4, and will be staying at Shades of Green for the second time. By that time, it will be about 2 1/2 years since our last trip. We last visited in Dec. '10, and then DH deployed, and then we PCSed, and then with the new job and schools, we couldn't get everyone's schedule straight. Now it appears the stars are alligning, and we can actually start planning.

On our first family trip in May '10, we stayed at POR with the 40 percent discount and thought we got a great deal. Our Dec. '10 trip was planned on short notice when we found out DH was deploying, and it seemed just about everything at the Disney resorts was booked, so we stayed at SoG. What a blessing! The size of the rooms puts the Dis resorts to shame! And the location! I would need some kind of outrageous deal from Disney to ever lure me away from SoG, especially with two little ones. Maybe if we were traveling without kids, but for now, the extra space is a necessity!

I've read all 54 pages, and I think I'm about caught up on all the latest SoG news for now, but I do have one question. I've read through all the posts and I'm trying to figure out which area to request. If I can recall correctly, we passed though the little bridge area by the coffee shop and went down that hallway. From looking at the map, I think he were in something like room 267. It was just across the hall and a couple of doors down from the laundry room. We loved this spot! It was extremely quiet, and I loved that I could just pop in and out to check on the laundry I did mid-visit and not have to haul it up and down floors or down long corridors. From what I have read on here, my understanding is that this is the old section. But I know we had the separate sink area and toilet/tub area in the bathroom, which I read are only available in the new section. I'm so confused! Is this the old or new section? I think we really would like something in this area again.

Thanks for the help! I'm looking forward to hearing all of your advice and all about your trips!

 

[bellemeeko1]

Hello SOG Peeps!!!

I have never stayed at SOG before but am considering it for next years food and wine.

I was wondering....if it is just myself and my friend going, would that be ok? My DH is the eligible military member and I have my valid defendant card that gets me onto military bases. Am I allowed to stay there if he is not going??

Yep as long as you have your ID you are good to go!!

You are going to love it there!!! It's been our home away from home since 1994....

 

[Mousemommy1]

Yep as long as you have your ID you are good to go!!

You are going to love it there!!! It's been our home away from home since 1994....

Yay! Thanks for the information! We do Disney annually and always stay onsite for about 10-11 days, so DH said that the only way I can go back again next year (we are going in April) is to check out SOG....

I'm going to do some research!

 

[buffettgirl]

I finally get to plan a Disney trip again! We are planning to visit May 27 - June 4, and will be staying at Shades of Green for the second time. By that time, it will be about 2 1/2 years since our last trip. We last visited in Dec. '10, and then DH deployed, and then we PCSed, and then with the new job and schools, we couldn't get everyone's schedule straight. Now it appears the stars are alligning, and we can actually start planning.

On our first family trip in May '10, we stayed at POR with the 40 percent discount and thought we got a great deal. Our Dec. '10 trip was planned on short notice when we found out DH was deploying, and it seemed just about everything at the Disney resorts was booked, so we stayed at SoG. What a blessing! The size of the rooms puts the Dis resorts to shame! And the location! I would need some kind of outrageous deal from Disney to ever lure me away from SoG, especially with two little ones. Maybe if we were traveling without kids, but for now, the extra space is a necessity!

I've read all 54 pages, and I think I'm about caught up on all the latest SoG news for now, but I do have one question. I've read through all the posts and I'm trying to figure out which area to request. If I can recall correctly, we passed though the little bridge area by the coffee shop and went down that hallway. From looking at the map, I think he were in something like room 267. It was just across the hall and a couple of doors down from the laundry room. We loved this spot! It was extremely quiet, and I loved that I could just pop in and out to check on the laundry I did mid-visit and not have to haul it up and down floors or down long corridors. From what I have read on here, my understanding is that this is the old section. But I know we had the separate sink area and toilet/tub area in the bathroom, which I read are only available in the new section. I'm so confused! Is this the old or new section? I think we really would like something in this area again.

Thanks for the help! I'm looking forward to hearing all of your advice and all about your trips!

That would be the old section but I think many of the rooms there have been updated so that's why you might have had a better bathroom.

 

[WDW 3]

We haven't been since they changed the monorail schedule.

The monorails run 1 hour after "regular" park hours. What does that mean?

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

We haven't been since they changed the monorail schedule.

The monorails run 1 hour after "regular" park hours. What does that mean?

What that means is that if MK closes at 9pm, the monorail only runs until 10pm, then you have to take another form of transportation back to the resort. They also won't run during extra magic hours.

 

[jusero]

Good googa mooga! I have finally posted chapter 11 of my trip report. It's about derned time!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2933651

 

[WDW 3]

What that means is that if MK closes at 9pm, the monorail only runs until 10pm, then you have to take another form of transportation back to the resort. They also won't run during extra magic hours.

That's what I thought but was unsure about how to get back to the TTC from EPCOT. I guess they must have started running busses.

 

[robin19871]

I just canceled our Easter break trip for Shades and wanted to let anyone here who was looking for a poolside room then to know that one was available. (They are so hard to come by.) I am sad not to be going but we have instead decided to go to Disneyland in August.. Woo Hoo.. It has been 11 years since we have been there and we will be able to see my family and friends.. (I grew up 30 minutes from Disneyland.) I am planning ( Disney Paradise Pier hotel is where we will be staying for 3 nights with a Military 30% discount.) Shades is still wayyyyy cheaper.. :-( At least I can look forward to being back at Shades in 2014 with all the new additions..

 

[capeseal]

I just canceled our Easter break trip for Shades and wanted to let anyone here who was looking for a poolside room then to know that one was available. (They are so hard to come by.) I am sad not to be going but we have instead decided to go to Disneyland in August.. Woo Hoo.. It has been 11 years since we have been there and we will be able to see my family and friends.. (I grew up 30 minutes from Disneyland.) I am planning ( Disney Paradise Pier hotel is where we will be staying for 3 nights with a Military 30% discount.) Shades is still wayyyyy cheaper.. :-( At least I can look forward to being back at Shades in 2014 with all the new additions..

I'm sorry you have to cancel your Easter trip but glad that you have DL to look forward to. We are also heading to DL instead of Disney World in 2013. My daughter is crazy to go to Carsland and California is an easier trip for us at our current assignment. We also had some sticker shock at the cost of the DL resort hotels even with the military discount but are spending three nights at the Disneyland Hotel in March and then spending a few nights at the Naval station in San Diego to see the sights there. Really excited to hit California for the first time in four years.

I can't wait to see the new pools at SOG when we visit in 2014

 

[robin19871]

I'm sorry you have to cancel your Easter trip but glad that you have DL to look forward to. We are also heading to DL instead of Disney World in 2013. My daughter is crazy to go to Carsland and California is an easier trip for us at our current assignment. We also had some sticker shock at the cost of the DL resort hotels even with the military discount but are spending three nights at the Disneyland Hotel in March and then spending a few nights at the Naval station in San Diego to see the sights there. Really excited to hit California for the first time in four years.

I can't wait to see the new pools at SOG when we visit in 2014

How awesome.. We also are going to spend 3 nights in San Diego too.. (We will be getting rooms at NASNI (Coronado) as soon as the rooms open up. The Navy lodging is on the beach and is amazing.. We will be spending 2 days in L.A and Hollywood and then head to DL.. From there it will be 7 days of visits up to my parents in Northern Cali and home from there.. I am wondering if I should change to the Disneyland Hotel.. The price is only $198.00 for 3 nights difference between the two.. What made you decide? I am going back and forth but we are also going in the summer..

 

[tcp0421]

Since there are always a lot of questions and confusion around the 4-day tickets, I thought I would post the following. I cut and pasted it directly from the Disney World website. Hope it helps.

4-Day Military Promotional Offer Important Details

Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased now through September 27, 2012 at participating U.S. military sales outlets ONLY by Eligible Service Members (defined below) or their spouses (but not both), for themselves and other family members and friends, as provided herein. These Tickets may not be otherwise transferred, distributed or resold.

Participating military sales outlets will require that Eligible Service Members (or their spouses) present valid military identification to purchase Disney Military Promotional Tickets.

Eligible Service Members (or their spouses) who purchase Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to the Walt Disney World Resort for themselves and their family members and friends will be required to activate those Tickets at Walt Disney World theme park ticket windows, no later than September 30, 2012, in order for those Tickets to be used. Valid military identification will be required.

No more than twelve (12) Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased, activated and/or used by any Eligible Service Member or spouse during the life of this promotion, and no Eligible Service Member or spouse may purchase, activate and/or use more than six (6) Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets during any single week of the promotion. One (1) of the Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets purchased on each occasion must be for use by the Eligible Service Member or spouse. This offer is for active or retired members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Reservists and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to the Walt Disney World Resort will not be valid unless and until activated (no later than September 30, 2012).

Each Disney Military Promotional Ticket must be used by the same person on any and all days. Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be used ONLY by the Eligible Service Members, spouses, other family members or friends for whom they are purchased. In addition, a valid military ID may be required for admission.

Disney Military Promotional Tickets (including any options) expire and may not be used after September 30, 2012. In addition, Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets (including any options) for the Walt Disney World Resort may not be used on the following blockout dates: December 26 through 31, 2011 at all Parks and April 1, 2012 - April 12, 2012 and July 4, 2012 at Magic Kingdom Park.

I have to add that if the service member is a passholder you don't have to purchase a pass to get the others..............sorry if this was already mentioned.

 

[tcp0421]

Not a fan of the restaurants. I'm actually a little surprised that in all of the years of complaints about dining since the renovations, nothing seems to have improved. I hate to say it but the restaurants (and most of the restaurant service) is sort of terrible. Some of the buffets are okay. My DH liked Mexican night and I suppose the breakfast food quality is no better or worse than most Disney character breakfasts (without the characters, of course.) Over a few trips, we've found ways to get around the food. First, we bring lots of snacks. We stock up on nuts, bars, individual peanut butters, crackers, freeze-dried fruit and veggies, etc. Because I'm a little crazy and don't care for much of the food at Disney, I also bring our own bread and cheese in a cooler on the plane. Last trip, my IL's rented a car so we were able to have them pick up fresh organic milk and eggs and we made egg sandwiches using a glass bowl that we brought and the microwave in the laundry room. They were actually pretty delicious and an inexpensive way to have a good breakfast. Another way around the food that we often take advantage of is to take transportation back to the Polynesian and pick up some take out there before walking back to SOG.

We rarely use SOG buses, preferring to take a boat, monorail, or bus to the Poly and then walk back. During our last trip, it took us about 8 minutes or less to walk. (Depending upon whether 3-year-old DD wanted to walk or ride in the stroller.) I wouldn't rely on it, but you can also use the Shady Shuttle to take you the distance over SOG property. We had never used it but during our last trip, we left SOG on the first morning ready to walk to the Poly and there was a golf cart sitting there that offered us a lift. Another night, we were on a bus back to the Poly from Epcot one night when a member of our group became sick and started throwing up. I called the bellhop service and they actually went and got the golf cart out of storage for the night to come and pick us up. I always carry a few dollar bills with us now in case we end up up getting the shuttle to tip the driver.

Hope you have a great trip!

We are actually going to SOG this Friday. We live in Tampa and go to Disney frequently although we do about once/ twice a year take a long weekend and stay on property. This will be our first time staying at SOG. I'm a little nervous about the food now. I have read nothing good about sog restaurants. We paid for a package there which includes our breakfast and dinner. Wishing I can change that now.

 

[tcp0421]

Hi all!! Here At SOG now. Yesterday was an exhausting whirlwind. Went to dtd last night And had amazing sandwich from EoS!!! Then did part of mk today!! I will do a tr when i get home after weekend.
Just wanted to let you all know the AAFES says construction fall 2012. Opening spring 2013. As of yet I didnt see signs of pool construction. But i havent gotten a good look at the magnolia pool yet as it started pouring when i went over.
i will try to update y'all more at a later time.

It's closed now? We will be there this Friday.

 

[WDW 3]

On the Shades of Green Facebook page they answered a question about the pool "construction on the pool area will not begin until sometime in November. We do not have an exact date set yet although we do know it will be after Golf Classic."
Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic
Thursday Nov 8 – Sunday Nov 11, 2012
Magnolia GC (host course) · Lake Buena Vista, Florida

 

[capeseal]

How awesome.. We also are going to spend 3 nights in San Diego too.. (We will be getting rooms at NASNI (Coronado) as soon as the rooms open up. The Navy lodging is on the beach and is amazing.. We will be spending 2 days in L.A and Hollywood and then head to DL.. From there it will be 7 days of visits up to my parents in Northern Cali and home from there.. I am wondering if I should change to the Disneyland Hotel.. The price is only $198.00 for 3 nights difference between the two.. What made you decide? I am going back and forth but we are also going in the summer..

It is a tough choice between DLH and PP. I actually switched because the extra cost was pretty low. I asked about it over on the DL boards and it was almost a toss-up though the general consensus was that GC was not worth the extra, if I remember correctly. Here is the thread I posted when trying to decide:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2990050