The NEW NEW Official Shades of Green Information (YouTube Video Info in 1st Post)

[Chris2597]

Thank you for starting this new thread. We will be at Disney and staying at SOG in about 6 weeks.
I think there is one correction to the info page of this thread....post #1. The car rental agency is Alamo, unless it has been changed to Hertz within the last couple of weeks.
How are the restaurants at SOG? I have read that the full service restaurants are very slow.
How long does it take to walk from SOG to the monorail at the Polynesian?

[Angel16]

Thank you for the PM to lead me over here.

We are getting so excited about our upcoming trip!

Angel16

[robin19871]

Originally Posted by Mom2six

I'm so glad there is a new SoG thread! Thanks for starting one. We will be at SoG in September, and I can't wait! It seems like forever away, but the time is actually going pretty quickly. We are surprising the kids and I hope I don't slip up over the summer.



Can you see any of the high-up fireworks from there too or just hear them?

You actually can see them very well from that location..(Up high that is) I would suggest sitting around the Magnolia pool for the fireworks for a tree free view..

[robin19871]

Originally Posted by Chris2597

Thank you for starting this new thread. We will be at Disney and staying at SOG in about 6 weeks.
I think there is one correction to the info page of this thread....post #1. The car rental agency is Alamo, unless it has been changed to Hertz within the last couple of weeks.
How are the restaurants at SOG? I have read that the full service restaurants are very slow.
How long does it take to walk from SOG to the monorail at the Polynesian?

The car rental is Alamo and located right in the front lobby. It takes about 10 minutes to get to the Polynesian when walking from Shades.. We also walked one day from the TTC.. There is a path through the Poly to the TTC that adds on an extra 5 minutes to get directly to the Monorail.. (Epcot)

[buffettgirl]

Originally Posted by Chris2597

Thank you for starting this new thread. We will be at Disney and staying at SOG in about 6 weeks.
I think there is one correction to the info page of this thread....post #1. The car rental agency is Alamo, unless it has been changed to Hertz within the last couple of weeks.
How are the restaurants at SOG? I have read that the full service restaurants are very slow.
How long does it take to walk from SOG to the monorail at the Polynesian?

the walk is about 1/2 a mile. So not a bad walk if you do that. We found that 90% of the time we just waited for a TTC bus from Shades unless we really had a lot of energy that day (in the summer it's hot, even in the morning) or if we were REALLY trying to rope drop at Epcot. And sometimes at night the kids just didn't want to deal with waiting for a bus or dealing with the crowds so we just walked and it wasn't horrible.

The restaurants suck mostly. Breakfast at the Garden Gallery is still fine but everything else - pretty much horrible. Take out from the window by the buses is totally fine (good muffins at breakfast and good selection of fruit, yogurt, etc), and there is a tiny window on the golf course next to the quiet pool which also has good food (italian sausage sandwich was great!) , but otherwise, plan your food elsewhere.

[mmtska]

I'm just going to fix somethings in color

Originally Posted by jusero

Don't know if I am allowed to start this thread since I am not "official Shades staff," but thought I would give it a try since the last thread is now closed. I just copied and pasted this info from the first page of the last thread so we could continue our discussions with our Shades family.

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Official SHADES OF GREEN Information (Thread #3-Started April 2012)



SHADES OF GREEN
1950 West Magnolia Palm Dr.
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-2789
Reservations: 888-593-2242
Fax: 407-824-3665
Hotel Direct: 407-824-3400
www.shadesofgreen.org
Shades of Green video on YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2iSVFsHqdk

Shades of Green (SoG) originally opened in 1994 as the only Armed Forces Recreation Center (AFRC) in the continental United States. In response to ever-increasing demand the resort undertook a massive expansion and renovation in 2002 increasing in both size and services offered. SoG more than doubled the number of guest rooms to 586, added 11 family suites; additional dining options, meeting facilities, a fitness center and multi-leveled parking garage. Reopening in March 2004, SoG has emerged as a premier resort destination in the heart of Walt Disney World.

Extra spacious hotel rooms (480 square feet) accommodate up to five persons and amenities include coffee maker, refrigerator, in-room safe (free - can operate with a personal 4 digit code), hairdryer, iron and iron board, in-room movies and internet access and video games. Each room has either a patio or a private balcony with two chairs and a table. The newer section of the resort is named The Palm; the older section The Magnolia.

There is a bottle of hand wash at each bathroom sink and a dispenser in the bath/shower with shampoo and body wash. There are no shampoo or body lotion bottles or bars of soap. You can purchase a bar of soap in the AAFES store for about a dollar.

The in-room safe has a removable shelf which if taken out can fit a laptop 11x14.

- Two championship golf courses and a 9-hole executive course (part of WDW Resort) right outside the door
- Two lighted tennis courts (open 24 hours a day)
- Two heated swimming pools 24 hours. Quiet hours 2200-0900-
-Hot tub 24 hours. Quiet hours 2200-0900- Children’s pool and play area
- Attraction ticket sales Open 7 days a week 0800-1900
- Restaurants, lounge and sports bar
- State-of-the-art banquet accommodations
- Room Service
- Wake-up calls
- Check cashing (up to $100 per day per room; $300 max per stay)
- FEDEX pick-up Monday-Friday
- Gift shops
- Video arcade
- Laundry facilities (open 24 hours) (Nov10)
- Fitness Center (open 24 hours a day) (Nov10)
- Automated teller machines (one in main lobby; one on lower level by Express Café)
- Transportation to all WDW Resort attractions
- Early entry into select WDW attractions

Parking Fees. Self parking $5 per day; Valet parking $10 for each day used (Nov10).

Check-in time is 1500 hours; Check-out time is 1100 hours. Late check outs can be requested on the morning of departure and is subject to availability. An additional fee will apply.

Early Departures. Early departures are subject to a one night charge.

Smoking Policy. The entire facility, to include pool areas, is smoke free. If the smoke free policy is violated in the guest rooms, a penalty will be incurred. Smoking is permitted on the guest room balconies and patios as long as the door is closed.(This is no longer valid. There are designated smoking areas, but no more smoking on patios or balconies

Electrical Items. Personal electrical items, such as cooking appliances and coffee pots, are not allowed in the rooms.

Pet Policy. Pets are not permitted on SoG property. If the pet policy is violated, a penalty will be incurred.

Weapons. No weapons of any kind are permitted at Shades of Green.

Current list of TV stations (Nov10). Information, Room Service, TWC, NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, PBS, Food, CW, Univision, Disney, Toon Disney, Cartoon Network, NICK, ABC Family, Toon, Animal Planet, Military, Nat Geo, Discovery, History, CNN HLN, CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, Fox News, Golf, Speed, CSTV, Big 10, NFL, NHL, TBS, TNT, USA, FX, Spike, AE, TLC, TVONE, AMC, Sci-Fi, Comedy, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN News

BUS SCHEDULE.

Animal Kingdom/Blizzard Beach–once per hour
Leaves Shades of Green on the half hour. Starts a half hour before park opening. (Usually at 0830)
On Extra Magic Hour days, Leaves Shades of Green starting at 0730
Leaves Animal Kingdom at 10 minutes before the hour (Space #7 in charter bus area)
Leaves BB on the hour (Space #1 in bus area, from 1000)

Hollywood Studios-once per hour
Leaves Shades of Green on the half hour (Starts a half hour before park opening)
On Extra Magic Hour days, Leaves Shades of Green starting at 0730
Leaves DHS on the hour (Space C6)

Typhoon Lagoon/Downtown Disney-once per hour
Leaves Shades of Green on the half hour (starting at 0830)
Leaves TL at 10 till the hour (Space #9 from 0950)
Leaves DD on the hour (at the top of lot E by the red building)
Last bus leaves DTD at midnight

Ticket and Transportation Center-every 20 minutes
To reach both Magic Kingdom and Epcot via monorail
First bus leaves Shades of Green a half hour before park opening
On Extra Magic Hour days, Leaves Shades of Green starting at 0730
Bus leaves TTC starting at 0840 (space #3)

All strollers must be folded before boarding the bus.
Please allow guests with wheelchairs to board first.
Bus loading area is on the ground level outside of the Express Café.
Buses may run late during inclement weather/heavy traffic.

Above schedule was posted Nov 10. It is subject to change.

ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT.

MPOG (Multi-Player Online Game) kiosks are available 24/7 and located across from AAFES. They can also be used to surf the internet, check e-mail and print boarding passes. At the Mini Marina, you have the chance to steer one of the military’s smallest fleets ever! The boats operate electronically and can be activated by purchasing tokens on the dock. One token gets you two minutes with the boat of your choice. Choose from the USS Army, USS Marine Corps, USS Navy, USS Coast Guard, USS Air Force or USS Lest We Forget! Four Wheel Monster truck fans can test their skills at the outdoor coin operated course next to Evergreen’s. Try your skills at one of the Video Arcades where dozens of grams and alluring prizes can be yours! Two brand new game rooms are located on the resort. There is one adjacent to Evergreens, where you can also shoot a game of pool while watching sporting events on one of the big televisions at the bar. The other arcade is located inside the hotel on the first floor of the Magnolia Wing and has an air hockey table, pool table and the latest video games.

Fitness Facilities. State of the art Fitness Center is open 24 hours every day for your exclusive use. Equipped with the best machines to give you a satisfying workout, it has been designed with the fitness conscious guest in mind. A valid room key is required for access. For safety concern, children under 16 are not permitted in the Fitness Center.

Tennis Courts. Two hard surface, lighted Tennis Courts are located on property and open 24 hours a day.

Pools. Swim laps or relax in the bubbling hot tub (children under 16 are not permitted) at the Magnolia Pool or splash with the kids in the children’s wading pool and Millpond Pool, located next to the playground. Both pools have areas for relaxing with sun chairs, tables and umbrellas. The Millpond Pool Pavilion provides towel services. No lifeguards are on duty, but swim aids are permitted. Pools are open 24 hours with quiet hours from 2200-0900

Remember the Fun. The ‘Remember the Fun’ walkway is a unique tribute to our guests’ wonderful experience at Shades of Green. The brick walkway is located in the center of the property near the gazebo and boasts the names and messages of our guests. Bricks can be purchased at the East Meets West Gift Shop for $75. Personalized cards will be sent to the recipient of the brick, or you can choose to surprise them by having a brick in place before they arrive at Shades of Green! Bricks are 4x8 inches; limit two lines, 17 characters per line, including spaces and punctuation. 8x8 inch brick is $200 (Nov10).

DINING.

Mangino’s Bistro. Italian restaurant with nightly specials, an array of traditional Tuscan dishes and a sprawling wine list. Open daily for lunch 1130-1400 and dinner 1700-2300. Limited menu from 2200-2300 (Nov10).

Daily Lunch Special – Soup, Sandwich and beverage; half $6.45, whole $7.95 (Nov10).

Mangino’s Bistro to go Menu - Baked chicken wings with ranch dressing $8.45; Chicken Caesar salad $8.50; Cheddar cheese burger served with lettuce, tomato and onion $8.50; 14” cheese pizza $13.95, additional toppings $1.75 each; Chicken Marsala $14.95; Children’s spaghetti with meat sauce and soft drink $4.95 (Nov10).

The Garden Gallery. Themed dinner buffets include a great selection of international cuisine and fresh fruit, soup and salad bar. Open daily from 1700-2130. $12.95 for adults; $4.50 for children 4-9 years old (Nov10). Open daily for breakfast from 0700-1100 with buffet $10.95 for adults; $5.95 for children 4-9 years old or ala Carte (Nov10).

Evergreens Sports Bar & Grill. Serves traditional American Cuisine with favorites like burgers, grilled sandwiches, soups and salads. Open 7 days a week from 1700-0000 Carry-out service and pizza delivery are also available.

8” cheese pizza $8, with pepperoni topping $8.50; Burger served with lettuce, tomato and onion $6.95; Side order of French fries $4.50; Hot chicken wings with ranch or blue cheese dressing $7.50; Soft drinks $1.95 (free refills); Domestic draft beer $4; Domestic pitcher beer $12 (Nov10).

On the Greens Grille. Serves quick and delicious grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, sandwiches, quick snacks and cold drinks. Located between the Magnolia Pool and the Magnolia golf course putting green, and available to all resort guests. Open daily from 0900-1630.

Express Café. Counter service restaurant features breakfast sandwiches, pastries, snacks, fresh coffee, tea and more. Lunch items are available to go. Located next to the bus area. Open daily 0600-2030

Choices include Egg croissant with cheese, bacon, ham or sausage $5; Pancakes $4; Cereal $2; Banana $1; Roast beef sandwich $7.50; Ham and cheese sandwich $7; Tuna sandwich $6; Peanut butter and jelly $3; Coffee $1.25/1.75; Milk $2; Soda $1.75; Juice $1.75; Water $1.50 (Nov10).

Java Coffee. Java Café serves fresh Starbucks coffee and assorted pastry items. Located next to AAFES and open daily 0600-noon (Nov10).

America, The Ice Cream Parlour. 1950’s themed ice cream parlour. Enjoy your favorite songs playing on an authentic Wurlitzer juke box. Choose from a variety of flavors of handmade ice cream, prepared at SoG. Open daily from 1600-2200 (Nov10)

Room Service. Available during breakfast (0700-1045) and dinner (1800-2300) hours (Nov10).

SHOPPING.

AAFES. Sells nearly everything you will need during your vacation, from sodas, snacks, and film, to postcards, stamps, t-shirts, sunglasses and toiletries. Magazines, books and newspapers are also available in addition to beer, wine and tobacco products. AAFES is located on the lobby level across from Guest services and open daily 0700-2100 (Nov10).

Fun pak of Kellogg’s cereal (8 boxes) (1.13 ounces each) $4.19; ½ gallon milk $3.50; 1 liter water $2.50; Suave deodorant (2.6 ounces) $1.99; Coppertone sunscreen lotion 50 SPF (8 ounces) $8.99; Colgate toothbrush $2.99; Pepto Bismol (8 ounces) $3.49; Zest bar of soap (3.2 ounces) $1 (Nov10).

East Meets West. Gift Shoppe offers one of kind souvenirs from SoG and other AFRCs around the globe. A unique selection of jewelry, art, pottery, clothing and gifts are featured. Located on the lobby level next to the Attraction Tickets Office. Open daily 0915-1700 (Nov10). This is no longer at the Shades of Green

SPECIAL SERVICES.

Extra Magic Hours allow Guests staying at Shades of Green additional time in Disney theme parks in both the early morning and evening. Valid theme park ticket and Resort I.D. are required. To enjoy the Extra Magic Hours benefit, guests without the Park Hopper option can only visit the park offering the Extra Magic Hour benefit that day or night. Resort Guests wishing to enjoy Extra Magic Hour Evening need to present their current Shades of Green resort I.D. no sooner than two hours prior to park close.

Guest Services. Available to assist you in planning your vacation during your stay at SoG. Open daily from 0800-1700. Information on dinner shows, theater and other events off property as well as brochures and maps. They can also arrange dining reservations, child care services and taxi pick-ups. You can also schedule your Round of Golf at any of Disney’s golf courses and receive a discount on rates. Specials are available for Florida residents. Guest Services is located at the Front Desk

BAGS (Baggage Airline Guest Services) is a remote airline check-in service allowing airline passengers to check their luggage and receive their boarding passes from the hotel lobby. Visit the Bell stand for price, instructions, times and participating airlines.

Alamo rental car is located in the main lobby.

Photo Magic photographic services are available in the main lobby. Schedule your individual, family or group portrait session. Additional services include flash memory to CD transfer. Check with the lobby desk for details.

Shady Shuttle is an 8 seat golf cart that transports guests to and from the entrance. The shuttle runs from 0700 to 1500, except during inclement weather.

Magnolia Spa is located by the Mill Pond pool. Services include massages, facials and spa packages to include treatments for younger guests (4-12 years). Phone 407.827.3529 for details. Reservations recommended. Swedish massage (50 minutes) $75; Magnolia purity facial (50 minutes) $80; Spa manicure and pedicure combination (80 minutes) $85. Hours 8 am to 8 pm (Nov10).

Internet/Telephone Services. There are two computers on the lobby level for surfing the Internet and checking e-mail. The computers are credit/debit card operated and cost $6.95 for 15 minutes, $10.95 for 30 minutes and $17.95 for 60 minutes. These computers are no longer there. Guests can use the computers and games in the Ratheyon Technology Center free of charge. Guests can now enjoy WiFi service in all guest rooms for $6.95 for 24 hours. WI-FI is currently free at the Shades of Green The following are WiFi Hot Spots: all guest rooms, all lobby areas, Garden Gallery, Mangino’s, Express Café, Family Technology Center and both pool areas.

Telephone rates are local and 800 numbers .50/first 30 minutes; .75 additional 30 minute intervals; Additional information is indicated on rate card in rooms. (Nov10)

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DISNEY RESORTS AND SHADES OF GREEN.

Shades of Green offers the following
Extra Magic Hours
Package delivery

Shades of Green does not offer the following
Disney’s Magical Express
Disney Dining Plan
Key to the World Card
Bottomless drinking mug
Wake-up calls from Mickey Mouse or another Disney character

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS.

SoG is available to certain eligible members of the U.S. Armed Forces community, their families, and certain civilians in the Department of Defense (DoD) and elsewhere. For the exact requirements for authorized patronage at SoG, see http://shadesofgreen.org/eligibility.htm

BOOKING RULES.

See http://shadesofgreen.org/booking.htm

ROOM RATES.

Rates are subject to pay grade and party size verification upon check in. Upon check-in, a valid military ID or DoD ID and Leave and Earning Statement (LES) is required.

F.A.Q.
For a list of the most commonly asked questions about SoG, see http://shadesofgreen.org/faq-home.htm

Mousecellaneous Information

Above information copied from Green Scene Newsletter (Nov 10), SoG brochures and SoG website. All information should be confirmed with Shades of Green.

[AlwaysMoving]

I think I also remember hearing someone report there is a new mug program at SOG, although poorly comparable to the Disney hotels. Pay a fee, then each refill is something like a dollar?????

[jusero]

Originally Posted by mmtska

I'm just going to fix somethings in color

Thanks! I cut and pasted to page 1.

[jusero]

Can anyone tell me how far in advance Shades sends out the ticket order forms? I thought it was two weeks, but I am just 10 days out and have not gotten mine yet and just wondered if I should call them. Thanks!

I really love the part about the 10 days.

[jaz0308]

Hi! What a great thread! I just have a few questions...
1. what are ticket order forms? Do I need to do this before I go to SOG? Thought I could just go to the counter and buy them. Glad I saw that if I need to do something first!

2. I see that it is a 10-5 min. walk to Poly/ttc. Is this walk well marked and is it on a sidewalk or road? Will be walking with two kiddies in strollers so want to make sure it is a safe way to go!

3. Was thinking of requesting room near lobby to make it easier to get in/out to parks. Has anyone stayed there recently and would you recommend this area? More concerned about convenience to transportation than pool but also want a quiet area.

thank you so much for any info you can give me! Can't wait for our trip this summer!

[jusero]

Originally Posted by jaz0308

Hi! What a great thread! I just have a few questions...
1. what are ticket order forms? Do I need to do this before I go to SOG? Thought I could just go to the counter and buy them. Glad I saw that if I need to do something first!

You do not need to use this form. You can still buy your tickets at the ticket counter once you get there. This is just a new system Shades is offering where you can order them ahead of time and pick them up at registration. Then you don't have to wait in line to buy your tickets there.

Originally Posted by jaz0308

2. I see that it is a 10-5 min. walk to Poly/ttc. Is this walk well marked and is it on a sidewalk or road? Will be walking with two kiddies in strollers so want to make sure it is a safe way to go!

It is about 10-15 minutes to the Poly, depending on how fast/slow you walk. A bit longer to the TTC. Both are mostly on a sidewalk or paved pathway. You just have to cross one road (at a crosswalk). But, please, be very careful crossing there. The cars move really fast and don't always yield to pedestrians. And, yes, it is pretty well marked. Just one spot that gets me. It's over as you approach the Poly. I always end up taking the wrong fork. But we always end up where we need to be. And if you do get "misplaced," there is always someone on the paths you can ask. You won't get lost.

Originally Posted by jaz0308

3. Was thinking of requesting room near lobby to make it easier to get in/out to parks. Has anyone stayed there recently and would you recommend this area? More concerned about convenience to transportation than pool but also want a quiet area.

You can request a room close to the lobby. It makes for an easier walk at the end of a very long day on your feet. However, the resort is not as big as the Disney resorts, so no matter what room you get, it won't be too far. Of course, it may FEEL long at midnight after being on your feet since 8 a.m. And the only places not quiet are those near the pools. And even those are only noisey during the afternoons. The entire resort is very quiet at night ... at least, that is what I have found.

Just be sure to slow your pace and have a great time! Don't try to put too much into each day. You will not be able to see everything in one trip anyway, so just pick your must do's, map it out, then just go with the flow. Especially in the summer with the heavy crowds. I have seen too many people try to do the parks "commando style" (and I use to be one of them) and missed a lot of the little things that make Disney Disney.

[BabyFu18]

Anyone who has been recently and used the free wifi, can you tell me about it? Is the connection strong? Is it available at the pool? Is it an open network or is there a password tied to your reservation or something of that nature? I'm really glad SOG is offering free wifi now and hope they keep with it, it's a nice added bonus since we travel with a lot of wifi enabled devices.

[jusero]

Originally Posted by BabyFu18

Anyone who has been recently and used the free wifi, can you tell me about it? Is the connection strong? Is it available at the pool? Is it an open network or is there a password tied to your reservation or something of that nature? I'm really glad SOG is offering free wifi now and hope they keep with it, it's a nice added bonus since we travel with a lot of wifi enabled devices.

I would love to know this info too. I would like to use our computer this trip and, since I am somewhat computer illiterate, I need all the advice I can get.

[jusero]

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.

[robin19871]

Having just left Shades on Tuesday I can answer a few of the above questions..The pre order ticket forms are awesome.. However, We did not receive them through Email so I had to call and request them.. They sent the form through Email and I filled it out with the tickets that I needed and my CC # (All but the last 4 numbers.) Once they confirmed what you want I then scanned it and attached it to to the Email with the last 4 #s. My tickets were waiting at the front desk.. (Don't forget to ask for them though.) We were walking to our room and noticed a HUGE line at 5:30 at night and I realized that I had forgotten them. I went back to the front desk and she grabbed them and gave them to us..
The Wi Fi was actually better this time than in the past when I payed for it. When you try to connect to the internet, A pop up from Shades will appear and you just hit the connect button and are good to go. We never had any disconnect in the 9 days that we were there.. And I did connect through my I Phone by the pool so the connection was strong.
I saw the mugs at Luckys on the 3rd day and I believe they were $8.95.. The refills are $1.00. They also had a beer one that was cheaper. We did not get one because by the time I remembered them we were almost half way through our vacation and my husband had bought some bottles of soda from the store.. (About $2.00 a piece) The mugs would have been cheaper and you would have gotten a keepsake mug.