Anyone know new rates upon SOG reopening?

[Sleepy]

It would only make sense to assume SOG will raise rates after the renovation. For those who have called to make reservations for a time frame after the reopening, what rates were you given? Also, they never charged extra for ground pool view until a few years ago. I wonder if they will ever decide to be like all the other resorts and have a price scale for different times of the year. Any info would be appreciated.

 

[FirstNo]

Originally posted by Sleepy
It would only make sense to assume SOG will raise rates after the renovation. For those who have called to make reservations for a time frame after the reopening, what rates were you given? Also, they never charged extra for ground pool view until a few years ago. I wonder if they will ever decide to be like all the other resorts and have a price scale for different times of the year. Any info would be appreciated.

I do, however there are even more rates than there were before and exactly what these rates are, is not listed on the paper I have. It looks like they will have 4 different rates for both standard and pool view rooms in each category (4). I'm *assuming* those 4 different rates have to do with requests, but they could very well be seasonal, like Disney. I know they have added a "patio room" however that room does NOT guarantee a pool view, only a first floor view. I also see they have added an 8 person suites, but do not know how many of each (6 and 8 ) they have.

As for the rates, there are so many that I will just give the range for each category:
Cat I - $70-125 6 person suite - $200-230
Cat II - $95-150 8 person suite - $225-285
Cat III - $101-156
Cat IV - $106-161

Additional adult rate will be $15 and suite rates are based on 4 adults in the rooms (that's a change from 2).

I'll try to figure out what the break down means and give you an even better breakdown, but this gives you an idea of what you're in for.

 

[Sleepy]

Originally posted by FirstNo
It looks like they will have 4 different rates for both standard and pool view rooms in each category (4).

Hi Noel, thanks for your reply. You have been an incredible source of information for me since I found you on an old AOL message board. I have a few more questions if you don't mind answering.......

So that I understand, does each category mean your rank, as is the case right now? Example, CAT I would be E-1 to E-5, etc.

Also, when you have pool view, does that mean ONLY ground floor? I once heard they were not changing the pool, so if you were stuck on an upper floor, you would basically have an expensive garden view overlooking a boring pool no better than one you find at Motel 6.


I was wondering if the lobby would be on the actual ground floor or if it will be like before the renovations and on the 2nd floor. IF they are making a new catagory of "patio view", it sounds like they are just wanting to charge more for ALL 1st floor rooms (convenience of being on lobby floor) but if you get lucky, you could pay a little less for patio and be "upgraded" to pool view ground floor.


Do you know if the new rooms will have balconies?


Do you know if they will charge for parking?

When do they plan to reopen? I heard original date of mid Sept, a few weeks before original date and then I heard late Dec.

Thanks in advance.

 

[chucknrita]

Dec. 15 is the opening date that I got from two different reservationists, so I guess that's what they're shooting for.

 

[TY31088]

FirstNo's the best for SOG info.
Thanks.
Ty

 

[FirstNo]

Originally posted by Sleepy
Hi Noel, thanks for your reply. You have been an incredible source of information for me since I found you on an old AOL message board. I have a few more questions if you don't mind answering.......

So that I understand, does each category mean your rank, as is the case right now? Example, CAT I would be E-1 to E-5, etc.

I don't mind answering at all and am glad I can still help!! Yes, each category holds a specific number of ranks. You've got Cat I down. Cat II would be E6-E9, O1-O3 and some CW and WO ranks (you start forgetting those things you didn't see or use much <g>). And so on and so forth.


Also, when you have pool view, does that mean ONLY ground floor? I once heard they were not changing the pool, so if you were stuck on an upper floor, you would basically have an expensive garden view overlooking a boring pool no better than one you find at Motel 6.

The pool view guaranteed a first floor room facing the pool. You could request a room facing the pool on the 2nd or 3rd floors, but that was only a request and could not be guaranteed, then again, you weren't paying the extra $10 a night, either.

I was wondering if the lobby would be on the actual ground floor or if it will be like before the renovations and on the 2nd floor. IF they are making a new catagory of "patio view", it sounds like they are just wanting to charge more for ALL 1st floor rooms (convenience of being on lobby floor) but if you get lucky, you could pay a little less for patio and be "upgraded" to pool view ground floor.

If they haven't changed things, it would still be on the 2nd floor, however the whole front area will be changed. Buses and arriving/departing cars will be in 2 different areas to relieve that congestion. There will be both stairs and an escalator (according to the drawings I saw) helping move people. I'm sure there's a ramp in there some where for the handicapped. I'm not sure why the patio view has come into play, unless they're doing something spiffy with the addition. Haven't heard one way or the other.

Do you know if the new rooms will have balconies?

I don't know for certain, but I *assume* they will.


Do you know if they will charge for parking?

To my knowledge, they will NOT be charging for parking. Everyone, even the employees, will be parking in the parking garage. Again, I am *assuming* the small parking lot to the right of the hotel will remain for the golfers.

When do they plan to reopen? I heard original date of mid Sept, a few weeks before original date and then I heard late Dec.

Supposedly, it's mid Dec, but considering it took them 4 months after closure to break ground, I'm not holding my breath they'll have it completed in 16 months. They might and I'm sure they really want to so they can scam every one on that dumb Xmas package they make people get on (**One change I have heard about the package is you now have the option of lunch OR dinner instead of just dinner**) during the holidays. I still think what's going to happen is they'll open, because they will HAVE to, but the hotel will not be finished. I did hear they are working on Saturdays so, you never know, they might get it done.

 

[tinkerbell1967]

Do you know if they will be offering the Goldleaf package that includes your tickets and breakfast and supper included? Just curious!

 

[Sleepy]

Originally posted by tinkerbell1967
Do you know if they will be offering the Goldleaf package that includes your tickets and breakfast and supper included? Just curious!

I always wondered if people actually got that package. From my math, you were not saving any money.

 

[tinkerbell1967]

Yes, we did get the Goldleaf package. We thought it was a good deal, tickets for your stay, and the breakfast and dinner. We liked the idea that we could pay it before we left and then when we arrived we didn't have to worry about anything except for snacking in the parks and souvenirs. I liked having everything included.

 

[FirstNo]

Originally posted by tinkerbell1967
Yes, we did get the Goldleaf package. We thought it was a good deal, tickets for your stay, and the breakfast and dinner. We liked the idea that we could pay it before we left and then when we arrived we didn't have to worry about anything except for snacking in the parks and souvenirs. I liked having everything included.

Just a friendly FYI, it was never a good deal and it NEVER EVER saved any one money. It all cost the same amount whether you did it separately or within the package. The difference was, if you missed just one meal, then you LOST money because you paid for something you didn't use. And who wants to be tied down to eating at a place with mediocre food, at best, any way? There are way too many other places around Disney to try out both for food and atmosphere. Any who, to each their own....

To answer your question, they were supposed to bring the package back. They're having a hard time getting the Xmas packages together (people, at this point, are not due to be contacted until May/Jun time frame) so I don't think they're really thinking about the Gold Leaf right now.

I also found out that those plethera of rates on the paper I was given was actually just the addition of each extra adult. They dumbed the paper down and I wasn't expecting them to do that (sheesh....who can't add $15 to a rate?!?!). So, these are the CURRENT RE-OPENING RATES (standard/pool view):

Cat I - $70/80 Cat III - $101/111
Cat II - $95/105 Cat IV - $106/116
6 person suite - $200 8 person suite - $225

Also found out that the patio room rate I saw on the paper actually refers to the CR. Apparently, they got rid of the "bay view" they had when I was there and changed it to a "patio room". I guess it was too hard for Disney to guarantee the bay view and it was easier to change it to patio (all ground floor).

If the info I have is correct, the current manager will not be the manager for much longer and will be moving over to the CR as a liason. They'll bring in someone with little experience in reservations (about the same as the current manager). Couldn't find out the real reason for the move.

Email is backed up (about 500 in the inbox) and the one person they have doing it during the week (they also have someone coming in on Saturdays to help answer) is being pulled to help answer the phones frequently. So, if you've been waiting a long time for a response, it's because the manager seems to think the phones are more important than the email. Any one want names to complain to, I'll be happy to provide them.

That's all I've got for now!

 

[Sleepy]

I am truly AMAZED that SOG would do such an extensive renovation and keep the rates as they were before (with normal yearly increase). IF the rates you have is what it will stay then I say 2 thumbs up!!!!!!!!! I can't wait till August when I can make my reservations

Tinkerbell, I agree with what you say about the Gold Leaf package in the fact that it is nice to be able to have the ENTIRE vacation paid for BEFORE you go on vacation. That is why I always send payments every month for the room before I get there, and save money for my meals in the parks (prepaid however you look at it). However, I have to agree with FirstNo also. Like she said, doing the math shows you don't save any money if you look at the meals, etc as a package vs separately. Maybe if you like to leave the parks early and enjoy the food, it is a good deal (food paid ahead of time), but most of the people on these boards, including myself, do not care for the dinner part of the restaurant and that would prevent SOG from selling potential packages. (not knocking anyone who liked Garden Gallery dinners, because I have heard people say they LOVED the pizza from Evergreens and I tried it on several different trips over a few years and still don't like the pizza, but everything else is fabulous....consider eating there. It is about the same price as the buffet at Garden Gallery and you can eat when YOU want to). I love the breakfast at Garden Gallery, but not a heavy buffet everyday and I think it is a waste of money if I pay for this full price buffet in a package and wake up one morning not feeling well or just in the mood to eat something light like a bowl of fruit or maybe a muffin. I just think for myself, it is a better deal to save your food money in a bank acct and allot yourself *X* amount of money everyday for food and only take that amount out everyday of your vacation (keeps you on budget and you never overspend). I think the convenience of eating on MY time and having food I KNOW I will like is a better value. These are just my opinions and not meant to offend.

 

[tinkerbell1967]

Sleepy, no offense taken at all. Like was said "to each his own" We did the goldleaf the first time we went with my parents who were never to the World before. They really liked coming back in the evenings and eating there and doing the breakfast's there in the morning, we all could make sure we sat together and enjoyed our time together. We will definately be looking into if it would be worth it or just doing everyting seperately next year. Thanks for your suggestions and opinions, appreciate it!!