Disappointment with Disney

[jlder72]

Deleted, I was wrong.

 

[Costumesaremylife]

Shades of Green is like the Swan and Dolphin. On property, but not actually owned by Disney. It is actually owned by the DoD. Maybe that is why it doesn't do the dining plan.

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

Military can get the DDP, they just can't get it when staying at SoG. As the PP said, it's not a Disney O&O resort.

We've stayed at SoG, and the price break was great, especially being so close to MK. We don't get the DDP normally (and IMO, it's not a huge money saver), but I think a family saves far more on the room at SoG than they would on dining. Does that make sense? It does in my head.

 

[disneyfans95]

Just returned from an 11 day trip staying at the BCR. I am a navy veteran.

Waiting for the kids at the Pizza Arcade at HS I was talking to a serviceman. He was asking about the prices of a meal, I told him but then added I don't pay much attention because we are on the dining plan.

He said they COULD NOT get the dining plan at SOG. He ended up ordering just one meal for his 2 kids to split due to cost. The meals are large so probably not as issue but it is unacceptable that military people cannot get the cost savings of the dining plan. Does Disney think they are losing too much money on the rooms at SOG?

Shades of Green is not part of the Disney portfolio. Just like Swan/Dolphin.

They are not treating the military poorly or anything.

 

[Praying Colonel]

Just returned from an 11 day trip staying at the BCR. I am a navy veteran.

Waiting for the kids at the Pizza Arcade at HS I was talking to a serviceman. He was asking about the prices of a meal, I told him but then added I don't pay much attention because we are on the dining plan.

He said they COULD NOT get the dining plan at SOG. He ended up ordering just one meal for his 2 kids to split due to cost. The meals are large so probably not as issue but it is unacceptable that military people cannot get the cost savings of the dining plan. Does Disney think they are losing too much money on the rooms at SOG?

From one Navy vet to another, I have to respectfully disagree that it is unacceptable. First, as others said, you have to stay at a WDW resort to qualify for DDP. SOG is not a WDW resort. It is an Armed Forces Recreation Club operation, owned by DoD. If someone wants DDP, they can stay at a WDW resort.

Second, the DDP may be more convenient, but often it's not a cost savings. If you check the DDP board, there are many discussions about how another package may yield more savings. In this context, SOG's room rates show that an E-5 and spouse staying in what is essentially a deluxe resort at $95.00/night and paying for meals OOP achieve a significant savings over staying in a deluxe like, say, the Poly or Beach Club and getting the DDP--even if it's free DDP.

SOG guests get a good deal on very nice lodging and also get EMH, a very nice benefit that DoD has worked out with WDW to provide to SOG guests. I do not believe that WDW is doing anything wrong by not providing DDP to non-resort guests. Folks just have to price a SOG package with OOP meals vs. staying in a WDW resort with DDP and look at what's best for them. We did that in 08 and decided that SOG worked better for us. Last November when they extended free dining, WDW resort worked better. Folks just have to make an informed decision.

 

[BubMunkeyBles]

We're an AD Air Force family. We actually got married at SOG. We choose not to stay there since they don't offer all the same benefits as staying at a Disney resort. Also Disney is offering GREAT military discounts (40% all rooms through September) and they don't require you to buy park tickets to get the dining plan. I personally don't find SOG a great deal when I consider the ease of Magical Express, Disney transportation (much better than SOG) and the small difference in price if Disney is offering a military discount. I don't think their hotel is all that spectacular or as nice as a deluxe. One of the moderates now also offers 2 queen size beds.

I think a lot of people just assume SOG is a better deal for military and many people don't know the benefits of staying at a Disney hotel. We prefer the ease of Disney hotels.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Does Disney think they are losing too much money on the rooms at SOG?

As stated on the identical thread on the Resorts forum: Walt Disney World isn't gaining or losing ANY money here. Shades of Green is on long-term lease to the Department of Defense. As such, its Guests - along with Guests of the Swan and Dolphin - miss out on a few perks available to WDW-owned resort Guests.

On the other hand, SoG Guests get a GREAT break on the ticket prices - $99 for a four day pass, tax-free? And Shades of Green has its own dining plan; granted, participants have to eat in the SoG restaurants.

 

[eliza61]

As with any discount given by Disney or any other company, it will not apply to everyone.

Sorry Op, but military like every one else travelling to disney must do the research and find out what plan works for them.

I'm never eligible for free dining because I 'm a DVC member but that doesn't make Disney unfair, it just means that particular promotion doesn't work for me.
Some people find the DDP plan is not cost effective and rather get the TIW card. Some people rather eat offsite or in their rooms.

 

[cats mom]

but it is unacceptable that military people cannot get the cost savings of the dining plan. Does Disney think they are losing too much money on the rooms at SOG?

I disagree, others on this thread have already addressed the reasons why.

FWIW, no business has to offer military discounts of any kind, and as evidenced by many of the posts above, I think Disney is actually quite generous when it comes to that.

In fact, while it's niether here nor there when it comes to WDW and the DDP, here's an example of deals offered to military personnel by Disney (that I would LOVE to get in on)

Disney Northern European Capitols Cruise
2 adults, same date, same stateroom category

Non Military price: $7,470
Military price: $2,548

Nope, can't get too upset that folks staying at SOG don't get the DDP

 

[LovableGluttons]

I disagree, others on this thread have already addressed the reasons why.

FWIW, no business has to offer military discounts of any kind, and as evidenced by many of the posts above, I think Disney is actually quite generous when it comes to that.

In fact, while it's niether here nor there when it comes to WDW and the DDP, here's an example of deals offered to military personnel by Disney (that I would LOVE to get in on)

Disney Northern European Capitols Cruise
2 adults, same date, same stateroom category

Non Military price: $7,470
Military price: $2,548

Nope, can't get too upset that folks staying at SOG don't get the DDP

Hefty discount!


My husband and father are both retired military. We never expected a discount because we were military. Food should cost us the same at WDW that it costs everyone else. We tried SOG in February 2007. Once was plenty and we didn't feel we even saved money versus staying at a value Disney resort.

 

[soccerchick]

My kids share CS kids meals all the time at WDW and other places - even with the dining plan.

 

[PolyndianPrincessJes]

I disagree, others on this thread have already addressed the reasons why.

FWIW, no business has to offer military discounts of any kind, and as evidenced by many of the posts above, I think Disney is actually quite generous when it comes to that.

In fact, while it's niether here nor there when it comes to WDW and the DDP, here's an example of deals offered to military personnel by Disney (that I would LOVE to get in on)

Disney Northern European Capitols Cruise
2 adults, same date, same stateroom category

Non Military price: $7,470
Military price: $2,548

Nope, can't get too upset that folks staying at SOG don't get the DDP

So, uh, when were those dates on DCL?