Eating at Shades of Green Restaurants (civilians).

[HeatherPage]

I've seen this question asked here before about whether or not people who are not staying at Shades of Green can eat at their restaurants. I've seen answers stating both yes, you are allowed to and no, the restaurants are only for the people staying at the resort. I called the resort directly today and the gentleman who answered (I presume at the front desk) stated yes the general public (not staying there) can eat at their restaurants (he almost even acted surprised by my question - as in he hadn't heard that you couldn't eat there unless you were a registered guest) of course I may be reading to much into the tone of his voice - he was very polite though. So maybe we'll try to go over there for a dinner at one of the restaurants on our upcoming end of September trip. I say maybe as we'll be staying at the Swan and it might be quite a trek over there unless we're already at the Magic Kingdom for the day, but the menus and prices on Allears looked pretty good (for all three restaurants). I'm not wanting to take away any tables from the guests staying there, especially any military families on a tight budget (trust me, I know - my husband used to be in the Marine Corp. - his highest rank he was a corporal and his salary stunk, even after living in the barracks and not an apartment) but if it is a slow period I don't see any harm in it, especially if we'll be spending money at a table that might otherwise remain empty. Of course if we actually do try to get over there, I'll let you know if what the front desk said and what the guard at the gate says are two different things.

 

[cigar95]

One thing to consider - I read recently (can't recall where it was, though) that SoG has begun charging for parking, or will begin soon. Sorry I can't recall the cost.

I've been there once to visit since the rehab - SoG doesn't feel especially "Disney", but it's definitely a nice place.

Also, while the main restaurant still has the same name ("Garden Gallery"?), it's not in the same place it used to be.

 

[NotTooGoofy]

If you didn't stay at SOG, I always thought that you had to be military (retired or active) or a Dept of Defense employee with the appropriate ID to get past the gate to the hotel, but I guess I was wrong.

I had the opportunity to stay at SOG last year and they have one of the best buffets deals at WDW. It's a great place to eat.

 

[Forever42]

It's a pretty easy walk from the TTC, however. We were at a wedding at SoG this summer and walked to the Polynesian/TTC afterwards with our friends.

I'm interested to finally hear whether civilians can eat there, though. We weren't thrilled with the catering at the hotel and we're wondering if the restaurants are any better.

 

[hucifer]

I have never heard of anyone who purposely traveled to SoG to eat. Even as a guest this coming October, I do not plan on having any meals there. One breakfast last October was enough for me. Ugh.

I really hope you enjoy your meal. I'm not trying to discourage you, I'm just surprised, that's all.

 

[HeatherPage]

I don't know...the prices for the dinner buffet (if they're still accurate) looked great. Allears menu said it was like $14/adult and $7/kids and their italian restaurant menu looked pretty good with good prices as well. I remember reading somewhere on here about a couple dining at Manginos (sp?) who weren't guests of the hotel or military and said it was awesome. Who knows, I'm sure once we get there, we'll change our minds and stick with park/other resort restaurants.

 

[bdcp]

SOG FAQ section says you don't have to stay at SOG to eat there but you do need a military ID to get through the gate. I've heard different stories here on the boards and they vary from no checking of id's to asking why you're there to not letting you in without SOG guest or military id. We're staying for our second time this Nov. To be honest, in '98 we only ate in Evergreen's once the night we arrived and the breakfast buffet every morning because it was inexpensive. But, since the renovation, they've added Magiano's and I've heard mixed reviews. This trip I only plan to eat breakfast a few mornings.

 

[paulmc80]

Not sure about SOG as the only time I've eaten there is when staying as a guest. But, the Hale Koa here in Waikiki will let anyone on to the hotel grounds. Sometimes they will check for photo ID's just to make sure you are who you think you are. The restaurants will ask to see your room key or a DOD identification of some kind whenever I go in there to eat. I would figure it is much the same at SOG, but one never knows until trying.

 

[pampam]

We ate there in February. We walked over from the Poly, and there was no gate for us to check into. The restaurant was almost empty. We had the buffet, and the food was very nice. Double buffet, $29.99 for the 2 of us, no tax. Prime rib, salmon, salad bars,corn, green beans, fruit, icecream sundae bar, etc. Prices were excellent. Our server, however, was out to lunch. I asked for straws, he brought 1. I asked for a pot of hot water. When I asked him how he was feeling, he said "fine, why"? I said "you didn't bring me a cup". He said"I didn't know what you were going to do with the water." What did he think I was going to to with it. Soak my feet in it? It's a restaurant. Come on. Anyway, service did not improve, and I did not leave him a tip. I did notice that he was very attentive to the other tables. However, that aside, the meal was lovely, and I will go back.

 

[PrincessAli]

We have stayed and eaten at SOG numerous times, and find the BEST place to eat is at their sports bar--Evergreens, great hamburgers and onion rings!!

 

[samefay]

The food is great at all 3 restaurants.

Evergreen has a great ribeye steak sandwich.
Garden Gallery - wonderful buffetts BREAKFAST & DINNER
Manginos - Great Italian food and lots of it.

We stayed here in May of this year. The prices at the restaurant can't be beat.

 

[marj70]

They do check for an ID when you drive in, it could be a hassle to get through even if you are allowed in eventually. There is the parking fee, as a previous poster mentioned.

And...I stay at SoG but do not eat there. If I was pressed enough for $$ to eat I'd probably go off property first.

 

[cigar95]

I have never heard of anyone who purposely traveled to SoG to eat.

hucifer, it might surprise you to hear that a few years ago, the burger at Evergreen's was rated by many as the best in all of WDW, and a number of WDW guests would go to SoG simply to eat there.

Regarding the issue of non-military entering the property - when I visited SoG last January, I just told the guard that I was interested in taking some photos, and he gave me a parking pass. (This was, by the way, a 100% true reason - I wanted to take photos of the "new and improved" SoG, and I was curious to see how much of the old resort was still there.)

I've also heard of guests who simply said they wanted to eat at Evergreen's and were allowed in, though I haven't done that myself.

Not to mention that golfers will be coming in by the dozens every day.

 

[hucifer]

hucifer, it might surprise you to hear that a few years ago, the burger at Evergreen's was rated by many as the best in all of WDW, and a number of WDW guests would go to SoG simply to eat there.

Why yes, that DOES surprise me. Too bad I'm a vegetarian!






...do they have good veggie burgers?

 

[hucifer]

He said"I didn't know what you were going to do with the water." What did he think I was going to to with it. Soak my feet in it? It's a restaurant.