Just Back from SOG - Any Questions?

[NotTooGoofy]

I was in Orlando for business last week and stayed at the Shades of Green resort. If anyone has any questions about the resort, please let me know.

My overall thoughts about SOG are very positive. The rooms are fairly large with two queen beds, two separate sinks in the bathroom and a small fridge for keeping water and pop cold. Room rates are $72 - $104 per night based on grade/rank of DoD employees/military.

The only drawback I found was that SOG did not have quite the same Disney feel as the other Disney resorts. But that's just my opinion and I'd stay there again if possible.

 

[llij]

Glad you liked SOG! We've stayed there a lot and plan to stay there again this December. You're right about the lack of a Disney feel to it, but we love the room size and you can't beat the price!

 

[goofeyfan33]

We have reservations at SOG for May '05. Is there bus transport available from SOG, and how far to the Ticket and Transportation Center? Is it within walking distance????

 

[NotTooGoofy]

SOG has a different bus service than the other Disney resorts. Bus A takes you to the TTC for getting to MK and Epcot. Bus B takes you to MGM and AK. These busses run at least every 1/2, maybe every 15 minutes but I can't remember (I didn't go to the parks last week). You'll get a bus schedule when you check in ( make sure someone brings their military ID with them because they do ask for it at check in).

It's a good walk to get to TTC from SOG so you should probably take Bus A to TTC or walk over to the Poly (about a 10-15 minute walk) and catch the monorail to get to MK or Epcot.

I'm sure you'll enjoy your stay at SOG!

 

[Junebugwv]

We just returned the 25th from a split stay at POFQ and SOG. I liked the same things as you, but I have question for you. Did you feel like you had a REALLY long walk to your room? Maybe going to POFQ first spoiled us, but I was amazed at the distances we walked to everything. How far were you from the elevators?

 

[Poohbeck]

We were there in 2000 and absoletly loved the Shades! Besides the rooms being so spacious, I really loved the prices they had on food. I felt that we saved quite a bit of cash just eating at least one meal at SOG. Did you get the same feeling this time on the food?

 

[NotTooGoofy]

Junebugwv - you can end up with a room that's far from the lobby/pool/restaurant. I ended up with a nice view of the golf course but it was a long walk from everything. It took me about 20 minutes of walking to get a good feeling how to get to different places. At least everything was connected with interior hallways so you didn't have to go outside much to get to the pool, restaurants or bus stop.

Poohbeck - the buffet at the Garden Gallery Restaurant is a GREAT deal. I don't think there is a better buffet deal anywhere at WDW. Menus for the SOG restaurants can be found at http://allearsnet.com/menu/menus.htm . I would highly recommend anyone who is active/retired military or a DoD employee to eat at SOG if possible, whether you're staying there or not. Just remember to bring your government ID with you.

 

[akrake]

are the refillable mugs available there like at the other resorts?

were you able to request old or new wing?


thanks.

amie

 

[akrake]

do you know if they will let you use the overflow rates even if the hotel isn't full.......we may be heading back in march & i'd love to go to the poly or an epcot resort!
amie

 

[mog]

akrake,
There are no refillable mugs like the other resorts - I wish they did! But there is no "food court" type place to fill your own.

You can request the old or new wing, but as usual it is a request and not guaranteed.

Unless things have changed, you can only get overflow rates if SOG is full. I wonder how often that happens now that they expanded - anyone know any info on that? It used to book up all the time - just wondered if it does still...

 

[mahoneyth]

Thanks for the great info, were staying there in Nov for 7 nights.
I know that you don't need an ID card to eat there only for your stay.

 

[akrake]

Unless things have changed, you can only get overflow rates if SOG is full. I wonder how often that happens now that they expanded - anyone know any info on that? It used to book up all the time - just wondered if it does still...



we have twice recently made ressies (one in jan & the other in march) and neither time was the hotel full........the suites were booked, but not the regular rooms.......wonder if this makes a difference???

amie

 

[Angel16]

Thank you for all the information. We are scheduled to stay at SOG 10- 15 through 10-22. our first visit.

My question is do they allow late check out? Either by paying for it or can it be arranged? Has anyone out there ever been able to get a late check out? My DH and myself have a 5:30 PM flight out.

 

[mahoneyth]

Our flt is departing at 5:30 also, our shuttle is picking us up at 2:30, so they will hold all your luggage for you after check-out. I wouldn't pay an extra night for 3 hours. Were going shopping/lunch downtown disney that day before we leave.

 

[gtaylor]

I agree, in no way, except perhaps room size physical dimensions, should it be compared with GF.

On the other hand, depending on exactly what it is you value - it can represent an incredible value. We like the price, room size, location, transportation and relative calmness while prepared to yield on theming and service.

Greg

 

[janeski]

Does SOG have a hot tub now?

 

[Judy from Boise]

I read in one trip report that you can view the MK fireworks from the roof of SOG's parking garage.......anyone tried it ?

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Anyone remember when SOG was the Golf Resort?

I remember few wanted to stay there because, at the time, it was the only Disney Resot not on the monorail. I would call (as others) and it would be the only availability - it was always available!! BUT the great thing Disney always stressed as a selling point was the size of the rooms....again, becasue it was one of the first resorts, the rooms were larger than rooms now at Deluxe resorts.

We went over the visit and even then, when it was a full deluxe Disney Resort ,it did not have the same magical feel. It was pretty though!

 

[wickidwitch]

Hi, we arrive at SOG next Monday. My daughter runs x-country and her coach has asked her to run on a treadmill while we are there. Do they have a fitness center/treadmill? Does it cost extra if you are a guest there? Some kids at school are telling her that they have been to hotels elsewhere that charge for time on fitness equipment. Other than that we are really looking forward to our week away! Valerie

 

[llij]

Originally posted by wickidwitch
Hi, we arrive at SOG next Monday. My daughter runs x-country and her coach has asked her to run on a treadmill while we are there. Do they have a fitness center/treadmill? Does it cost extra if you are a guest there? Some kids at school are telling her that they have been to hotels elsewhere that charge for time on fitness equipment. Other than that we are really looking forward to our week away! Valerie

Hi Wickidwitch,

When I was there in May, I saw a very nice fitness center at SOG. I'm not sure if you pay extra for it though!