Just back from SOG- any ??

[Harligirl]

Hi all

Just got back from a quickie with my DH- we survived the hurricane at Shades of Green, the very hot and humid weather, and the crowds- any questions???

Overall, we were satisfied with SOG but I think they still have some kinks to work out. I wasn't too pleased with the food services (except the nice woman at the Express Cafe)- the busses were not always on time but the Shady Caddy was great picking us up on the path to the Polynesian.

I would love to help with any questions!!

Lisa

 

[llij]

Hi Lisa,

Is the Express Cafe the little food place right near the bus stop? When we went in May it wasn't open yet. If it is open would you recommend it as a place to grab some quick breakfast food on our way out to the parks?

Thanks and I'm glad you survived the hurricane!

 

[Harligirl]

Hi Jill

Yes, it is the place by the busses. They had surprisingly good food. We had a breakfast croissant there and had a quick lunch a couple times. Her husband runs a place on property I think by the pool. (hamb, sausages, etc) It was closed on the day she told us about it because of the storm. She also makes a pretty decent latte to pick you up! There were some slushes there that were a bit too sweet but pina colada was good.

You will be there about the same time as us! Enjoy- the landscaping was beautiful!

We did have the breakfast buffet and was not happy with the food at all. Now, it was the day after the hurricane, so maybe, just maybe, that was why. The food was cold by the time we sat down! And it wasnt very good. I was wishing for the breakfast croissant!!

 

[detective mickey]

i have read so much about sog. please tell me what/where it is. is it a disney resort?

 

[llij]

Thanks Lisa!

I look forward to trying it out next time we go. We can't wait to go back this December. Maybe we will see you there!



Detective Mickey,

SOG is the Shades of Green resort on Walt Disney World property across from the Polynesian resort. It is owned by the Army MWR and those who are active duty/retired military or DoD employees are eligible to stay there. It is a very nice resort if I say so myself. I hope that this answered your question.

 

[gassmandy]

Hi--we will be there this Fri., Sat., and Sun. with family and was wondering about the transportation to the parks. I have heard they don't use the same busses as the Disney resorts. We usually stay in a Disney resort--but since we're celebrating 2 of my nephews b.days --my sister whose hubby is AF--got us all rooms at SOG. Could you explain to me their bus system--and what is the smartest, fastest, and/or easiest way to get to Epcot on Fri. afternoon, MGM Sat. (Early entry) and then MK for EE on Sun. I heard something about a bus A and B and that one was better--or something like that. Just want any heads up --to make the traveling to the parks easier w/ my 16 month old!!!!! Thank you in advance!

 

[Harligirl]

Amanda-

I found the bus system to be alright- not great, but alright. It is not run by Disney transportation. It is a charter bus, so when you are at the park to get a ride back to the hotel, you must go to the Charter bus pick up. Ask your driver before you get off the bus which spot they will pick up at. One time the driver never told us, so we had to wing it (luckily we found it alright!)

This is the schedule:

Extra magic hour bus: pick up is at 7:30 am

Bus A (seemed to be the most reliable):
Departs SOG every 15 minutes starting at 8 am
Departs TTC every 15 minutes (3rd space from the canopy)
On this bus you will be able to get monorail to Epcot or Magic Kingdom

Bus B
Departs SOG every half hour. First bus at 8 am to Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach and MGM
Pick up times are from AK every 15 minutes and 45 minutes after the hour. space 7
MGM is every 45 minutes and 15 minutes after the hour. space 6 (sometimes)

I found Bus B to be very unreliable but unfortunatley you dont have much choice!

We frequently walked over to the Polynesian to pick up the monorail. Nice walk-

Hope this helps to give you a basic idea! They do give you a schedule for the busses on check in.

Have a wonderful time!
Lisa

 

[gassmandy]

Thanks Lisa--you're awesome. That's pretty much what I was looking for.
We love the walking--may take the Poly/monorail route if our times aren't in sync w/ the busses!!! Doesn't the monorail go to Epcot and MK?? But not MGM, right?? You can tell I pay very little attention even though we've been passholders for years.

 

[Harligirl]

Amanda-

Yes, the monorail takes you directly to Magic Kingdom and then to the ticket center to transfer to another monorail to Epcot. It works out great!

The bus to MGM/AK tends to come at weird times(at least when we were there)- also, there was a time that the bus went to Epcot- have no clue why though!

My best advice is to try and communicate with the driver. The walk is great to the Poly and I always like to check out there gift shops. They also have a nice food center for on your way there or back.

Have a wonderful time- I am jealous and I just came back!!
Lisa

 

[detective mickey]

my son is in the air force in alaska, we discussed a trip when he comes home. are the rates reasonable versus the other resorts? and is there a web site with more info. thanks... sorry to be so ill informed.

 

[llij]

Hi Detective Mickey!

Try this website for more information on Shades of Green. http://www.armymwr.com/shades/

The rates are dependent upon rank i.e., the higher your rank the higher the price. My dad was an O6 rank and I think our rate was around $100 a night. That's pretty good! The website has a complete breakdown of the prices.

I think that SOG compares pretty well to a deluxe resort. The rooms are big, you get a fridge in the room and the resort is beautiful overall. Enjoy your trip and let us know if you decide to stay there!

 

[WeRblam]

Here is the link http://www.wdwinfo.com/discounts/discounts-military.htm

 

[Barbday62]

Also dont forget the no tax thing. The resort price quoted is the price you pay. We paid $95 a night for one room and $110 for the second since we had a second adult in the room. My husband is 100% disabled Vet and we have ID cards. I think it went up a little because I booked about a year go.

Barb

 

[marylandjen]

Just booked today for Dec. We will have a rental car. Do you have to pay to park if you drive your own car to any of the parking like at AK or MGM? Thanks so much!

 

[NotTooGoofy]

I know if you stay at a Disney resort, you get a pass to put on the dashboard and can go visit other Disney resorts. Can you drive and park at other resorts when staying at SOG as you would if you stayed at Disney resort?

 

[Barbday62]

We drove to Animal Kingdom and MGM and we parked for free each time. The pass they gave us was on the dash and they waived us through. Also SOG had a garage to park in too.

 

[Disney753]

DOES ANYONE KNOW IF I STAY AT PC AND MY BOYFRIEND IS A DISABLEABLE VIETNAM VET IS IT CHEAPER FOR US TO GO TO SOG TO BUY A HOPPER PASS? OR DOES IT MAKE NO DIFFERENCE

 

[caseywirth]

If you stay at SOG, you can park free at all the parks!

 

[famouschinesec]

Harligirl; can you give me an idea of how large the refrigerator is in the rooms at SOG? Is it your college dorm room size, mini bar size or more like a full size fridge? Would you recommend stopping at a grocery on the way there to stock up on some small items or does the PX on property have a pretty good selection? Thanks.

 

[llij]

Originally posted by Disney753
DOES ANYONE KNOW IF I STAY AT PC AND MY BOYFRIEND IS A DISABLEABLE VIETNAM VET IS IT CHEAPER FOR US TO GO TO SOG TO BUY A HOPPER PASS? OR DOES IT MAKE NO DIFFERENCE

Yes, park hopper passes are cheaper at SOG plus you don't pay tax. It might be worthwile to look at the SOG website to see the difference in ticket prices. They have an excel spreadsheet with all of the ticket prices and eligibility.

Good luck!