Need an opinion - Shades of Green

[Disneybridein2k3]

My best friend and I have a birthday one week apart and she has just convinced me to do a short trip to WDW. She is eligible for Shades of Green which would be around $100 or so a night. There is also a room only code out that would make the values half that price. Shades (I know) is a nicer hotel but we've never stayed there. I know SOG doesn't have Magical Express, but what would you do considering the price differences and benefits of each? This is a kids/husbands-free trip and because we are ditching the husbands and kids, we can't stay long enough to do the 4 for 7 deal. We are planning an early February '09 trip. TIA!

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

Since it is just the two of you for a short trip I would probably do a value like POP. You will get ME and have shorter bus rides. If it were a longer trip with family I would say go with SOG.

 

[rtobe]

I agree - save $ spend on food and fun. Shades does not have the disney touches - more like a hotel. You can walk across street to Poly or GF but it is kind of long walk.

 

[hildarumpole]

Shades of Green is a beautiful resort. It's much quieter than any Disney resort and the rooms are huge. The walk to Poly to catch the monorail is less than 10 min. The Shady Shuttle will take you to the edge of the property if you want to save some walking. The buses from SOG are on a fixed schedule with runs to TTC every 20 min. and to the other parks and DTD hourly. Evergreen's is a decent place for a casual meal and drinks. The drinks are reasonably priced. There's a Starbucks off the main lobby, as well as an AAFES that offers souvenirs, snacks, toiletries, etc. Everything is tax free, plus you'll be able to purchase your park tickets at a discount. As far as Disney theming, SOG has a giant Mickey statue in the lobby and a Mickey head pool. If you want to be emersed in wall-to-wall Disney, SOG wouldn't be the place for you. The parks offered us enough of a Disney fix and we were glad for the break at the resort.

P.S. There's an SOG thread on the Resorts board under the Resort Sticky threads if you're looking for more details about it.

 

[msmayor]

I've stayed at a Value (Sports) and I've stayed at Shades...and HANDS DOWN I would pick Shades.

The rooms are huge, the grounds are gorgeous. The buffet restaurant is perfect for a breakfast OR they have a great snack area near the bus stop to get breakfast sandwiches, drinks and snacks. As another poster said, its a short walk to Poly to grab the monorail.

No worries about "thin walls" and hearing the neighbors, interior corridors in the event of rain, and the security staff there really does make sure folks are quiet after "quiet time".

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

I think SOG would be great if you were traveling with your family, but for a short trip with your friend I think you would prefer the convenience of staying at a Disney resort and being able to use ME. Even though the rooms at SOG are very large, and the grounds are beautiful...how much time will you actually spend at the resort? I imagine the two of you will be on the go, go, go and will want to see and do as much as possible in the short time you have. Also, you could probably stay at either a value or a moderate (with a good AP rate) for less than SOG. Whichever you decide ~ have fun!!!

 

[cocowum]

I have a small family so room size is not important to me. Imho that's the only thing SOG has over POP. I would definitely stay at POP. SOG is a nice hotel but it lacks the Disney touches. Even though you are so close to MK when you are inside the resort you could be at any hotel in the world. If you are the type of person who doesn't mind staying off site, that probably won't bother you at all. It really depends on you. It's a lovely hotel without the Disney feel. I hope that makes sense.

Whichever you decide ~ have fun!!!

Ditto!