Official SHADES OF GREEN Information

[bigAWL]

I don't get all the posts about the distance that you have to walk.

I was wondering how bad it could be. Looking at maps.live.com, and using highly sophisticated intstruments and methods (ie. comparing the length of my pen top to the scale on the map), it looks like the farthest rooms at SOG are about a 300-350 yard walk from the bus stop (the end of the old section being slightly farther than the new).

The shortest distance of any rooms in SOG seems to be about 150-200 yds (again the closest room in the new section is a bit closer).

Comparing this to nearby deluxes, it looks like staying at a remote building in the Poly or the GF would give you at least a 300 yd walk to the main entrance and monorail stations.

Other distances I measured... The walk from the SOG entrance to the main street (Floridian Way) is about 650 yds. It's then another 300 yds or so to the Poly monorail.

 

[TBDave]

I don't get all the posts about the distance that you have to walk.

If you're physically fit, it's probably not a problem. But I'm a big fat guy with a bad back, and I can't spend hours on my feet every day.

The real problem isn't at the hotel. It's the parks. If you add it all up, most people probably walk a mile every morning before reaching the front gates. From there you're walking a couple miles getting from attraction to attraction. It gets tough for people that are out of shape.

We usually go to the parks in the morning, come back for a rest in the afternoon, then head back out in the evening. So all those 150+ yards each way really add up. I'm looking for any way I can shave a couple hundred yards (or 15-20 minutes on my feet) off my day.

Walking back and forth all the time to the Poly's monorail just isn't very practical for me. I like a room right next to the parking lot. That also ensures a short walk to the lobby/buses.

 

[KatRob]

I was wondering how bad it could be. Looking at maps.live.com, and using highly sophisticated intstruments and methods (ie. comparing the length of my pen top to the scale on the map), it looks like the farthest rooms at SOG are about a 300-350 yard walk from the bus stop (the end of the old section being slightly farther than the new).

The shortest distance of any rooms in SOG seems to be about 150-200 yds (again the closest room in the new section is a bit closer).

Other distances I measured... The walk from the SOG entrance to the main street (Floridian Way) is about 650 yds. It's then another 300 yds or so to the Poly monorail.

In the morning it is fine. At the end of the day after spending all day walking in the parks, getting back to the room can be a bear and a half. Many, many nights I have stopped on the way back to the room and filled a bag with ice to ease the burning of my feet. Yeah, those cute garbage and recycling cans make a great place to stick your feet and pour on the ice.

And if you happen to be at the absolute far end of the new building, it just plain sucks. Been there, it won't happen again. I make sure reservations and the front desk knows that at check in.

If you're physically fit, it's probably not a problem. But I'm a big fat guy with a bad back, and I can't spend hours on my feet every day.

The real problem isn't at the hotel. It's the parks. If you add it all up, most people probably walk a mile every morning before reaching the front gates. From there you're walking a couple miles getting from attraction to attraction. It gets tough for people that are out of shape.

We usually go to the parks in the morning, come back for a rest in the afternoon, then head back out in the evening. So all those 150+ yards each way really add up. I'm looking for any way I can shave a couple hundred yards (or 15-20 minutes on my feet) off my day.

Walking back and forth all the time to the Poly's monorail just isn't very practical for me. I like a room right next to the parking lot. That also ensures a short walk to the lobby/buses.

My back and feet hear you. It may be a tad bit noiser closer to the lobby because of foot traffic but not that much. It isn't like some of the other resorts where you have kids and teens running up and down the halls screaming and carrying on like they have lost their minds. That is another reason we prefer SOG, we respect each other so much more.

 

[Angel16]

Looking into returning to SOG. This will be a budget trip with our children and grandchildren. SOG seems the way to go. More space, lovely resort and friendly people.

 

[princessesrule4]

Just wondering - Can you see WISHES from the balconies in the New section?

 

[crostorfer]

Just wondering - Can you see WISHES from the balconies in the New section?

Excellent question, I would like to know too. I've seen other posts saying you can see Wishes from the hot tub, but a room balcony would be sweeeet.

 

[Taubkenswife]

well i will post pics when i get back! i can't to get there. it's our first time at SOG and disney world. I have a three girl 5yr, 3yr and 7months. So my husband and i are really looking forward to this!!!

will post soon!

Jennifer

 

[Disneyfriend]

well i will post pics when i get back! i can't to get there. it's our first time at SOG and disney world. I have a three girl 5yr, 3yr and 7months. So my husband and i are really looking forward to this!!!

will post soon!

Jennifer

Have a wonderful time, Jennifer! I think you'll really enjoy all that extra room with your little ones. Safe travels and have a blast!

 

[suevee]

I don't believe you can see the fireworks from the new section. The hot tub is near the Magnolia pool in the old section. It faces MK. The new section is at the opposite side of the resort.

 

[bigAWL]

Again, looking at the map website (I love satellite imaging) it appears that one sitting at the Magnolia pool (or prehaps any of the rooms facing the Magnolia Golf Course) have a pretty clean view in the direction of the castle, thanks to a fairway or two. The closest obstruction apparently is a line of trees several hundred yards away. That could account for the ability to view Wishes.

The gusets in the new section, however, have to deal with the hotel lobby area in between them and the fireworks. That obstruction is much closer and thus blocks much more of the close-to-the-horizon view.

 

[mom2jcc]

Have a wonderful time, Jennifer! I think you'll really enjoy all that extra room with your little ones. Safe travels and have a blast!

Noticed you are in Oahu. We were just there in February and had a really nice time. Seems like a real place to be stationed How long have you lived there? The military resort on the beach (forget name) reminded me of the Poly

 

[BabyFu18]

We've stayed in both the old section and the new section and we could not see fireworks from our balcony in either room. In the old section we were facing the hot tub/small pool, but still couldn't see the fireworks from our room (though we could see some of the higher fireworks from the hot tub some nights).

I just wanted to tell people who haven't been before, the fireworks you can see are the higher ones, because most are blocked by trees. I don't want anyone to get their hopes up about being able to see a lot of fireworks when that's never really been the case at SOG (in my opinion).

People have said before you can see the fireworks from the parking garage, personally I haven't tried that yet.

 

[Mrsjvb]

The military resort on the beach (forget name) reminded me of the Poly

That would be the Hale Koa.. and *drool* LOVE that place!

as for Fireworks: One night we saw the tippy top highest ones from our ground floor room in the Old section. right above the Club House for the Golf course.

 

[ntsammy5]

That would be the Hale Koa.. and *drool* LOVE that place!

A great place to stay. We've been there twice!

 

[DisFlan]

This sept. will be our first trip to SOG. Can someone tell me what "kitchen" things are included in the Family Suites? I know it won't have a microwave, but what about other stuff? Paper plates, small fridge, etc. Or is it just basically a coffee maker and sink type of set up?

DisFlan

 

[KatRob]

When we stayed in the old section facing the Castle I never saw fireworks. I could hear them, not see them.

From the new section, upper floors (4 and 5) we have seen and filmed the Halloween fireworks at MK. This would be facing the pond and gazebo area.

The curve of the building does come into play with this. The last time we were on an upper floor couldn't see a thing until we went to the roof of the parking garage. I was totally confused as to which fireworks I was watching because I was turned around by that time.

Watched them last year from International Drive, 8th floor of a hotel. Night before Disney Cruise, but we didn't get to go to the parks.

 

[princessesrule4]

Thanks everyone for the replies about the fireworks. We won't count on seeing any - it will be a bonus if we happen to see any!
We decided to request the newer section since we will have our car and plan on driving everywhere except MK and possibly Epcot!

 

[Disneyfriend]

Noticed you are in Oahu. We were just there in February and had a really nice time. Seems like a real place to be stationed How long have you lived there? The military resort on the beach (forget name) reminded me of the Poly

Yes, the Hale Koa is really lovely.

Just in case anybody on this post isn't aware of it, there is a military hotel called the Hale Koa similar to Shades of Green in Waikiki, on the island of Oahu. It is a beautiful hotel with prices slightly higher than Shades of Green. But the location in Waikiki is wonderful, right next to the Hilton Hawaiian Village - fantastic beach.

As you can imagine, the place fills quickly, so you would want to book ahead. But it's a wonderful option if you're planning a vacation to Hawaii.

And for that matter, there is a rustic military camp on the Big Island in the middle of Volcano National Park. It's called Kilauea Military Camp (KMC), and has a nice woodsy/rustic feel to it.

I highly recommend both the Hale Koa and KMC to any military people wanting to stay on either Oahu or the Big Island for a reasonable rate!

 

[traviesojmt]

I just wanted to give a heads up to anyone who might not know. We were planning on buying our tickets at SOG for our upcoming trip. We are going for 13 days, so we needed 10 day Park hopper with fun and more. According to the SOG website, this would have cost us $1219 for 3 adults and 1 child. We decided to check with our local ITT office just to compare prices. Well, they were able to get the same tickets for $1177.
I just wanted to let everyone know to check all of their option before buying tickets. I know that SOG has Stars and Stripes tickets that would have cost less, but that didn't work best for us. Just wanted to share our experience.

Kim

 

[Idroveallnight]

Hi all! We will be leaving in a few days and I have a quick question. I thought I saw a post about EMH but have been unable to find it! Do you use your SOG room key to gain access to EMH? Or do you do something at SOG before going to the park? Any help would be great! TIA!!!