Official SHADES OF GREEN Information

[megveg]

does anyone know if I can use a WDW gift card at SOG? Im assuming not but Id LOVE to get one and pay for my stars and stripes passes with itttt.

 

[Maine-iac]

does anyone know if I can use a WDW gift card at SOG? Im assuming not but Id LOVE to get one and pay for my stars and stripes passes with itttt.

No they do not accept them at Shades. But we did use ours a lot throughout the parks. Better than carrying cash. Some days we only wore our lanyards with our park passes, room keys and gift cards in them.

 

[megveg]

No they do not accept them at Shades. But we did use ours a lot throughout the parks. Better than carrying cash. Some days we only wore our lanyards with our park passes, room keys and gift cards in them.

thanks 2 weeks till im at SOG, ive never been but im so excited!

 

[Maine-iac]

thanks 2 weeks till im at SOG, ive never been but im so excited!

Lucky you. Have fun!!!

 

[gibsontrio]

it is an AMAZING place!!! I am just totally blown away how wonderful the shades of green is. Everything from service and friendliness to amenities , everything was perfect. I knew they had some great things there before going but getting there and finding the woman by the mickey pool who does massages was AWESOME (she's great by the way!!!!) We found the coy fish pond by the boats on our last day and the kids LOVED feeding them , they laughed so hard!! The game room on the second floor was great. I got an awesome room on the first floor (older room) but you wouldnt know it was older because it was great , got the connecting room i requested, and the crib was perfect for my 2 yr old, especially in the older room. Never had a problem with the bus, we just kinda played it by ear whether we felt like walking to the poly or taking the bus. We seemed to walk in the morning and take the bus at night. I had a big chunky stroller and heavy sleeping children on the bus and there was always a gentleman to give me a seat. The SECURITY!! omg they are always present and I felt so safe!! The food was awesome in all restaurants (except I didnt go to mangino's) The rooms were always sparkling when we got back . When we checked in we had a duck and a lizard sitting on our porch and we even spotted a gator walking on the green on our way to the poly!! I LOVE the shades of green. I would go there even if I wasnt going to disney. I feel so lucky that I can stay there, so nice and peaceful coming back after a busy day. I dont think i'd stay anywhere else!!!

 

[megveg]

it is an AMAZING place!!! I am just totally blown away how wonderful the shades of green is. Everything from service and friendliness to amenities , everything was perfect. I knew they had some great things there before going but getting there and finding the woman by the mickey pool who does massages was AWESOME (she's great by the way!!!!) We found the coy fish pond by the boats on our last day and the kids LOVED feeding them , they laughed so hard!! The game room on the second floor was great. I got an awesome room on the first floor (older room) but you wouldnt know it was older because it was great , got the connecting room i requested, and the crib was perfect for my 2 yr old, especially in the older room. Never had a problem with the bus, we just kinda played it by ear whether we felt like walking to the poly or taking the bus. We seemed to walk in the morning and take the bus at night. I had a big chunky stroller and heavy sleeping children on the bus and there was always a gentleman to give me a seat. The SECURITY!! omg they are always present and I felt so safe!! The food was awesome in all restaurants (except I didnt go to mangino's) The rooms were always sparkling when we got back . When we checked in we had a duck and a lizard sitting on our porch and we even spotted a gator walking on the green on our way to the poly!! I LOVE the shades of green. I would go there even if I wasnt going to disney. I feel so lucky that I can stay there, so nice and peaceful coming back after a busy day. I dont think i'd stay anywhere else!!!

Thank you for this review! Ill be there in 2 weeks and this review has gotten me even more excited!

 

[KatRob]

I think sometimes we forget what our very first time at SOG was like and how exciting it was to be right there in the middle of it without the huge crowds you find at most WDW resorts.

For those of us who have been going there for years, changes aren't always good. We like free parking at the hotel and in the parks. We like having early mornings and late evenings. We like real soap and shampoo even if everything was green.

But every October the price goes up. I have told my DH that pretty soon it will be like every other on site property. At least there aren't "seasons" where the price changes thoughout the year. This year we will be at SOG for Christmas and it isn't going to cost us an arm and a leg to do it.

But there is something to be said for the people who use SOG. We really seem to be more thoughtful and considerate of each other. I have never seen or heard children running up and down the halls or lobby like I have seen at other resorts. I've never seen adults taking the naps on the lobby sofas like I have at AKL.

Okay, I think the meds have just kicked in and my brain is getting a little fuzzy. But I really like the people I have met at SOG. In 11 years I have not had a problem with anyone there, guest or staff. Okay, most staff seems to change a lot and sometimes my mind does wander and I wonder if Nellie is still in housekeeping or if Tony is still at the Garden Grill.

For the most part, I think all of us SOG'ers are pretty good people. And the meds are really working now so I have to go to bed or risk sleeping at the computer.

 

[ElmerTinaRh]

I think sometimes we forget what our very first time at SOG was like and how exciting it was to be right there in the middle of it without the huge crowds you find at most WDW resorts.

For those of us who have been going there for years, changes aren't always good. We like free parking at the hotel and in the parks. We like having early mornings and late evenings. We like real soap and shampoo even if everything was green.

But every October the price goes up. I have told my DH that pretty soon it will be like every other on site property. At least there aren't "seasons" where the price changes thoughout the year. This year we will be at SOG for Christmas and it isn't going to cost us an arm and a leg to do it.

But there is something to be said for the people who use SOG. We really seem to be more thoughtful and considerate of each other. I have never seen or heard children running up and down the halls or lobby like I have seen at other resorts. I've never seen adults taking the naps on the lobby sofas like I have at AKL.

Okay, I think the meds have just kicked in and my brain is getting a little fuzzy. But I really like the people I have met at SOG. In 11 years I have not had a problem with anyone there, guest or staff. Okay, most staff seems to change a lot and sometimes my mind does wander and I wonder if Nellie is still in housekeeping or if Tony is still at the Garden Grill.

For the most part, I think all of us SOG'ers are pretty good people. And the meds are really working now so I have to go to bed or risk sleeping at the computer.

Well said! We stayed at SOG last year for the first time and absolutely loved it. We stayed at the Poly the first time at Disney and yes it is just beautiful. I just can't see that the Poly is that much better to justify the difference in the price. From now on our magical vacations at Disney will be had at SOG.

 

[gibsontrio]

I loved walking through the poly, beautiful place, but its just seems loud!! I loved coming home to the shades and enjoying the peace and quiet
...... thinking back i'm just now realizing the soap was green..lol. I bring my own though.
Oh, one other thing.. the ice cream there.....SOOOOOO GOOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Junebugwv]

Has anyone called about the new "Fall into Autumn Program" that is on the SOG web site?

Our "Fall into Autumn" packages range from a 2 night to an 8 night stay.

Package includes:

20% discount off your nightly room rate
15% discount off your Garden Gallery Breakfast
15% discount off your Garden Gallery -or- Evergreen's Sports Bar and Grille Dinner

 

[BabyFu18]

I think one of the best things about SOG is the comradery. Everytime I've been to SOG I've struck up conversations with people on the elevators, by the pool, in the hot tub, everywhere. It's just a really nice environment for military families who can talk to each other about the places they've been to or things they've done/seen or even just talking about what they've done in the parks that day. I've found the guests at SOG to be much more social than at other Disney resorts (not saying that I haven't had great experiences at other resorts, just that SOG seems to be more sociable.)

I'm more of a relaxed, take it easy kind of traveler so I really enjoy the social aspect of SOG as much as the Disney aspect of it.

 

[joepic]

Yes, the Polynesian can sometimes get loud, often louder than the Contemporary... I know, it's hard to believe.

I just had to chime in, I thought I was the only one.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Thanks for the review, Airplane and Gibsontrio! I'm glad you had a good time!

 

[Mom2apirate&princess]

Reading these posts makes me feel like I made the right choice to cancel AKL and stay at SOG instead. We can now go for longer and I told the kids we would make a day of exploring some of the other hotels. I can't wait to go! Thanks for all of the reviews.

 

[allboyz]

I'm so excited that I found this thread. So much information! For the life of me I can't get on SOG website. We are stationed in Italy and I have a hard time with the time difference when trying to call them for info.

We are coming to WDW in January after my dh returns from OIF. I had read about OIF/OEF packages. Can someone tell me about that? TIA

Also, I had originally booked us to stay at the AKL. But I just can't bring myself to pay almost triple the amount for one night there as opposed to one night at SOG. In the end we decided to add more days to our vacation. The kids forgot all about AKL when we told them they were getting more Disney time!

We've stayed at the Hale Koa, Dragon Hill (Korea) and Edelweiss and have been happy with all of them. I'm hoping SOG will be just as good!

You have stayed at Edelweiss? I know this is a Disney board but could you share your experience at Edelweiss? Places to eat? Things to do? Are their tours worth it? Which ones? I would truly appreciate it. We will be there in July.

 

[allboyz]

I think one of the best things about SOG is the comradery. Everytime I've been to SOG I've struck up conversations with people on the elevators, by the pool, in the hot tub, everywhere. It's just a really nice environment for military families who can talk to each other about the places they've been to or things they've done/seen or even just talking about what they've done in the parks that day. I've found the guests at SOG to be much more social than at other Disney resorts (not saying that I haven't had great experiences at other resorts, just that SOG seems to be more sociable.)

I'm more of a relaxed, take it easy kind of traveler so I really enjoy the social aspect of SOG as much as the Disney aspect of it.

I felt the same way during our first stay at SOG. I can't wait to go back in November.

 

[bdcp]

I think one of the best things about SOG is the comradery. Everytime I've been to SOG I've struck up conversations with people on the elevators, by the pool, in the hot tub, everywhere. It's just a really nice environment for military families who can talk to each other about the places they've been to or things they've done/seen or even just talking about what they've done in the parks that day. I've found the guests at SOG to be much more social than at other Disney resorts (not saying that I haven't had great experiences at other resorts, just that SOG seems to be more sociable.)

I'm more of a relaxed, take it easy kind of traveler so I really enjoy the social aspect of SOG as much as the Disney aspect of it.

Camaraderie is one of the major reasons cited on these boards when people are asked why they love SOG. People are friendly, everyone talks to everyone and as I've seen in previous posts and experienced personally, the children tend to be better behaved, maybe because the parents are more disciplined and are trying to make sure their fellow service families have a nice vacation. Everyone has something in common and it's such a nice, stress free, friendly environment. The cost is a great benefit, but there are others. I never feel the least bit concerned about safety which I can't say about commercial hotels all the time. It's just those intangibles that make it so much nicer. These reasons are why you cant' just compare it by cost. It's a great value on it's own and these other assets make it even more valuable.

 

[Them!]

I think sometimes we forget what our very first time at SOG was like and how exciting it was to be right there in the middle of it without the huge crowds you find at most WDW resorts.

For those of us who have been going there for years, changes aren't always good. We like free parking at the hotel and in the parks. We like having early mornings and late evenings. We like real soap and shampoo even if everything was green.

But every October the price goes up. I have told my DH that pretty soon it will be like every other on site property. At least there aren't "seasons" where the price changes thoughout the year. This year we will be at SOG for Christmas and it isn't going to cost us an arm and a leg to do it.

But there is something to be said for the people who use SOG. We really seem to be more thoughtful and considerate of each other. I have never seen or heard children running up and down the halls or lobby like I have seen at other resorts. I've never seen adults taking the naps on the lobby sofas like I have at AKL.

Good post! I really want the SOG to stay wonderful. I want that kid just getting ready to go to boot camp this year to come back with his/her family in a few years and experience the Shades like we all have. I don't want them to have to worry about the parking fees or emh or any other "issues". I want the Shades experience to be really magical for the future. It would be a real shame if the SOG changed and became just another hotel. It is so much more than that now and hopefully always will.

 

[Mom2apirate&princess]

You have stayed at Edelweiss? I know this is a Disney board but could you share your experience at Edelweiss? Places to eat? Things to do? Are their tours worth it? Which ones? I would truly appreciate it. We will be there in July.

Hi, yes we have stayed at Edelweiss. We are stationed in Northern Italy so it's not too far from us. It is absolutely beautiful there. The mountains are gorgeous. The hotel is really nice, very pretty too. As far as the tours, we haven't taken any of them. It was a quick 2 night stay. There were trips to
Dachau, a concentration camp. Our dd was too young at the time to go.
They also offered trips to Hitlers Eagles Nest. We haven't been to that yet (waiting for my parents to come for that one) but friends of ours have and the pictures are amazing. They offered a trip to Neuschwanstein Castle (where Walt got his inspiration for the Disney castle ). We chose to drive ourselves, again it was just easier with the kids, the hotel provided us with a map and it was easy to find. Lots of shopping & food at the bottom of the hill You can climb to the castle or take a bus or horse drawn carriage up. There are trips to Munich as well. Off the top of my head I can't think of any other tours, I know there are more.

They have a steakhouse in the hotel. I don't know if you have kids or not, but we signed our kids up for a kids night. We were able to have a nice dinner and the kids got to go to a park for a picnic dinner and lots of play time. There is also a restaurant in the lower level of the hotel, it served lots of American style food. Which was nice, because we are so over Italian food. They have a buffet for breakfast and then dinner. We ate there for breakfast and it was decent. In the town I remember they had a Pizza Hut, again huge for us!, and Biergarten's on a lot of corners.

Like I said though, the hotel was very nice. My kids loved the lobby. There was a fire going, huge rocking chairs and couches. Off to the side was an area for kids. There is a gift shop on that level also. They have a good sized pool and a gym. The Germans are extremely nice and helpful (so unlike the Italians). Germany is a beautiful place to visit. The houses near the resort remind me of something out of Hansel & Gretel. There are castles everywhere! We would just be driving and there would just be castles popping out of the mountains. Very exciting for our princess.

We've also spent a lot of time near Ramstein AB. A couple of hours north of Edelweiss. From Ramstein it's a 4 hour drive to Paris & Euro Disney! We went to Disney last October. The only bad thing is they only have Space A rooms, so you can only call the day before.

If you have any questions I'd be happy to answer them. Have a great time on your trip.

 

[allboyz]

Hi, yes we have stayed at Edelweiss. We are stationed in Northern Italy so it's not too far from us. It is absolutely beautiful there. The mountains are gorgeous. The hotel is really nice, very pretty too. As far as the tours, we haven't taken any of them. It was a quick 2 night stay. There were trips to
Dachau, a concentration camp. Our dd was too young at the time to go.
They also offered trips to Hitlers Eagles Nest. We haven't been to that yet (waiting for my parents to come for that one) but friends of ours have and the pictures are amazing. They offered a trip to Neuschwanstein Castle (where Walt got his inspiration for the Disney castle ). We chose to drive ourselves, again it was just easier with the kids, the hotel provided us with a map and it was easy to find. Lots of shopping & food at the bottom of the hill You can climb to the castle or take a bus or horse drawn carriage up. There are trips to Munich as well. Off the top of my head I can't think of any other tours, I know there are more.

They have a steakhouse in the hotel. I don't know if you have kids or not, but we signed our kids up for a kids night. We were able to have a nice dinner and the kids got to go to a park for a picnic dinner and lots of play time. There is also a restaurant in the lower level of the hotel, it served lots of American style food. Which was nice, because we are so over Italian food. They have a buffet for breakfast and then dinner. We ate there for breakfast and it was decent. In the town I remember they had a Pizza Hut, again huge for us!, and Biergarten's on a lot of corners.

Like I said though, the hotel was very nice. My kids loved the lobby. There was a fire going, huge rocking chairs and couches. Off to the side was an area for kids. There is a gift shop on that level also. They have a good sized pool and a gym. The Germans are extremely nice and helpful (so unlike the Italians). Germany is a beautiful place to visit. The houses near the resort remind me of something out of Hansel & Gretel. There are castles everywhere! We would just be driving and there would just be castles popping out of the mountains. Very exciting for our princess.

We've also spent a lot of time near Ramstein AB. A couple of hours north of Edelweiss. From Ramstein it's a 4 hour drive to Paris & Euro Disney! We went to Disney last October. The only bad thing is they only have Space A rooms, so you can only call the day before.

If you have any questions I'd be happy to answer them. Have a great time on your trip.

Thank you so much for all of the information! You have been very helpful! I'm so excited now! I'm excited for my trip to Germany and of course our time at Disney! Thanks again!