Official SHADES OF GREEN Information

[natcat117]

Thanks!

 

[Ashlander]

My Dad made reservations today He called to tell me he reserved the rooms - he wasn't able to get pool rooms, but he did remember to request the adjoining rooms (thanks to all of my fellow disers!). The price came back to $146 and $176 per room I felt sick to my stomach - it was more than we were paying at POR and atleast at POR we had free dining. It took me a minute, but I said ok...it's more important to be together and have fun so let's do it. I still couldn't figure out how they came up with that rate. My Dad called me back about 20 minutes later and said he figured out how they came up with the rate. They charged us for $15 per person (even the kids) per night plus $5 parking. We both went back and read the fine print and realized they made a mistake. We shouldn't be charged extra for people in the room as there are only 2 adults in each room. My Dad said we would straighten it out when we got down there... Should I go ahead and push him to take care of it before we get there or just wait? I believe we only have to pay the one night deposit now and the remainder is due when we get there. My Dad seems to think it won't be a problem to wait.

 

[tinkerbell1967]

My Dad made reservations today He called to tell me he reserved the rooms - he wasn't able to get pool rooms, but he did remember to request the adjoining rooms (thanks to all of my fellow disers!). The price came back to $146 and $176 per room I felt sick to my stomach - it was more than we were paying at POR and atleast at POR we had free dining. It took me a minute, but I said ok...it's more important to be together and have fun so let's do it. I still couldn't figure out how they came up with that rate. My Dad called me back about 20 minutes later and said he figured out how they came up with the rate. They charged us for $15 per person (even the kids) per night plus $5 parking. We both went back and read the fine print and realized they made a mistake. We shouldn't be charged extra for people in the room as there are only 2 adults in each room. My Dad said we would straighten it out when we got down there... Should I go ahead and push him to take care of it before we get there or just wait? I believe we only have to pay the one night deposit now and the remainder is due when we get there. My Dad seems to think it won't be a problem to wait.

You may also make payments if you would like. They told us the same thing and we have been making payments each month for our Oct trip, just wanted to pass this along in case you wanted to pay it off before you go, I know alot of people like that idea!

 

[KatRob]

I would have him call back and get it straightened out now. They do not add the parking fee until you check in. People get there different ways and they don't assume anything. Those rates don't sound right at all considering the fact the most expensive rate in Sept '08 is $119 (poolside $129). Call back and find out how they came up with those numbers.

 

[Ashlander]

You may also make payments if you would like. They told us the same thing and we have been making payments each month for our Oct trip, just wanted to pass this along in case you wanted to pay it off before you go, I know alot of people like that idea!

Thanks We have the money saved up so I think I will just give it to my Dad...that way I don't have to worry about it later.

 

[Ashlander]

I would have him call back and get it straightened out now. They do not add the parking fee until you check in. People get there different ways and they don't assume anything. Those rates don't sound right at all considering the fact the most expensive rate in Sept '08 is $119 (poolside $129). Call back and find out how they came up with those numbers.

I agree - I think it will bug me if I let it go!

 

[Sleepy]

The price came back to $146 and $176 per room I felt sick to my stomach - it was more than we were paying at POR and atleast at POR we had free dining. I still couldn't figure out how they came up with that rate. My Dad called me back about 20 minutes later and said he figured out how they came up with the rate. They charged us for $15 per person (even the kids) per night plus $5 parking. We both went back and read the fine print and realized they made a mistake. We shouldn't be charged extra for people in the room as there are only 2 adults in each room.

I recall you mentioning the Fall package. Did he get that? It could explain the high price (charge for breakfast and dinners) and why one room is more than the other room (different number of people). Just a guess. As someone else said, they don't charge you for parking until you arrive and tell them you have a car. They don't even ask you when you make a reservation if you have a car. Your reservation confirmation will state how many adults and how many children per room. It is an easy fix. Just call them now and make the corrections.

 

[Ashlander]

I recall you mentioning the Fall package. Did he get that? It could explain the high price (charge for breakfast and dinners) and why one room is more than the other room (different number of people). Just a guess. As someone else said, they don't charge you for parking until you arrive and tell them you have a car. They don't even ask you when you make a reservation if you have a car. Your reservation confirmation will state how many adults and how many children per room. It is an easy fix. Just call them now and make the corrections.

He did get the deal. I just called to ask if he had gotten the confirmation and he said he can't check because his office does not have any power...he works in DC and they have a power outage and is trying to figure out how to get back home.

 

[Minnie Lor]

He did get the deal. I just called to ask if he had gotten the confirmation and he said he can't check because his office does not have any power...he works in DC and they have a power outage and is trying to figure out how to get back home.

You'll get it fixed or worked out in plenty of time. I've never booked a package with Shades so as others have said it might be correct. You could go ahead and call about it. I doubt that you can make changes to ressie but you could call to get info on "fall package". There's very little info about it on website.

 

[Sleepy]

Please let us know the exact details on the Fall package deal. I have never seen a true discount on a package for people not qualifying for R&R package.

I understand the discount on the room. I also understand the discount on the breakfast buffet. Those prices are fixed. However, the big question for me is how they charge you for the dinner if you choose Evergreens rather than the dinner buffet at Garden Gallery. Evergreens is a menu restaurant with burgers, etc. Everything is priced separately. WHat is the detail on how they charge your Evergreens option in the package? Do they give you a limited menu or give you a limit on the amount you can spend for that meal? We would be interested in this if they offer it next August. The room discount is fantastic and we would definitely be eating the breakfast every morning. We never eat dinner at Garden Gallery, but do several late night snacks at Evergreens, so this deal could be worth it for us.

 

[hildarumpole]

The rates your dad got seem wonky. Did he get the Fun n Sun or Sunrise package? They include breakfast and some extras like a daily newspaper and gift certificates. The Fall package gives 20% off on the rooms and doesn't appear to include any meals, but offers discounts at Garden Gallery and Evergreens. If he signed up for the wrong deal, he should be able to change it without a problem.

 

[amaycatbaker]

Dear Fall into Autumn Package Guest,

While looking forward to your upcoming visit, we would like to take this time to reiterate the details of the package you have chosen. Following you will find a breakdown of the entitlements included in your package:

*Accommodations
*Breakfast Buffet in the Garden Galley for each day of your stay
*one non-alcoholic beverage per coupon
*Dinner Buffet in the Garden Gallery or dinner in our Evergreens Sports Bar and Grill for each day of your stay
*Evergreen's sports Bar selections are linited to a total of $16.00 per adult.
(Pizza may be ordered in restaurant or may be ordered as take out)
*Children may choose from the childrens menu or choose an appetizer off
the standard menu.
*one non-alcoholic beverage per coupon included
*One Spin on the Prize Wheel per Reservation

Incidentals to include, but not limited to, telephone charges, in-room movies, Internet or games, additional food and beverages outside of the meal plan and alcoholic beverages are not included in the package plan.

Please be advised that package price and entitlements are subject to change without notice. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the shades of green reservations office toll free at (888) 593-2242;
the reservations office is open Monday through Friday from 0830 to 1700 hours, closed Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays. We look forward to serving you.

This is the whole letter I recieved for my package. I was charged $146, which saved me money instead of free dining. This will work out better for my family, due to the little ones, I did not know if I could make all my adr's. I hope this helps.

 

[Mrsjvb]

Keep in mind that the reservations for any non ID holders will be charged the maximum rate no matter what the sponsor is charged.

 

[Maddie2]

Hello everyone! I am helping a friend plan her first WDW vacation -- and they will be staying at SOG with her sister's family (they are military). I've planned WDW vacations with/for other friends, but this is a whole new ballgame with SOG/military privileges.

I must say, WOW! I never had any idea of any of this until now -- SOG and all the extras that go along with it -- bigger rooms, great rates, lower meal prices, location, etc .... WOW, WOW, WOW! Have I said WOW yet? Very, VERY nice! I think it is fantastic that there is a special place for our very deserving military families -- and at better prices. Great.

I have a few questions and I hope that someone out there can give me a bit of advice to pass along. I want to be sure I have the right information, could someone please confirm?

* Transportation to parks -- buses are available at SOG OR you can walk (how far?) over to the Poly and take the monorail to MK or TTC.

* Do ppl that stay at SOG get Extra Magic Hours? Afterall, it is ON property.

* Can you see the fireworks over MK from the grounds of SOG?

* I read there is a AAFES shop on grounds, do they have groceries?

* Parking is not included? Why is that? It is at other WDW properties.

* Q on Park Tickets. My friends have their rooms & flights, they still need Park Tickets. Best prices? Would it be the Stars & Stripes? From what I've gathered, these are better if you want Hoppers, but if you don't, then maybe not?

* Is there a Disney gift shop on the grounds of SOG?

That's all for the moment, but I'm sure I'll be back.
Thank you!

 

[BabyFu18]

Keep in mind that the reservations for any non ID holders will be charged the maximum rate no matter what the sponsor is charged.

I'm not sure that's correct, my father is the ID holder (along with my mother), but he booked more than one room and they were all given the same rate. No one at SOG has ever said anything about a second room (which is for family, but non-ID holders) being a higher rate. ID holders can book up to 3 rooms I believe, and we've always had all the rooms be the same rate.

 

[Minnie Lor]

I'll answer what I can.

* Transportation to parks -- buses are available at SOG OR you can walk (how far?) over to the Poly and take the monorail to MK or TTC.

Buses are at SOG and they take you to TTC for Epoct or MK. They also have buses that take you directly to AK & DHS or you can catch the bus to TTC and grab another direct bus to AK & DHS. The only time you'd do that is if you just missed that bus and it won't be back for an hour.

The walk to the Poly is about 15 minutes. More if you have a large group or tiny kids. You walk thru the SOG entrance and cross the busy street. You can get across with no problem ~ just make sure to look. Then over to the left slightly there is an opening in the trees and a pathway. This path takes you under the monorail and thru the Poly. You walk up the stairs into the Ceremonial House (and sigh at the loveliness) and walk to the monorail station thats out front of the C.H. (opposite door you came in) This monorail takes you to MK. If you want to go to Epcot and want to walk, you can walk another 10 minutes thru the Poly property to the TTC to board the Epcot monorail.

How do we do it all: We walk to Poly for monorail to MK. We take SOG bus to TTC to ride monorail to Epcot. We drive or take direct bus to AK or DHS. We DRIVE to Downtown Studios or we use the Poly bus. I hate the SOG bus that goes to DTD. Ridiculous drop off and pick up spots.

* Do ppl that stay at SOG get Extra Magic Hours? Afterall, it is ON property.

At this time, yes we do. Years ago it was an issue but was resolved in a few months. SOG had to negoticiate to get that perk.

* Can you see the fireworks over MK from the grounds of SOG?

I have seen the frieworks while standing up stairs out front where the valet parking guys ar located. It's above the bus drop off /pick up area. But I prefer to walk over to the Poly, flip off my shoes, walk in the sand, and find a great spot to wait. They even pipe in the music. :::sigh::: Love this spot.

* I read there is a AAFES shop on grounds, do they have groceries?

I believe they have a limited amount but not sure what. Someone will pipe -in here on what exactly they have.

* Parking is not included? Why is that? It is at other WDW properties.

I'm assuming you mean at the resort? It's not my favorite thing but I think they added the fee after they built the parking garage. I believe the other Disney resorts have to park in full sun or rain. SOG has a nice garage and I guess that they feel that the guests should pay the fee to get the perk.

Parking at the parks is $11 and not free like it has been in the past. This was a negotiated perk that I guess SOG let go. Maybe it'll be added in the future.

* Q on Park Tickets. My friends have their rooms & flights, they still need Park Tickets. Best prices? Would it be the Stars & Stripes? From what I've gathered, these are better if you want Hoppers, but if you don't, then maybe not?

I've never bought the stars and stripes tickets. I believe that ticket is from check-in to check-out. I like to but a regular MYW ticket from SOG because the price is better than online discounted tkt brokers. Also, no tax.

* Is there a Disney gift shop on the grounds of SOG?

Well, there's a shop that sells Disney stuff. There will be a few swimsuits, t-shirts, pjs, toys, but the selection is small. For some, it might be exactly what they need and otheres need to shop at MouseGear or DTD. They have smaller and less exciting Disney stuff than the other Disney resorts.

That's all I have. I love SOG. It's so much cleaner than the Disney resorts (and they're not too bad) I like the quietness, peacefulness. It's very beautiful. Oh, did I tell you about the bathroom? It's HUGE. I like big bathrooms. Love the QN size bed as opposed to the dbl beds at Disney resorts.

Good luck!

 

[KatRob]

Minnie Lor answered before I got finished typing my long answer. Glad I check the review before I send my reply.

We may have to pay to park, but we don't pay for the fridge. So that balances out for me.

But remember, SOG is not a Disney resort. We are onsite, but not owned by WDW.

 

[Mrsjvb]

* Transportation to parks -- buses are available at SOG OR you can walk (how far?) over to the Poly and take the monorail to MK or TTC. The SoG Buses run every hour on the half hour,except for the TTC bus, which runs about every 20 minutes or so. and while I do thing the DTD stop is in a whacked out place, it isn't the only bus that stops there and it's never crowded.

* Do ppl that stay at SOG get Extra Magic Hours? Afterall, it is ON property.
currently, yes. That may or may not change, like the free parking at the parks we lost this year.

* Can you see the fireworks over MK from the grounds of SOG? we saw the highest ones from our first floor room )old building, facing the golf course clubhouse). You supposedly can see them fromth eparking garage roof.

* I read there is a AAFES shop on grounds, do they have groceries? mini mart stock only..I think there was milk and bread but no much else.

* Parking is not included? Why is that? It is at other WDW properties. the contract was not renewd in January and people reported it being enforced starting in March-May, although to be honest, enforcement seems sporadic. people down there at the same time have reported different experiences.

* Q on Park Tickets. My friends have their rooms & flights, they still need Park Tickets. Best prices? Would it be the Stars & Stripes? From what I've gathered, these are better if you want Hoppers, but if you don't, then maybe not? the S&S includes EVERYTHING..water parks, Paradise Island, Disney Quest, Hoppers, if you don't intend to use all of those features, you may be better off just getting regular hoppers.

* Is there a Disney gift shop on the grounds of SOG? The AAFES does have some Disney merchandise at better prices, but in no way would I call it a well stocked gift shop.

Hope this helps

 

[bdcp]

The walk takes us not even 10 minutes and we've done it with a 12 and 14 year old and alone. It would only take 15 minutes if you made it a super leisurely stroll.

 

[mom2jcc]

So, can we eat there a few nights during our trip and have something different each time? We ate there last year and loved it. We only got to eat there once though. I guess what I am asking is will we get sick of it??

I have this new plan (as of a few minutes ago). If I cut out three TS meals from our trip we can add a couple extra days to our trip!! I would much rather have CS meals and stay longer, right?! I am a sucker for getting caught up in the hype of the restaurants boards here. BUT, the money can add up fast from TS meals. As a child we always did CS and I never missed a thing...I have wonderful memories!!!