Official SHADES OF GREEN Information

[Maine-iac]

Another one hoping to hear where the SOG buses drop off at DTD.

From the older map I have of DTD, it appears that there is a regular Disney Bus Stop right near Pleasure Island, around lot G.

Can anyone give me an idea of where the SOG bus drops/picks up?

My bus schedule from this past April says "At the top of Lot E by the small red building". We did not use the bus so I do not have a better description of the location.

 

[Mrsjvb]

the SoG Bus at DTD is NOWHERE near the other bus stops. It is indeed in BF Egypt. it is probably another 5-7 minute walk to actually get to the shopping area. it is in the far end of one of the parking lots.

funnily enough,the DTD bus was the one we had the least number of issues with with regards to timing it out and space. of course, the week we were there one of the two stops for the rest of the resorts was shut down for refurbishment.

 

[KatRob]

How many bus stops do they have as we will be coming from AK to dine at the house of Blues then catch the Cirque De Soleil show at 9pm? I wanted to get off the bus as close to the house of blues as possible. I think my dad is going to be pretty tired after a day at the park! I looked at the virtual map of downtown but I am unsure about what buses drop where?
Thanks
DK

Are you planning on staying all day at AK? I don't think I have ever stayed past 3:30 or 4. Not saying you shouldn't, but I have never really spent the whole day there. You can catch a Disney bus from there to DTD. I believe they hit all the stops (Pleasure Island, West Side) and avoid the SOG bus if you can. If you don't stay all day, I might suggest driving from SOG to DTD and you may be able to drop off your folks and park relatively close to where you are going.

I don't know about now, but in 2006, we were looking for the SOG bus over where the other WDW buses were at DTD. My son happened to look across the parking lot and saw the SOG bus. We ran all the way across the parking lot toward the other side. Don't recall exactly where in the lot, but it seemed to be out in Egypt. I would guess near the McDonalds location??????? It was dark and we were trying not to miss the bus before it left. Seemed like we ran forever. Can't remember many details other than that.

The SOG transportation schedule that I found in my stash of papers says the buses run on the hour from DTD and the pick up is "Top of lot E by small red building". Best I found from looking at maps was somewhere in the vacinity of Pleasure Island, also known as Egypt.

 

[KatRob]

Does anyone else remember several years ago when SOG stopped using the regular DTD stop at Marketplace? I remember being dumped at another hotel across the street and thinking the driver had lost his mind, but he said that was where he was to drop off and pick up. Half a bus load of folks had to walking though the hotel parking lot and cross at a huge intersection. I remember the couple with the little guys trying to get them across and it really ticked me off. That was when I stopped using the SOG for DTD. It's been several years but that memory stuck with me.

But on a lighter note, it was pouring one day leaving AK and we all huddled under the shed waiting for the bus to show. When it did, we just stood there a few seconds hoping he would have pity on us. 'Course, one man started walking to the bus and everyone followed along. When we reached the bus I asked the driver if one of us had motioned for him to come down to us would he and he smiled and nodded yes. I could have hugged him, but wanted to kick the guy who started the walk. (And yes, I know they have places where they are required to stop, but it was really pouring and there were alot of older folks in the group. And most of us met up in the laundry room to dry our shoes and clothes!)

 

[ntsammy5]

but wanted to kick the guy who started the walk.

Probably an infantry officer (Follow Me!)

 

[Junebugwv]

I've read that SOG has let the free parking at the parks perk lapse. Where do you find that kind of info? I reserved a room at SOG a few months ago for this AUG and I don't remember reading that anywhere on their site. A ten day stay with parking at the garage and park adds $160 to our total. I know the parking garage fee has been around for a while, but the new charge was not expected.

I reserved a bounceback room at POFQ for 118.00 including tax, but when my husband decided to join us, I decided to reserve a room at SOG for the same time. I cancelled the POFQ room before the new parking fee was announced. Looks like I made a mistake on this one that will cost us. At least we'll have a bigger room and beds!

 

[ScrappinGran]

I just read on the SOG pages that we can buy our SeaWorld tickets right there, and that SOG has a shuttle to SeaWorld for 10.00 (adult) round trip. Wow, would this solve my SeaWorld transportation problem,and discount tickets to boot. Has anyone done this RECENTLY? What time does the shuttle run? We were going to rent a minivan and compact car ( 10 of us), but the shuttle sounds fine. Our trip is in Sept. while we are not staying at SOG, we'll be at POFQ...can we still take advantage of the ticket discount and the shuttle? (DH is retired USMC.) Also can DH buy the discount tickets for everyone? I think the ticket price is less than the AAA discount, does anyone know that? Thanks to anyone who can help answer.

 

[mom2jcc]

I've read that SOG has let the free parking at the parks perk lapse. Where do you find that kind of info? I reserved a room at SOG a few months ago for this AUG and I don't remember reading that anywhere on their site. A ten day stay with parking at the garage and park adds $160 to our total. I know the parking garage fee has been around for a while, but the new charge was not expected.

I reserved a bounceback room at POFQ for 118.00 including tax, but when my husband decided to join us, I decided to reserve a room at SOG for the same time. I cancelled the POFQ room before the new parking fee was announced. Looks like I made a mistake on this one that will cost us. At least we'll have a bigger room and beds!

I have heard this as well although not "officially". I would love confirmation on this. I guess I could just call Anyway, we like using the monorail to MK and Epcot, but drive to HS and AK. So, this definitely changes things now. I guess we can take the bus, but with the history I have heard you can't depend on SOG buses and we have two 2 yr olds


We may just try to catch the Poly buses as I think they are more reliable.

 

[Mrsjvb]

The contract was not renewed as of 1 January. but it wasn't until March or so that people started reporting being charged for parking. but not everyone is being charged, so who knows at this point.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Last time we visited DW we stayed at the POR so we did not take the buses into downtown disney. How many bus stops do they have as we will be coming from AK to dine at the house of Blues then catch the Cirque De Soleil show at 9pm? I wanted to get off the bus as close to the house of blues as possible. I think my dad is going to be pretty tired after a day at the park! I looked at the virtual map of downtown but I am unsure about what buses drop where?
Thanks
DK

I don't know when you'll be there, but here's what happened to us last June when trying to get from AK to DTD. Remember that for some reason AK is a very hot park, and it is hard to find water for some reason. So, we were dragged out already, then waited for our Disney bus for 30 min - then we proceeded over to Typhonn Lagoon for a pick up and got stuck in the park closing traffic. We stopped at Pleasure Island and then Marketplace. It took us 2 HOURS to get to DTD from AK! (from the time we left the park) By the time we got to the store I wanted to go to, I was feeling the beginnings of a heat stroke coming on. I just wanted to sit down and cry.

Really think about the heat for your Dad! He may need a little break before going to DTD.

 

[hildarumpole]

There was a post a while back by someone who contacted SOG parking at the parks (can't find it now). If I recall correctly, it wasn't a contract issue between Disney and SOG, so SOG had no power to do anything about it. It's probably not a deal-breaker for most people, but it stinks nonetheless. Them! kindly contacted Disney directly to let them know of SOG guests unhappiness. If anyone wants to let their feelings be known, it's best to contact Disney Guest Relations.

As you all know SOG guests now have to pay for parking at any of the parks other than the Magic Kingdom. I emailed Disney guest relations about the new parking fee for SOG guests and I would like to post their response. Seems that the fee was indeed implemented by Dis and not SOG.

Thank you for contacting us.

From time to time, we evaluate our existing pricing structures and make

adjustments. Recently, we've added a parking fee for Shades of Green
Resort Guests. Although we regret your disappointment with the recent
parking fee, we want to assure you that your remarks have been shared
with the appropriate individuals.

Our guests' impressions are very important to us, and we appreciate the

time you took to share your thoughts. Thank you again for taking the
time to contact us.


Sincerely,

Executive Offices
Walt Disney World Resort

 

[hildarumpole]

Last time we visited DW we stayed at the POR so we did not take the buses into downtown disney. How many bus stops do they have as we will be coming from AK to dine at the house of Blues then catch the Cirque De Soleil show at 9pm? I wanted to get off the bus as close to the house of blues as possible. I think my dad is going to be pretty tired after a day at the park! I looked at the virtual map of downtown but I am unsure about what buses drop where?
Thanks
DK

A full day at AK is exhausting. My family is fairly fit and we were worn out by noon. It's unusually hot, crowded, and disorienting. We forced outselves to stay until 3:00, because we wanted to see Nemo. Everyone was so cranky and tired by that time, we went back to SOG and laid in our room like slugs the rest of the evening. We couldn't even go out to dinner. For your dad's sake, plan a 1/2 day and go back to your room to rest in the afternoon before heading off to DTD. The SOG bus drops off near McDonald's. It an o.k. location if you're planning on taking in the whole DTD, but if you're just going to Cirque and HoB, a taxi or Disney bus from Poly would be better at getting you closer.

 

[honey11dog]

We just got back from SOG and were told at check in that we could park at the Disney parks too. We never asked when we parked b/c we also have an annual pass that we can already park for free. I would call SOG and double check to make sure. For that matter, I would just send an email. They usually respond quickly and it sure beats sitting on the phone. We had our transportation nightmares from Studios and AK. The buses seemed to fill up quickly and if you couldn't squeeze on the bus then you had to wait another hour for the next. We were traveling with friends and had 6 kids between us, one being an infant, and couldn't just stand around waiting for an hour. So, we would catch another bus to the TTC and go from there. We probably didn't save that much time, but at least we were moving on an A/C bus. I think that from now on I will drive to Studios, AK, DtD and the waterparks. The only reliable bus is to the TTC.

 

[vbmom40]

We will be staying at the AK all day and will be taking a disney bus to DTD. I just wanted to know how many bus stops and the closest one to the House of Blues. Thanks for the info about the SOG bus.
DK

Are you planning on staying all day at AK? I don't think I have ever stayed past 3:30 or 4. Not saying you shouldn't, but I have never really spent the whole day there. You can catch a Disney bus from there to DTD. I believe they hit all the stops (Pleasure Island, West Side) and avoid the SOG bus if you can. If you don't stay all day, I might suggest driving from SOG to DTD and you may be able to drop off your folks and park relatively close to where you are going.



The SOG transportation schedule that I found in my stash of papers says the buses run on the hour from DTD and the pick up is "Top of lot E by small red building". Best I found from looking at maps was somewhere in the vacinity of Pleasure Island, also known as Egypt.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

We will be staying at the AK all day and will be taking a disney bus to DTD. I just wanted to know how many bus stops and the closest one to the House of Blues. Thanks for the info about the SOG bus.
DK

2 - Typhoon Lagoon, then West Side (Pleasure Island) which is the closest to HOB.

 

[twodancersmom2]

My family of 4 will be staying at SOG in late September, and with two teenage girls, my only requirement is that we have double sinks! I called and made a request for this, but of course, it can't be guaranteed. Can anyone tell me which section I should request to insure we have the two sinks? We will also be walking to the Poly quite a bit, so which section would be a shorter walk? Any info you could provide would be much appreciated! We were in Disney last November, but stayed at ASMU, so this will be our first experience with SOG - so excited!

 

[Sleepy]

Can anyone tell me which section I should request to insure we have the two sinks?

I can't speak for the new section, but I know in the old section the rooms with 2 sinks are the non-handicapped rooms.
The rooms which are handicapped have all components of the bathroom in one very spacious room, so you only get 1 sink and much less counterspace. The non-handicapped rooms have the double sink in a sort of hallway leading to the very small room that had the toilet and tub (which obviously a wheelchair cannot maneuver).

 

[WithDisneySpirit]

2 - Typhoon Lagoon, then West Side (Pleasure Island) which is the closest to HOB.

You cannot take a bus directly from AK to DTD. First, you will need to be at a resort to catch a DTD bus. Secondly, once you get on the bus, there are three stops: Typhoon Lagoon, DTD Marketplace and Pleasure Island which will be closest to HOB.

 

[ntsammy5]

You cannot take a bus directly from AK to DTD.

Sorry, that's not correct. What PP is describing is the Shades of Green bus which does take the route described. You are right about Disney transportation though.

 

[WithDisneySpirit]

We will be staying at the AK all day and will be taking a disney bus to DTD. I just wanted to know how many bus stops and the closest one to the House of Blues. Thanks for the info about the SOG bus.
DK

I was responding to this post where vbmom says she will be taking a "disney" bus to DTD from AK. She did not say SOG so I answered with that in mind...