Official SHADES OF GREEN Information

[KatRob]

SOG has a lot of what we are looking for. If we can find a Disney resort that has the following, we would stay somewhere else.

Totally inside (meaning you don't have to go outside to get from your room to the lobby)
Balcony or patio
Not crawling with unruly children
Super quiet
Close to a monorail for transportation backup
Within our budget

Sleepy nailed it. I have stayed at AKL, Contemporary, and All-Stars and this is the only place I want to stay.

 

[mom2jcc]

Actually I prefer Shades - but to another topic.

We just got back from a trip where we stayed in a timeshare through AFVC. I posted the following on the Orlando board because it deals a lot with the specific resort we stayed at, but everyone here also qualifies for AFVC. It's a great, cheap alternative. I do love Shades though.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=28739065&posted=1#post28739065

Great review, thanks for sharing I even showed it to my husband.

As for choosing SOG over other Disney resorts.....always SOG. We love walking back into the quiet SOG lobby vs. loudness of other Disney resorts.

 

[GJM]

I prefer SOG -

I love the quiet at SOG after a day in the parks, it just never seems that crowded.

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

Granted I haven't stayed at SoG yet, but I didn't experience all this noise when we were at the Poly in May/June. We were even in Rarotonga (just outside the Great Ceremonial House), so I assumed we'd hear everything. The downstairs lobby, even with the cartoons and kids' activities going, was relaxing and peaceful. It only got slightly louder upstairs with the noise of the restaurants. The quiet pool was exactly that, and the volcano pool was pretty pleasant. Evenings on the beach were Heaven!!

 

[KatRob]

Since we use SOG most of the time, I was shocked at some of the antics that went on at the other places.
I remember several times at CR thinking, this just would not happen at SOG. Teens throwing ice from the tower at people walking below. Real nice. Absolutely running wild all over the area from the building to the lagoon. As much as I liked the convience of the monorail, I'm not sure I would chose to stay there again.
Over at AKL it just seemed so loud in the lobby area and down the halls. People yelling and running up and down the hallways. Oh, my favorite: the folks who actually stretched out on the sofas in the lobby and napped!! And those were "adults" not kids.

Honestly, All-Stars didn't seem bad at all compared to what we saw at the "higher end" resorts. I just want enclosed hallways and not having to hike forever to get to the bus and that incredibly long walk back at night. At least the walk back at SOG is inside and on carpet.

Guess the matra at SOG is: RESPECT

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

Over at AKL it just seemed so loud in the lobby area and down the halls. People yelling and running up and down the hallways. Oh, my favorite: the folks who actually stretched out on the sofas in the lobby and napped!! And those were "adults" not kids.

Guess I'm used to that!! We have these absolutely immaculate lounges at OU...and people were always sleeping on the couches.

 

[jb.brooks]

Anyone from APG planning a trip soon. Either PM me or better yet send e-mail To JBbrooks2@verizon.net.

 

[LuvinBelle]

Hi all!

We are at SOG now and are LOVING IT!!! We brought the cold weather with us as it is now 53 degrees -- and we just got out of the pool! The hot tub was so good I wanted to sleep there. Very relaxing after a long day

For those of you who were bad-mouthing the resort -- Shame on you!

The bus service is fine -- it has been on time every time (or a little early, I believe our watches don't match their clocks -- but only by 3 - 5 mins). The buses are clean & not old & bad as others have said. We have plenty of space & the room is clean. We have not walked to the Poly but have ridden the Shady Shuttle. I only wish we could call the Shady Shuttle to pick us up from the Poly On our way back from TTC tonight (we went to Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary) the bus stopped at the entrance and picked up a family walking from the Poly.

Sorry, I get a little long-winded at times. I've been told to shut down the computer & go to bed DH & DD are exhausted. I WAS until I got into the hot tub. If I could bottle how relaxed I am and sell it, I would be rich

Take care!

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

Hi all!

We are at SOG now and are LOVING IT!!! We brought the cold weather with us as it is now 53 degrees -- and we just got out of the pool! The hot tub was so good I wanted to sleep there. Very relaxing after a long day

For those of you who were bad-mouthing the resort -- Shame on you!

The bus service is fine -- it has been on time every time (or a little early, I believe our watches don't match their clocks -- but only by 3 - 5 mins). The buses are clean & not old & bad as others have said. We have plenty of space & the room is clean. We have not walked to the Poly but have ridden the Shady Shuttle. I only wish we could call the Shady Shuttle to pick us up from the Poly On our way back from TTC tonight (we went to Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary) the bus stopped at the entrance and picked up a family walking from the Poly.

Sorry, I get a little long-winded at times. I've been told to shut down the computer & go to bed DH & DD are exhausted. I WAS until I got into the hot tub. If I could bottle how relaxed I am and sell it, I would be rich

Take care!

Thanks for posting!! Very excited to be there in a couple weeks!!

 

[wlvsfnz]

We just returned from our first trip to SOG green yesterday (Nov 9 - 17)and we LOVED it!!! We are definately looking forward to our next trip there.

The grounds are beautiful and well kept. We had a golf course view in the new section and every morning they were out there taking care of the greens.

DH and I were a bit worried because of some of the bad things we had read on the board, but everything for us turned out great. The food at the Garden Gallery wasn't bad. We had breakfast there three mornings, we couldn't beat the price at $8.95 a person. We also ate dinner there once, it was pretty good too. The price was about $18.00 or $19.00 a person for dinner. We wanted to try Manginos, but it is closed until November 21. They are refurbishing it.

We at Evergreens a couple of times, the food there is just o.k. As my DH says "it fills the hole".

The staff was very friendly. Everytime we saw a staff member they greeted us with a "good morning" or a friendly "hello". We had no problem checking in. We went to the counter, checked in and were on way in less than 10 minutes.

The bus service wasn't bad at all. If you watch the bus schedule, you'll be fine. It is pretty easy actually. They ran every hour on the half hour for all of the parks. The TTC bus runs every 15 to 20 minutes. We did go to the Poly, but that was because we decided to take the Monerail to Epcot and MK.

The weather was great at the beginning of the week. It rained towards the end, but we still enjoyed ourselves. It was between 85 & 90 until Sunday. It was only a high of 64! Although I would take that over what we came home to, SNOW! That's Chicago in November for you.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Glad you had a great time!

 

[DMGeurts]

Glad everyone is having a great time.... I really want to go back but we need to buy braces and a new garage first.... 2013 for us So, until then, I'll just be reading the SOG thread....

D~

 

[Idroveallnight]

We will be back at SoG over Thanksgiving. I want to be sure about Evergreen's - since it is a restaurant is it OK for kids to eat there? We only did take out last trip! I have promised DS we will watch the Alabama/Auburn game and I need to be sure of our location. TIA!

 

[ntsammy5]

Sure, kids are always welcome

 

[Idroveallnight]

Thanks for the quick answer! I say my DS, but I think my DD and other members of our group will be right there watching too! Thanks again!

 

[Bay Hill]

Just back after 6 days..2 @ SOG and 4 @ Hilton WDW...


Too cold! Kind of a damper in the morning when frost warnings are north of Orlando. Wanted to use pool

Shades...Check in @ 0930. Parking Garage was like a ghost town, talking to staff, expecting 100% next week. Room 3147 new section, overlooking 9th green of Palm course, great view and got the room as requested. Evergreen's has $6 pitchers and $2 drafts from 17-19 and 22 to close. Should also offer it on appers. Onion Rings are now "served" in a basket, no more 1/2 orders. Also no more ribeye sandwich. More seating since gameroom moved to front of the bar area. Rode Shady Shuttle and got prompt service to Poly. Did not use bus, but Shades did get newer buses and look great. Did think that AAFES charged too much on beer. Got 5.36 for 6 pack at Wal-Mart compared to 7.75 @ AAFES. Guest Services was great, printed our boarding passes. Did not dine at Gallery, Italian rest out of commission until December, also Ice Cream secured until next week.

As for the rooms, Shades should "invest" in getting 200 + count bedsheets and spreads. Royal Caribbean uses it and has gotten favorable reviews since switching in 2007. I know it's MWR funded, and also get flat screens in the rooms. Also, the depenser in the shower is tacky. Got to see Stacy on the TV too!

Overall, a good stay for the money. Now to plan for 2009.

 

[4nana]

Wow only 6 days until your trip! I'm not here much, so have a great time!

Thx bunches! We're packing up and so excited can hardly wait!

Piglet4ever, LuvinBelle, wlvsfnz and Bay Hill, thx bunches for the updates ! Wonderful to hear the great reviews ! It's been a long time coming, but our time has almost arrived and I am beaming over with joy to be headed south to share Thanksgiving with my wonderful family and !!

Our family is headed out tomorrow pm to take advantage of AP's park and fly pre night stay as we have early morn flight. If I don't get a chance to ck back in, I'd like to thank each and everyone for all the great advise, it's been great ! You all have help keep my spirits up while planning and anticipating our 'dream come true' trip for so long ! Everyone have a safe and blessed Thanksgiving !!

 

[DMGeurts]

Thx bunches! We're packing up and so excited can hardly wait!

Piglet4ever, LuvinBelle, wlvsfnz and Bay Hill, thx bunches for the updates ! Wonderful to hear the great reviews ! It's been a long time coming, but our time has almost arrived and I am beaming over with joy to be headed south to share Thanksgiving with my wonderful family and !!

Our family is headed out tomorrow pm to take advantage of AP's park and fly pre night stay as we have early morn flight. If I don't get a chance to ck back in, I'd like to thank each and everyone for all the great advise, it's been great ! You all have help keep my spirits up while planning and anticipating our 'dream come true' trip for so long ! Everyone have a safe and blessed Thanksgiving !!

I am so excited for you... it's finally your turn!!!

I hope you all have a wonderful trip and a happy Thanksgiving! Safe travels! Please come back to tell us all about your trip when you return.

D~

 

[monicastanner]

Just found this thread. We've stayed at SOG about 8 times and love it! We've taken my brother & sister in law there, plus my parents several times. Everyone has fantastic things to say. My parents WAY prefer it to all other Disney resorts. (including value, moderates and deluxe)

For years I called and waited until they were full, for them to send me to a Disney Resort for 40% off. We figured the resort was just alright. About 4 years ago we decided to give it a shot for one night while headed to Port Canaveral. We loved it at first site, were completely impressed and proud that the government had done right by the military on this one!!

The rooms are HUGE, HUGE in comparison to any Disney resort we've stayed at. We've always had beautiful views. The only time we didn't have stay right on the golf courses, we had a room that opened right by a little pond filled with frogs and fish, was very pretty. The golf course views are fantastic. We play golf, though I haven't played there yet. Hubby has played and loves all the courses there. (2 there and 2 or 3 elsewhere on property) He loves to sit on balcony and just watch when we have an extra minute or two.

The wild turkeys are a hoot and when we stayed on the bottom floor, we had to shoo them from coming in our door!! So funny! The walk to Poly isn't bad to catch the monorail, we've done that. We've also had the Shady bus pick us up on the way walking back once or twice. We use Shady bus most of the time and have never had a problem. The fridge in the room is nice and the TV has all sorts of computer, game and movie features. The bathrooms are huge and so well stocked.

The staff is always amazingly friendly. The buffet breakfast is a great deal. We've also picked up yummy muffins from the muffin/coffee cart do hickey several times. We've done the dinner buffet a few times too. It's not 5 star, but it's a good value and good food. The grill (whatever it's name is) was OK when we ate there for lunch a few times. Easy to run in and grab something while hanging by the pool. Love the big ole' pool, didn't use the smaller one.
The lobby is so warm and welcoming, I love the big ole fireplace!

Our only complaint is the lack of lunch choices and lack of places to find something to eat at night. The ice cream shop is randomly open in the evenings, but other than that you are out of luck. I missed the Disney Resort late food courts or shops for that kind of thing. The shops @ Shades close pretty early.

That isn't a reason to keep us away though. We go back when we can and mainly because we love it, not for the value. We stay at Disney resorts due to deals and value, plus the fun themes they offer from time to time too.

Just wanted to ramble about my 2 cents a little.

 

[Poohbeck]

OK, so we are at the airport now waiting to board. We are very early.

The SOG was absolutley wonderful! It had some new things since we were there in 2004.

There was a Patriotic Mickey Mouse in the lobby given to the SOG by Disney in 2005. Who says there is no Disney themeing at Shades! It was really cute, great photo op. Another new thing for us was the ice cream show, the coffee kiosk near AAFES and the kiosks in the lobby area.

Check-in and check-out were fine.
The hotel was a ghost town until yesterday!
The hotel was decorated for Christmas, had holiday music playing. The big Christmas tree was being put up today! It was beautiful.

The buffet at the Garden Gallery was fine. It had staples for our family breakfast. Coffee, fresh fruit, cereal, eggs, bagels, waffles, Mickey waffles, bacon, etc... There was nothing elaborate about it, but, for our family of 4, with tip it only cost us $36 for breafast. We went to Chef Mickey's one day and it was definelty stepped up a few notches, had characters, but cost us $120 with tip. So, Evergreens was fine for us.

We ate dinner at Evergreens once. It was the best burger I had while at Disney. Again, the price was right. We also ordered a pizza one night for us. We had a late lunch, went to DTD and then headed back to the room around 8pm and ate pizza. Perfect for us.

Well, if anyone has any quesitons please let me know.

Luvinbelle, I looked for you. But, rarely saw anyone until yesterday!