Official SHADES OF GREEN Information

[Maine-iac]

Here is a breakdown on the tickets

The Stars and Stripes 10 ticket includes admission to all four theme parks, the water parks and Disney Quest. Park Hopping is included. Expires 11 days after purchase. $312.25

10 day pass, all four theme parks, no hopping, expires 14 days after first day of use. $232.50

10 day park hopper, all four theme parks, expires 14 days after first day of use. $282.00

10 day park hopper, all four theme parks, water parks and Disney Quest, expires 14 days after first day of use $331.00

Which ticket is best depends on if you want to hop and if you intend to do water parks or DQ.

 

[edk35]

We were looking at it for our next trip at the end of 2008, SOG would cost me $125 per night plus $5 for parking. I can book at a value for $82 per night or a moderate for $149 with free parking.

Then of course, there is always the Nick Hotel... oops, did I say a bad word?

You will not get what SOG has for a value or mod price. SOG rooms are huge, the resort is nice. We have stayed there several times. The buses are great. You actually have a schedule so you know when the bus will be there to pick you up at the parks. We walk over to the to take the monorail to MK. I consider SOG more of a deluxe not a mod.

 

[dnroach]

Does anyone have any idea what the internet situation is now at SOG? Last I heard, there was some connection in the room and pay-as-you-go wi-fi in the lobby. Any info would be appreciated.

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

Hey all!! Live from room 110 at SoG!

We have 24 hours of wireless, so I was just on the patio watching Christmas Wishes and answering email. :

The room is great, huge! We're facing the Magnolia Pool (and nightly fireworks), and it's been great.

We ordered Evergreens pizza for a late dinner after a day at Animal Kingdom.

Glad we decided to give SoG a try, but we're really looking forward to being at YC on Sunday. My gramma and I went to Captain Cook's at the Poly for dinner last night (we got Dole Whips and got takeout for everyone else) and were so homesick!! We had to fight the urge to check in right there on the spot.

We've got my grandparents car, so we haven't used to shuttle (drove to Cape May Cafe this morning and on to AK). The buses looked great, though.

Well, I guess that's it for now. Glad to be here!!

Let me know if you have any questions...I can answer them for 23 more hours.

 

[4nana]

Glad you arrived safely and hope you have a magical time along w/good weather! I miss SoG already, so while you're there, how about having a club snd. for me (fr Evergreen's), they are super delicious!?!?

 

[dnroach]

Is the TTC within walking distance of SOG? If not, do the buses get you to the park early enough to see the rope drop? We haven't been to SOG in nine years, and my memories of how we got around then is foggy, to say the least.

Thanks!

 

[edk35]

Is the TTC within walking distance of SOG? If not, do the buses get you to the park early enough to see the rope drop? We haven't been to SOG in nine years, and my memories of how we got around then is foggy, to say the least.

Thanks!

Buses drop you at TTC for EC (via monorail) and boat or monorail to MK. Yes you will make it. However.....we always walk over to Poly to grab the monorail for MK days. We got to AK and MGM just fine too via SOG busses. Have fun. We really enjoy staying at SOG. It is my backup resort now since we became DVC members and we still like staying there.

 

[dnroach]

How long does it take to walk to the Poly? It looks like it's just across the street...

 

[edk35]

How long does it take to walk to the Poly? It looks like it's just across the street...

About 10 min. It is not far and there is a path across the street that winds you around and you go inside the main bldg and up the stairs to the monorail. However we will sometimes take the bus back if we are in the park a long time and tired at the end of the day. Also, sometimes bell services will drive to the end of the SOG road where you cross over to the Poly. You can ask if they have the carts available. Sometimes they see you walking and just drive by and ask if you want a ride. We usually give them a couple of bucks.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

SOG is our "back-up" now, too! Sadly, I waited too long to secure our ressies for our last 3 days in March, and our days are booked up, so I made ressies at Buena Vista suites -actually a good deal - only a few $$ more than SOG, and King Jacuzzi suite with free breakfast and shuttle - not "on-site" however. I think I will still miss SOG.

 

[edk35]

SOG is our "back-up" now, too! Sadly, I waited too long to secure our ressies for our last 3 days in March, and our days are booked up, so I made ressies at Buena Vista suites -actually a good deal - only a few $$ more than SOG, and King Jacuzzi suite with free breakfast and shuttle - not "on-site" however. I think I will still miss SOG.

You can wait list. Always call for ressies too vs. doing it online. I always check to see what the online calendar has blocked out and then call anyway. I am always surprised to find out there are rooms.

 

[4nana]

What a fun photo in your siggie! I'm gald you had a great time!

Thx, we had fun doing the PP shots and really enjoyed our magical time at WDW and SoG.

Thanks, 4Nana!!!!!
Oh, this is really getting me in the mood.

Between buying the last few items on the packing list, getting Santa finished and the actual PACKING...well, looking at your pics is a treat!!!

10 Days

Glad you enjoyed! Anticipating is half the fun and hope you have a magical trip!

Thanks 4nana! I think those are the best photos of room details that I've seen. I didn't take any photos in my room at all. I need to fix that next time.

Thx bigAWL, I tried to get some detailed shots that would help all our new comers.

Thanks for sharing your photos. It's apparent you had a wonderful time! The new location for the gameroom looks great and the newer buses look even better.

Thx, definitely a fun time for all making lots of magical memories!

What a super family photo!!! So glad you had a good time.

Arlene

Thx, appreciate your nice comments!
Sorry you had to cancel your Nov. trip and I'm betting Jan. will hold lots of magic for you.

 

[nrsldy]

My DGD and I will be on our way in the morning. Since it is just the 2 of us I feel alot safer staying at SOG. I have hired a towncar service to pick us up at the airport. I think she will like that. Now to get my bag packed and other items ready.

 

[KatRob]

Have a safe trip and get the place warmed up for us. My family will be heading out in one week

You are right. When my DD and I went on our "girl trip" when she was 13, it would have been cheaper to stay somewhere else, but I felt so much safer at SOG. The inside corridors do it for me just about everywhere we stay.

Have a great time.

 

[Bay Hill]

Have a great trip nrsldy, just a great time of year to see all the sites.

 

[JiminyC&me]

Just got back from a 4 night stay and I'm very impressed with SOG. We've stayed there before (in both sections). This trip we got the new section (didn't request it - thought I'd just take the luck of the draw). Actually the only room request we (my parents and I) made (we reserved 5 rooms) was that they, please, all be on the same floor. Didn't have to be connecting or adjoining, just all on the same floor. Well, it turned out better than I hoped, we were in 3122, 3123, 3124, 3125 and 3128. Only complaint was that they were at the very end of the hallway. And maybe it's me but the hallways in the new section remind me of some scenes in horror movies, where you can never get to the end of the hallway....it just goes on and on and on

I have to say that check-in and check-out were a breeze. As I said before, we had 5 rooms - 4 for 4 nights and 1 for 2 nights (Fri & Sat). We got to SOG first and registered for our room and then pre-registered the other 3 rooms so that when my sisters and their families arrived they wouldn't need my elderly parents to come down. Then, on Friday, we did the same thing for the final room. At check-out, you get your bill on your door, you review it, if the charges look okay, fold it up, put in it in your bag, take your cardkeys and walk out the door. No need to stop at reservations desk unless there's a problem.

According to the online reservation calendar, it was supposed to be sold out the entire time we were there but you couldn't tell. No crowds anywhere, none in the lobby, hallways, restaurants, or buses. It was very pleasant. And the holiday decorations were beautiful!!

We ate a couple of times at Evergreens (but mainly went for drinks after the parks ). I ate at the Garden Gallery once for breakfast, it was okay. I really liked the Express Cafe, the one you pass when you go to the buses, for breakfast. We had breakfast for 5 for under $20.00!!!
We had dinner 1 night at Mangino's. I have to say that that is the best Italian food I have had in a long time. If you love Italian food you have to have at least 1 dinner there. Be sure to make reservations, tho. There were 15 of us. We were celebrating my dad's 80th birthday (he likes to tell people that he and Mickey are the same age). We ordered off the menu and everyone loved their meal, including the kids!!! That never happens, usually somebody (1 of my brothers-in-law) doesn't like something but not at that dinner. Raul, was our server, and he was fantastic. You needed something, you got it.

I think the only complaint I have is no coffee after 3:00 (the Java Cafe closes at 12:00 and the Express Cafe closes at 3:00) unless you go to Evergreens (which is what I did but it felt weird - ordering coffee in a sports bar - something ain't right ).

We haven't decided if we're going next year, yet. But if we do, we'll be at the Shades.

Here's hoping for another Disney trip in 2009!!!!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

You can wait list. Always call for ressies too vs. doing it online. I always check to see what the online calendar has blocked out and then call anyway. I am always surprised to find out there are rooms.

Thanks! I'll try tomorrow. I was frustrated because I tried to call in from the West coast and they were already closed - they have "office hours."

Just got back from a 4 night stay and I'm very impressed with SOG. We've stayed there before (in both sections). This trip we got the new section (didn't request it - thought I'd just take the luck of the draw). Actually the only room request we (my parents and I) made (we reserved 5 rooms) was that they, please, all be on the same floor. Didn't have to be connecting or adjoining, just all on the same floor. Well, it turned out better than I hoped, we were in 3122, 3123, 3124, 3125 and 3128. Only complaint was that they were at the very end of the hallway. And maybe it's me but the hallways in the new section remind me of some scenes in horror movies, where you can never get to the end of the hallway....it just goes on and on and on

I have to say that check-in and check-out were a breeze. As I said before, we had 5 rooms - 4 for 4 nights and 1 for 2 nights (Fri & Sat). We got to SOG first and registered for our room and then pre-registered the other 3 rooms so that when my sisters and their families arrived they wouldn't need my elderly parents to come down. Then, on Friday, we did the same thing for the final room. At check-out, you get your bill on your door, you review it, if the charges look okay, fold it up, put in it in your bag, take your cardkeys and walk out the door. No need to stop at reservations desk unless there's a problem.

According to the online reservation calendar, it was supposed to be sold out the entire time we were there but you couldn't tell. No crowds anywhere, none in the lobby, hallways, restaurants, or buses. It was very pleasant. And the holiday decorations were beautiful!!

We ate a couple of times at Evergreens (but mainly went for drinks after the parks ). I ate at the Garden Gallery once for breakfast, it was okay. I really liked the Express Cafe, the one you pass when you go to the buses, for breakfast. We had breakfast for 5 for under $20.00!!!
We had dinner 1 night at Mangino's. I have to say that that is the best Italian food I have had in a long time. If you love Italian food you have to have at least 1 dinner there. Be sure to make reservations, tho. There were 15 of us. We were celebrating my dad's 80th birthday (he likes to tell people that he and Mickey are the same age). We ordered off the menu and everyone loved their meal, including the kids!!! That never happens, usually somebody (1 of my brothers-in-law) doesn't like something but not at that dinner. Raul, was our server, and he was fantastic. You needed something, you got it.

I think the only complaint I have is no coffee after 3:00 (the Java Cafe closes at 12:00 and the Express Cafe closes at 3:00) unless you go to Evergreens (which is what I did but it felt weird - ordering coffee in a sports bar - something ain't right ).

We haven't decided if we're going next year, yet. But if we do, we'll be at the Shades.

Here's hoping for another Disney trip in 2009!!!!

I'm glad you had a great time!

 

[edk35]

Just got back from a 4 night stay and I'm very impressed with SOG. We've stayed there before (in both sections). This trip we got the new section (didn't request it - thought I'd just take the luck of the draw). Actually the only room request we (my parents and I) made (we reserved 5 rooms) was that they, please, all be on the same floor. Didn't have to be connecting or adjoining, just all on the same floor. Well, it turned out better than I hoped, we were in 3122, 3123, 3124, 3125 and 3128. Only complaint was that they were at the very end of the hallway. And maybe it's me but the hallways in the new section remind me of some scenes in horror movies, where you can never get to the end of the hallway....it just goes on and on and on

I have to say that check-in and check-out were a breeze. As I said before, we had 5 rooms - 4 for 4 nights and 1 for 2 nights (Fri & Sat). We got to SOG first and registered for our room and then pre-registered the other 3 rooms so that when my sisters and their families arrived they wouldn't need my elderly parents to come down. Then, on Friday, we did the same thing for the final room. At check-out, you get your bill on your door, you review it, if the charges look okay, fold it up, put in it in your bag, take your cardkeys and walk out the door. No need to stop at reservations desk unless there's a problem.

According to the online reservation calendar, it was supposed to be sold out the entire time we were there but you couldn't tell. No crowds anywhere, none in the lobby, hallways, restaurants, or buses. It was very pleasant. And the holiday decorations were beautiful!!

We ate a couple of times at Evergreens (but mainly went for drinks after the parks ). I ate at the Garden Gallery once for breakfast, it was okay. I really liked the Express Cafe, the one you pass when you go to the buses, for breakfast. We had breakfast for 5 for under $20.00!!!
We had dinner 1 night at Mangino's. I have to say that that is the best Italian food I have had in a long time. If you love Italian food you have to have at least 1 dinner there. Be sure to make reservations, tho. There were 15 of us. We were celebrating my dad's 80th birthday (he likes to tell people that he and Mickey are the same age). We ordered off the menu and everyone loved their meal, including the kids!!! That never happens, usually somebody (1 of my brothers-in-law) doesn't like something but not at that dinner. Raul, was our server, and he was fantastic. You needed something, you got it.

I think the only complaint I have is no coffee after 3:00 (the Java Cafe closes at 12:00 and the Express Cafe closes at 3:00) unless you go to Evergreens (which is what I did but it felt weird - ordering coffee in a sports bar - something ain't right ).

We haven't decided if we're going next year, yet. But if we do, we'll be at the Shades.

Here's hoping for another Disney trip in 2009!!!!

Your stay reflects every stay we have had there. We loved SOG and now that we are DVC members SOG will still be where we stay when the points are low or we do an extra trip. It never seems crowded there. I can't say one bad think about SOG. We always request the new section but you are right about the halls though...even on the older side. Glad you had a wonderful trip.

 

[KatRob]

Only complaint was that they were at the very end of the hallway. And maybe it's me but the hallways in the new section remind me of some scenes in horror movies, where you can never get to the end of the hallway....it just goes on and on and on /QUOTE]

Great, I'm going to be there in one week and that is what I'll think of when I go down those halls, around those corners, and you never know who you'll run into. Wonderful

 

[hollybearsmom]

I love reading these good reports. Our first stay is less than 2 weeks away and we are so excited!
Question about the prices of milk and such at aafes, buy there or try to bring it in from one of the groceries on the way?