Official SHADES OF GREEN Information

[tcolling]

1.) Does anyone have any experience in the new wing in rooms *101 through *106. On the map it looks like this may be close to the elevator. I could see that as good after a long day at the parks, or potentially a bad if it is too loud due to heavy foot traffic and folks waiting for the elevator.

2.) On the map it looks like there is a gap on the fifth floor between 5138 and 5139. On the other four floors rooms *147 through *152 are in this gap. Looking at the aerial maps at maps.live.com it looks like the roof is lower in that section. Does anyone have a story on this? I wasn't sure if there might be electrical or other machinery there that could cause noise for neighboring rooms.

3.) If you do stay in the old section, is there any difference in quality from the wing closest to the main building in comparision with the two Millpond Pool wings? Wikipedia indicates that the hotel opened in 1973 with 125 rooms and then 150 were added in 1986. I wasn't sure if these 1973 era rooms were any different from the 1986 era rooms.

4.) A New York Times article from 5/16/08 mentioned that the Eagles cocktail lounge had shut down. Is Evergreens the only place to sit down and have drinks now?

Thank you very much. I really appreciate everyone's contributions to the board. It has been very informative.

 

[famouschinesec]

Okay sister in law and family want to join us for the first week in April. Being the week before Easter, SOG is sold out. They really want to stay at Shades; waiting list has 50 people on it now. I can do either the wait list or request a reservation through the overflow system, not both. The reservationist made it sound like I had a good shot at getting a room closer to the 30 day cancellation cut off date. If I put myself on the wait list now, and wait until then, (march 3rd) and a room is not available, is there a chance I can still get some kind of overflow reservation (provided Disney is not fully booked, which I doubt)???? And once you do request an overflow reservation, is there any choice in which hotel??? i.e deluxe versus value or moderate??? Anyone out there with an experience, I would greatly appreciate some advice.

 

[KatRob]

Just got back Friday from SOG and can answer the room question. The first part of our stay we were in 5102. Very close to elevator no noise. When we returned a few days later we were in 3106 and it is still close to elevators with no noise. The newer building is very quiet. We only heard someone if they were directly in front of the door and that didn't seem to happen that much.

There are areas where there are meeting rooms and large housekeeping closets (seen them open). There are inner stairways beside the snack room on each floor, large laundry room on 3rd floor. Every space they have is not a guest room, storage and such take up space.

I have also stayed in the older section and will take that question too: No. The room I had in the section closer to the lobby was identical to the rooms I had in the furthest section. Change that, the bathroom had a handicap set up. That was the only difference.

There is a bar set up in the lobby now (under a tent) for drinks. I remember seeing it open in the afternoons when we came back. Just a walk up type thing.

Anything else? Ask, someone will try to answer it for you. And welcome to the boards.

 

[daisy1234]

WE are going to SOG Feb3-10 and we are sooooo excited. I have looked at every possible option and Shades is just a perfect fit for us! I am excited to have the space, being there with nice folks, cheap and affordable food! Nice Italian restaurant! Peaceful setting! My hubby and my kids benefit from quiet and relaxation time after being overstimulated in the parks! Ability to go to the bar and have a drink in the evening! Close to MK and the poly! I am hoping to walk around the Poly and check it out ...Hubby stayed there when he was a kid...so it would be fun to see the changes ?? Hoping to eat there are well!

Questions:

1. How much are the drinks at the bar?

2. What types of food does the AFFEES store have and how much...just would like examples!

 

[KatRob]

Evergreens has revamped the menu and it doesn't have as much as before. And the prices have gone up a bit. I was surprised at what it costs this time just for a pizza and drinks.

 

[suevee]

Okay sister in law and family want to join us for the first week in April. Being the week before Easter, SOG is sold out. They really want to stay at Shades; waiting list has 50 people on it now. I can do either the wait list or request a reservation through the overflow system, not both. The reservationist made it sound like I had a good shot at getting a room closer to the 30 day cancellation cut off date. If I put myself on the wait list now, and wait until then, (march 3rd) and a room is not available, is there a chance I can still get some kind of overflow reservation (provided Disney is not fully booked, which I doubt)???? And once you do request an overflow reservation, is there any choice in which hotel??? i.e deluxe versus value or moderate??? Anyone out there with an experience, I would greatly appreciate some advice.

I would book a room at a Value/Mod for my sil and try to use the 7 for 4 deal to cover my bases while going on the overflow list. I have gotten overflow rooms before but I checked everyday and piece mealed it together. One day there were two openings, the next three, etc....

With 50 people ahead of you, 10% of the existing rooms will have to cancel IF everyone on the list stays on the list. I think at least half of the list will drop off, maybe more, finding alternative lodging or not going at all. So that would mean a 5% cancellation at SoG to get you in. I think that would be very good odds given sudden deployments and the economy. Remember a good portion of these people made their reservations one year out and things do change. Good Luck.

 

[iheartdisney]

Evergreens has revamped the menu and it doesn't have as much as before. And the prices have gone up a bit. I was surprised at what it costs this time just for a pizza and drinks.

OH NO!
PLEASE tell me they have the chicken quesedillas!
And how much is a bit?

 

[KatRob]

My DD says the quesadillas were still there (I double checked with her).Toppings for the pizzas are up to 1.50 each; Salads are up .25-.50;
sandwiches were up about .50. If I remember correctly the kids meals are up $1 but now include a small drink (or milk).

Some of the old favorites just didn't seem to be there at all. I may have overlooked them but I just didn't feel like I had the choices that I had before.

And the only times we had quick service and ample refills was when we had Jay. We had watched him before we were lucky enough to get him and he was great all the way around. There was another guy with I believe a "D" name who was good also. The ladies were not good at all on any of our visits.

We never made it to the Garden Grill for any meal, we were cramming as much park time in as possible in a short trip. Breakfast was cereal in the room each morning.

 

[natenapril]

Okay guys I need some help. We are trying to decide where to stay. We are going in August 2009. We are a family of 5. So having the extra bed is a big plus. I LOVE the space at SOG BUT what if free dining comes out? Decisions, decisions.

 

[tcolling]

KatRob, thank you for answering my room questions. 5102 looks like it would be a great room, especially as you wouldnt have direct sunlight into your room during the day. I had considered that most of the rooms in the new wing that face south may make it more challenging to take an afternoon nap.

Since the map is "flattened" to show lots of things that are normally on top of each other, I don't have a good sense for where things are in relatrion to each other. Are reooms 1101-1106 on top of the lower level fitness center? My other thought was that "lower level" meant 1st floor and that these rooms were next to the fitness center.

I also don't quite understand where the large third floor laundry room is in relation to other areas. Is it right across from some guest rooms?

You mentioned a snack room on each floor. Are these just your typical vending machines? How do the vending machine prices compare with the AAFES?

Thanks again!

 

[ntsammy5]

I LOVE the space at SOG BUT what if free dining comes out?

This is sheer speculation, but I bet that if free dining is offered again this year it will be the new CS dining plan.

 

[buzzmom3]

I am thinking of booking the Salute package. Has anyone booked this yet?

 

[edk35]

I am thinking of booking the Salute package. Has anyone booked this yet?

What is that package?

 

[buzzmom3]

What is that package?

This is what the website says:
"Salute Package"

December 15, 2008 - September 30, 2009

Our "Salute Package" ranges from a 4 night to an 8 night stay.

Package highlights:

Standard and Poolside Guest Rooms discounted $5.00 per night
Garden Gallery Breakfast and Dinner Buffet discounted 15%
Walt Disney World® Stars and Stripes Theme park tickets~Adult tickets discounted $10.00 and Children (ages 3-9) tickets discounted $8.00

"Quantities are limited. Offer subject to availability"


Guest will receive one meal less and ticket for one day less than the number of nights they are staying.

For example a 4 Night Package will consist of:
4 Nights accommodations
3 Breakfasts
3 Dinners
3 Day Stars and Stripes
Server Gratuity

Guest can upgrade Stars and Stripes to include additional nights, Guest will be responsible for any additional cost incurred due to upgrade.

Children ages are 3-9 years old

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

For complete details and to reserve your room at Shades of Green, please call our Reservation Office at 888-593-2242.

 

[erddig]

I believe the SOG pools are heated, right? are towels provided at the pools? What other amentities are at the pools?

 

[edk35]

I believe the SOG pools are heated, right? are towels provided at the pools? What other amentities are at the pools?

Yes they are heated and yes there are towels.

 

[edk35]

This is what the website says:
"Salute Package"

December 15, 2008 - September 30, 2009

Our "Salute Package" ranges from a 4 night to an 8 night stay.

Package highlights:

Standard and Poolside Guest Rooms discounted $5.00 per night
Garden Gallery Breakfast and Dinner Buffet discounted 15%
Walt Disney World® Stars and Stripes Theme park tickets~Adult tickets discounted $10.00 and Children (ages 3-9) tickets discounted $8.00

"Quantities are limited. Offer subject to availability"


Guest will receive one meal less and ticket for one day less than the number of nights they are staying.

For example a 4 Night Package will consist of:
4 Nights accommodations
3 Breakfasts
3 Dinners
3 Day Stars and Stripes
Server Gratuity

Guest can upgrade Stars and Stripes to include additional nights, Guest will be responsible for any additional cost incurred due to upgrade.

Children ages are 3-9 years old

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

For complete details and to reserve your room at Shades of Green, please call our Reservation Office at 888-593-2242.

WOW SOG doesn't usually run specials...I guess they are doing this with the current economy. Sounds like a nice plan to me. I love SOG. We are DVC members but we use SOG as our back up now. LOVE IT there. Stayed there last Jan. Can't say enough about how we have enjoyed all of our stays at SOG. Have a great trip.

 

[KatRob]

KatRob, thank you for answering my room questions. 5102 looks like it would be a great room, especially as you wouldnt have direct sunlight into your room during the day. I had considered that most of the rooms in the new wing that face south may make it more challenging to take an afternoon nap.

Since the map is "flattened" to show lots of things that are normally on top of each other, I don't have a good sense for where things are in relatrion to each other. Are reooms 1101-1106 on top of the lower level fitness center? My other thought was that "lower level" meant 1st floor and that these rooms were next to the fitness center.

I also don't quite understand where the large third floor laundry room is in relation to other areas. Is it right across from some guest rooms?

You mentioned a snack room on each floor. Are these just your typical vending machines? How do the vending machine prices compare with the AAFES?

Thanks again!

Yes, they are simply vending machines. Didn't even look at them really so I can't compare. I don't buy snacks at SOG I'm not much help there.

Position of the room doesn't matter about the sun--the drapes on the patio/balcony door take care of the sun.

No, the fitness center is reached from the outside by Mangino's.

The laundry room is right around the corner from room 3106. No it is not across from guest areas--it has its own space.

You have to realize that there are many corners on each floor. Ex: walk off elevator, bear left down the hall, turn right, switchback to the left and walk a little and back to the right. Someone mentioned a few weeks ago that it was sort of like in a horror movie when there are so many turns. Just without the bad surprises!

Where did you get your map? Remember, you have very little control as to where you actually end up. You can request old or new, but unless you need handicap accessible you don't have much say at all.

 

[buzzmom3]

WOW SOG doesn't usually run specials...I guess they are doing this with the current economy. Sounds like a nice plan to me. I love SOG. We are DVC members but we use SOG as our back up now. LOVE IT there. Stayed there last Jan. Can't say enough about how we have enjoyed all of our stays at SOG. Have a great trip.

It looks like a great deal! I am going to call tomorrow to book!

 

[tcolling]

Garden Gallery Breakfast and Dinner Buffet discounted 15%

Guest will receive one meal less and ticket for one day less than the number of nights they are staying.

For example a 4 Night Package will consist of:
3 Breakfasts
3 Dinners

Please note that I have seen "packages" like this before. One of the great joys of visiting WDW is experiencing the varied dining options. Would you really want to eat the Garden Gallery buffet EVERY day for both breakfast and lunch? This may also not fit your schedule if you are going to be spending the dinner hour in one of the parks prior to the evening entertainment offerings.