SHADES OF GREEN at Walt Disney World Resort Thread

[lilsk8nmac]

We will be at SOG in a couple weeks so I called to ask about the pool renovations and they three different people we spoke to all were not willing to give any info about the situation. Saying that the renovations were something that would be coming eventually but no start date has been set. We wanted to know for sure about the construction because if it's gonna have a big impact on the resort we might want to switch resorts.

I know it's been mentioned it'd only be the small pool closed to start, I'd be surprised once work gets going on zero entry and bathrooms added near the quite pool that the hot tub would stay open. I'd think they'd have to close the hot tub off if construction gets really loud or really wide spread but I don't know...

Anyway, the last person we talked to with guest services told us to call next week, to see if there has been a date set for the start of construction.

I'll be there same time as you, and I was told that it is the Magnolia or quiet pool. I know the hot tub is there so I imagine it would be closed as well, since it would pose a safety issue as it's so close to where they would be doing the construction. The Millpond or "Mickey pool" will be open until they decide to renovate it next year. They said they would never close both pools at the same time, which makes sense. Honestly, you can call in a few weeks like they said and see what they say as far as a timeline, but they said fall for the Magnolia pool and were predicting end of Aug.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

I got some info from Steve at Military Disney Tips:There is info floating around today that an ITT Office is passing out info on a Disney Armed Forces Salute renewal.

Disney has confirmed to me that they have decided to renew the Armed Forces Salute, they told me that they would be coordinating with MWR this week.

They'd said they would email me the details and I haven't received anything yet. I sent an email to my WDW Media Relations contact but don't know if I'll hear anything before morning. I think the ITT office leaked this before they were supposed to. I imagine it will be announced tomorrow.

There are details missing from the info above from a base ITT Office (room discount rates). So we'll see tomorrow. I'll post and send a newsletter as soon as I have official info!

Here is what has been passed around:

Walt Disney World Florida
October 1, 2012 - September 28, 2013
4 Day Base w/ Water Park Fun & More $156.00
4 Day Hopper $156.00
4 Day Hopper w/ Water Park Fun & More $184.00
On Site Hotel Discounts Available
Ticket Blackout Days: December 24-31; March 24-April 4; July 4, 2013 (Magic Kingdom Only)
Hotel Blackout Days: November 22-24; December 23-31; March 25-April 4

Disneyland California
October 1, 2012 - September 28, 2013
3 Day Hopper $125.00
On Site Hotel Discounts Available
Ticket Blackout Days: December 23-January 2; February 15-17; March 25-April 5; July 4, 2013
Hotel Blackout Days: November 22-24; December 23-31; March 25-April 4

Tickets are limited to (6) per sponsor.

Till it is officially announced then we do not know 100% but I will tell you that Steve posted about last years Salute offer before anyone else and his information was 100% correct..

I saw that floating around facebook last night, it got me excited. CheshireFigment who works ticketing at WDW said nothing official has been loaded into the system, but when it is, he will post here letting us all know. I have put off booking or Feb trip waiting to see what is going to happen.

 

[capeseal]

I got some info from Steve at Military Disney Tips:There is info floating around today that an ITT Office is passing out info on a Disney Armed Forces Salute renewal.

Disney has confirmed to me that they have decided to renew the Armed Forces Salute, they told me that they would be coordinating with MWR this week.

They'd said they would email me the details and I haven't received anything yet. I sent an email to my WDW Media Relations contact but don't know if I'll hear anything before morning. I think the ITT office leaked this before they were supposed to. I imagine it will be announced tomorrow.

There are details missing from the info above from a base ITT Office (room discount rates). So we'll see tomorrow. I'll post and send a newsletter as soon as I have official info!

Here is what has been passed around:

Walt Disney World Florida
October 1, 2012 - September 28, 2013
4 Day Base w/ Water Park Fun & More $156.00
4 Day Hopper $156.00
4 Day Hopper w/ Water Park Fun & More $184.00
On Site Hotel Discounts Available
Ticket Blackout Days: December 24-31; March 24-April 4; July 4, 2013 (Magic Kingdom Only)
Hotel Blackout Days: November 22-24; December 23-31; March 25-April 4

Disneyland California
October 1, 2012 - September 28, 2013
3 Day Hopper $125.00
On Site Hotel Discounts Available
Ticket Blackout Days: December 23-January 2; February 15-17; March 25-April 5; July 4, 2013
Hotel Blackout Days: November 22-24; December 23-31; March 25-April 4

Tickets are limited to (6) per sponsor.

Till it is officially announced then we do not know 100% but I will tell you that Steve posted about last years Salute offer before anyone else and his information was 100% correct..

Thank you very much for posting the information here. This sounds very promising! I really didn't expect that we'd see another deal offered so I am very excited that they are probably going to offer another year of discount tickets! If this is all true, we are absolutely going to head to Disneyland this spring. I really hope there is a hotel discount included as the deal speculates.

 

[KristiKat]

I got some info from Steve at Military Disney Tips:There is info floating around today that an ITT Office is passing out info on a Disney Armed Forces Salute renewal.

Disney has confirmed to me that they have decided to renew the Armed Forces Salute, they told me that they would be coordinating with MWR this week.

They'd said they would email me the details and I haven't received anything yet. I sent an email to my WDW Media Relations contact but don't know if I'll hear anything before morning. I think the ITT office leaked this before they were supposed to. I imagine it will be announced tomorrow.

There are details missing from the info above from a base ITT Office (room discount rates). So we'll see tomorrow. I'll post and send a newsletter as soon as I have official info!

Here is what has been passed around:

Walt Disney World Florida
October 1, 2012 - September 28, 2013
4 Day Base w/ Water Park Fun & More $156.00
4 Day Hopper $156.00
4 Day Hopper w/ Water Park Fun & More $184.00
On Site Hotel Discounts Available
Ticket Blackout Days: December 24-31; March 24-April 4; July 4, 2013 (Magic Kingdom Only)
Hotel Blackout Days: November 22-24; December 23-31; March 25-April 4

Disneyland California
October 1, 2012 - September 28, 2013
3 Day Hopper $125.00
On Site Hotel Discounts Available
Ticket Blackout Days: December 23-January 2; February 15-17; March 25-April 5; July 4, 2013
Hotel Blackout Days: November 22-24; December 23-31; March 25-April 4

Tickets are limited to (6) per sponsor.

Till it is officially announced then we do not know 100% but I will tell you that Steve posted about last years Salute offer before anyone else and his information was 100% correct..

I saw this news on Facebook also. Really hoping it's true. We have been waiting to book a Feb trip in hopes that they would offer something. Can't wait til it's official and we can see all the details.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Thanks Robin! I have been checking Steve's website almost every day looking for that. For us, I think the Stars N Stripes will work out better, because we need 6 days and we have 4 children in our group. I tried to see if we maxed out the 6 ticket limit with DH and DS both being military and just purchased a couple of days for the kids, but it comes out more $$ that way and we would be sad to leave 2 days of tickets sitting on the table.

 

[jce2]

Just so I understand how this all works.....The Armed forces Salute deal (for tickets) is a good deal if you are a) only going for 4 days or b) not staying at a Disnay property or SoG. But if you are staying longer and eligible, the Magic Your Way (Stars and Stripes Option) tickets are still a better deal? The AF Salute 4-day with hopper and water is $184 compared to the equivalent S&S at SoG for $309. However, once you start adding more days, the S&S climbs slowly! An 8-day ticket (with hopper and water) is only $348 while buying two of the AF Salutes would cost $368. Am I right on this?
Of course the room discounts remain a good deal regardless!
I assume you can't combine offers. So if I were to reserve a room using the A.F. Salute and later Disney was offering free dining, I would have to cancel my rez., and make a new one at the higher rate to get the free dining.

 

[robin19871]

I saw that floating around facebook last night, it got me excited. CheshireFigment who works ticketing at WDW said nothing official has been loaded into the system, but when it is, he will post here letting us all know. I have put off booking or Feb trip waiting to see what is going to happen.

Steve will most likely know before CF.. Last year I pointed CF towards Steves website and he confirmed it after..I am just hoping that the blackout days are not for all the parks during Easter.. :-(

 

[WDW 3]

Just so I understand how this all works.....The Armed forces Salute deal (for tickets) is a good deal if you are a) only going for 4 days or b) not staying at a Disnay property or SoG. But if you are staying longer and eligible, the Magic Your Way (Stars and Stripes Option) tickets are still a better deal? The AF Salute 4-day with hopper and water is $184 compared to the equivalent S&S at SoG for $309. However, once you start adding more days, the S&S climbs slowly! An 8-day ticket (with hopper and water) is only $348 while buying two of the AF Salutes would cost $368. Am I right on this?
Of course the room discounts remain a good deal regardless!
I assume you can't combine offers. So if I were to reserve a room using the A.F. Salute and later Disney was offering free dining, I would have to cancel my rez., and make a new one at the higher rate to get the free dining.

a) last year my dh and I were able to purchase 2 each of the 4 day tickets to use back to back for 8 days.

 

[buffettgirl]

Thanks Robin! I have been checking Steve's website almost every day looking for that. For us, I think the Stars N Stripes will work out better, because we need 6 days and we have 4 children in our group. I tried to see if we maxed out the 6 ticket limit with DH and DS both being military and just purchased a couple of days for the kids, but it comes out more $$ that way and we would be sad to leave 2 days of tickets sitting on the table.

Usually if you have more than 6 in your immediate family you can get an override to get more than 6, however, when you start adding days it does get more expensive. We're going for 7 days but we're simply going to suck it up and only use 4 park days and one water park day and one day in DTD/Disney Quest. It works since we've been there so much, but I PREFER the option of having a ticket for each day. I'm spoiled. lol.

Just so I understand how this all works.....The Armed forces Salute deal (for tickets) is a good deal if you are a) only going for 4 days or b) not staying at a Disnay property or SoG. But if you are staying longer and eligible, the Magic Your Way (Stars and Stripes Option) tickets are still a better deal? The AF Salute 4-day with hopper and water is $184 compared to the equivalent S&S at SoG for $309. However, once you start adding more days, the S&S climbs slowly! An 8-day ticket (with hopper and water) is only $348 while buying two of the AF Salutes would cost $368. Am I right on this?
Of course the room discounts remain a good deal regardless!
I assume you can't combine offers. So if I were to reserve a room using the A.F. Salute and later Disney was offering free dining, I would have to cancel my rez., and make a new one at the higher rate to get the free dining.

Yes, that sounds right. It does add up if you double up, or add days.

Don't forget that there are no taxes on the tickets if you buy them at SOG (or on base).

 

[Nomad70]

This is awesome news, let's hope it is accurate! We were thinking of taking a 7 day cruise next year but I think with this and hotel discounts may just do Disney as a family next year!

 

[jce2]

Usually if you have more than 6 in your immediate family you can get an override to get more than 6, however, when you start adding days it does get more expensive. We're going for 7 days but we're simply going to suck it up and only use 4 park days and one water park day and one day in DTD/Disney Quest. It works since we've been there so much, but I PREFER the option of having a ticket for each day. I'm spoiled. lol.




Yes, that sounds right. It does add up if you double up, or add days.

Don't forget that there are no taxes on the tickets if you buy them at SOG (or on base).

i was really surprised how little the price went up as you add days. We will be there for 9 days but dont know if we wnt to spend 1 or 2 days at Universal. But with the prices structure the way it is I figure I will just buy S&S tix for all 9 days and not worry about the unused day(s).

 

[jce2]

Correct me if I am wrong. Messing with my spreadsheet it would seem that for lengthy stays (in my case 10 nights), if you want to stay at a WDW property (Not SoG), your best financial plan (barring any discounts/offers) is to book room only and get the S&S tix from SoG.
From what I can tell if I do that, and Disney does indeed offer the 35% discount again next year, I can book two rooms at POR instead of the Junior Suite at SoG and it will only cost me an extra $500. SoG is nice (I have stayed there before) but we stayed several times at POR when in was Dixie Landings and it holds a lot of sentiment for us.
Of course if they do offer the discount Poly is also a possibility. I have always wanted to stay there but even with the discount I could only afford one room and I am not sure my wife, myself, 21 year old daughter and 19 year old 6'3" son would be comfortable in a single room. AAARGH!! I hate making decisions!!

 

[mmtska]

I don't know any official dates for the pool closings, but what I've heard is that it won't be both pools at once. The plans sound pretty awesome though!! Also, there is a sign outside of AAFES, showing the expansion planned there. Yeah, SoG is going to be going through some major reworking-but all for the better!!!

Sadly I'll be leaving there next week (teaching job yay!) but I'm glad to see the ticket rumors too :-D People ask us almost every day about it!

 

[lilsk8nmac]

I don't know any official dates for the pool closings, but what I've heard is that it won't be both pools at once. The plans sound pretty awesome though!! Also, there is a sign outside of AAFES, showing the expansion planned there. Yeah, SoG is going to be going through some major reworking-but all for the better!!!

Sadly I'll be leaving there next week (teaching job yay!) but I'm glad to see the ticket rumors too :-D People ask us almost every day about it!

Do you know or did the paper say when the AAFES construction was going to start?

 

[Praying Colonel]

I've called twice and asked what date they would start pool construction, and whether the hot tub will be open during that time. (No hot tub would be a deal-breaker for us.) Both times they weren't sure and had to ask. The first time they still didn't know and said they'd call back with that info. The second time they said construction was starting on the "4th" (August? September? They didn't know) and the hot tub would be open. I don't feel warm & fuzzy about the reliability of that info, but we're just going to go with the flow and hope for the best.

 

[BabyFu18]

I'm going to call back to speak with guest services about the pool closing on Tuesday and see if they tell me the 4th as well. September 4th would make more sense to me since it'd be after labor day, but like stated above I'm not sure how reliable the info we are getting from SOG really is. I'm excited to see how the project goes, cause my niece would love to go next year with an upgraded pool, so that'll be a big draw to return again next year.

In other news, I'm excited to hear the ticket offer might get extended! It's been something we've thankfully been able to take advantage of for the past couple of years and it's been great.

 

[buffettgirl]

it seems weird that they would have had all these huge discounts this summer and THEN decide to close the pool. It seems this is something they would have planned well in advance. On the other hand, maybe they figure we're all not paying much money so we can't complain?

 

[mmtska]

Do you know or did the paper say when the AAFES construction was going to start?

The board just says fall 2012 and will be open spring 2013. I know, not super helpful, but that's what I found out....

As for the pool dates? Uh unless I'm completely out of the loop, all I've seen/heard is what is happening and the general time frame. They're probably trying to do it when there are less guests. Just a guess though.

 

[bellemeeko1]

We've gone in Sept and Oct quite a few times now and I can say that the "quiet pool" as it is referred to, lol, there may have been 2 or 3 people there, never seen it crowded, even at night during that time of yr., seems more like the other side closer to Evergreens and having the kiddie pool maybe? so closing the one pool during the fall really won't hurt too much if at all. IMO

 

[buffettgirl]

We've gone in Sept and Oct quite a few times now and I can say that the "quiet pool" as it is referred to, lol, there may have been 2 or 3 people there, never seen it crowded, even at night during that time of yr., seems more like the other side closer to Evergreens and having the kiddie pool maybe? so closing the one pool during the fall really won't hurt too much if at all. IMO

I agree. Even in the summer the quiet pool does remain quiet. We only go there for the snack bar. LOL. (and the bottled beer.)