SHADES OF GREEN at Walt Disney World Resort Thread

[lilsk8nmac]

Yesterday I inboxed the SOG FB page and asked them about the pool renovations or lack thereof...
Here's the convo...

ME:
When we stayed in August of 2012 there was a proposed pool renovation that was supposed to occur, but I can't find any info on it now, has it happened already or is it still in the works? Any info, dates etc would be helpful. Thank you!

Today

8:12pm
Shades of Green Resort
Hi, unfortunately we have had some set backs regarding our pool renovations and they have not yet started. At this time we do not have a new start date for that construction. We will be sure to post the information as soon as we have it.

There ya go. I wanted to ask bc I was curious what was going on as many of you were.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

So excited about my trip this year to Disney!!! Waiting andHoping that the discounts are extended past Sept 2013. We are going in Dec 2013 Maybe someone has heard a little something..

I haven't but we have realized for our 6 days in the park, it will be cheaper to buy the regular Stars and Stripes pass than to try to use the back to back discounted tickets, so that is always available!

What I am wondering is how the new FP+ system will work for military, Do most of you buy your tickets at MWR before coming to SOG? We usually stay DVC but come to SOG to buy our tickets. With the new system you have to schedule your rides 60 days out using a ticket number (according to some) How will they accomodate military families who can't get their tickets until they arrive at SOG?

 

[bdcp]

I haven't but we have realized for our 6 days in the park, it will be cheaper to buy the regular Stars and Stripes pass than to try to use the back to back discounted tickets, so that is always available!

What I am wondering is how the new FP+ system will work for military, Do most of you buy your tickets at MWR before coming to SOG? We usually stay DVC but come to SOG to buy our tickets. With the new system you have to schedule your rides 60 days out using a ticket number (according to some) How will they accomodate military families who can't get their tickets until they arrive at SOG?

We purchase our tickets at SOG. Last trip they were doing the pre-order so our tickets were waiting when we checked in. That was fabulous as we didnt' have to get get in line to buy tickets too. We're not too concerned about the new system but I was wondering how this was going to work.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

We purchase our tickets at SOG. Last trip they were doing the pre-order so our tickets were waiting when we checked in. That was fabulous as we didnt' have to get get in line to buy tickets too. We're not too concerned about the new system but I was wondering how this was going to work.

Yeah, we aren't sure we'll be able to purchase tickets for 9 people at 60 days out. Probably. DH just retired from the National Guard so things are changing for us budget wise.

I've been reading about the new system alot - it doesn't look good They are only catering to those who purchase packages or tickets in advance. We aren't staying at SOG - last time to get the tickets, we had to show our KTTW card from our resort to get them.

 

[jaz0308]

I am extremely concerned about the fp+ and how it will work for the military. I plan on getting the stars and stripes tickets but don't want to miss out on the chance to schedule my fp early. Since my trip is in august i am trying to wait patiently to see how this all works out!

 

[BabyFu18]

Also planning an August trip and wondering how the fastpass+ thing will work for people staying at SOG or using military tickets. But trying to just go with the flow for now and hope good solid info comes out about the new system well before my trip.

 

[MegN529]

Made reservations a few months ago. I just saw that they were advertising a package that included breakfast for April as well as lower room rates. I called SOG and they happily upgraded our reservation! Very thankful because it will save us about $217 plus free breakfast. Service has always been great at SOG!

 

[MegN529]

My husband, kids and I have always purchased the military 4-day hopper passes which we plan to do again in April. However, my husband has been suggesting we add a few extra days in the park so we can take our time a bit more. What options do I have for tickets? Do I purchase a standard ticket at full price or are there any other military tickets available at a lower rate? I would appreciate any input you all may have!

 

[BabyFu18]

There are several ticket options listed on the SOG website, I think you can get regular tickets for a slight discount as well as the Stars and Stripes tickets (which can be a better deal than the salute tickets for some families).

I haven't tried it but I've heard people say they've doubled up on salute tickets and used them back to back for more park days (since you can purchase up to six tickets).

 

[goofyredraider]

There are several ticket options listed on the SOG website, I think you can get regular tickets for a slight discount as well as the Stars and Stripes tickets (which can be a better deal than the salute tickets for some families).

I haven't tried it but I've heard people say they've doubled up on salute tickets and used them back to back for more park days (since you can purchase up to six tickets).

We did this our last trip for the "adults" in our party (DH, I, and DD), but it is my understanding that you can no longer do this. There has to be a 7 day "space" in between ticket use.

eta: nevermind. I just went to find it on Steve's military disney tips site, and apparently they rescinded this as stipulation. So, you can buy and use them back-to-back.

http://www.militarydisneytips.com/b...forces-salute-starts-today-with-many-changes/

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

There are several ticket options listed on the SOG website, I think you can get regular tickets for a slight discount as well as the Stars and Stripes tickets (which can be a better deal than the salute tickets for some families).

I haven't tried it but I've heard people say they've doubled up on salute tickets and used them back to back for more park days (since you can purchase up to six tickets).

We did this our last trip for the "adults" in our party (DH, I, and DD), but it is my understanding that you can no longer do this. There has to be a 7 day "space" in between ticket use.

eta: nevermind. I just went to find it on Steve's military disney tips site, and apparently they rescinded this as stipulation. So, you can buy and use them back-to-back.

http://www.militarydisneytips.com/b...forces-salute-starts-today-with-many-changes/

We did that last January, and we used all 8 days then, and then we added Waterpark Fun and More to one set of them so we could go to Disney Quest, then we went to Blizzard Beach in June.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

We did this our last trip for the "adults" in our party (DH, I, and DD), but it is my understanding that you can no longer do this. There has to be a 7 day "space" in between ticket use.

eta: nevermind. I just went to find it on Steve's military disney tips site, and apparently they rescinded this as stipulation. So, you can buy and use them back-to-back.

http://www.militarydisneytips.com/b...forces-salute-starts-today-with-many-changes/

Love that website! There is a link there where he does the math and helps you figure out which is your best option for your tickets.

 

[dismagiclover]

Question for you Shades of Green Experts. We've stayed at SOG before so I'm familiar with the resort. However, we stayed there in our park commando days so we spent very little time at the resort. We're considering staying there this Christmas and so we are anticipating huge crowds at the parks. Because of this we see spending more time at the resort. We are DVC members so we are accustomed to the resort activites offered at those resorts. (We are out of points so can't stay DVC at Christmas.) My question is what organized activities are there at SOG? Or are there any? Any suggestions for things to do at the resort during the day? (We'll hit rope drop and go back to the parks in the evenings.)

 

[buffettgirl]

Question for you Shades of Green Experts. We've stayed at SOG before so I'm familiar with the resort. However, we stayed there in our park commando days so we spent very little time at the resort. We're considering staying there this Christmas and so we are anticipating huge crowds at the parks. Because of this we see spending more time at the resort. We are DVC members so we are accustomed to the resort activites offered at those resorts. (We are out of points so can't stay DVC at Christmas.) My question is what organized activities are there at SOG? Or are there any? Any suggestions for things to do at the resort during the day? (We'll hit rope drop and go back to the parks in the evenings.)

Unfortunately there isn't really anything organized - they'll occasionally have an activity but nothing like at the other resorts.

 

[erinlovesmickey]

We stayed here a couple of weeks ago for the first time and it was great! Our room was in the new section over by the fitness center and was so spacious. We had trouble with our AC when we got there (when it was 80s outside) so they moved us to another room with no problems. I loved being able to walk over to the Poly and hop on the monorail. While we were there they redid the lobby and it looks great!

 

[jusero]

Been off the site for a while. Happy to be back and talking Disney and Shades once again!

No serious reason for being absent...just work hours had me up so early and in bed so early, just didn't have time for the computer.

But, I'm baaaaaaaack!!

 

[buffettgirl]

Been off the site for a while. Happy to be back and talking Disney and Shades once again!

No serious reason for being absent...just work hours had me up so early and in bed so early, just didn't have time for the computer.

But, I'm baaaaaaaack!!

Welcome back. The thread has been slow in general - I only pop in when there is something new posted. I'd love to say I have another trip in the works but I don't - unless i escape off with my son for a few days. So in order to avoid that I'm avoiding this. hahaahah

 

[basilb]

We have been to WDW 5 times and the only time we stayed somewhere other than SOG was when they were renovating and they bumped us to the Contemporary.

I'm wondering if Disney ever runs a special where staying at a Disney hotel is cheaper than SOG? We love SOG & we walk to the Poly for monorail and use SOG bus transportation and are completely satisfied.

For us, cost is the biggest reason for choosing SOG - it's not worth it for us to pay more for a more Disney themed hotel when we don't get back to our rooms til late and we're up by 7am.

What are your thoughts?

 

[buffettgirl]

We have been to WDW 5 times and the only time we stayed somewhere other than SOG was when they were renovating and they bumped us to the Contemporary.

I'm wondering if Disney ever runs a special where staying at a Disney hotel is cheaper than SOG? We love SOG & we walk to the Poly for monorail and use SOG bus transportation and are completely satisfied.

For us, cost is the biggest reason for choosing SOG - it's not worth it for us to pay more for a more Disney themed hotel when we don't get back to our rooms til late and we're up by 7am.

What are your thoughts?

well, yes, you can get a Disney room for cheaper (room rate) at the value resorts with the military promotion (not sure if that's still running).

But it's really like comparing apples and oranges. SOG rooms are larger than most Deluxe rooms and you can put 5 people in them. Also, you don't have to pay tax. So dollar to dollar comparison of similar rooms, no disney loses to SOG, but if you go room rate of SOG vs Value, you might come out ahead.

 

[basilb]

SOG isn't at the same level as the value resorts - more like a moderate, I'd guess. So, I wouldn't even consider one of the value resorts even if it was cheaper. But, even with a 40% off mods discount, I think we'd still be better off at SOG.