SHADES OF GREEN at Walt Disney World Resort Thread

[LG2]

Thanks Sharon, great pics!! Looks like Lucky's is located next to Evergreens. Is that an add-on or is Lucky's where the spa used to be?

 

[WDW 3]

WOW! We were there last Halloween, just 9 months ago and soooo much has changed. The whole lobby update, java express/ice cream parlor move and up upgrade. Looks like more options! Pool work. AAFES. Made in the Shade and the rooms look like the linens have been updated too.
New buses coming in the spring. They've been busy!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Disney's Armed Forces Salute discounted tickets and rooms has been extended through 9/27/14! Details available HERE.

 

[MinnerLynn06]

My last trip to Shades was in January...so many changes since then!!

Thank for all the photo updates! Love seeing the progress!

Glad to see the tickets have been renewed for another year. Just booked our January 2014 trip!!

 

[jusero]

New buses coming in the spring. They've been busy!

They are getting new buses??? That is awesome news!!! I keep thinking one of these days one of the current buses is going to hit a bump and start losing pieces. I remember riding in one during a heavy rain storm ... and there was more water inside the bus than outside. And with every turn there was a huge puddle IN the bus that kept sloshing around.

 

[shburks]

I posted this in a separate thread but posting here, too, hoping the experts will know!

I have a friend going to Disney planning to stay at SOG. Large party--one is retired military and one active duty whose rank is lower than the retired members. They booked several rooms based on the active duty (E-5) pay rank. However, SOG says you cannot book a room for other eligible members.

If retired member doesn't show his ID, would SOG know he was retired military? Not trying to get around rules as the friend didn't know that...just don't want them to get "busted" once they arrive and have to pay more than they expected.

Thanks!

 

[Dragontears]

I posted this in a separate thread but posting here, too, hoping the experts will know!

I have a friend going to Disney planning to stay at SOG. Large party--one is retired military and one active duty whose rank is lower than the retired members. They booked several rooms based on the active duty (E-5) pay rank. However, SOG says you cannot book a room for other eligible members.

If retired member doesn't show his ID, would SOG know he was retired military? Not trying to get around rules as the friend didn't know that...just don't want them to get "busted" once they arrive and have to pay more than they expected.

Thanks!

Define several rooms. An eligible Shades of Green guest may sponsor up to three rooms. A dependent spouse can also sponsor up to three rooms so long as certain conditions are met and it is not during the holidays. (see their web site here: http://www.shadesofgreen.org/sponsor.htm ) If they need more, the retired member will have to sponsor the additional guests.

Also, the sponsored guests must check-in (and out) at the same time as the sponsor. They check-in under their own name and must show ID. Since the computer checks eligibility, and the retired member is listed with the DOD, they might "get busted" as you say.

Consider: "Room rates are subject to pay grade and party size...A room reserved with multiple sponsors will be reserved based on the highest ranking person."

So all the rooms could end up costing more than if they just make separate reservations with as few of the rooms being sponsored by the retired member as possible. I should think it would also be embarrassing.

 

[shburks]

Define several rooms. An eligible Shades of Green guest may sponsor up to three rooms. A dependent spouse can also sponsor up to three rooms so long as certain conditions are met and it is not during the holidays. (see their web site here: http://www.shadesofgreen.org/sponsor.htm ) If they need more, the retired member will have to sponsor the additional guests.

Also, the sponsored guests must check-in (and out) at the same time as the sponsor. They check-in under their own name and must show ID. Since the computer checks eligibility, and the retired member is listed with the DOD, they might "get busted" as you say.

Consider: "Room rates are subject to pay grade and party size...A room reserved with multiple sponsors will be reserved based on the highest ranking person."

So all the rooms could end up costing more than if they just make separate reservations with as few of the rooms being sponsored by the retired member as possible. I should think it would also be embarrassing.

Thanks. Several is 3 which they're allowed to do (the one the E-6 is in plus two more). Retired member is not only retired but also a current DOD civilian employee so I'll have a conversation with my friend. Thanks.

 

[firstwdw]

We've never stayed at Shades of Green-just POR but Disney keeps raising their prices and between Disney rates and the furlough, this looks like a good 2nd option.

I have a few questions:

1. Are they putting in a slide at the pool and when?? Is the pool heated?

2. Do the room fees listed online include the tax or is that price before taxes? We would qualify for the $130 per night rate-is that the price or are taxes added on?

3. How much $$$$ would airport transportation from MCO cost for a family of 2 adults and one child?

4. It seems they have a quick service place. I understand their food is not Disney food but am curious if the quick service can accommodate a child with gluten allergy? Has anyone had experience with this at shades?

5. Is there a playground?? Other activities for children? We have a 7year old.

6. My last silly question.....Are the bedspreads/comforters still the floral pattern that is shown on their website?? Or have those been updated?

OK....so more than a few but I appreciate any insight/help!!! The recent pics posted have been so wonderful and helpful!

 

[WDW 3]

They are getting new buses??? That is awesome news!!! I keep thinking one of these days one of the current buses is going to hit a bump and start losing pieces. I remember riding in one during a heavy rain storm ... and there was more water inside the bus than outside. And with every turn there was a huge puddle IN the bus that kept sloshing around.

Yes! They put it on their FB page July 11th.
"We would like to address recent guest concerns that our buses are looking a bit worn. The current buses are near the end of their life cycle. We would like to send out a huge thank you to our contractor, Escot. They are working hard to keep the buses up to our first class standards. We ask for your patience just a bit longer as brand new buses are on order and are being built right now! We expect the new arrivals to be put into use in March 2014. Your safety and enjoyment will always be our top priority!"

 

[buffettgirl]

Yes! They put it on their FB page July 11th.
"We would like to address recent guest concerns that our buses are looking a bit worn. The current buses are near the end of their life cycle. We would like to send out a huge thank you to our contractor, Escot. They are working hard to keep the buses up to our first class standards. We ask for your patience just a bit longer as brand new buses are on order and are being built right now! We expect the new arrivals to be put into use in March 2014. Your safety and enjoyment will always be our top priority!"

Nice!

As an aside, we recently saw an Escot bus and all I could think was "the bus to AK is here!"

 

[BabyFu18]

Since the coffee makers in the room were updated, does anyone know by looking at the coffee makers what type of pods it might take if I were to buy my own to take with me? We are a family of big coffee drinkers and so it'd be much easier to take my own pods than to constantly ask housekeeping for extras.

 

[WDW 3]

Since the coffee makers in the room were updated, does anyone know by looking at the coffee makers what type of pods it might take if I were to buy my own to take with me? We are a family of big coffee drinkers and so it'd be much easier to take my own pods than to constantly ask housekeeping for extras.

Or you could be like us.... sometimes the housekeeping closets are ajar and we've been known to grab our own extra towels if we needed them Caught on camrea!?

 

[buffettgirl]

Or you could be like us.... sometimes the housekeeping closets are ajar and we've been known to grab our own extra towels if we needed them Caught on camrea!?

or just ask....

 

[jusero]

I posted this in a separate thread but posting here, too, hoping the experts will know!

I have a friend going to Disney planning to stay at SOG. Large party--one is retired military and one active duty whose rank is lower than the retired members. They booked several rooms based on the active duty (E-5) pay rank. However, SOG says you cannot book a room for other eligible members.

If retired member doesn't show his ID, would SOG know he was retired military? Not trying to get around rules as the friend didn't know that...just don't want them to get "busted" once they arrive and have to pay more than they expected.

Thanks!

If I remember right, all sponsored rooms are charged the category 2 rate anyway, no matter what rank the sponsor is. I could be wrong. You should probably have your friend call Shades to clarify.

 

[jusero]

Nice!

As an aside, we recently saw an Escot bus and all I could think was "the bus to AK is here!"

I keep reading Epcot, not Escot.

 

[Dragontears]

Since the coffee makers in the room were updated, does anyone know by looking at the coffee makers what type of pods it might take if I were to buy my own to take with me? We are a family of big coffee drinkers and so it'd be much easier to take my own pods than to constantly ask housekeeping for extras.

They are Cuisinart two cup coffee makers that take the one cup pod designed for low-pressure machines. There are lots of brands. DH doesn't like the brand SOG has so we will be taking our own.

Here is a link so you can see what they look like.

https://shoponline.melitta.com/page/podpromo?gclid=CPv2vLyUybgCFSJqMgodBz8AIQ

 

[jusero]

I will be at our favorite home away from home in just 53 days! can't wait!

I just wanted to check in here for those of you who frequent my trip reports (links below). Last year I did a "what in the world" photo quiz (extreme close ups of various things) and the year before it was "where in the world" (photos of sort of hidden or out-of-the-way things). I am looking for ideas of what to do this year.

 

[firstwdw]

bumping up to see if anyone has any of these answers! thanks!

We've never stayed at Shades of Green-just POR but Disney keeps raising their prices and between Disney rates and the furlough, this looks like a good 2nd option.

I have a few questions:

1. Are they putting in a slide at the pool and when?? Is the pool heated?

2. Do the room fees listed online include the tax or is that price before taxes? We would qualify for the $130 per night rate-is that the price or are taxes added on?

3. How much $$$$ would airport transportation from MCO cost for a family of 2 adults and one child?

4. It seems they have a quick service place. I understand their food is not Disney food but am curious if the quick service can accommodate a child with gluten allergy? Has anyone had experience with this at shades?

5. Is there a playground?? Other activities for children? We have a 7year old.

6. My last silly question.....Are the bedspreads/comforters still the floral pattern that is shown on their website?? Or have those been updated?

OK....so more than a few but I appreciate any insight/help!!! The recent pics posted have been so wonderful and helpful!

 

[smhogar]

Answers below if I know them:

bumping up to see if anyone has any of these answers! thanks!

Originally Posted by firstwdw View Post
We've never stayed at Shades of Green-just POR but Disney keeps raising their prices and between Disney rates and the furlough, this looks like a good 2nd option.

I have a few questions:

1. Are they putting in a slide at the pool and when?? Is the pool heated? - I don't think that they are putting in a slide in the Magnolia pool. I don't know the plans for the Millpond (Mickey) pool. In Dec 06, they were not heated.

2. Do the room fees listed online include the tax or is that price before taxes? We would qualify for the $130 per night rate-is that the price or are taxes added on? - No taxes at SOG

3. How much $$$$ would airport transportation from MCO cost for a family of 2 adults and one child? - I rent a car which cost 5.00 a day to park at SOG.

4. It seems they have a quick service place. I understand their food is not Disney food but am curious if the quick service can accommodate a child with gluten allergy? Has anyone had experience with this at shades? - - No experience with food allergies.

5. Is there a playground?? Other activities for children? We have a 7year old. - There is a playground near the Millpond (Mickey) pool which is near Evergreens/Luckys. I don't know how this area will be affected when the renovations to that pool are in progress.

There is the arcades and the Family technology room that has Wii etc...

6. My last silly question.....Are the bedspreads/comforters still the floral pattern that is shown on their website?? Or have those been updated? - Ok, I was just there July 10 - 18, you would think that I would remember. I remember I green bedspread not floral and I don't have any pics of the room.