Shades of Green, Just back

[DawnCt1]

We just returned from our first trip since 2002 and our first trip to the "new" Shades of Green. For those who feel it isn't "Disney" enough, the staff, the location, the rooms and the price more than make up for that. The front desk staff, down to the housekeeping staff are warm, friendly and happy to please. I never walked by any staff member who didn't give me a warm greeting and a smile. That's Disney enough for me. We opted to stay in the original part of the resort. I hesitate to call it "old" because the hallways and rooms are clean, well maintained and spacious. Repairs are done on an ongoing basis and seem to be handled very promptly. We were close to the "Mickey" pool and Evergreens on the first level (128) and it was convenient to take a quick swim or grab a quick "adult beverage" for $4.50 at the bar and relax on the patio. While the new Garden Gallery restaurant is nice and well decorated, I do like the old one better. Breakfast was a bargain at $7, including coffee and is served buffet style. While it doesn't have "everything" there is enough there to have a pleasant breakfast. The prime rib buffet would have been wonderful IF the prime rib wasn't well done. Some were happy with it however. Evergreens has great nachos, good burgers, and decent salads. Parking is in the parking garage. If you use your car alot, its a bit inconvenient, but I would rather be closer to the pool and Evergreens than to my car. If it really bugs you, valet parking is an option. On occasion, I did park in the club house parking lot to the right of the resort. It was a bit closer.

 

[DawnCt1]

I forgot to mention, every room has high speed internet and there is a wireless connection in the lobby. If you don't bring your own computer, there are two computers available in the lobby as well.

 

[O2BNWDW]

Glad you had a great time DawnCt1!
It is a VERY VERY beautiful resort. I think you helped me with a ? I had before about this and I thank you. The rooms are spacious and we had a gorgeous view of the golf course. So peaceful!

The only thing i did not like about SOG was the "transportation shock" not ever having stayed off site, I did not care for getting on the bus and waiting!

I will not go back to SOG but only for personal reasons, absolutely nothing to do with the resort, amenities or food. It was my Dads (not pleasant) last visit to WDW (due to health).

 

[DawnCt1]

Glad you had a great time DawnCt1!

The only thing i did not like about SOG was the "transportation shock" not ever having stayed off site, I did not care for getting on the bus and waiting!

I will not go back to SOG but only for personal reasons, absolutely nothing to do with the resort, amenities or food. It was my Dads (not pleasant) last visit to WDW (due to health).

I never used the transportation because I am not famous for my patience. We did walk to the Poly however and used the monorail. The "Shady Shuttle", (golf cart) was often there to offer us a ride down the hill. Talk about service!! I certainly can understand wanting to separate yourself from any place when there are sad memories. I am sorry that it holds sad memories for you.

 

[O2BNWDW]

DH and I did enjoy the closeness to the POLY. But we always got stuck at the Tambu lounge (J/K)!

But honestly SOG is a very beautiful resort and I would stay there again if it did not hold sad memories!

 

[Laurajean1014]

Is it still for Service Personnel and Retirees?

 

[disboo]

I like SOG also, and enjoyed the stroll over to Poly for the monorail. I'd stay there again!

 

[DawnCt1]

Is it still for Service Personnel and Retirees?

And DOD employees and their guests. We sponsored my BIL and his family.

 

[bdcp]

We'll be there in Nov. We stayed in Nov '98 with our 2DS (now 19 and 21) and had a great time. The rooms were a good size for our 12 and 14 year olds. The 14 year old had a bed and the 12 year old used the sofa bed. The rooms were very spacious and we had a great time. It's very peaceful, the transportation was good and we ate the breakfast buffet almost every morning. Not bad for the price. We also walked to the TTC a lot and plan on doing it again.

 

[Jodi1980]

Can you use the internet on the computers in the lobby for free?

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

Thanks for the report.

Glad you had a good trip!

 

[doriemg]

Glad you had a good trip. We'll be staying there in January 2006 and we're really looking forward to it. Can you tell me if the Shady Shuttle is on any type of schedule or is it just luck-of-the-draw if you happen to see it go by or see it sitting there waiting.

 

[DawnCt1]

Glad you had a good trip. We'll be staying there in January 2006 and we're really looking forward to it. Can you tell me if the Shady Shuttle is on any type of schedule or is it just luck-of-the-draw if you happen to see it go by or see it sitting there waiting.

Its the luck of the draw; sometimes its there and sometimes not.

 

[mikesmom88]

Can you just go to SOG for dinner in one of the restauraunts or are they reserved for military pesonnel only also?

Thanks

 

[rparmfamily]

Unfortunately it is strictly for the personnel authorized. I have had to show my military id each time I would come eat there if I did not have a guest pass. It is truly an awesome resort and nicely priced lunches and dinners. You also don't have to pay 6 dollars for a beer.

Rex

 

[DawnCt1]

Can you just go to SOG for dinner in one of the restauraunts or are they reserved for military pesonnel only also?

Thanks

There was a time when we had to show an id but I wasn't asked once, except on check in. I was told that they let the golfers dine there and I have gotton conflicting answers on this question from SoG. Manginos is very good and not at all crowded so perhaps they are trying to enhance the revenue by letting in outside diners. You could give it a try. I would suggest calling for a reservation first because the hardest part may be getting by the guard shack.

 

[boutique]

Hi. well this is our first time staying on Disney property and we are very much looking forward to staying at the Shades of green. We plan to use Disney transportation and so i have two questions. If we do walk down the hill to the Polynesian without golf cart how long does that really take?
Also if we use the Disney bus system(trip in October) is the wait really that bad? Thanks for any info.

 

[DawnCt1]

The walk to the Poly is no more than 5 or 10 minutes. The SoG bus runs to the TTC about every 20 minutes. Again, it all depends where you are going.