Shades of Green questions......

[SeaSpray]

Hi everyone:

We're doing a 7-night western caribbean Disney cruise next August, then staying afterwards for a night at WDW. We decided on either the Polynesian or the Wilderness Lodge. Our decision was based on the fact that we're NOT planning on going into any of the parks, so we feel that the Polynesian and WL offer more of a feel of being at WDW without actually being in a park. Also, we LOVE the Kona Cafe and are planning at least 1 or 2 meals there. Also, we'd be able to see fireworks and water parade from each of those hotels, PLUS we just love the theming of those 2 resorts.

However... My SIL and BIL are going on the cruise with us and might be staying a night or two at WDW afterwards, too. BIL is retired military so can stay at SoG. Now I have 2 questions:

1. Would they be able to get us a room at SoG, or not? Not sure if the military person can get more than 1 room, or not. BIL would be there at the resort the same days we'd be there.

2. I really have no desire to stay there.... Would it be worth the savings to stay there, IF we'd be able to?? DH is interested in possibly staying there (if they allow relatives).

I have nothing against SoG, but to me, it's not a Disney resort and I WANT a Disney resort for that one night after the cruise.

All insights and opinions welcome! Thanks

 

[clkelley]

Yes, your BIL can get you a room, and depending on his rank, the savings are significant.

It is very close to the Polynesian, you could walk over there if you wanted to.

Check out www.shadesofgreen.org for rates.

Carol

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

Another option(which we like!) is overflow. Your BIL could get discounted rates at a WDW resort through SOG. I imagine he could get up to 3 rooms with overflow also, though not positive on how many. Have him call, or e-mail SOG and see what is available. They may not have overflow for next August out yet. You can't book SOG and have overflow, so he may have to wait if that is what you all want!

 

[Jynohn]

As another poster stated, yes, your BIL can sponsor the room for you, and without question, the savings are worth it!

My DH and I stayed at SOG for our honeymoon, and I had apprehensions about it too. Since it was a "military" hotel, I had visions of it being very cold and sterile. I was very pleasantly surprised when we arrived. The rooms are huge (largest standard rooms on propery), and very nicely decorated. We had a private balcony, where we could see the fireworks from the Magic Kingdom every night. They have a delicious breakfast buffet every morning and the price was very reasonable ($6.99 pp).

Since SOG is the old Disney Inn, it still has a "Disney" feel to it, and is not sterile at all. Add that to the fact that you are literally within walking distance of the Poly and the monorail, you definitely feel as though you are "on property."

In my opinion, you can't go wrong with staying at SOG. We had planned to stay there for our January trip, and are really disappointed that due to ongoing construction, we were moved to the Contemporary instead!

 

[castlegazer]

Yes to all the above, however, SOG does not have the Disney feel that she is describing - its more like staying at a golf resort. If you are not spending the money on park passes then I would most definately stay at the Poly. The reference to the Disney Inn is no longer valid as they have completely reconstructed it - or, I should say are in process of reconstructing the resort - which means it will all be new and most probably very nice. The rooms at SOG are very large and will probably remain so, but for two of you (?) that's not really an issue. I personally was psyched when we were able to get an overflow rate to stay somewhere else last year. I can't remember how much the Poly was going to be at SOG rates - we chose FTW cabins.

Now if you really want to compare just money, then SOG is by very far a much more affordable resort as it will be at the very least 1/3 of what the Poly will cost I think, barring codes and whatnot. Getting an overflow SOG rate at the Poly is the next best thing. Maybe you can all get SOG reservations, as they do book up quite fast a year in advance, and then make your Poly decision later.

At the Poly you can just spend a day at the resort hanging out at the beach (something that SOG definately does not have), swinging in the hammocks and have the convenience of having your room right there too. Yes, you can walk from SOG over to the Poly which is an option, but I really like to hang out in the hotel lounges at night and the fact that you can watch the fireworks from potentially your room makes all the difference to me.

All this being said, I am a total cheapskape so I would be at SOG hoofing it over to get my ambiance. But I always have to factor in the cost of tickets into my planning.