Shades of Green Resort

[RuthieT]

Has anyone stayed here?? Advice? Likes? Dislikes? Can you see the Fireworks? Shuttles?

I stayed there oh about 13 years ago with my parents and I know they have probably changed it since then and of course being a young teen I didnt pay much attention about the hotel. Being a Military brat I know we will be able to stay there and we are considering a trip early 09, between January and March.

 

[bdcp]

We've been there twice and are returning this Nov. We like it because it's quiet and it's inexpensive. From what I've read you can see the fireworks from the top level of the parking garage. We have just watched them from the Poly. It's an easy walk there and back. There are buses to TTC, AK, MGM, DTD, and water parks. For MK and Epcot, you can use the monorail, boats. You can also walk to the Poly and catch the monorail or bus from there depending on where you are going.

You say you are a military brat or you were one? Are you currently a dependent or do you qualify otherwise?

 

[Sleepy]

You say you are a military brat or you were one? Are you currently a dependent or do you qualify otherwise?

That would be my question as well. Being a teenager 15 years ago would indicate the person is well past dependant age now (age 23), unless there is something mentally or physically inabling that person to live on their own, thus remaining a dependant. You must have your own military ID or you must have someone else with a military ID come to the hotel with you. In the OP case, I assume the parent with the ID is accompanying on vacation.

I really like what they have done to the hotel, although I did like the smaller hotel for the atmosphere (it seemed at times like the place was deserted). I don't like how far the rooms are from the lobby now and don't like that the buses are now a level down requiring stairs or elevator for access. I do love the breakfast bar right next to the bus stop for breakfast sandwiches in the morning. The AC units works fantastically and cool the room very quickly. They still have the onion rings. Yummmmmm. Transportation is always on time. I too have heard about the fireworks from the garage, but never tried it. I have seen partial fireworks through the trees while at the main pool. If you have your back to Evergreens look to the left. The laundry room is handy and has a tv if you want to stay with your stuff. You qualify for EMH just like the other DIsney hotels. Enjoy your stay.

 

[RuthieT]

at the time we were there my dad was retired Navy. My dad, my mom and myself all had military ID's. They expired and I have been told I can get another at anytime.

Sure does sound like they have done alot to the resort and probably a pretty nice place to stay!

 

[hildarumpole]

If you are still considered a military dependent and hold a dependent ID card you would be eligible to stay at SOG. If not, then you would have to travel with an eligible sponsor, such as your parents. Before you attempt to make reservations, you need to secure your military ID to be sure you are eligible to visit without a sponsor, if that's your intention. As a previous poster stated, one is only considered a military dependent up to age 21 yrs. or 23 yrs., if full-time student, and no age restriction if you are unable to live independently due to disability.

 

[bdcp]

So, you have to be older than 23 which means you do not qualify as a dependent unless there are extenuating circumstances, such as disability. We're trying to figure out if you qualify or not. Who told you that you can get another ID and under what circumstances?

 

[bdcp]

I started thinking whether Shades of Green was even open 15 years ago. It wasn't, it was still the Disney Inn, a Disney resort property. It didn't open as Shades of Green until Feb 1, 1994 which isn't even 14 years ago. So, when exactly were you there?

 

[Sleepy]

at the time we were there my dad was retired Navy. My dad, my mom and myself all had military ID's. They expired and I have been told I can get another at anytime.

To further clarify your eligibility to stay at SOG in terms of the military ID.....

1. When someone retires from the military, they will forever have a military ID.

2. When someone retires, their spouse will forever have a military ID as long as he/she stays married to the military member (these ID's must be renewed from time to time). In the event the military member dies during the marriage, the spouse will still be able to possess a military ID (these IDs will need to be renewed from time to time). HOWEVER if the military member dies and the spouse REMARRIES, the spouse will no longer be able to possess a military ID (day of the wedding kills the military ID).

3. This is important........When someone retires, their children can possess a military ID until they are 21. Trust me, the expiration date on the ID will NOT go past age 21 upon that last renewal. Upon age 21, if you are a FULL-TIME college student (which must be verified through the school), you can remain in possession of a military ID through age 23. I don't know the exact details of how this works in terms of a military ID as far as expiration dates on the ID, because I never went to college (dad retired military) and my son is not of that age yet (husband is retired Navy also). Once you are 23, even if you are still a college student, you are on your own. The military will no longer support you in terms of medical coverage, etc and your ties to the military are forever severed. The only way that child can get another military ID is of he/she joins the military.

4. When someone retires, the only way a CHILD can remain a dependant past the age of 23 is if they have a very serious disability (mental or physical) making it impossible for that child to support him/herself. (this ID must be renewed from time to time).


I don't know your exact circumstances, but I am afraid you and your family were either misinformed or you misinterpreted the info you were given regarding YOUR ability to obtain another military ID. Your mom (if still married to your dad) should ALWAYS have a current ID and NEVER let it expire. It qualifies her for on base benefits and health insurance coverage (as well as the ability to check into Shades of Green).

I am only guessing here , but unless you are A) under 21 or B) between the ages of 21 and 23 and in school full-time or C) severely disabled, you will never be able to get another military ID, thus making it impossible to stay at Shades of Green without one of your parents being there with you. You can check your local military instillation for further information and verification. I hope this info helps.

 

[duketennisgal]

I know this is a bit off topic from where this post has gone but I would like to ask a couple of questions.

First, I've never stayed at Shades of Green so this coming May will be my first time there (I'm a new DoD Civilian). I've read that the rooms have been renovated, does that mean all of the rooms? Is there a specific section I should request if I want a newer room? We will be driving to the parks, with the possible exception of walking over to the Poly to use the monorail for MK and maybe Epcot.

Next, when we purchase our tickets there at the resort are they also tax free?

Last questions - is it really true you can see the fireworks from the top of the parking deck? That would be really cool if true!

Thanks in advance!

 

[bdcp]

What they did was build an entire new section a few years ago which doubled the original capacity and renovated the original rooms. You can purchase your tickets at SOG. They are tax free, and they sell a couple of different ticket types including those only available to those eligible to stay at SOG. There have been several posts about seeing the fireworks from the garage roof, but I still prefer to go to the beach at Poly to watch them and then watch the water parade. We never drive anywhere and we've had our car all but one trip when we flew, and we park and dont' drive anywhere. We use Poly, TTC and occasionally SOG transportation. It really depends on what time it is when we leave to go to theparks. If we've just missed a bus, we walk across the street. We log 9-10 miles/day minimum while we are there. It's a great way to walk off calories.

There is tons of info on the SOG website, including info on tickets: http://www.shadesofgreen.org/home.html

 

[banks37]

I know this is a bit off topic from where this post has gone but I would like to ask a couple of questions.

First, I've never stayed at Shades of Green so this coming May will be my first time there (I'm a new DoD Civilian). I've read that the rooms have been renovated, does that mean all of the rooms? Is there a specific section I should request if I want a newer room? We will be driving to the parks, with the possible exception of walking over to the Poly to use the monorail for MK and maybe Epcot.

Next, when we purchase our tickets there at the resort are they also tax free?

Last questions - is it really true you can see the fireworks from the top of the parking deck? That would be really cool if true!

Thanks in advance!

All the rooms MAY have been renovated but having stayed in the new addition in 2004 and the old wing in November there is a big difference between the two areas. If at all possible request the new area, you'll be happy you did.

In both of those trip I was able to see fireworks from my balcony. In 2004 I was on the 5th floor and could see, in the distance mind you, Illuminations and last month I was able to see Wishes from my balcony. We were on the third floor overlooking the quiet pool, a nice spot to be if you have to be in the original building.

Still a great deal no matter where you stay though, enjoy.

 

[RuthieT]

alright well thank you all for your help and info... I havent looked into it myself about getting a new ID and if it is 21 and under then I wont be able to get one. I just thought it would be nice to stay there again with my family.

 

[swatts1]

I've stayed at SOG at least 10 times. Most recently I was there in Oct. '06 and was very disappointed to see that our assigned room in the old wing had not been renovated. We immediately requested a room in the new area and were moved the following morning (at a cost). I will be faxing tomorrow asking for a room in the new wing for our upcoming stay. I don't know if they honor the requests.....so far I've had very poor luck with SOG honoring any requests whatsoever.......nevertheless it is a great value and we love the hotel.

 

[cmhand30]

Just a reminder
You can reserve 2 rooms per eligible gov't ID card holder. So if Dad is retired from active duty, and Mom is a GS employee, you can reserve 4 rooms. We have sponsored my father and my sister during prior visits.
As it is a great value, it does miss on that "Disney Magic".

 

[Sleepy]

Just a reminder
You can reserve 2 rooms per eligible gov't ID card holder. So if Dad is retired from active duty, and Mom is a GS employee, you can reserve 4 rooms. We have sponsored my father and my sister during prior visits.
As it is a great value, it does miss on that "Disney Magic".

This is from the SOG website

As an eligible Shades of Green guest, you may sponsor up to three rooms. In addition, a dependent spouse can also sponsor up to three rooms provided the following conditions are met...

You are a registered guest at Shades of Green
You agree to be responsible for your guests
You must accompany your guest at time of check in. Sponsored guest will not be authorized to check in without the sponsor being present
Sponsored guest reservations must check in on the same day and must depart before or on the same day as your reservation
You accompany your guests while purchasing attraction tickets
Your guests must follow the rules of the resort

 

[duketennisgal]

I checked the Shades of Green site and located their fax number, does anybody have a suggestion on when would be a good time to fax in my room request. I am looking to request an upper floor in the newer building, preferably overlooking the golf course. I know I have heard before that with disney hotels it's good to fax 3-5 days before check in, I wasn't sure about Shades of Green.

Thanks

 

[Sleepy]

I checked the Shades of Green site and located their fax number, does anybody have a suggestion on when would be a good time to fax in my room request. I am looking to request an upper floor in the newer building, preferably overlooking the golf course. I know I have heard before that with disney hotels it's good to fax 3-5 days before check in, I wasn't sure about Shades of Green.

Thanks

We have never faxed a room request to SOG. We have always had the request noted on the reservation when we made the reservation. We have always been given what we asked for (although it can't be guaranteed).

I would suggest just calling reservations number and having the request added to your already existing reservation. They do it on the spot and that way you know it has not been forgotten.

 

[duketennisgal]

We have never faxed a room request to SOG. We have always had the request noted on the reservation when we made the reservation. We have always been given what we asked for (although it can't be guaranteed).

I would suggest just calling reservations number and having the request added to your already existing reservation. They do it on the spot and that way you know it has not been forgotten.

Will do when I get home today, thanks for all of the info.

 

[GatorGirl]

Will do when I get home today, thanks for all of the info.

After you call can you post back if they gave you any problems please? We are going at the end of January and I will probably call and try to request rooms in the new addition as well. TIA

 

[hildarumpole]

I called 10 days before our June vacation with a room request. The agent was very nice and told me they always do their best to accomodate requests, but can't make any guarantees. Happily, our request was honored.