Shades of Green Resort

[DrKnow77]

Getting married at Disney World in 2003 (as you may have read in previous posts ). My Aunt and Uncle are looking at the "Shades of Green" Resort that is used for people with military experience. I guess they get a discount for being in the military?

Just wondering if anyone has stayed there and what the accommodations are like. This resort is more difficult to find information about. I know it is currently closed any may re-open in September of 2003 and it is located between Poly and GF. Anybody have anything else?

Thanks!

 

[Ricola]

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

I have never stayed at SOG, but I have friends that recommend it.

Here is some info:
http://wdwig.com/faq_sog.htm
http://wdwig.com/g_sog.htm

 

[DrKnow77]

Thanks for the information Ricola! I'll check these FAQ pages out....


BTW, Bob Dylan Live 1975 is a great choice, but I prefer Blood on the Tracks! (Possibly my fav album ever!)

 

[FirstNo]

Originally posted by DrKnow77
Getting married at Disney World in 2003 (as you may have read in previous posts ). My Aunt and Uncle are looking at the "Shades of Green" Resort that is used for people with military experience. I guess they get a discount for being in the military?

Just wondering if anyone has stayed there and what the accommodations are like. This resort is more difficult to find information about. I know it is currently closed any may re-open in September of 2003 and it is located between Poly and GF. Anybody have anything else?

Thanks!

It really isn't fair to give an opinion on SoG because when the resort opens, supposedly Dec 03, it will be different. The 287 rooms they originally had will be the same and the 2 pools, kiddie pool, hot tub and Evergreens will be the same, but every thing else is supposed to be different.

When I was in the military and used to stay there as a guest, I was never overly impressed with it. It was "ok" and took care of my needs; which were I wanted to stay on the DW property and could do so very frequently because of SoG. The rooms were large, which was another plus, but it definitely is not a "Disney" resort. For me, there was always a difference in attitude between the majority of employees at SoG and the Disney CMs. Now though, with what I've seen of the attitudes of a lot of the CMs, there may not be much of a difference any more.

If you're looking for a large, clean, inexpensive place to stay, it can't be beat. But, every one really will have to wait until it reopens. If they do all they said they would, it will be very nice.

 

[Hunzi]

If they do all they said they would, it will be very nice.

FirstNo,

What is it they are saying? I've never stayed at SOG, got overflow 3 times, and this time was moved to the Contemporary, but we'd definitely consider it for our next trip down the line.

I've seen the prospective drawing of the renovation, but have never really heard what was in the works other than more rooms.

I'd love to hear anything you know. Room types, facilities, amenities?

Always ;-)
Hunzi

 

[FirstNo]

Originally posted by Hunzi


FirstNo,

What is it they are saying? I've never stayed at SOG, got overflow 3 times, and this time was moved to the Contemporary, but we'd definitely consider it for our next trip down the line.

I've seen the prospective drawing of the renovation, but have never really heard what was in the works other than more rooms.

I'd love to hear anything you know. Room types, facilities, amenities?

Always ;-)
Hunzi

They will be adding (by law) more handicap rooms. Rumor had it there would be a honeymoon suite type room, but I could never confirm it. The old lobby area will become a bar (the check in desk will be used as the bar). There will be meeting rooms for small to large gatherings. More restaurants, with one being an Italian (on the scale of an Olive Garden) one. I'm not sure if the room size will be smaller or the same, but if they are smaller, it didn't look to be by much. I didn't care for the decor I saw they were going to use, but that's just one person's opinion (don't ask me now what it was, I don't remember....only remember not caring for it). At the time I left, no new pool was to be added, which I think is a mistake, but that will have to be a guest complaint to get any thing done. They will have the first parking garage on property. There will be an entirely separate area for those driving to check in and the bus embark/disembark area (used to be VERY congested before and a huge headache for both employees and guests). And the prices are going up. I had that info from the head of rooms division, but she claimed she didn't remember the exact pricing info when I asked the question of room rate increase. I'm fairly certain they will have another shopette, I just don't know where it will be.

I imagine I'm leaving out a few things, but if you do a search back, oh I don't know, 6 months?, you should see all the info I've posted on it. I used to work there and shared what I was allowed and then shared more info after I quit. I still have a friend there and she fills me in on things. She only works one day on the weekend, so my info doesn't come quickly, but it's about as reliable as it can be. Hope that helped!

 

[Jack & Monica]

Hi! I am active duty military and have stayed at Shades of Green three times (last time was Jan, 2001). While the hotel is under construction, WDW is allowing the military to get the same rates at the Contemporary Resort (Garden Wings). I will be there this January.
Historically, the SOG was designed by the Disney folks as a Golfers paradise (it is surrounded by golf courses) and was called the Disney Inn.
I have always found my stay at SOG to be outstanding. It has so many pluses that you can not lose. First it has access to all of the Disney transportation assets. Secondly, it has a ticket sales office to Orlando Attractions (still will be open while construction lasts -- only now in the Contemporary). Prices were extremely reasonable (especially in comparison to the rest of Disney World. I especially liked the 19th hole sort-of-bar/restaurant. Extremely low priced fare. It also had a tax free shopette! The standard rooms in SOG are the largest in WDW! Bottom line -- SOG is definitely my first choice of places to stay. I can only think that the new and improved version will be even better!

 

[MLAinVA]

We agree with you! My DH is retired AF, we've stayed at SOG many times, and even though we are delighted with the CR as the alternative, we're really looking forward to being back at SOG. All the reasons you gave are right on and we certainly miss the coffee cart.

We went to the Disney golf tournament last month and found the coffee cart owners are still over there, they've just moved their operation to the concession/lunch stand near the ninth hole on Magnolia golf course. It was great to see them! They are also counting the time until we're all back at SOG.