Shades of Green

[kristinradico]

If you could classify SOG..... would it be a Value, Moderate or Deluxe??

 

[vettegirl]

Deluxe

 

[bdcp]

It was a deluxe when it was a Disney Property and still fits the definition of a deluxe. We love staying there.

 

[OurBigTrip]

I would describe the grounds as deluxe, the room size as deluxe, but the room decor and dining as between a value and moderate.

 

[Momoftwins+1]

Moderate at best. Inside of rooms...value (think any military hotel furnishings) . The outside grounds/main area could give a deluxe label but after you leave the lobby area/grounds, not so much. JMO though...there are lots that think its deluxe all the way.

 

[BeerMe]

Deluxe. Definitely.

 

[wdwrich]

Another vote for deluxe. Inside corridors for room access, much larger rooms than any moderate or value (even larger than most Disney deluxe rooms), and as already mentioned, when it was Disney-owned it was a deluxe resort.

 

[goofynut41]

I think Deluxe also... Its just not themed like other Disney properties...
Love!!!

 

[OurBigTrip]

Moderate at best. Inside of rooms...value (think any military hotel furnishings) . The outside grounds/main area could give a deluxe label but after you leave the lobby area/grounds, not so much. JMO though...there are lots that think its deluxe all the way.

I thought the same thing - I felt like I was in TLF. Beautiful grounds though, and you can't beat the price.

 

[wiigirl]

Deluxe. Definitely.

 

[Pooh2]

Deluxe. I thought the buildings and grounds and location are just as nice and with a similar theme as Wilderness Lodge (except for the pools). The price makes it a wonderful value.

 

[bdcp]

I think Deluxe also... Its just not themed like other Disney properties...
Love!!!

That would be because it's not a Disney property. Therein lies the problem. Some want to compare it to Disney properties and it's just not. It's not supposed to be. It's an interior hallway hotel which makes it a deluxe by Disney's own standards though. It does amaze me that some expect it to be luxurious when it's self-supporting at those great rates. But, for what it is, it's wonderful. Staying there is unlike staying anywhere else on property for many reasons. Most of us who stay there understand why.

 

[OurBigTrip]

That would be because it's not a Disney property. Therein lies the problem. Some want to compare it to Disney properties and it's just not. It's not supposed to be. It's an interior hallway hotel which makes it a deluxe by Disney's own standards though. It does amaze me that some expect it to be luxurious when it's self-supporting at those great rates. But, for what it is, it's wonderful. Staying there is unlike staying anywhere else on property for many reasons. Most of us who stay there understand why.

I agree that the grounds and surroundings are gorgeous - among the prettiest on Disney property. And there were trips when we wouldn't have been able to stay on-site if not for SoG - it's a wonderful benefit. I would recommend that anyone that is eligible give it a try, as the price can't be beat for on-site rooms of that size and location.

But when I think of deluxe accommodations at Disney, I consider the room decor/furniture and dining options. For me, this is where SoG falls short. I would certainly stay there again if I couldn't get a good deal at a Disney-owned resort, but I personally don't consider it a deluxe resort.

It is what is intended to be - a beautiful complex on Disney grounds that makes it affordable for military families to stay on-site when they otherwise might not be able to.

 

[kristinradico]

Thank you all! We stayed at SOG 8 years ago pre children. I really enjoy the theming at Disney hotels. It is easier to compare it to other hotels knowing this.

 

[lanejudy]

... It is what is intended to be - a beautiful complex on Disney grounds that makes it affordable for military families to stay on-site when they otherwise might not be able to.

Well, it was not initially built for military families...

It was a deluxe when it was a Disney Property and still fits the definition of a deluxe. We love staying there.

Probably more closely this, though at the time WDW really didn't have anything like the current deluxe-moderate-value designations for the resorts. When it opened in the early 70's it was originally called The Golf Resort, due to it's location near the Palm and Magnolia golf courses. The Grand Floridian hadn't even been built yet. But it is designed most closely like the current deluxe resorts with the interior corridors. At some point it was renamed the "Disney Inn" to attract more than just golfers, and then eventually the government first leased and then bought the property to be "Shades of Green" for military families to enjoy.

 

[wdwrich]

Well, it was not initially built for military families...

Very true, but that certainly is the intent now.

 

[bdcp]

Well, it was not initially built for military families...



Probably more closely this, though at the time WDW really didn't have anything like the current deluxe-moderate-value designations for the resorts. When it opened in the early 70's it was originally called The Golf Resort, due to it's location near the Palm and Magnolia golf courses. The Grand Floridian hadn't even been built yet. But it is designed most closely like the current deluxe resorts with the interior corridors. At some point it was renamed the "Disney Inn" to attract more than just golfers, and then eventually the government first leased and then bought the property to be "Shades of Green" for military families to enjoy.

From what I can remember, while the AFRC "owns" the buildings, the land is still owned by Disney and was originally leased for 100 years. As the Disney Inn, it was never as popular as the other resorts because people identified it as a place where golfers stayed. We just love the atmosphere and the camaraderie at SOG. The resort operates at almost 100% capacity year round. The first time we stayed there in 1998, before the renovations and expansion, our boys were 12 and 14. It was so easy to use and was such a great deal that we can't imagine staying anywhere else. Even with discounts, we can't beat the price for the size.

 

[OurBigTrip]

Well, it was not initially built for military families...



Probably more closely this, though at the time WDW really didn't have anything like the current deluxe-moderate-value designations for the resorts. When it opened in the early 70's it was originally called The Golf Resort, due to it's location near the Palm and Magnolia golf courses. The Grand Floridian hadn't even been built yet. But it is designed most closely like the current deluxe resorts with the interior corridors. At some point it was renamed the "Disney Inn" to attract more than just golfers, and then eventually the government first leased and then bought the property to be "Shades of Green" for military families to enjoy.

Yes, I know the history of the resort, I'm speaking more of what the intention was when the military took over the hotel.