Originally posted by pewing
Thanks for offering to endure my questions 
Let's see...
How hard is it to get a reservation? How far in advance have you made plans?
It has been difficult in the past. Call 53 weeks prior to when you want to go to ensure you get your dates, even then you can be put on the waiting list. It sells out fast or at least it has in the past.
How are the rates (I hear 'good' for a deluxe, but haven't heard any exact numbers)?
Rates are based on rank so since your dad was a retired O-5 the rate is listed below:
O-4 through O-6, CW-4 and CW-5, GS-11 through GS-15, and NF-4 and NF-5:
15 Dec 03 thru Sep 2004 - Standard room $101.00 Poolside room $111.00
Effective Oct 2004 - Standard room $104.00 Poolside room $114.00 (Rooms sleep 5)
They also have suites which are the same price regardless of rank and getting a larger one might work out better (you'll have larger meeting place)
Junior Suite - All Ranks/Grades (sleeps 6) $200.00
Suite - All Ranks/Grades (sleeps 8) $225.00
Where is it located?) It is not run by WDW. Is it still like other Disney resorts Any other tips?
It is located right near the Poly, near two golf courses. It's a short walk from SOG to the Poly. It's not like other Disney resorts but for the price I found it to be excellent when we stayed there. You'll get lots of varying opinions but I didn't really find it lacking "Disneyness" like some folks do. We recently stayed at the Contemporary and seriously other than the hidden Mickey's, the shampoo and the daily Mickey wake up call it was no different than staying at the SOG
for us 
