Shades of Green ?

[carissanboys]

Not sure where to post this question as SOG isn't technically a Disney Resort, but figured this board would be my best bet.

I was just checking out the SOG website and am wondering if someone can confirm what I read. It looks as if they will no longer be charging for a refrigerator in your room, that all rooms will now have one? And that there will now be early entry allowed to some of the parks?

Is this right?

 

[jsmith]

Last time I staid at SOG-6 years ago, we had a fridge at no charge and got early entry days same as any other disney guests so I don't know what would have changed.

 

[carissanboys]

I've never been there myself, but when I was doing my research I'd read that they charge $5 a night for a fridge in the room and that the early entry to the parks was no longer available.

 

[dandave]

carissanboys, I understand your questions. I have only stayed at SOG once in 1997. I loved the resort. I do not remember having a fridge in the room for free, however.
I have read the SOG FAQ on allears.net here:
http://allearsnet.com/acc/faq_sog.htm

and it links to another sight that says the fridge is $5, here:
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/DMatheke/

I also do not understand the "non-smoking" resort part. Allears says that while the resort is non-smoking, that there are ashtrays on the patios and balconies.

Does anyone know if you are allowed to smoke on the balcony?

 

[jsmith]

I have been investigating Shades as a place to take my DH's R&R from Iraqi Freedom and they R&R package definately includes early entry so I am a little confused about that.

As for the non-smoking thing-ALL military and US government buildings are non-smoking so it stands to reason that SOG would be also-however, I would guess they allow smoking outdoors, such as on balconies, just like any other military building.

 

[TinkKel]

I think fridges are included in the price now, because they will be in all the rooms...it's part of the renovations, along with new mattresses, bedspreads, paint, etc. (which will be in all rooms, not just the "new" rooms) I think the only thing you'll have to add extra for is that they'll have a new key-board thing that goes to the TV where you can have internet access.

 

[beatlebailey]

i had asked about this on friday when i called so yes the rooms come with refrigerators and we get early entry to the parks. but my family always sleeps in on vacation so we dont use it. but it was on the recording while i was on hold

 

[dandave]

Thanks for the info! I would like to be able to smoke on the balcony. I wouldn't smoke in the room, anyway.
A free fridge will be nice, as well.

 

[Sleepy]

Originally posted by dandave
Thanks for the info! I would like to be able to smoke on the balcony. I wouldn't smoke in the room, anyway.
A free fridge will be nice, as well.

My husband always smokes on the balcony, but was sure not to drop ashes below as there could be people on the lower floors. I have seen others smoke outside too.

 

[TY31088]

We have stayed at SOG many times, the most recent was Jan 2001. All the rooms we have stayed in had ashtrays on the balcony and I believe they had ashtrays at the pool too. THe brochure clearly said "non-smoking resort" but it obviously wasn't enforced. I guess if your smoke is offending someone they will have grounds to complain.

The following info was taken from their website:

"Standard rooms include 2 Queen size beds, single sleeper sofa, coffee pot, refrigerator, in room safe, hair dryer, alarm clock radio, iron and ironing board."

So I would say the frig will be free. Makes me happy!

We had early entry just like the Disney Resorts.

Two buses ran at that time.
Route #1 ran every 20 minutes to the Ticket and Transportation Center (isn't that what they call it).

Route #2 ran hourly to MGM Studio, Animal Kingdom, and Blizzard Beach.

I guess the bus service could change though.

One more thing, back then you could buy beer in the little store they had if you had military ID. DOD cilivans could not buy beer there. I think this applied to tobacco too.

We can't wait to go back.

I hope you enjoy it,
Ty

 

[dandave]

Sleepy and TY31088, Thank you both for the "smoking" info. Few want to touch the subject, so I really appreciate the first-hand knowledge.

TY31088, You brought up a point that I have been wondering about- purchases at the gift-shop. When I last stayed there, DH was Active Duty Guard.
Does anyone know if we will be able to purchase things in the gift shop at SOG with a DOD ID? We won't need to purchase alcohol or tobacco, but I'd certainly like to be able to buy things like milk and juice at my resort...

 

[madelyn]

We were there in Jan 2001 through my dad who is retired DOD. I did not have any kind of military ID and I was able to purchase items in the shop there. I did not try to purchase alcohol or tobacco though.

 

[dandave]

Thank you, madelyn!

 

[carissanboys]

Thanks to everyone for your replies!

 

[Sleepy]

I hope the gift shop remains as nice as the one they had before they closed. It was nice knowing that if you had an ailment, there was a small section in the gift shop with lots of over the counter stuff and other toilerty items one might not think to bring on vacation. The baby needs section was impressive too.

 

[Sleepy]

Originally posted by TY31088
All the rooms we have stayed in had ashtrays on the balcony and I believe they had ashtrays at the pool too. THe brochure clearly said "non-smoking resort" but it obviously wasn't enforced. I guess if your smoke is offending someone they will have grounds to complain.

I always thought that meant you could not smoke INSIDE the hotel since ashtrays were outside..

 

[TY31088]

dandave, We could buy everything but beer and I think tobacco.

Ty

 

[FirstNo]

Originally posted by Sleepy
I always thought that meant you could not smoke INSIDE the hotel since ashtrays were outside..

Exactly. It's been illegal to smoke inside a federally owned building for a few years now. Of course, you can't exactly go around to every ones' rooms as the sniffing police and ask if you can smell their room to see if they're smoking. Did rude and selfish people smoke in the rooms any way? Sure they did, but it's hard to catch them in the act. You just have to hope karma catches up to them one day (and it will) and housekeeping can get that disgusting stench out.