Shades vs. Other Resort

[kguenther]

My husband and I are going to WDW July 5-13. We currently have booked a room at Shades of Green for $95 a night (total rate, we pay no tax).
However, my husband in a Florida Resident (has a current drivers license, etc) and we can book at Resident Rates if they come out for July 5 and on.

What do you guys think about the possibility of those rates coming out? And do you think we should stay put or move to a diff. resort? I am willing to spend about $100 more total to stay at a "real disney" resort.
We would consider CBR, POFQ, Coronado, Poly, AKL.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[irwinm]

My question is what do you consider a "real Disney resort"? You are staying a high end luxury resort for $95 a night. You can't beat that price anywhere. The only thing SOG doesn't have is the Disney decor. Realistically, your hardly in the hotel let alone your room. Why pay more for a few mickey decorations? Wouldn't you rather have the extra cash to buy yourself some disney gifts or have a special dinner somewhere? SOG is run by military. People tend to forget that. Disney does not dictate how the hotel should be decorated. You could always pay less and stay at a Value resort if you want a true disney atmosphere. I just came back from SOG on the 26th and my stay there was great. Other than sleeping there and eating a couple of meals (at very decent prices) there I was never around the hotel. A $100 more isn't going to get you into the Poly that's for sure.

 

[AirForceRocks]

If you are talking about spending an additional $100 including the tax you'll pay for a Disney resort, you're talking about paying about $94/night. Mods were available for that rate (or less) last year with a FL resident rate, so I would definitely look into it. I would take Coronado Springs over SoG any day. It wasn't that we didn't like SoG, we just prefer the Disney resorts, and since we've always been able to get either a FL resident or AP rate, that's where we stay. I'm hoping for some good codes to come out for our trip in August!

We prefer the atmosphere of a Disney resort over SoG, but then again, we do spend time at the resort. We don't stay in the parks all day - we come back for some relaxation in the afternoon.

 

[kguenther]

I understand that the military runs Shades. And I don't think my husband and I will miss the "disney decorations."
I was concerned about the overall atmosphere, and the fact that a huge room with two queen beds really doesn't matter when you are talking about two people. So, I was worried about missing out on the atmosphere I have read so many people talking about on this board.
I was also concerned about Shades not participating in the EMH that Disney is running in May, as that could mean no extra time in the parks.
I am sure Shades is lovely, and you're probably right about not spending a ton of time in our room, but it is our anniversary trip and I just wanted to make sure we stayed in the best place possible without completely blowing our budget ($1000 for 8 nights)

Thanks!

 

[AirForceRocks]

Especially since this is an anniversary trip, I would absolutely consider Coronado Springs over Shades of Green. We stayed there in 2002 (with the kids) and absolutely loved it!! My husband remarked a number of times about wanting to come back there by ourselves when the kids are grown and out of the house (years to go on that still )

Anyway, with a budget of $1000 for 8 nights, that works out (including the 11.5% tax on Disney rooms) to about $125/night. That means that you can get a room for $109/night or less and still stay within your budget. Moderates have gone for less than that in previous years, and I've even, on rare occassions, seen Wilderness Lodge go for that rate.

I would hold onto the SoG reservation and then watch for the Florida Resident rates. I would also keep an eye out for AP rates...since you are going to be there for 8 days, it might be worth it for your DH to purchase a FL resident annual pass in order to get the room discount.

 

[suevee]

If you can get WL or AK then go for it. But for me, I enjoy the quieter atmosphere at Shades and the cheaper Pina Coladas at the pool. Sitting in the middle of 2 PGA golf courses gives SoG a very pretty setting.

 

[disneycuban]

I would go to POR if the mansions were available. It has a very relaxing atmosphere and it really is disney.

 

[Betsyt82]

Now I like the value for the money at Shades...........I like the fact that I can go and totally relax and chill. We are only in our rooms for crashing and go into the pool to play. I like the fact that I don't have to pay extra for a fridge or a coffee pot. I like the fact that it has resonable priced food.........if we want to eat on the resort.

To me it all boils down to what you really want. If you want to pay more to have a feeling of WDW then go and do so..............I would much rather have the extra cash and spend it on other things. I also like have in the inside corrodor rooms.....they seem less noisy with the bathroom buffer and the hall carpet to keep the noise of the people in the hall down.

 

[irwinm]

Bets,

I'm with you 100%

 

[AirForceRocks]

You are staying a high end luxury resort for $95 a night.

This is where I disagree. I don't consider SoG to be a "high end luxury resort". Don't get me wrong, it's very nice, and the rooms are very big, especially for the price. But I didn't find the decor to be anything above a nice Holiday Inn, and the restaurant, while inexpensive, certainly wasn't what I would consider on par with Disney resort restaurants. The location is prime, no doubt about it, but when we stayed there, we really missed the things that we have come to enjoy at Disney resorts, specifically, recreational options, room charging privileges and the overall "Disney feel".

We spend quite a bit of time at the resort, and our family wants that "Disney feel" to continue even when we aren't in the parks. When I can't get a good AP or FL resident code, we go to SoG because the price can't be beat, but otherwise, I'll happily pay the same (or less) for a Disney resort and depending on the code/resort, I'll pay a bit more.

 

[irwinm]

I guess I must look at the whole picture differently. I was told that this is a resort for the military that is inside Disney grounds. Although it's on Disney property, it's not in anyway shape or form a Disney related resort. They can't decorate it with the Disney theme. It would be like me making clothes and slapping a Liz Claiborne label on it just because I love that designer.

I wouldn't mind having all the Disney atmosphere too but the whole Disney thing is just too costly. Your absolutely right by saying that if you want that kind of atmosphere then stay somewhere else on the grounds. Disney made it possible for more people to afford it by coming up with the value resorts. I haven't seen any in person so I can't make judgements on that. Some people on this board rave about them and then some say that it's nothing more than a motel 6 with Disney wall paper.

From what I hear the Military spent 50 + million on that reconstruction. Very costly for just a Holiday Inn look. maybe they should have contracted a better designer for that money. They aren't done yet, there will be more perks added soon.

Overall it's a great get away for us military folks.

 

[AirForceRocks]

I was told that this is a resort for the military that is inside Disney grounds. Although it's on Disney property, it's not in anyway shape or form a Disney related resort. They can't decorate it with the Disney theme. It would be like me making clothes and slapping a Liz Claiborne label on it just because I love that designer.

You're right, it isn't owned or run by Disney, but I highly doubt that Disney would forbid them to decorate with a Disney theme. And truthfully, there's no reason that SoG should feel that they have to. It is very popular the way it is, and it's a great deal, no doubt about it.

I wouldn't mind having all the Disney atmosphere too but the whole Disney thing is just too costly.

Yes, it can be more expensive. Or it can be the same or less. The last time I stayed at Coronado Springs, I paid $79/night plus tax, which was less than I would have paid at SoG. Yes, the rooms were smaller, but they were fine for us.

Very costly for just a Holiday Inn look.

I was referring to the interior of the rooms. The resort grounds are gorgeous, but I didn't find the rooms to be anything near high end or luxury, but that's just my opinion.

Overall it's a great get away for us military folks.

ITA. I'm not slamming SoG, I'm just saying that given a choice when the prices are comparable, we choose a Disney resort.

 

[irwinm]

I didn't think you were slamming SOG. Sometimes it's hard to convey what your saying in an email. My tone was very friendly, honest.

I actually would have preferred one of the old rooms versus the new ones. I was expecting more after hearing what they spent. It felt smaller. But, I'm never there except to sleep anyways. That's just us, I know everyone has their own thing to do.

I agree that the Shades will never have a problem filling those rooms, Disney atmosphere or not. Personally, I like the theme at the Poly but I would have to win the lottery to pay those prices.

I have never seen the Coranodo Springs up close and personal. Someday, I should take a ride and check out it out. I did look at the Boardwalk this time out and that was one gorgeous place but again way out of my price range. I must have champagne taste on a beer salary.

Take care and I mean that.

 

[AirForceRocks]

I would LOVE to stay at the Poly, but that's way out of our price range as well. Ah, to win the lottery...

 

[kguenther]

You guys are cracking me up!
I guess all the people's comments of this board about resorts made me start second guessing my decision to stay at Shades...
However, the pics online don't really do anything for me at anything but the delux resorts, and Shades is definitely a better deal than those. But they are beautiful!

We are not planning on eating in the hotel much at all, but will probably eat breakfast there, and Shades does have that free fridge...

Really the MAIN reason I even started questioning it is that we may pay LESS with tax at a Moderate because we are FL residents, and the fact that Shades is not participating in the current EMH promo.

I am torn between supporting them because I really like that they offer great deal to military, and I am torn between trying something "everyday" people like!

Does this make sense?

 

[irwinm]

Hi Kim,

If you do decide to stay at the Shades, the breakfast buffet was very decent. $7.50 per person. You could order off the menu al la carte. It's quicker to do the buffet. I did try to order just french toast and waited quite a bit of time to find out later that they ran out. I thought $7.50 wasn't bad considering you can eat a variety of food and all you want. I'm not a big eater but I would probably spend that much at a regular restaurant at home. Now, for the frig. it is small. Kind of like a dorm size. We did get a lot in there. I had pudding cups, yogurts, a half gallon of juice , 4 water bottles and a pint of half & half. I could have squeezed more in but that was all that needed refrigeration. We brought bagels & english muffins. I snuck in a toaster....shhhhh don't tell. Your not suppose to bring that kind of stuff in but we hid it from the maid. it was kind of nice to eat that on the day your running to a park. On the days off when we didn't have to get up so early is when we did the buffet downstairs. Another money saver was while at the parks, especially with the counter service places. I ordered the child's portion. It filled me up and saved me about $2.00 to $2.50. My sister is a Fl resident. Maybe we should have checked prices going that route instead of me staying at the Shades. I understand your dilema. I would have to see both places in person and then make a decision. I'm sure no matter where you stay, your trip will be wonderful. Good Luck.

 

[kguenther]

I really appreciate that info, Irwinm!

My husband wants to try Shades (he's in the Air Force), and with the benefits of a pretty good location, big rooms, and well priced breakfast, etc. I think we've made a good choice. I just can't help second-guessing myself after reading so many good reviews on CSR, POFQ, etc.

In the future, as his rank increases (because it costs more), it may not be such a good deal, since we can always get resident rates on Moderates.

I have two more questions: Can we drive our rental car over to the Poly and then use the monorail? Or is it easier to just drive yourself to whichever park you are going to that day?

And, does Shades have a bar, or a place we can order drinks in the evening, and take them to our room? And do they sell wine or liquor there at all?

Thanks!

 

[AirForceRocks]

If you don't mind a short stroll (about 10 minutes), you can walk to the Poly and catch the monorail. It's along a path, and you have to cross one two-lane road and you're at the Poly!

 

[irwinm]

Yes, you can drive over to the Poly and use the monorail there. You can also walk. It's only about a 7 - 10 minute walk. I thought I would do that myself but after I got there I found that the bus scheduled worked out great. We would get outside at 8:30 and the bus was there. It takes you to the transportation center and you just hop on the monorail. After our day was done, we took the mononrail back to the transportation center and was very fortunate that the bus was right there waiting. I never had to wait or fight crowds. Try the bus system first to see how it works for you. Before you get off the bus ask the driver at what times they are usually there. I was just lucky that I didn't have to wait. I know for sure that the bus leaves the hotel every 15 minutes.

The Evergreens restaurant is actually a sportsbar. You can eat hotdogs, burgers, sandwiches, chick fingers, and even pizza there. The food there is pretty good and again the prices are like at home. Also the portions are good size. I kind of liked it better than the Garden Gallery. They have a bar in there that serves drinks but I don't know if you can take them out. I'm sure you could, plus they have TV's in there if you wanted to hang there and have a few drinks. The AFFES had those little liquor bottles if you wanted to purchase those for your room.

I'm so use to staying at the Shades that I have never ventured out to try any of the moderate resorts. Maybe some day....but I would definitely like to see it in person first. I already know what I'm getting at the Shades. But, for less money, I might switch. I'm almost tempted to tell you to ask for an old room. But, this is my personal opinion and I wouldn't want to persuade you either way. I just kind of liked the old section better. Nothing wrong with the new.... it's just with the old room they had a pull out couch plus a table and chairs separated with a half wall which gave an appareance of a bigger room. Maybe it was just me.

You can hang out at the Poly pool & beach if you wanted to. The Poly pool has a neat volcano water slide. You just have to act like you own the place because they frown upon others using the pool. The beach is open for anyone and is very pretty. Also, the Poly has a ferry boat that takes you to the Magic Kingdom or the Grand Floridian if you felt like going over there and checking them out. I have no idea the times that the ferry boat runs. I was just there and saw it and we hop on it and went over to the Grand Floridian for kicks. That's my all time favorite hotel and we got to peek into the rooms. Nice but for the money....I can't see it.

 

[SeeDisney]

HI Irwin,


I like reading your very informative posts! I may copy your idea about the toaster, I won't tell .


A question, I have my itinerary typed out already, I plan a dinner at Whispering Canyon at Wilderness Lodge and Hoope de doo at Fort Wilderness. Do you know if the ferrys from the Poly go to those hotels? It would be so fun for my children to do different transportations.