SOG and Planning for January Questions ~ Help

[ArmyWifey1974]

Sorry for yet another Shades of Green Question, but the search button isn't up so I am hoping that someone can help me out... Ok , hubby just surprised me by telling me that he is going to take leave at the end of January and we are going to WDW arriving Jan 24th - departing 28th ... I am wanting to make our reservations through Shades of Green because we got a great rate for the Contemporary last June...I just checked their website and they do have my dates open for now... Is January usually a busy month for them? , I am planning on waiting until beg/mid January to make the actual reservations.. Although Shades of Green seems nice from what I have read on the boards I was hoping to get an overflow rate for the Yacht / Beach Club, or Grand Floridian or some other deluxe hotel.. So my questions are: If Shades of Green has an opening for my dates can I still get an overflow rate or discount for one of the other hotels? and Has anyone ever got a good rate for the Grand Floridian through Shades of Green? ...... Any tips or suggestions are appreciated ... Thanks so much ! ~ Janet

 

[Duckfan]

it is my understanding that they don't do overflow rates unless Shades is full first. That doesn't happen as often as it used to because it is so much bigger now. However, it is a very nice place to stay and only a short (about 10 min) walk to the Poly and you can catch the monorail from there. I don't think Jan is nearly as busy as June. Hope someone has better answers

 

[Harligirl]

I don't think SOG will fill up in Jan unless there is something going on- like the Marathon in the beginning of the month and maybe MLK weekend....

They only do overflow rates if they are in fact completely booked...although if any of your days falls on a booked day, then you are all set.

We just came back and the hotel is really beautiful. It was an amazing trip and I think the fact of hotel location and its overall appeal had alot to do with that!

Have fun planning!
Lisa

 

[FirstNo]

Sorry for yet another Shades of Green Question, but the search button isn't up so I am hoping that someone can help me out... Ok , hubby just surprised me by telling me that he is going to take leave at the end of January and we are going to WDW arriving Jan 24th - departing 28th ... I am wanting to make our reservations through Shades of Green because we got a great rate for the Contemporary last June...I just checked their website and they do have my dates open for now... Is January usually a busy month for them? , I am planning on waiting until beg/mid January to make the actual reservations.. Although Shades of Green seems nice from what I have read on the boards I was hoping to get an overflow rate for the Yacht / Beach Club, or Grand Floridian or some other deluxe hotel.. So my questions are: If Shades of Green has an opening for my dates can I still get an overflow rate or discount for one of the other hotels? and Has anyone ever got a good rate for the Grand Floridian through Shades of Green? ...... Any tips or suggestions are appreciated ... Thanks so much ! ~ Janet

Prior to the expansion, SoG was the only hotel in the country with an occupancy rate that was always in the upper 90th percentile. That means it was either sold out, or close to it, every night. I don't know how their rate has been since reopening, but in the past, yes, they were sold out most nights, including those in the 'off season' (don't forget, they have a waiting list and would call guests off that list to fill up).

When I worked resvs there a few years ago, I saw rates as low as $189/nt for the GF. Seeing how rates usually go up each year, I would say you could count on that rate being closer to $200/nt and that does NOT include tax.

If things have remained the same, after the holidays, there will be a big surge in reservations as people start planning for the summer (Jan through mid Apr was resvs 'busy' season). So, if you're going to wait until mid Jan to try and snag overflow, just remember, you might have a long wait on the phone.

 

[Mickey Fliers]

In the past we have gotten great overflow rates as well. However, that was before the expansion. SOG will not give you an overflow rate unless they are full. Also, check mousesavers.com after the new year and check and see if Disney has put out any military rates. The current mil. rate is expiring 12/24. I was able to get YC concierge for $250/night. Hope this helps.

 

[Maddle]

You will not be disappointed if you stay at the Shades of Green. It is a beautiful, classy place. The restaurants, bars, and pools are terrific, and affordable. It is a very quiet atmosphere. You should see how it is decorated for Christmas, although that is not relevant to your January timeframe.

I have stayed at the Contemporary twice, (once in the Tower, and once in the North Wing) and it is an exciting place to be....but once you've been to the SOG, you won't miss it. (Okay, I did miss the monorail access, but I got over that easily enough.) I don't want to bash the Contemporary, because I had a good time when I stayed there....but I was more impressed with the SOG.

My only complaint at SOG was the long walk to the rooms, and to the facilities - it is quite spread out.....but we had quite a hike to both rooms at the CR.

If you wind up staying somewhere besides SOG, be sure to take some time for a visit, maybe have a drink at the bar, or dinner at one of the restaurants.

Maddle