SOG, my thoughts...

[cocowum]

We just returned from a split stay at AKL and SOG. I already posted a separate thread about AKL. We were in room 4141 near the garage.

SOG positives
The price.
A beautiful resort.
Very close to parks.
Large rooms.
Pleasant staff.

SOG negatives
The room was very plain. It felt like we were off site.
I really did miss the Disney magic.
No life guards at the pool.
Towels only available at the main pool, which closed at 8:00pm.
Garden gallery buffet was awful. It was mess hall quality food.
Mangino's was equally bad. My DH had chicken parm. It was terrible.
He also had calamari which was good. DD and I ordered spaghetti and meat balls. Gross. The spaghetti was drenched with butter.
Low water pressure and really noisy pipes.
Thin walls we could hear everyone in the hallway and I could hear our neighbors TV each morning.
Ordered take out at Evergreens and staff behind counter were very rude.

So would I stay there again...probably not. Was it a great value absolutely. But I would rather pay a little more for the Disney feel. We like to be completely immersed in the Disney magic and SOG felt more like a Hilton. We are only a family of 3 so the larger room size is not really an issue. When we stayed at AKL we wanted to come back for an afternoon break but at SOG there was no real desire to return. We are planning another trip in AUG an this time we will try POP.

This is just my opinion and I hope I don't get flamed too badly for expressing it.

 

[bdcp]

SOG exists so lower income military can stay on property. My DH happens to be an O-6 reservist and we could stay anywhere, but we love it anyway. From what I see, most of your positives are things you can't control. Your negatives you could. Where you eat in particular. Most hotels do not have lifeguards on duty. I've stayed on site in a WDW hotel and in SOG, and I still don't know what you mean by "disney magic". If it's soap or a Mickey wake up call, I don't need either. Soap is soap and we wake up fine with an alarm or on our own. It's a great deal for the size of rooms and we picked it over other properties for our trip this fall (just the two of us) because it makes financial sense. We get our Disney fix in the parks. We also eat all over WDW and dont' pick a hotel based on food. I think it's a great deal for those that can't afford to stay anywhere else for the size of the room and kudos go to the active duty who have been away and need a vacation. BTW, where are your AKL negatives and positives? I know it wasn't perfect. Yes, it's your opinion, but a lot of people who stay there would need two rooms elsewhere and couldn't afford it. Did you complain to SOG or just here?

 

[cocowum]

SOG exists so lower income military can stay on property. My DH happens to be an O-6 reservist and we could stay anywhere, but we love it anyway. From what I see, most of your positives are things you can't control. Your negatives you could. Where you eat in particular. Most hotels do not have lifeguards on duty. I've stayed on site in a WDW hotel and in SOG, and I still don't know what you mean by "disney magic". If it's soap or a Mickey wake up call, I don't need either. Soap is soap and we wake up fine with an alarm or on our own. It's a great deal for the size of rooms and we picked it over other properties for our trip this fall (just the two of us) because it makes financial sense. We get our Disney fix in the parks. We also eat all over WDW and dont' pick a hotel based on food. I think it's a great deal for those that can't afford to stay anywhere else for the size of the room and kudos go to the active duty who have been away and need a vacation. BTW, where are your AKL negatives and positives? I know it wasn't perfect. Yes, it's your opinion, but a lot of people who stay there would need two rooms elsewhere and couldn't afford it. Did you complain to SOG or just here?

I knew someone would become defensive. I didn't complain to SOG because as you said they were my choices. There was nothing to complain about. I just posted my opinion here, just like you just did. I'm glad you love SOG and I agree it's wonderful thing to offer service members. I was active duty and my DH is still active duty and has served in Iraq. We are very proud to be an Army family. And we know how tight the budget can be. We think it's wonderful that it's available to us. That being said we probably won't stay again because We felt something was missing. I find it hilarious that you "know our stay at AKL wasn't perfect" It's too bad you feel the need to attack me for my opinion.

Here is a link to my post about AKL if you are interested. BTW it was perfect. For us.

I hope you have great stay at SOG.

 

[debm]

Cocowum---I felt very bad for you after I read the first response. I don't think you were trying to cut down SOG. You had some very positive things to stay. Actually we feel the same way you do. It is a beautiful resort but we just don't feel the same when we stay there as when we stay somewhere else on property. We have stayed there 3 or 4 times but now that we own DVC that is what we do usually. We did stay there for 2 nights in January though. It was funny because the day that we left to switch to the Poly--we have always wanted to try staying there so thought we would splurge---my oldest DS11 says, "Mom I'm glad we're moving because I just don't feel like it is Disney." Now he didn't say it mean but it was like we were just off property--although we love waling to the Poly to catch the monorail. My parents dearly LOVE SOG. They can't believe that we don't stay there for our entire stay. Now we did have a good experience at the pool side diner but it upset me that they tried to keep the pool area so quiet. We would get home from the parks and try to swim at 9PM and we would be hushed by security. We were not screaming but making normal sounds. That was frustrating to me. We were constantly having to tell the kids to be quiet so that we didn't feel like they were going to make us leave the pool. Anyhow...we had a nice stay but we just really like to be at one of the Disney resorts. It was great for us years ago but now our priorities have changed, as it sounds like yours are different too. I felt like you were just giving your opinion and that is what people are looking for on these boards so that they can make their own decision. So thanks for posting!

 

[AllyBri]

I was active duty and my DH is still active duty and has served in Iraq.

Just want to say thanks to you and your DH.

 

[cocowum]

Thanks for the kind words

 

[Sleepy]

SOG exists so lower income military can stay on property. My DH happens to be an O-6 reservist and we could stay anywhere, but we love it anyway.

SOG has nothing to do with rank ....except when you pay for your room. After that, you are just another person enjoying Disney.

 

[BuckNaked]

Cocowum---I felt very bad for you after I read the first response. I don't think you were trying to cut down SOG. You had some very positive things to stay. Actually we feel the same way you do. It is a beautiful resort but we just don't feel the same when we stay there as when we stay somewhere else on property. We have stayed there 3 or 4 times but now that we own DVC that is what we do usually. We did stay there for 2 nights in January though. It was funny because the day that we left to switch to the Poly--we have always wanted to try staying there so thought we would splurge---my oldest DS11 says, "Mom I'm glad we're moving because I just don't feel like it is Disney." Now he didn't say it mean but it was like we were just off property--although we love waling to the Poly to catch the monorail. My parents dearly LOVE SOG. They can't believe that we don't stay there for our entire stay. Now we did have a good experience at the pool side diner but it upset me that they tried to keep the pool area so quiet. We would get home from the parks and try to swim at 9PM and we would be hushed by security. We were not screaming but making normal sounds. That was frustrating to me. We were constantly having to tell the kids to be quiet so that we didn't feel like they were going to make us leave the pool. Anyhow...we had a nice stay but we just really like to be at one of the Disney resorts. It was great for us years ago but now our priorities have changed, as it sounds like yours are different too. I felt like you were just giving your opinion and that is what people are looking for on these boards so that they can make their own decision. So thanks for posting!

We feel the same way!! SoG is indeed a beautiful resort, but it is not our first choice. There are some people that seem to take it personally because some of us would prefer not to stay at SoG...not sure why, since it certainly doesn't affect where THEY stay, other than making more rooms available for them.

We too miss the "Disney magic" when we are at SoG, and no, it isn't just soaps and Mickey wake-up calls. It is the total theming of the resort, the feeling that even when we leave the parks, we're still in Disney World. Having young children (11 & 8), we especially enjoy the themed pools with slides (and lifeguards). In addition, we love the convenience of being able to charge everything to our room. And to be perfectly honest, I've seen AAFES almost every day for the past 18+ years...I don't mind not having to see it when I'm on vacation.

For us, SoG is a great place for buying tickets and getting overflow discounts on Disney resorts. While I understand it isn't the same for others, that's what works best for us.

 

[Sherrypooh]

I can see both sides. I have stayed at SOG last July and then moved to CBR, but this time in May we are staying at SOG. My first and foremost reason to stay there is the size of the rooms. I am heading down with two teenagers and we need all the room we can get. True, it is not "disney magic" but for what you pay you can't beat it. To each his/her own I say.

 

[nrsldy]

I personally love SOG. We have stayed at other resorts and always go back to SOG. Sorry your stay was lacking.

 

[BuckNaked]

I can see both sides. I have stayed at SOG last July and then moved to CBR, but this time in May we are staying at SOG. My first and foremost reason to stay there is the size of the rooms. I am heading down with two teenagers and we need all the room we can get. True, it is not "disney magic" but for what you pay you can't beat it. To each his/her own I say.

ITA - if our kids were older, or if DH and I were going by ourselves, I can definitely see us staying at SoG. But for now, we are able to get (for us) the Disney magic at a comparable (if not lower) price than SoG.

 

[disneygirl46]

I beleive in being real, that is what thebanker is doing, the reason for disboards is for your comments & suggestions, there was a long line & I did have to wait a long while & my kids were already tired from the flight and have to go to the bottom level, also who is responsible for lost lugagge, I also took my time just to see how my bags were handle & what I say was not what I expected, the girl that at that time was doing the luggage was throwing the bags and I wonder who will walk away with anybody's luggage...But just like anything new we will see. I beleive I'am better off just having a transportation transport me & my family or take a cab. My family & I are here to enjoy our vacation & go as smooth as possible, so I will stick with a private transportation or a cab..... ..There is always a first, and I went for the free ride, I will go back in a private vehicle.....

 

[Tina1]

This is our first time staying at SOG 15-20 May.Just wanted to thank you for your opinion of the restaurants. I've been trying to decide if we want to try the food at this resort. Now I think I'll pass and eat somewere else. We have PS at many other restaurants, I just hate to spend money on bad food. Don't let the GRUMPY people get you down . I'm not sure whats going on with this forum, but they have been quite a few people in a bad mood. Maybe they don't have anyone at home to take it out on . Once again thanks for the post. Tina

 

[BuckNaked]

I beleive in being real, that is what thebanker is doing, the reason for disboards is for your comments & suggestions, there was a long line & I did have to wait a long while & my kids were already tired from the flight and have to go to the bottom level, also who is responsible for lost lugagge, I also took my time just to see how my bags were handle & what I say was not what I expected, the girl that at that time was doing the luggage was throwing the bags and I wonder who will walk away with anybody's luggage...But just like anything new we will see. I beleive I'am better off just having a transportation transport me & my family or take a cab. My family & I are here to enjoy our vacation & go as smooth as possible, so I will stick with a private transportation or a cab..... ..There is always a first, and I went for the free ride, I will go back in a private vehicle.....

What does this have to do with SoG?

Not to mention, interesting topic for one's very first post...

 

[cocowum]

I beleive in being real, that is what thebanker is doing, the reason for disboards is for your comments & suggestions, there was a long line & I did have to wait a long while & my kids were already tired from the flight and have to go to the bottom level, also who is responsible for lost lugagge, I also took my time just to see how my bags were handle & what I say was not what I expected, the girl that at that time was doing the luggage was throwing the bags and I wonder who will walk away with anybody's luggage...But just like anything new we will see. I beleive I'am better off just having a transportation transport me & my family or take a cab. My family & I are here to enjoy our vacation & go as smooth as possible, so I will stick with a private transportation or a cab..... ..There is always a first, and I went for the free ride, I will go back in a private vehicle.....

What does this have to do with SoG?

Not to mention, interesting topic for one's very first post...

I was confused by this post as well.

 

[Sleepy]

We too miss the "Disney magic" when we are at SoG, and no, it isn't just soaps and Mickey wake-up calls. It is the total theming of the resort, the feeling that even when we leave the parks, we're still in Disney World. Having young children (11 & 8), we especially enjoy the themed pools with slides (and lifeguards). In addition, we love the convenience of being able to charge everything to our room.

You have done a good job of describing Disney theming to someone who never stayed at a Disney hotel. I do understand the pool thing and i agree being able to charge stuff would be a huge plus. However, I still don't understand (for the most part), how most of the hotels could make one feel like they are at Disney. Take Wilderness Lodge and Polynesian. I don't see where they would make one feel more at Disney than SOG (the way it looks today). Once outside the gates of the parks and off the buses, you are just in a hotel. And once in your room, unless there are tons of things inside that scream Disney, how does it make you feel you are more in that magical feel? Sorry, but I just don't get it other than being able to say I am in a Disney hotel.

 

[DawnCt1]

We are going for 10 days and are staying at SoG. We often split our stay but this time we are staying there for the entire time. The main reason for that decision is BIL. He will only take his family to WDW if he can stay at SoG FOR THE GOLF!!! He can only go if we sponsor him. I can't say its what they can afford because DH is an 06 so they will pay our rate which may well exceed the moderates with the discount and tax. I don't disagree with some of the negatives. The food could be a LOT better, particularly the buffets although we have found the Sunday night prime rib buffet the best of all of them. The fruit on the breakfast buffet in the past has been canned. Just because it is "military" doesn't mean that it has to serve mess hall quality food. The food at the Hale Koa is fabulous. We have never had a bad meal there, so quality food can be produced. SoG needs to work on it. Now that my kids are older, the "magic" doesn't matter to me as much. We need room space as both families will have five in each room. The life guard at the pool? Doesn't matter. Even at the WDW pools it never mattered to me because parents should be watching their own children. Since the life guards are VERY BUSY, its obvious that some parents don't so they are needed.
I have never noticed a problem with the water pressure. SoG used to be the Golf Resort and then the Disney Inn so I would think that they have the same plumbing issues in the hotels that are of similar age. I have also never encountered rude employees. That isn't to say that they don't exist but it tends to be the luck of the draw. Conversely I have encountered rude cast members but then we have stayed in far more WDW resorts than we have stayed at SoG. For years I waited for overflow rates and avoided SoG. The first time I stayed there it was for a split stay. We left the Yacht Club and went to SoG. Frankly, it was a welcomed reprieve. It was quiet, peaceful, there was room at the pool, I could read my book. There was no line to be seated for meals and the drinks were affordable. I haven't seen the new addition. I will probably request something in the old section to be closer to the pool and the lobby so perhaps I will have a different opinion when I come home. We will see.

 

[cocowum]

I'm not sure whats going on with this forum, but they have been quite a few people in a bad mood. Maybe they don't have anyone at home to take it out on . Once again thanks for the post. Tina

It sure has gotten rough around here. I was hesitant to post because of all the flaming. But I know I love to hear other peoples opinions and decided the heck with it. That's what these boards are for. I hope you have a lovely stay.

 

[cocowum]

The life guard at the pool? Doesn't matter. Even at the WDW pools it never mattered to me because parents should be watching their own children. Since the life guards are VERY BUSY, its obvious that some parents don't so they are needed.

I have never noticed a problem with the water pressure. SoG used to be the Golf Resort and then the Disney Inn so I would think that they have the same plumbing issues in the hotels that are of similar age.

I watch my 10yo DD at the pools. She is a strong swimmer but I never leave her unattended.This was our first stay at SOG and I did not realize they did not have towels at the quiet pool. I took DD for a swim in the evening and when I realized I had to go and get towels at the other pool DD was already in the water. I did not want her to have to get out of the pool because the evening was a little cool. If there had been a life guard present, I would have been able to run over and get a towel ( there were only a few kids in the pool) but since there wasn't a lifeguard present I had to call DH, who was in the room sleeping, so he could bring us towels.

I posted that info because I thought it was useful to other parents who might encounter the same situation.

I believe we were in the new wing and that's where we heard the loud pipes and had low water pressure. Room 4141 to be exact.

 

[Momof6]

I think it is really hard to tell exactly what you will encounter on any visit to a hotel. I mean, there are certainly trends - but we have stayed in the same hotels and had totally different experiences.
I do agree with the OP that the person behind the counter at Evergreens was rude - I posted about it. Also posted about the poor food quality at Evergreens. We only ate the buffet breakfast - but we wouldn't go back.

However, we will go back to SOG. It was relaxing there. I sort of felt 'on edge' after two weeks at the Contemporary. I think it was all the colors all over the place - very stimulating! I liked it for about the first week - but by the end of the second week I didn't like it at Contemporary.

I noted the problems with the pool towels. For us, not a huge deal. We walked right by the main pool to get to the quiet pool, so it wasn't out of our way to sign out towels.

Our room at SOG was quiet - and we were near the stairs and the elevators and the resort was full. However, we were there for a nap mid day - which is when a lot of people were gone and then we were returning very late at night...not too many people coming in at that time to hear.

See what I mean? Each family is so different. What I think is the greatest is that you have so many choices at WDW. You can pick the resort that best works for you. I've also noticed from previous posters that even when you have loved a place for a long time, there may be a time when it or your family has changed, and it is time to move on to a different resort.

Have a wonderful time! We sure did...and I can't wait to go back!

Denise