SOG Questions....

[Disney_1derland]

Okay, I am in planning mode for our upcoming November trip and need help!

We are traveling with:

5 adults (me, dh, mom, dad and aunt) and 2 children (dd's 4 and 2)

We were planning to do a value resort but nixed that idea because the oversized decor will freak out dd4. Next onto a moderate, booked POFQ hoping for annual passholder rates to come out. Now, we are looking at SOG. (dad qualifies, retired military). There are several things holding us back from booking at SOG and those are the things I'd like feedback on.

1)my dad is worried about the "sponsor must accompany the guests at all times" bit they have on the website. He is disabled and will spend a significant part of the trip resting in the room. He's concerned that he will have to follow us to the pool, walk us to the restaurants, etc. How strict is this rule? he surely won't be able to accompany all of us all the time especially when we're going different directions to meet everyone's wishes.

2)I *I* am worried that it won't *feel* like disney to me. I don't want it to feel like just another hotel.

3)my mom is worried that it will have a 'too military' feel to it. She's been out for 32 years and doesn't wish to relive that feeling anytime soon.

Okay, silly concerns. Yeah-maybe. But I'd like to know what we're getting into here!

TIA!

 

[Jodi1980]

I remember being worried about SoG being too military also but it's not so - it's wonderful there!

You can even hear the Magic Kingdom train and fireworks from SoG.

 

[mog]

As for the "sponsor must accompany" rule - don't worry about that one. That basically means that they have to be checked into the resort for the whole time that the rest of the party is. In other words, the sponsor can't check out on one day and the rest of the rooms check out the next day. Once you are all checked in, you can go do your own thing. Your dad won't have to follow you all around!!

 

[FirstNo]

Originally posted by Disney_1derland
<snip>

1)my dad is worried about the "sponsor must accompany the guests at all times" bit they have on the website. He is disabled and will spend a significant part of the trip resting in the room. He's concerned that he will have to follow us to the pool, walk us to the restaurants, etc. How strict is this rule? he surely won't be able to accompany all of us all the time especially when we're going different directions to meet everyone's wishes.

2)I *I* am worried that it won't *feel* like disney to me. I don't want it to feel like just another hotel.

3)my mom is worried that it will have a 'too military' feel to it. She's been out for 32 years and doesn't wish to relive that feeling anytime soon.

Okay, silly concerns. Yeah-maybe. But I'd like to know what we're getting into here!

TIA!

In answer to your questions:
1. The rule is vere strict, however the rule means he must be booked into the hotel for, at least, as long as his guests. He can't check in Sat while you check in Fri or check out Sat while you check out Sun. As long as you are both checking in the same day, or his guests later, he doesn't even need to be there when you check in (some parties arrive by different modes of transportation and get in at different times). Once you're all there, you're all free to go about your separate ways.

2. It probably won't feel like Disney to you. It is not a Disney owned hotel and, to me, is very much just like any other nicer hotel as far as the atmosphere goes.

3. There is NOTHING military about the hotel. The only way you'll be reminded of it is your father should be addressed by whatever his last held rank was (although if someone sounded older on the phones, I didn't address them by rank if they were lower than an E5....just sounded so silly calling some 65yo Private). If they still have the little AAFES store, you'll see the AAFES brand in there, but other than that, there is nothing to identify this is military lodging.

Hope that helped!!

 

[Disney_1derland]

Printing out responses to show to everyone, you've been most helpful.

But now, there is another hitch in our plan Mom just found out its a non-smoking resort....she's not happy about having to walk to the car everytime she wants to smoke. OY!

 

[AirForceRocks]

Originally posted by Disney_1derland
Printing out responses to show to everyone, you've been most helpful.

But now, there is another hitch in our plan Mom just found out its a non-smoking resort....she's not happy about having to walk to the car everytime she wants to smoke. OY!

Unless something has changed, she will be able to smoke on the balcony. It was a non-smoking resort when I went as well, but the balcony had an ashtray, and when I checked with the front desk, I was told I could smoke out there.

 

[FirstNo]

Originally posted by Disney_1derland
Printing out responses to show to everyone, you've been most helpful.

But now, there is another hitch in our plan Mom just found out its a non-smoking resort....she's not happy about having to walk to the car everytime she wants to smoke. OY!

Is Mom also aware that the parks allow smoking in designated areas only? That might not make her happy, either.

As to the hotel, smoking has always been allowed outside the hotel.

 

[clairesmom]

do you mind answering another sog question? does a serviceman need to be staying at SOG in order to utilize its ticket office for discounted park hopper passes? And can the serviceman buy tickets just for himself, or for his immediate family (adult children) as well? many thanks for any insight.

 

[Disney_1derland]

We'll be fine if she can smoke on the balcony, she doesn't smoke inside at home so this won't be a big change for her!

I can answer the ticket question.....

Yes you can buy your tickets at SOG if you are staying at another resort. Yes, you can buy tickets for your family. I've called and asked these questions already!