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Holly - December 2005

Greetings from a travelling group of 7! We were guests at Shades of Green from 12/28/05 to 1/1/06. Although the price was right for the accomodations, we still think that there are lots of improvements that can be made. First, the cast members are anything but friendly. If you have ever been to any Disney Resort then you have witnessed how great the CM's can be. The Shades of Green employees are different for sure. We had three rooms in our party and we had requested to be placed together. We ended up in the basement of the old section, and the rooms were not together. For people with little kids, it is a LONG walk from the lobby down some of the hallways. We were nowhere close to the bus stop, etc. And as of 1/1/2006, Shades of Green is no longer participating in the Extra Magic Hours for the parks. For our next trip, we are heading to the All-Stars! They are just as clean, more convenient, and just as good as a value!

*****

Hunt Family - December 2005

Stayed at SoG over Christmas '05. Pleasantly surprised! The room was quite spacious - plenty of room for 5 adults. More space than the WDW resorts that can put 5 per room (Poly, POR, etc.). The breakfast buffet at the Garden Gallery is actually pretty good. The seafood dinner rocks! We took advantage of the R&R program for folks on-leave from OIF/OEF. Basically breakfast&dinner vouchers, but saved us almost $500! (gasp!) Very affordable, especially during the holiday season.

*****

Jennifer - December 2005

What a wonderful resort! We stayed at SoG for our entire stay and were thrilled with our choice. We did not stay in a newly renovated room, but instead in the older section near a pool overlooking a golf course. The room was still quite comfortable, very spacious and we had a nightly view (albeit through a few trees) of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. Staff were incredibly friendly and very helpful, from the front desk to the housekeepers and bus drivers. The bus schedule was quite convenient and we never faced any problems at all with transportation. With both the Polynesian and Ticket and Transportation Center across the street, there is always a way to get around. We did not feel that we needed a car at all and seemed to get around much more quickly than those who did. SoG will also arrange transportation to anything else you might wish to do--for example, Sea World, etc... The resort itself is absolutely beautiful, and not Disney-fied in any way. It's a very laid-back atmosphere. The restaurants were quite good and there are lots of reasonably-priced options. Perhaps because we visited during the off-season, it was quite quiet. People who wish for absolute quiet might ask for a room away from the pools, although this did not bother us personally to any degree. It is definitely a family-friendly resort and there are lots of children about, which is to be expected in Orlando. We definitely plan to go back and stay at Shades again--it's a jewel!

*****

Melissa - December 2005

We just returned from our first WDW trip this past Thanksgiving. We thought Shades of Green was a wonderful resort! The rooms were large, very comfortable, and clean. We really liked having the mini refrigerator as well. The busses always ran on time, and they also ran directly to Animal Kingdom and to MGM Studios. My family and I will definitely stay there again, and I would recommend this resort to anyone who is eligible to stay there.

*****

Michael Seigworth - October 2005

We stayed here 3 nights after a 4 night stay at Comfort Inn LBV (which was a good deal at $39 night, close to downtown Disney and comparable to a disney value resort, clean and w fridge, microwave). I didn't stay at a disney resort due to me not liking the disney best rate plan for AP holders so I let my AP expire and getting a better deal at nondisney. Shades is a military resort so you have to be active or retired military to stay here. My friend is retired so got a $99 rate. I compare this to a disney deluxe. good size room w 2 beds, fridge, table, balcony w pool view. 2 sinks. clean. parking garage (there is a charge) buses didnt run as much as at disney resorts. one only went to T&T center which was a 5 min ride. Most of the time we walked from Poly or T&T back to Shades. Took a bus to AK where they drop you in parking lot and they pick up once an hr. if you dont mind walking, I'd say to walk to Poly and take monorail or bus or T&T. The commissary had all the basics w no tax. beer wasnt bad price for a sixpack. There was another gift shop also. The lobby had a fireplace (well fake heat) the buffet was very good 2 nights for only $14.99. I'd say this is a good place to stay close to Polynesian and at much less than Disney deluxe depending on your military rank.

*****

Cristen - October 2005

We just returned from a 2 night stay (Oct.6-8) at Shades of Green and found it to be one of the nicest resorts in Disney. We have previously stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside, Polynesian and Beach Club. The rooms at Shades of Green were identical in size and amenities to Disney's Deluxe resorts and if you count the pleasant views of golf courses, lakes and woodlands, you are at least getting a comparable Garden or Water view for which Disney would charge extra. We stayed in the "new section" on the top floor (5th floor) and our room was immaculate. Housekeeping was superior and the covered, attached parking was very convenient, although they now charge $5 per day for parking- no choice. The buses were very nice, more comfortable than the Disney buses, and we never had to wait for a bus going to or from the TTC. The only disappointment was a long wait at the Express Cafe in the morining, but most quick bites at the other resorts sometimes have long! waits too. If you qualify, I highly recommend this resort, especially if you prefer the space of a double queen sized room. I will stay here as much as possible from now on and save a good deal of money vs. Disney's Deluxe resorts.

*****

Carol - July 2005

We have stayed at this resort many times, our most recent visit was July, 2005. The Shades of Green is one of the best deals at Walt Disney World. I have found few negatives about this resort. It is clean, friendly, on par with other deluxe hotels and quite inexpensive. The rooms lack a true disney feel to them but they are large and comfortable. I love not having to pay tax and fees on the rooms and merchandise. I also love being around the military families since my husband is retired and we live among "civilians" now!

A few of the best aspects of this hotel: Maggiano's Restaurant: Really good italian food at prices that are reasonable for the quality served. There is not a good children's menu here but they try hard to make sure everyone is happy.

Evergreens: A casual grill type restuarant with a game room, the food is simple, good and CHEAP! Right by the pool with a take out window also. I don't remember the name but there is a wonderful coffee shop right by the bus stop. The women who runs it is a sweet heart and the coffee is wonderful. However, the best part of her shop is the delicious egg crossaints that she serves in the morning. They are amazing and about $3.00. She also offers fresh fruit and muffins, etc. We always have breakfast there at least once.

Pools: The Mickey pool is very active and there is a play ground right next to it. They have a towel station and serve ice creams and drinks also. I think anyone lucky enough to stay at the Shades of Green will love it. It is a nice treat and we consider the ammenities a great big thank you for my husband's military service.

*****

Kim Travieso - July 2005

We recently spent 4 of our 12 nights at Disney at the Shades of Green. There is no way that you can beat the price of staying at this military resort. The size of the rooms far outweigh that of other resorts at Disney. We were located on the first floor and had a view of the golf course. Our room had two large beds and a couch. A mini-fridge was provided free of charge. We really had very little to complain about during our stay. We never had to wait very long for a bus. The one complaint that we might have was that the Shades of Green buses do not begin running as early as other Disney buses. A few times we did walk over to the Polynesian and catch the monorail from there. If you ask, the hotel will even drive you to the edge of the property within minutes of the Polynesian. The pool was a nice size and we used it several times during our stay. I would have to strongly recommend staying here. Keep in mind that it does not have the same Disney feel that the other on-site resorts have so if that is important to you then you might not want to stay here. Excellent value.

*****

Vicki - July 2005

My family and I just returned from a great stay at the Shades of Green resort. I had read several negative reviews on the bus system at the Shades of Green but our experience was only positive. The buses worked like clock work and were always there exactly on schedule. We traveled a lot on the buses back and forth to the parks and hotel because we had a toddler who needed naps during the day. We never had to wait for a bus.

The rooms are very large and having a small refigerater is a very nice extra. The only complaint I had was we had a room by the pool. The pools are open until 12 midnight so it was very loud until 12 midnight. We liked to go to sleep earlier so this bothered me. However, the rules are that the pool is open until 12 so if this is something that may bother you, ask for a room away from the pools.

I would recommend staying at the Shades of Green and plan to do so again myself.

*****

Heather and Justin - July 2005

After reading a previous comment for SOG, I just wanted to pass along my experience staying at SOG. IT WAS GREAT!!!!! Though, because it was military, I felt that some of the visitors there didn't appreciate children running and making noise in the halls and restaurants. I wish they would please remember that they are at Disney.

Our first "family" trip to Disney was wonderful. Staying at the SOG made it more memorable. The resort looks great and everyone was helpful and kind. Especially housekeeping. We have two little boys 30 months and 16 months. You can just imagine what a room can be like for 7 days. The walk from our room to the front of the resort was long, though.

In my opinion, if something happens to you at the resort, make a comment right then and understand you are vacationing at "the happiest place on earth". Also, saving alot of money with your military discount. I would recommend staying at the SOG. Remember, negative things can happen anywhere.

*****

Alan, Marsha and Kayla - June 2005

We visited WDW and Shades of Green for the first time in June 2005, First of all it was EXCELLENT!! Everything was perfect from the time we checked in to the time we checked out. The rooms are spacious and well decorated. The buses, I think, get a bad wrap, we had absolutely no problems whatsoever. Whenever we went to the bus stop there was always at least one bus waiting or just pulling up. If you dont want to wait on the bus at SoG, go to the TTC! The service was great, we didn't want for anything while we were at SoG. This trip was for our daughter's 9th birthday, the birthday pin they give you at the park was a nice gift, Kayla loved the fact that her birthday lasted for an entire week. We are currently planning our next trip, hopefully it will be soon.

*****

Chris Shellenberger - June 2005

We almost always stay at the Shades of Green, when we do Disney. It's a great resort and the price is great. The rooms are bigger than most of the rooms at the Deluxe resorts. They recently remodeled and this June was our first stay since the remodel.

I give the resort high praise in customer service, housekeeping, restaurants, ticket prices for Disney and other area entertainment. I also can say that from previous stays at SOG, that the bus transportation has improved. SOG used to have their own buses. Now they are contracted out to Fleetwood. There used to be two buses that would do all the transportation now I believe they have four. Leaving the Shades there always seemed to be a bus available. The buses also seemed to be at the TTC when we were. The only real complaint I do have is that they only come once an hour to MGM at ten minutes to the hour. And the spot is far. But in years past it was the same. So that could be improved. I didn't want to wait at the SOG spot at MGM, so I just took the TTC bus and when I got to the TTC, the SOG was there.

A few times we walked from the Polynesian to the SOG. It is a nice walk. It is well lit. And if you want, you can call the front desk and request a golf cart to pick you up at the end of the driveway.

Many people want to have the Disney theme throughout their stay.You will not be overpowered with Mickey here. There are Disney items in the gift shop and Disney movies in the kids area on the TV. But that is pretty much the extent of it. You do not have Mickey soap or Mickey wake calls, but for the price you pay, you get your fill at the parks and other resorts you visit on your trip. The lobby of the Shades is gorgeous.

I can't say enough about the resort and our stay was great. I enjoyed our room, the pool and the food and service.

*****

Dana Remaley - June 2005

I wanted to share with everyone what a nice place the Shades of Green is. I had planned a vacation for our family upon the return of my husband from a deployment in Iraq. My husband, 40, had never been on vacation before and chose WDW as his choice for a vacation! I had never heard of SOG before the deployment and found the hotel quite good! We had planned a ten day excursion to Florida to include time at WDW and Daytona Beach.

We initially checked in and were placed in the "old" section, poolside. My son loved the fact that he could look out our door and see the ducks roaming around and also see what was going on in the pool. We used the pool on several occasions, actually we used both pools. We checked out after a few days, went to the beach, and then back to SOG again for the last leg of our trip. This time we stayed in the "new" section. I felt the rooms were only slightly larger (if at all -- it could be the design of the room?). We were pretty far from both pools as they are located around the older section, but not a terrible walk.

We also tried out Mangino's and Garden Gallery restaurants. Mangino's gets high marks and was a great wind down after a day at the parks. The service was wonderful and the food was very good. The Garden Gallery I would call your run of the mill buffet, nothing too special, bur reasonably priced as far as being in WDW. The buffet choices change daily, so there is a variety to choose from. I would not recommend the Express Cafe that is downstairs by the bus stop. It was anything but express! Evergreens was also quick and decent food. It is by the Mill Pond pool and you can get drinks poolside and also order pizza either delivered to your room, or you can pick it up.

One very positive thing is that you do not have to pay tax at this resort! There is also an AAEFES store onsite as well as ticket sales (which are less expensive than gate -- discounted and no tax). The parking garage is a good thing in the hot melting sun also.....however they now charge to park in the garage (I believe it was $3 per day to self park and $5 for valet, but it is not a far walk if you are in the new section).

One final plus to this resort is the fact that it is VERY close to the monorail line resorts (Polynesian). A short walk (approximately 5-7 min.) and you are at the Polynesian! You can catch the monorail here and you are off! At the end of the day the only drawback to this is if you have small children, they may be too tired to walk back to the resort -- so a stroller would come in handy.

All in all, I would highly recommend this resort to anyone in the military wanting to go to WDW and stay at a deluxe rated hotel for a moderate price (pricing is based on rank).

*****

Sinks Family - June 2005

We just spent our first vacation in Florida and we stayed at Shades of Green! What an awesome vacation. Everyone was pleasant and very willing to help us. It is a beautiful place. Thank you so much!!

*****

Jean - June 2005

We just got back from our WDW Trip (June 2005). We stayed at Shades of Green, and had a wonderful time. They now have "The Shady Shuttle" a golf cart that gives rides to the end of the SOG property to patrons walking to the Polynesian. We only saw the golf cart in the morning, but it certainly saved us steps! We also witnessed a bus driver dropping people off at the end of the property to save them some walking. We had exceptional bus service and never waited longer than 10 minutes. We used the buses to get to MGM and AK and from the TTC when we just didn't want to take the walk from the Polynesian at night. We had 4 adults and 4 children in our group and never had a problem getting on a bus. I would highly recommend SOG to anyone eligible to stay there.

*****

Adrianne Byington - June 2005

My husband, two girls, and I just returned from a wonderful trip to Disney World! We stayed in Shades of Green. It was very clean and a beautiful resort.

The only problem was the buses to Animal Kingdom and MGM only went once an hour. If you were not there on time or they were full, you had to wait an hour for the next bus. The good thing is the bus to the TTC went every 15 minutes. From there you can get on any Disney bus or the monorail. We would just ride the bus to the TTC and transfer onto a Disney bus to MGM or the Animal Kingdom. Disney's buses go in a 15 minute cycle. We would also use the same trick to come back home if the Shades of Green bus wasn't at MGM or Animal Kingdom, we would ride a Disney bus to the TTC and then catch a Shades of Green bus back to the resort. Worked like charm!!

*****

Christine Martin - April 2005

My family stayed at the SOG in April 2005. We have stayed at the French Quarter and the Disneyland Hotel in the past. We found this resort to be beautiful and very friendly. It is right up there with the other resorts we have stayed at Disny or otherwise. The bus transportation was on time and the walk to the Poly to catch the monorail was not bad at all. If it was too hot then we did not make the walk. But the buses ran great and the staff is very friendly. The resturants are great and very inexpensive! The buffets ran about $7.99 for an adult! You can not beat that and the food was good. We will be returning to the SOG soon.

*****

Tom, Amber, Robyn, Darrel and Kadi - April 2005

We made our first trip to Shades of Green resort. This was not our first on site stay as we have stayed in every catagory resort on the property. First. let me say I have read bad reviews on almost every resort and nearly every restaurant and believe each person has thier own feel for each situation. So let me share our stay.

Our room was not ready when we checked in, that was due to the fact we checked in at 0900 and not at check in time. That was ok, we simply checked our luggage and went to the park. Well, actually we went to the bus stop, and waited, for about 5 minutes.

I will say the bus system was not nearly as good as most other Disney resorts but it was not really bad. We found wait times and travel time very similar to our stay at Fort Wilderness.

When we did get in to our room, it was larger then our room at Boardwalk Inn and just as well appointed. On the down side, the room was way in the rear of the resort making the walk to the bus stop quite long. This made the walk to the pool and Evergreens very short. All in all we found our stay to be one of our best. Not Deluxe Disney but for the price; UNBEATABLE!

Keep in mind if you are paying top price for this resort (higher rank)you will be just as well off to stay in a moderate Disney resort. One last thought the dining at Shades of Green is limited in choice but big on value.

*****

Dave and Phyllis - February 2005

After reading numerous comments on All Ears, we were a little reluctant to stay at SOG, as there were a lot of negative comments about the bus service there. We decided to give SOG the benefit of the doubt. WHAT A MISTAKE!!

The Bus situation is NOT fixed!! We were given a bus schedule at the front desk on arrival, which listed a Pleasure Island pick up after 6:30 PM, and running every half hour between SOG and PI. We needed to do some shopping at Disney Downtown, and wanted to eat at Bongo's on the Westside. After eating and shopping we arrived at 6:30 PM at the MCDonalds in front of PI (which is where the bus was to arrive according to the SOG brochure). Forty-Five minutes later (7:15 PM) still no bus. We noticed a young military couple standing at the curb, and asked them if they were waiting to get back to SOG as well, they were. We both had asked Disney and off site bus drivers if they knew when the SOG bus would arrive, and they said they should be right behind them. In fact I spoke to one off site bus driver 3 times in a row, as he made his rounds. The other couple made a call on there cell phone to the SOG front desk at 7:35 PM, and they told them the buses were contracted and they would try and get a hold of them and a supervisor would call her back on her cell. We waited till 8:30 PM, still no bus and no call from a supervisor.

So my wife and I, and the other couple went to the Disney bus stop and caught the Polynesian, then walked back to SOG. My wife has asthma, and we take small walks around the parks, and as WDW provides benches to sit, this is not a problem, but the walk to SOG from the Polynesian was a lot for her. We spotted a golf cart crossing the SOG lot, and I tried to wave them down, and was nearly ran down, and when the person did stop, I asked if they would give my wife a ride to the front door, the driver told me she was busy, then drove away. We continued on and as we were a little more than upset by being abandoned at PI, I contacted the front desk supervisor. She immediately said that she saw the bus arrive at SOG, and was totally unsympathetic and offered no apologies, and we were not sure if she was questioning our version of the story, OR did not think the waiting 1 1/2 hours for a bus, was being patient enough, and was very impatient with us.

Having stayed at other Disney resorts in the past, and knowing that Disney would never leave a guest stranded, we told the guest services rep, that we wanted to leave SOG, and go to a Disney resort. Guest services called early the next morning and said there was no available rooms on property. I knew that that could not be the case, so called the 1 407 Disney reservation line, and within 5 minutes, had a new reservation at Caribbean Beach resort for the remainder of our vacation.

Do not get us wrong, SOG is a beautiful resort and the restaurants have great food, the prices are very good, HOWEVER, we know from experience, that a vacation at WDW, at a WDW resort, is a magical thing. And to say the least, we had a very wonderful time after we left SOG and never got stranded again. Our suggestion to SOG is, if you want to offer the same level of service that you get at a WDW resort, they need to contact Disney transportation, and find out how they do it. Unfortunately we will never stay at SOG again, because we will not be confident in there transportation system.

*****

Amie Krake - January 2005

Great price & space for a family of 5! In a standard room, two queen beds & a daybed were great. They also provided a crib free of charge. The only problems we had were that the restaurants were closed when we got there at 3 pm and there is no food court. AND, bring your own soap and shampoo because they liquid stuff they provide leaves a lot to be desired. Otherwise, great choice!

*****

Christopher Fuller - January 2005

The Shades Of Green rates right up there with the best Disney resorts. My wife and I found both the breakfast and dinner buffets at the Garden Gallery to be excellent in all respects. Evergreens and the Express Cafe provided tasty sit down and takeout selections. The hotel service including the daily maid service was superior to premium Disney resorts we have stayed at in the past. The bus transportation provided was excellent and operated on a strict time schedule.

*****

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