Should You Stay At SHADES OF GREEN Or A DISNEY Resort? Top 5 Things To Consider | Vacation Planning!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ต.ค. 2024
- Its that time of year when we start planning our vacations! We knew that a lot of you have had the same question. Should you stay at Shades of Green or a Disney Resort? What are the pros and cons? Is it really cheaper to stay at Shades? We kind of break down these questions with our thoughts in our top 5 things to consider when picking your hotel at Disney World. We look at things like location, price, shopping and more! Tim and I like to vacation differently but we always seem to agree on the common goal...and that is to have fun at Disney World but in a way that makes sense to US financially. Let us know in the comments what you think? Whats most important to you when you go to Disney? Thanks for watching!
VIDEOS WE MENTIONED:
WALKING TO THE POLYNESIAN & MAGIC KINGDOM - • Walt Disney World 50th...
USING THE SOG BUS - • We Used the SHADES OF ...
TOURING THE EXCHANGE AT SOG - • Shades of Green Check ...
SOG ROOM TOUR PLAYLIST - • SHADES OF GREEN ROOM &...
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When we book Disney Resorts the room includes park tickets. Maybe that was not factored in?
I have appreciated your videos on Shades of Green a lot. My husband comes back from a year in Cuba at the end of this year and we chose a Disney vacation upon his return home. We went with Shades of Green & purchased the military promo park hopper tickets. The reason he and I chose it was the price. We would’ve spend probably at least $1,500 more on a room to stay at a deluxe and get the early entry perk. We’re doing 6 nights at Shades of Green for around $1,100. We also saved $550 getting the military promo tickets. We plan to use that savings to spend toward great dining options and fun magical extras at the parks - he wants to do the droid building in Galaxy’s Edge, we want to do the behind the seeds tour at Epcot, photo session, and then possibly a fireworks dining option at Epcot. If we didn’t do Shades of Green, we wouldn’t be able to do any of the extras, and we’d really have to aim more toward only quick service meal options. Shades of Green is allowing us to have fun experiences at the parks instead of paying the premium for a themed room.
This is so great! And look at what you have to look forward to while you await your husbands return! That’s awesome! You also bring up a very good point…being able to save so much using these military benefits allows us to try more, see more, experience more! I’m so happy for you that y’all will get to do all of these things and create such magical memories! Thank you so much for this comment and thank you SO much for watching and supporting the channel 🥰
You two are Adorbs and love the way you present the info. FYI For the alcohol , you have to be military. (Not for dod civilian) . All your info is great. I don’t need official Disney merch - shades does great job.
Thank you so much, Kathy! We appreciate you watching our videos 🥰 Shades is a real gem, we totally agree! 🙌🏼
I've been going through and watching all your Shades of green videos to help prepare for my family's trip in August. We originally had a family suit, but when you said there's 15% off for rooms in August, I decided to check that out. We switched our reservation to two standard rooms and it saved so much that we were able to add an extra day to our trip and it was still less than our original reservation. Thank you so much for the idea!
That’s awesome!!! Yay!!! I’m so glad that worked out for you. Have a great time and thanks so much for watching 😄
Hey y'all, I did 10+ years in the Navy. I truly appreciate the straightforward, no-nonsense approach you are providing - I cannot say that enough! We're going on a Disney cruise later this year and we are wanting to visit the parks for two days before the cruise departs. Looking at the hotel and resort prices was jaw-dropping... I haven't been to Disney in over 15 years. I've always had the perception that anything "military grade, or "meant for the military" was always a few tiers below... set something nice aside for the military, but don't necessarily make it 'really nice.' But, I totally agree... if all you are going to do is sleep at the hotel and then stay at the parks, then there is something to be said of the price at Shades of Green.
Thanks for making the decision easy! Take care!!
Hey there! Thank you so much for your decade of service! We are trying our best to deliver real opinions and suggestions so I’m SO glad that’s how it’s being received on your end. We did a Disney cruise last august (if you haven’t seen those videos just look for our Disney wish content) but we stayed at shades before and after. It was perfect! Having that extra layer of vacation is the way to go. And I have to agree…the prices are much different than they were 15 years ago 🫣 We are so fortunate to have this little sanctuary! I hope you enjoy your stay (and your cruise!!!) Thanks for watching and especially for your support!
Great explanation and you guys make it sound fun. I'm glad you mentioned the hotel prices.
We didn't prepay but did get the May discounted room rate and also opened the card on our checkout day. On that day, they began running the 15% on the first day of using card. We got the discounts and appreciated the savings! 😊
Oh nice! So you were able to stack both discounts? That had to be incredible savings then! Way to go!
“You can save 15% or more on car insurance.” Except make it Disney. ;)
This video was very informative! Going for the first time in September 2023 and looking for all the information!
Ha! 🐸 Glad we could help! Thanks so much for watching ☺️ I hope you have a blast!
So glad I found your channel! Im planning our first trip to Disney world
I’m so glad you found us too! 😆 Yayyy!!! Oh my gosh the first trip is SO magical. I hope y’all have the best time!! 🥰
I appreciate your video's. I'll be returning home from Iraq at the end of the summer and I just finished booking a family trip there. It'll be the kids (14, 10, 1) first time ever going to Disney and my wife and mine's first time since 2002.
Side note, we're big STL Blues fans! LGB!
Let me just say…this absolutely made Tim’s day! 😂 LGB!!! 💙🤍💛 Also, most importantly, we want to wish you a happy homecoming very soon!!! We KNOW the feeling and hope the last few months go fast for you! How exciting! Have the BEST time with your family and make sure to carve out some “down time” to just be together. Take so many pictures and soak in that magic! Thanks so much for dropping this comment!
We stayed at shades.. it’s perfect for those who served… we loved staying there until we became DVC but we still stay there.
Agreed, its wonderful! How long have you been DVC? Do you feel like its worth it even when staying at shades as well? I've been curious about it. Thanks for watching!
“I don’t like feeling people to get in debt”. Best advice ever!!! Great job 👏
Its a love/hate relationship really! Love the benefits of credit sometimes but you have to be careful and tread lightly! Thanks for watching!
Was just there in April and absolutely loved my stay.
Hope we see you there someday when you go back 😉 Glad to hear you enjoyed it!
I have wanted several of your videos and find them very informative and interesting. I'm also cheap, opp's I mean thrifty and don't like to spend more money than necessary. I must compliment you both because in addition to your content being informative and interesting, you two come off as down to earth people which is a big part of why I continue to watch. Keep up the good work. 😎👍
Aw thank you, Calvin! Hey...nothing wrong with being cheap! I married one of the cheapest! LOL Champagne taste on a beer budget, as they say haha! I'm so glad the videos have been helpful as it was our intention when we brought the camera with us to Shades for the first time. Anything we can share we are glad to do. I appreciate your kind words! Thanks for watching and sticking around!
The two of you have done a great job giving us some good information. Thanks so much.
You're absolutely welcome! Thank you so much for the kind words. We enjoy making the videos and it feels great knowing we can help! We appreciate you watching!
So glad I found your channel! Love all the Info that you share! Planning our first ever Disney trip and definitely going to stay here. Wanting to go this summer, but do you think it's too crowded in the summer? We are a family of 5 with a 10, 8, and 3 year old.
First ever Disney trips are the BEST! Those kids are the perfect ages to still love and remember the magic. The thing about Disney is that it’s just always crowded now…so go into it with that in the front of your mind and try not to set expectations too high…especially with kids! As a mom you just know! It will also be blazin hot so take frequent stops for snacks and AC…maybe catch an indoor show when possible mid day or go back to the resort for a swim between rides. All that said, we have been in August (see our trip videos before and after our Disney cruise) and it’s definitely manageable with the right mindset and planning ahead. Look into the water parks too and maybe you could do those between theme park days? Just take allllll the pictures whenever you can bc you’ll want to remember the magic in their eyes 😍
We stayed at old key west for our first trip and it was amazing! Planning on doing shades of green for next year so I’m looking forward to compare the stays.
oooo Key west! Ya know...I've always wanted to stay there. It looks like it has a very southern/tropical vibe. Is that a thing? lol Maybe one day we will stay there. Ill be curious to hear your thoughts after your stay at Shades! Thanks for sharing!
I appreciate your content so much. I’m so glad I found you. I know I said this last month but I still don’t understand how you haven’t blown up yet 😂 I recommend you to everyone who will listen 😂but I did notice you are over 100k views 🎉 We go in less than two weeks woohoo. You have helped me with SO much. You’re actually the one who taught me that shades of green was even an option. 👏 Much love and thanks so much ❤
What an amazing comment to wake up to! 🥹 You are too sweet! Honestly…the real reward is loyal people like you who watch and share. I love the idea of having a community like this where we can all share tips and new adventures 😍 So you’ll be at Shades for Valentine’s Day? How awesome! I hope you have a lovely stay! We have our next trip coming up very soon too and I’m SO looking forward to sharing with y’all! 😆 Thanks again, as always, for hanging with us! 💚💚💚
@Battleground Biscuits Yes I’m so excited for Valentines Day. In the morning the whole family is going to Breakfast at Ohana and then to Animal Kingdom. In the evening My sister, her husband and me and my fiancé are going on a double date night to Epcot. It should be a great day. ❤️
@@hag6842 that sounds like such a fun day/night...We have never done Ohana but we had Kona Cafe for breakfast before and loved it....I still dream of the macademia nut pancakes. It looks like Ohana has plant based options now so we will definitely have to try it sometime. Animal kingdom, to me, is so underrated...its a party there all the time with the live music, fun drinks...love it! Epcot is no doubt the place to be in the evening...and you'll have so many yummy treats for valentines day. Perfect! Have a great time!
Thank you!!! Most informative TH-cam vid on SOG!!!
Umm...first of all...your name is the BEST name I've ever seen on TH-cam. Please tell me it's a nod to Full House! Second, thank you so much for the kind words! It takes too much time and effort to plan Disney to keep all that info to ourselves. Sharing is caring lol xoxo
@battlegroundbiscuits oh yes! Kimmy gibbler was my inspo! Had this name for way too many years to count.... thinking I did it in 1996 while in college.... its sometimes a little embarrassing tho. Lol. I'm working my way thru all your vids. I have so many questions!! We are disneylanders, so this will be a big change for us.... get this... it was 4k cheaper to fly(from oregon), tix and Hotel, then it is for our normal stay at the grand in DL!!
@@kimmiegiggler well its definitely a name I won't forget lol I love it! And WOW that is a serious price difference! We LOVE Disneyland...but Disneyworld is obviously so much bigger and has more to offer so it sounds like you've found a great deal! Thats awesome :)
You can no longer walk from the Shades of Green 😢 You have to utilize the bus due to construction, and them taking the crosswalk away. Great job on the videos! New subscriber. Great savings tips! Enjoy the Hale Koa. We love that resort as well!
Oh yes! I think the walkway was the hottest topic in 2023 😂 We will miss it. I think we need to do an updated comparison video 🤔 Glad to have you here and thank you so much! We can’t wait to go back to Hale Koa AND Edelweiss. Actually we can’t decide which we want to go back to next 😬 Or should we plan a trip to Korea for Dragon Hill then hop over to New Sanno and Tokyo Disney…decisions decisions!!! 😆
@@battlegroundbiscuits totally agree. Decisions. Each have something new and unique to offer! Great job!
So sad that you can’t walk from Shades of Green to the Polynesian anymore!
We have happy memories of that walking path! I'm just glad we got to use it for years before it was removed.
Going next month. Thank you for the information.
Have a blast! Thank YOU for watching!
Thank you for your videos ! I just returned from my first amazing visit there . Thanks to your tips and the front desk I was comfortable from the start . I did open the charge and charged everything I could to the room , never have done that ever , they said my bill would reflect the 10% discount . Thank you !
That’s awesome! Congrats on your savings!! You should see a credit for the amount you saved reflected on your first bill. Thank you so much for watching the videos! I’m always happy to hear they help ☺️
I’m not sure why they are grouping Old Key West with deluxe resorts, because OKW is a DVC resort . It’s the oldest DVC resort and therefore uses the least pts . Because it is DVC , the rooms are either studio , 1 bed rm , 2 bed rm . ? You would have to rent points from DVC retailer or individual . Studios have a kitchenette . 1 and 2 bedrooms have full kitchen and 2 bath. And all are larger than standard hotels and all have washer/ dryer .
Maybe thats why they are deluxe, because they are larger rooms with more amenities? I don't know how they group them but this is one that I would like to stay at sometime. How do you like it?
You guys are like my wife and I, she likes fancy, I like cheap,,I've stayed at shades of green, it cool, but it does depend on your status
Hey…balance, ya know? 😂 It keeps us grounded and life exciting 🥰 And you’re right, the standard rooms are based on rank. BUT you could book a fancy suite for your wife…all of those are the same price for everyone 😉
AirBNB for us, family is just too big to get a room at many of these places.
We have used Airbnb plenty of times as well...sometimes it just works for the better. Although, if you ever wanted to attempt to stay at Shades of Green for the special perks at Disney you could always try to book connecting rooms. That would definitely be an option for you. I know lots of larger families that do this and just prop their connecting door open :)
What do y’all think about transportation now that the Polynesian walkway is closed? Is staying onsite a better option?
We have used SOG buses every visit and honestly haven’t had any major issues at all. If you pay attention to the schedule (screen shot it on your phone and prepare to be at the bus stops a few mins early) it isn’t bad at all. There are obviously times when the buses are more full (early morning for rope drop and after a show at the end of the night) but it’s going to be full on Disney buses too. So as long as you go into your trip with the appropriate expectations it’s wonderful! We miss the walking path very much BUT the bus from the TTC to SOG and back is only 5 mins. From TTC bus stop to the Polynesian grand ceremonial house it’s a 10-15 mins walk….so if you REALLY want to get your steps in you can utilize that path 😎
Can you use Magic bands at Shades of Green? How does the extra magic hours work with Shades of Green?
Magic bands won’t work at Shades of Green resort but you can still purchase them as use the features inside the parks if you want. There are some interactive elements with the magic band + that are cool. With that being said, Shades of Green is considered equivalent to a deluxe level resort so you ARE able to take advantage of the extra magic hours when they’re available 😁 Just make sure to link your reservation to your my Disney experience app and carry your resort I.D with you to show proof of your eligibility. ☺️
u talked bout having ID & a pass to use the bus & get in & out of the hotel. so does that mean i must stay with my dependent since they have no ID's?
You'll need a photo I.D to go through the gate guard onto SOG property. The paper resort pass and photo I.D is required for guests over 18 and will be required to use the buses at SOG. Each person on your reservation over 18 will get a paper resort I.D and if they're over 18 they can travel freely with that. If under 18 your dependent will need to be with you. I hope that helps!
Our first time to Disney (2021), we stayed at POP! Cause I wanted the whole Disney experience, but I agree with your husband my daughter are young adults so we were there just for sleep & shower 😀 but we plan on going back in 2026 and we plan on staying off property (my sister n 😅law) have timeshare points. Cause we plan doing Disney and universal and Epic universal opens up in 2025
That sounds like a great plan! We have stayed off property as well a few times when we had plans beyond Disney. We loved it too being close but also getting to experience more outside the Disney bubble. It just really depends on what your goals are for your trip too. I’m curious…how was transportation to and from Pop? The handful of times we were in that area to visit the buses took a big part of our time just getting back and forth. There’s so much to look forward to in Orlando in the next few years! Thanks for watching and appreciate the comment!
@@battlegroundbiscuits well POP has the skyliner and that helped out, we never used the buses, we drove down from Michigan, so we just took our vehicle to the parks
Ahh, yep that makes sense. We would probably do the same and drive if we stay over there. The sky liner is great though!
I know this is a year later but has anyone tried the military star card 15% or 10% promo for booking a trip to see if it works?
After this video I opened up a card in my name for the 15% promo and used it for our trip to Hawaii at Hale Koa Hotel. It definitely works! When you get your first statement you see the credit on there for the amount you saved. You can open and use the military star card the same way for Shades of Green too :)
This is awesome news! We are in the early planning phase of a Disney World trip for 2025 but we are thinking about staying at Port Orleans. Thank you! So glad we saw this video! @@battlegroundbiscuits
I wouldn’t stay anywhere else on Disney property. If you have never been there before. unless you like the theming of the Disney hotels your not missing a thing by staying at shades of green. It is hands down in my opinion the best hotel on Disney Property.
We would have to have a specific reason for not choosing Shades…I’ll say that! We love it and the price for location can’t be beat!
💯 agree. We love everything about it. It’s on beautiful golf course. Spread out. Quiet. Buses are convenient. Never an issue with transportation
Common bond , respect , moral compass totally agree.
Star card is based on your credit also
Yes, you're correct...but it would be really nice if we could get a debit card with the benefits instead of credit...kind of like Target offers. Still great savings when you sign up though!
@@battlegroundbiscuits I definitely agree! I use my star card to get my tickets every year.
@@qudarrowilliams5156 do u get discounts each year on the star card ? And Is it for DOD civilians too ?
Great video as we will be staying at SOG for the first time this May and have only stayed at Disney Deluxe resorts in the past. Giving it a shot so we can compare. Is there a better building to stay in? Newer or updated? How do you request rooms?
Thank you, Joyette! To answer your questions I would subjectively say that each wing has perks. If you need to be closest to the parking garage and prefer a “quieter” and leisurely stay then Palm wing is where to be. If you want to be close to the pools, spa and dining facilities then Magnolia side would be your best bet. The most recent renovation was the magnolia wing in 2017-2018. The Palm wing was totally renovated just before that in 2014-2015. Overall, for a military facility it is quite nice! But if you’re used to bells and whistles and the latest modern luxuries this might not be for you. Again, it’s all how you vacation. I’m hoping they do another update soon and give the bathrooms a little facelift…and maybe add more USB ports…other than that I truly think you’ll have a great stay. If something isn’t satisfactory just let the front desk know so they can help you…they’re really great about making sure you’re comfortable! If you’d prefer a specific area of the resort just add it to your “additional notes” when you submit your reservation request 😄 Hope this is helpful! Also, we will be doing a video on this very topic in the near future so stay tuned if you’d like to watch that video 🥰
@@battlegroundbiscuits thank you!!!
I may have missed this in the video but does everyone in the party who’d be staying at Shades of Green need to have military IDs? My boyfriend and I are not married and I’m unsure whether or not I’d be able to stay on property as I am not military. Thank you!
You can absolutely stay there! As long as your boyfriend is eligible with his military ID then he would sponsor you as his guest 😁 Thanks for watching!
Does shades of green have a shuttle? Are the shuttles harder to get in a timely matter
Yes! They have a few of them…some go to ticket and transportation center (to board monorail or ferry boat for Magic kingdom) or to take the monorail to Epcot. Another shuttle is specifically for animal kingdom and Hollywood studios. They will drop off in that order, first AK and then HS. Pick up will reverse, so, HS first and then AK before heading back to shades. There’s another one for Disney springs as well. There’s a bus schedule on the shades of green website and it’s updated weekly. They run pretty punctual from our experience. We have a few videos showing exactly how long it takes if you’re interested 😁
Disney owns SoG. Military has a lease. Originally 100 years.
Disney owns the property SOG sits on but the DOD actually purchased the resort outright and it is 100% sustained by the MWR.
Do you prefer the palm or magnolia wing?
Thats a really good question actually, Corey. Thank you for reminding me that we need to do a whole video on this one. Again, its subjective to how you like to vacation and what your "wants" are for your trip. If you prefer to be close to the pool and/or spa then magnolia wing. If you are driving and parking in the parking garage then palm wing. Some will tell you that the palm wing is quieter than the magnolia but I think that just depends on the people staying in rooms around you. Thats a factor you can't control. But, since magnolia wing is closer to the pool that means more kids, having fun lol The lobby, food/restaurants (except for Evergreens by the pool) and bus loading is right in the middle of both wings so if you want to be close to those then I would request a room (on either side) closer if possible. As with anything, add your request to the notes when you book and the staff will do their best to accommodate you! I hope that helps a little!
@Battleground Biscuits yes it does. I am booked for may and its also our home away but have done the magnolia side
@@coreyjacques7653 oh good! Thinking more about it...the one negative I can add is from our stay in the actual Palm SUITE. The WiFi was horrible, no matter what we tried. I was trying to upload videos and it was taking hours lol Now, I don't think thats a problem that majority of guests have BUT if its a concern you could always walk out to the lobby for better service. I don't think the Wifi was an issue in any of the other Palm rooms but I sure do remember that one horrible experience with that specifically!
@@battlegroundbiscuits thanks for the tip. Any word on the dinner at garden gallery?
@@coreyjacques7653 no word yet. Just breakfast buffet and then pizza, pasta or rice take out from 5-11pm. I’m wondering if it’s a staffing issue? Not sure but hopefully they’ll bring it back soon!
Mockey 😂😂
🤣🤣🤣
Now how do I save on flights? 😂
THAT is the real tricky part! "They" say space A travel is the way to go to save but I'd like to know who is actually that flexible to try it for vacation. I'd be a nervous wreck waiting last minute. As far as commercial airlines I've always seen best prices with southwest...and American comes close. I have a credit card through Citi Card that gets me miles with American when I spend and thats actually what we are using to pay for our flights to Hale Koa in Hawaii coming up very soon! Again, hate to endorse credit cards but if they help save where you need it to and you pay off responsibly then there are some good benefits to using them!
😂😂😂😂😂