Det-4 Marines,
Next Det-4 2023 Reunion in the dead of winter in sunny and warm Florida.
Dates: Monday 6 February to Thursday 9 February 2023 at the U.S. Army Resort Shades of Green (SOG) on Walt Disney World property 1950 W Magnolia Palm Dr, Orlando, FL 32830. I threw in the acronym for those of you who miss all those we endured throughout our USMC careers.
Your credit card will be charged at time of reservation.
Do not delay. Make your reservations now.
You can cancel reservations up to 30 days before arrival w/o penalty.
If within 30 days of stay you will be charged 1 night stay.
Craig Hullinger said you all are getting old and may look forward to a relaxing Reunion emphasizing socializing, drinks at the bar and eating at some unique restaurants.
All other activities are optional. Your decision if you want to golf or shop or go to the theme parks or just socialize and tell sea stories.
We are trying to schedule gatherings in the evenings to free up optional daytime hours to golf, take in various attractions as individuals or small groups at any one of the four Disney Theme Parks, and those of the surrounding area. For those of you who may bring young ones, Disney also has two water parks. Besides Disney there is Universal Studios, Sea World and Cape Canaveral to name a few.
Tickets to these can be purchased at the SOG in person and/or their website at:
https://www.shadesofgreen.org/.
Linda and I have stayed at SOG almost every year except for 2021 and have never been disappointed. SOG has the largest square footage rooms on Disney property and for the time 6-9 February we are looking at we will enjoy a 15% discount. SOG charges based on rank and most of us will fall into their Category 3. Rates for a standard room will be $188.00… no tax or fees. About $10.00 less for Category 2 E7-E9, 01-03, WO1-CW3, Widows, Medal of Honor Recipients, 100% Disabled Vet, E1-E6 Sponsored.
To receive the 15% discount in Feb 2023 you will each need to make your own reservations and anyone with a DOD ID card can make up to 3 reservations.
The special February 2023 rates are for 1-12 February so you can reserve a standard room earlier and/or later at that rate.
At this time, they have many standard rooms available, but they book up fast so do not delay.
You can always cancel if your plans change and cannot make the Reunion.
You can cancel reservations up to 30 days before arrival w/o penalty.
If within 30 days of stay you will be charged 1 night stay.
SOG #: 407-824-3400 or 888-593-2242.
Website: https://www.shadesofgreen.org/.
Parking is $15/night in a sheltered parking garage. They even have a Level for Marines!
No Shuttle To/From SOG and Orlando International Airport but MEARS Transportation’s current rate is $32/person Roundtrip. Their # 407-422-2222.
Of course, you can rent a vehicle at the airport but unless you want to leave Disney property there is no reason to rent a vehicle.
SOG offers free bus transportation to various Disney Parks where you can also take advantage of Disney Resort Transportation.
If you miss the Shades of Green bus from:
Hollywood Studios
Animal Kingdom
Disney Springs
You can board the Disney bus to the Polynesian Resort. Then it is less than a 2 minute walk to the Shades of Green Welcome center.
Walt Disney busses run approximately every 20 minutes.
You can also use Uber or Lyft services.
Disney complimentary bus, boat and monorail services are available to take you to popular destinations throughout Walt Disney World Resort—some Disney Resort hotels even offer convenient walking paths to nearby parks.
Plus, the most recent addition to our fantastic world on the go, the free Disney Skyliner lets Guests glide across the sky while traveling between:
One time Linda and I spent the night at the SOG and in two days we visited and/or ate at eight different Disney resorts without being charged admission.
Do not delay. Make your reservations now.
You can cancel reservations up to 30 days before arrival w/o penalty.
If within 30 days of stay you will be charged 1 night stay.
Looking forward to seeing you all there!
Semper Fi,
Woz
941-779-5448
Tentative Schedule:
Monday 6 February:
Arrive and Check-in at SOG after 1500.
1700-1830 Meet & Greet at SOG Evergreen’s Sport Bar
https://www.shadesofgreen.org/dining-drinks This warm, family-friendly sports bar is right next to our active Mill Pond Pool area. With gastropub classics, cold beers on tap, and a spirited atmosphere, Evergreen’s is a favorite dining destination at Shades of Green. Hours: 1100 - 2300 Takeout Available.
1830-2000 Dinner at SOG MANGINO'S full-service restaurant aims to please with a combination of classic steaks and old-world Italian dishes.
2000-Muster at Evergreen’s Sport Bar for those inclined to extend their evening.
Tuesday 7 February:
0700-1100 Breakfast GARDEN GALLERY*
Enjoy your Breakfast Buffet in the morning that includes pancake, waffle & omelet stations, and 13 hot items daily! Return at night to build your own Pizza, Pasta Dish, or Fried Rice on our Garden Gallery Marketplace Takeout. Hours: Breakfast 0700 - 1100 Daily/Takeout 1700-2300 Daily.
DAY ON YOUR OWN
Golf at the Magnolia Golf Course adjacent to SOG. You can walk out of your SOG room to 1st tee. They are the longest course on Disney property and hold PGA events.
407-939-4653. Currently retired military $116 includes cart subject to change. You can request tee times online at: Golfwdw.com.
Or visit Theme Park(s), hang out by one of two SOG pools, visit/shop/dine at Disney Springs https://www.disneysprings.com/ or just relax.
SOG has complimentary golf cart transportation to end of property which is across the road from the Polynesian Village Resort or if you prefer it is within walking distance.
1700-1800 Happy Hour: Trader Sam's Grog Grotto in Disney's Polynesian Village Resort Tropical tiki bar that captures the romance of the South Seas.
TIME: TBD Luau at Polynesian Village Resort https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/polynesian-resort/dining/
2100-Muster at Evergreen’s Sport Bar for those inclined to extend their evening.
Wednesday 8 February:
0700-1100 Breakfast SOG GARDEN GALLERY*
DAY ON YOUR OWN
Golf, Theme Park(s), hang out by the pool, visit/shop/dine at Disney Springs, relax.
Time TBD: Board the SOG bus to Disney’s Animal Kingdom unless you are already at the Animal Kingdom.
1830-2000 Boma - Flavors of Africa (Temporarily not open due to COVID restrictions)
Dining located in Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. The Lodge itself is a site to behold.
Resembling a lively African marketplace, this restaurant features all-you-care-to-enjoy buffets at breakfast and dinner. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/animal-kingdom-lodge/boma-flavors-of-africa
2000-??? You may want to take advantage of the night life on the African Savannah via complimentary night vision goggles and/or hang out at one of their lounges.
Take SOG bus back to SOG.
2100-Muster at Evergreen’s Sport Bar for those inclined to extend their evening.
Thursday 9 February:
0700-1100 Breakfast SOG GARDEN GALLERY*
1100 Check-out or continue your stay.
*SOG GARDEN GALLERY was a suggestion for breakfast every day to make it easy to get up whenever and start your day wherever you want. Of course, you may want to not have breakfast or choose another venue. There is always room service.
Our after hour gatherings do not have to always be at the SOG Evergreen’s Sports Bar. So, the venue is always subject to change. We just wanted to make the last event of the day close to where we will be laying our head.
Do not delay. Make your reservations now.
Let us know what events you wish to participate in. We realize that if you are going to spend the day at one of the Disney Theme Parks you may not want to break for dinner but after all that walking you just may. Talk amongst yourselves to see if others have similar interests for activities. Linda and I think we will spend our free daytime relaxing and enjoying your company at the beautiful SOG Resort outside if weather permits. No snow in the forecast.
Looking forward to seeing you all there!
Semper Fi,
Woz
941-779-5448
