Hi! What a great thread! I just have a few questions...
1. what are ticket order forms? Do I need to do this before I go to SOG? Thought I could just go to the counter and buy them. Glad I saw that if I need to do something first!
You do not need to use this form. You can still buy your tickets at the ticket counter once you get there. This is just a new system Shades is offering where you can order them ahead of time and pick them up at registration. Then you don't have to wait in line to buy your tickets there.
2. I see that it is a 10-5 min. walk to Poly/ttc. Is this walk well marked and is it on a sidewalk or road? Will be walking with two kiddies in strollers so want to make sure it is a safe way to go!
It is about 10-15 minutes to the Poly, depending on how fast/slow you walk. A bit longer to the TTC. Both are mostly on a sidewalk or paved pathway. You just have to cross one road (at a crosswalk). But, please, be very careful crossing there. The cars move really fast and don't always yield to pedestrians. And, yes, it is pretty well marked. Just one spot that gets me. It's over as you approach the Poly. I always end up taking the wrong fork. But we always end up where we need to be. And if you do get "misplaced," there is always someone on the paths you can ask. You won't get lost.
3. Was thinking of requesting room near lobby to make it easier to get in/out to parks. Has anyone stayed there recently and would you recommend this area? More concerned about convenience to transportation than pool but also want a quiet area.
You can request a room close to the lobby. It makes for an easier walk at the end of a very long day on your feet. However, the resort is not as big as the Disney resorts, so no matter what room you get, it won't be too far. Of course, it may FEEL long at midnight after being on your feet since 8 a.m. And the only places not quiet are those near the pools. And even those are only noisey during the afternoons. The entire resort is very quiet at night ... at least, that is what I have found.
Just be sure to slow your pace and have a great time! Don't try to put too much into each day. You will not be able to see everything in one trip anyway, so just pick your must do's, map it out, then just go with the flow. Especially in the summer with the heavy crowds. I have seen too many people try to do the parks "commando style" (and I use to be one of them) and missed a lot of the little things that make Disney Disney.