Hey, I’m heading to Shades of Green for a weekend getaway at Walt Disney World on this Friday, 30 July. My wife and I are going both for a relaxing weekend and to do some research for the site. We’re jumping in the car Friday morning and making the 6 hour drive. We’re looking forward to it
The last time I was at Shades, Mangino’s was closed so we definitely want to try out their food. We’re going to hit each of the other restaurants too and spend lots of time around the resort. We won’t be going to any of the theme parks (we’ve done that lots) but might head to Downtown Disney or the Boardwalk in the evenings for a little Disney atmosphere. Perhaps we’ll catch the new Summer Nightastic fireworks at the Magic Kingdom from the California Grill atop the Contemporary Resort, or the Electrical Water Pageant from the Polynesian beach
We’ll be taking lots of pictures around Shades and trying to find out as many details as possible. Please let me know by replying to this post or sending me an e-mail if there is anything specific you want me to check out or get some pics of!
I’ll be posting lots of what I found in the weeks after I get back!
Shades of Green
Posted in: Shades of Green.
Tagged: Military Disney Tips · Shades of Green · Walt Disney World
Shades of Green is offering a special package for those who who care for someone i.e. a wounded soldier, a child or a sick family member.
The special is available from 16 August until 15 October 2010. It’s a FANTASTIC $69.00 per night rate.
To me it sounds as if spouses of military members who care for the kids qualify. Call Shades of Green or use the request form linked to below.
The U.S Army Family and MWR Command, Shades of Green Caregiver Special, is designed as a respite for those providing for our country’s wounded and ill Armed Forces members, veterans, and family members.(Please read eligibilty requirements below).
Only $69.00 per night (double occupancy) includes :
- Standard Room Accommodations
*Additional guests 18 and over $15.00 per night
*Only Valid August 16 – October 15, 2010 (Blackout dates may apply)
Eligibility Requirements – Must be Active Duty or Retired military, members of the Guard or Reserve, DoD civilian employees, and Family members of the above groups with a military/Government ID card.
Definition of Caregiver – A Caregiver can be anyone who takes care of someone, a wounded soldier, a child or a sick family member.
Click here if you feel that you are eligible for the Caregiver Special and would like to MAKE A RESERVATION REQUEST.
Posted in: Shades of Green.
Tagged: Military Disney Tips · Shades of Green · Shades of Green Packages · Walt Disney World
Shades of Green is now offering an Intimate Wedding or Vow Renewal Package.
Their web site says that the “Intimate Wedding and Vow Renewal package is perfect for a couple with a small gathering of family and close friends”. The ceremony can be held outside at the Gazebo, on the 9th hole courtyard on the Veranda, or other areas around the 40 acre resort. The package is priced for up to 14 guests. View a sample package here
For $895.00 the package includes:
- Venue
- Minister
- Photography by Photo Magic (details here)
- Flowers (bouquet for bride and boutonniere for groom)
- Single tier cake
- Champagne toast for up to 14 guests
*Additional services such as dining and reception facilities, musicians, horse drawn carriage, Disney characters, pre-wedding day photography, are available for an additional charge. Here is a link to the Shades of Green Intimate Wedding Inquiry Form
Shades of Green truly is a beautiful resort located in magical Walt Disney World. This package combined with a stay at Shades of Green would make for the perfect wedding or vow renewal!
Shades of Green Info
Posted in: Shades of Green.
Tagged: Military Disney Tips · Shades of Green · Shades of Green Packages · Walt Disney World
Walt Disney Parks Public Relations has confirmed to me that this year’s Disney Armed Forces Salute will not be extended. To quote my contact “Sales at gate and military base ticket office will come to an end on 8/31 and all tickets expire on 9/30″. Disney also notes that, “Existing exclusive military discounts on all Magic Your Way ticket products are unchanged”. This refers to discounted park tickets available at Shades of Green or your local Base’s ticket office.
This follows NBC Universal’s discontinuation of it’s MIlitary Salute at their Orlando Florida Universal Studios Theme Park. The Anheuser-Busch Here’s To The Heros offer at their nationwide theme parks continues through the end of the calendar year. Anheuser-Busch has offered a free one-day entrance to one of it’s theme parks to military members and up to three dependents since 2005. The Disney and Universal offers only ran in 2009 and part of 2010. The last time both parks ran a similar offer was in the economic downturn after 9/11.
Sad to see it end, it was fantastic while it lasted! Hopefully you’ll be able to take advantage of the offer before it ends. Not much time left, you have to buy your tickets by 31 August and start using them by 26 Sept as they will expire on 30 September.
If you can’t make it by the end of this offer be sure to check back here often for info on any military discounts that do become available in the future, whether from Disney, Shades of Green, Universal, Anheuser-Busch, or other military and non-military discounts which will help you save on your Orlando Theme Park vacation. I’m still waiting to hear from Disney Parks Public Relations if they will have a 2011 Disney Military Salute.
Posted in: Disney Military Discounts.
Tagged: Anheuser-Busch · Disney's Military Salute · military discounted tickets · Military Disney Tips · Shades of Green · Universal Orlando Military Salute
A quick check of the Shades of Green site showed that room rates did not rise for Fiscal Year 2011. That’s great! They have gone up the past few years. The room rates that have been in affect this fiscal now have a Sept 2011 end date. Shades does note that rates could increase with out notice based on operating costs.
Shades of Green Room Rates
Posted in: Shades of Green.
Tagged: Military Disney Tips · Shades of Green · Walt Disney World
Amy at Ears of Experience just unveiled their magical new web site. It’s got a great new look with sections on Disney specials, kid’s tips, special needs, and concierge packages (with special services by the Mouse Experts).
Ears of Experience is owned and operated by a military family. They truly are Mouse Experts, they only do Disney travel reservations, which keeps them current and knowledgeable on such a large and constantly changing topic. A great example is their Concierge packages where for an extra fee they provide detailed and personalized itineraries, dining reservations, and texting support during your trip.
You’ll never pay anything extra for your reservations as Ears of Experience is a fee free travel agent. You’ll pay the same as when you spend all the time researching and making the reservations with Disney yourself (Concierge service is extra). They’ll save you lots of time and probably some money too with their great service.
I’ve used them myself and highly recommend them!
Drop by and check out the new site and as always if you make your Disney reservation through the Mouse Experts at Ears of Experience please mention that Military Disney Tips referred you!
Ears of Experience contact page
Ears of Experience’s new website
Posted in: Disney Military Discounts.
Tagged: Armed Forces Salute · Disney's Military Salute · military discounted tickets · Military Disney Tips · Walt Disney World
Disney has announced that they are extending the purchase period for this year’s Armed Forces Salute. You now have until 31 August 2010 to buy your tickets. The previous cutoff was 31 July. Tickets must still must be activated by 26 September and are void after 30 September 2010.
Click here for more info on the Armed Forces Salute and blockout dates.
Disney Military Salute Comes To An End
Posted in: Disney Military Discounts.
Tagged: Armed Forces Salute · Disney's Military Salute · military discounted tickets · Military Disney Tips · Shades of Green · Walt Disney World
Shades of Green has lots of room/meal packages available at various times until the end of the fiscal year.
Here’s a quick look at them, for a more detailed look at the actual savings go to Shades of Green Package Comparison.
Spring Special Package – Through 23 May 2010
- $289.00 based on double occupancy
- 3 Night Room Accommodations
- 3 Breakfast Buffet at the Garden Gallery
- Children 9 and under free
- Add an additional night (between 8 – 23 May only) for $65
End of Summer Special Package – 13 August – 30 September 2010.
- $329.00 based on double occupancy
- 3 Night Room Accommodations
- 3 Breakfast Buffet at the Garden Gallery
- 3 Dinner Buffets at the Garden Gallery
- Children 9 and under free
Fall Special Package – 1 – 30 September 2010
- $289.00 based on double occupancy
- 3 Night Room Accommodations
- 3 Breakfast Buffet at the Garden Gallery
- Children 9 and under free
Red White and Blue Salute Package – Through 30 September 2010
- Four to Eight Night Stay
- Standard and Poolside Guest Rooms discounted $5.00 per night
- Garden Gallery Breakfast and Dinner Buffet discounted 15%
- Walt Disney World® Stars and Stripes Theme park tickets~Adult tickets discounted $10.00 and Children (ages 3-9) tickets discounted $8.00
OEF/OIF U.S. Military and DoD Civillian Package – Indefinite
- 20% discount on all available room categories ranging from 1 – 14 nights.
- 20% discount on Shades of Green dining
R&R 40% Special – 1-30 September 2010
- 40% discount on all available room categories ranging from 1 – 14 nights.
- 40% discount on Shades of Green dining
Shades of Green Package Comparison
Shades of Green Packages
Posted in: Shades of Green.
Tagged: Armed Forces Salute · military discounted tickets · Military Disney Tips · Shades of Green · Shades of Green Packages · Walt Disney World
It’s official…
NBC Universal Military Sales confirmed for me today that “Universal has no plans for another Salute Program”. This ends the recent era in which all three major Orlando Florida Theme Parks had Military Salutes in effect. Universal Orlando’s ran from January 2009 until last month. Disney World’s has run form January 2009 and ends September this year (tickets must be purchased by 31 July). While Anheuser-Busch has offered their Here’s to the Heros Salute year in year out since 2005.
You can still take advantage of Universal Military Vacation Packages that include room and park tickets.
If you can, take advantage of Disney’s Military Salute this year, it’s likely not to be continued next year.
Disney’s 2010 Military Salute
Anheuser-Busch’s Here’s to the Heros
Posted in: Universal Military Discounts.
Tagged: Anheuser-Busch · Armed Forces Salute · Disney's Military Salute · Hollywood Studios · Military · military discounted tickets · Military Disney Tips · Sea World · Universal Military Discounts · Universal Studios Florida · Walt Disney World
Includes Mother’s Day Brunch for Mom in the Garden Gallery plus:
Wine with souvenir Shades of Green wine glasses
Chocolate delivered to guest room
5×7 Photograph from PhotoMagic
Only $50.00
Pricing is for one guest, Mother’s Day Brunch will be priced separately for guests, gratuity not included; limited availability; other restrictions may apply.
Please call Shades of Green Reservations for more info (888) 593-2242
Posted in: Shades of Green.
Tagged: Military Disney Tips · Shades of Green · Shades of Green Packages · Walt Disney World
