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Shades of Green

3 New Specials At Shades Of Green

Shades of Green Resort - Wallt Disney World FloridaShades of Green the military resort on Walt Disney World property announced three new late Summer discounts. Two of theses are room only discounts and one is a room/ticket/breakfast package.

Shades Trying To Fill Rooms

These discounts are on varying dates from mid August through late September 2011.

These varied rates and limited dates indicate that Shades is trying to fill holes that they have in their reservations calendar for dates in the near future.

The discounts are:

  • The $100 Room Rate Special OVER
  • The Super Saver Internet Special OVER
  • The Single Soldier Special

DETAILS

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Non-Retired Veterans – Shades of Green continues their Salute to Our Veterans

Last January Shades of Green, the Military Resort on Walt Disney World property opened it’s doors to those who severed but didn’t stay in the military and retire.

Shades allowed these Vets to stay in the exclusive military only resort during January 2011.

Now the “Salute to Our Veterans” Program continues and Shades of Green is again accepting reservations from non-retired US military veterans for stays in September and January.

Vets are eligible for the same discounted room rates that current and retired military members pay, as well as military discounted theme park tickets.

Eligibility Requirements are: Those who served in the military for less than 20 years and received an honorable discharge are eligible to stay at Shades of Green during the months of January and September only. Proof of honorable discharge (DD-214) is required.

You may obtain a copy of your DD-214 by clicking here.

You can view Shades of Green’s Special Website for this program by clicking here.

Shades of Green Links

How do I get to Shades of Green?

Transportation Options to and around Disney property for Shades of Green GuestsDisney World has its Magical Express transportation for guests staying at Disney owned resorts, but Shades of Green guests are on their own for transportation from Orlando International Airport to the military resort on Disney property.

Shades does have special rates negotiated with Sun State Transportation you can get a quote online or call 407-601-7900. I’ve not used them, but check them out and compare to other ways to get from the airport to Shades.

I usually drive to WDW. In fact I think my family and I only flew in twice.

What we did those two times was, once we rented a car at the airport and used it to drive to Disney and back. Plus we had the rental to drive to the parks or wherever we wanted to go. You might be able to find a good rate: There is a Hertz kiosk in the Shades of Green lobby and of course at the airport. Here is the Hertz government pricing link use the second link (leisure) on the page.

The other time we used a limo/towncar service. I think it was around $100 but that was a while ago.

Here is a google search for Towncars to Disney

There is also a company called Mears transport which runs busses from the airport to Disney resorts.

Taxis at the airport are about $75 each way to Disney.

How can I get to Universal Studios or Sea World?

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Catch the Shady Shuttle at Shades of Green

Shades of Green Resort - Wallt Disney World FloridaShades of Green Guests have several transportation options available to them to get to Walt Disney World’s theme parks.

Shades of Green has its own fleet of Buses which transport Shades guests to Disney’s theme parks, water parks, and the Transportation and Ticket Center.

Guests can also walk from Shades of Green to Disney’s Polynesian Resort and catch the Resort Monorail for the Magic Kingdom or to the Transportation and Ticket Center where they can transfer to the Epcot Monorail.

While the walk to the Poly isn’t too bad, about 10 minutes, it can be very hot in the Orlando summer heat.

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Shades of Green November Room Special

Shades of Green announced their November Special honoring Veteran’s Day with rates available on standard rooms in November (New Bookings only).

UPDATE: Offer Expired

These are the same rates offered on their May Package and End of Summer Special. This seems to be the price point that Shades has settled on after experimenting for over a year on various packages and discounts.

$90 category 1 ($5 savings)
$100 category 2 ($23 savings)
$110 category 3 ($21 savings)

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Huge Koi Fish at Shades of Green

Feed the fish at Disney's Shades of Green ResortWhile most moments in a Disney Vacation are jam-packed with activity, there will be gaps between activities and quiet moments that need to be filled.

Disney World is filled with lots of intense activities and lots of waiting. This can drive some kids crazy. Left with nothing to do there is no telling what could happen. Perhaps the dreaded meltdown.

It might be that you are back at Shades of Green for a mid-day break from Disney’s theme parks or you’re waiting for Mangino’s Italian Bistro to open for dinner. But you’d like to find something for the kids to do.

The beautiful view to the rear of Shades of Green

Well Shades of Green has these fantastic Coy Fish in ponds just out the back door from the lobby on the first floor.

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A Disney Mid-Day Break A Good Time To Use Shades of Green’s Laundry Rooms

Take a mid-day Disney break and wash your drawersCentral Florida can be very hot and muggy in the summer. Almost all Disney planners recommend a mid day break from the theme parks to go back to the room and recharge your batteries.

We always do this if we are at WDW in the summer. Some people hate to leave the parks once they are there, but being there from early in the morning until closing has been known to make not only children but seasoned NCOs cry. Summertime hours in the parks can run from 8AM the 11PM or later. That’s just too much to take at one time.

So, sometime after lunch in the park bail out and head back to your room. Get out of your very sweaty clothes, hit the pool, or just get a nap. I recommend both.

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Shades of Green’s Java Cafe – Get a Good Cup of Joe Before Hitting the Disney Parks

Shades of Green's Java CafeA morning challenge, you and your family are trying to make the morning rope drop at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. You want to be one of the very first to ride Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and quickly move on to Peter Pan’s Flight and It’s a Small World before your Character Breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table.

But you’ve got to start your day with a cup of Joe. The thought of undertaking what you have in store without caffeine in your system is unfathomable. Plus you don’t want just any cup of coffee. The little, over used, under cleaned coffee pot in the room with the mystery brand coffee is totally out of the question.

So here’s your solution. While the rest of the family is still getting ready in the room, head towards the Shades of Green lobby. Your destination is the Java Café, a Starbucks coffee stand located near the lobby. If you are staying in the original guest room wing it will be on the way to the lobby, if you’re in the new wing enter the lobby and go all the way through to the far end, turn right and go down the ramp.

Shades of Green’s Java Café makes all the usual Starbuck’s coffees and teas plus they carry a limited pastry selection. So if you have an early morning mission to conquer the theme parks make sure you have all the ammo you need to get the mission off on the right foot. You’ll thank yourself later!

Open 0600-1200 hrs.

Other Shades of Green Dining

Shades of Green Links

If you are new to Military Disney Tips Start Here

Disney’s Armed Forces Salute FAQ

Information on Shades of Green – the Military Hotel on Disney World property

For up to the minute news follow us on facebook and twitter.

Free Disney Planning & Reservation Checklist

Shades of Green’s Gazebo – The perfect Spot for a Wedding or Vow Renewal

Shades of Green offers Wedding and Vow Renewal packages that can be held a various places around the resort. The ideal location is the Gazebo at the rear of the resort. Here is a photo to check out.

Shades of Green Wedding and Vow Renewal packages

Click image too see larger

There are more pictures of the Gazebo on the main site.

See here for more info on the Romantic Wedding and Vow Renewal packages at Shades of Green and the current May Wedding and Vow Renewal packages.

Shades of Green Links

If you are new to Military Disney Tips Start Here

Disney’s Armed Forces Salute FAQ

Information on Shades of Green – the Military Hotel on Disney World property

For up to the minute news follow us on facebook and twitter.

Free Disney Planning & Reservation Checklist

Stay Fit During Your Disney Vacation at Shades of Green’s Gym

Whenever I head to Disney I go with the resolution to keep up with my PT program. That first morning there I’ll usually get a run in. Maybe even the second day too, but that’s where I usually falter. All that time on your feet in the theme parks can take a toll on you.

But if you are more dedicated than me and want to work out while you are staying at the Shades of Green Resort at Disney World here is what you can expect from their gym.

Shades of Green's Gym

Located off the lobby, just down the ramp at the left rear near the patriotic Mickey statue, the gym has all of the usual machines.

Shades of Green's Gym

Both aerobic and weight machines and for the higher tech inclined a Wii Fit.

Shades of Green's Gym

Water and towels are provided and the temperature is just right for a workout, just a little cool.

Shades of Green's Gym

After your workout have a refreshing dip in one of Shades of Green’s Pools

Shades of Green Links

If you are new to Military Disney Tips Start Here

Disney’s Armed Forces Salute FAQ

Information on Shades of Green – the Military Hotel on Disney World property

For up to the minute news follow us on facebook and twitter.