Welcome to the second part of my exclusive interview with the Shades Of Green Staff. Shades of Green is the military owned and operated resort on WDW property, one of the many Armed Forces Recreation Centers worldwide.
If you missed part one you can find it here.
In part two we will discuss discounts and innovation.
Overflow Rates
MDT: A great feature that Shades of Green offered in the past was the Overflow Rates at Disney Resorts when Shades was booked. I used this quite a few times myself. With the advent of the Armed Forces Salute’s 30%-40% room discounts the 20% overflow rate has been rendered obsolete.
Is this benefit still an option for Shades guests, in the event that AFS rates are used up at Disney resorts and that Shades is booked?
Once the AFS ends I know many, including myself will hope that it is still available.
Shades of Green: Absolutely! Our reservations team will accommodate all reservations possible at Shades of Green. But should we not be able to meet the need, we can help confirm a reservation for you at a nearby resort at the most competitive rate available.
Innovation – what’s next
MDT: Recently Shades of Green introduced a great innovation, allowing guests to pre-order their attraction tickets prior to arrival. What a great, time saving idea! Are there any more great innovations on the way?
Shades of Green: We are looking into an interactive TV program that will allow our guests the ability to view restaurant menus, park hours, their bill, and so much more. It will also allow our guests to purchase in room movies and order room service right through the television!
For guests staying at the resort now, we are also utilizing a QR code on the bus schedule that can be scanned with a smart phone. So when our guests find themselves in the theme parks the bus schedule will be loaded right there on their phone!
Any upcoming plans
MDT: Are there any upcoming plans for Shades of Green’s future that you’d like to share?
Shades of Green: Over the next 12 months, we will be renovating our pool areas. The Magnolia Pool, or “quiet pool” will be redesigned as a zero-entry pool and bathrooms will be added to the area. The gradual entrance to the pool is to better accommodate our guests with mobility challenges, and the growing number of wounded veterans returning from combat.
The Magnolia Pool to close within the fall timeframe, and it will be under construction for 90-120 days. The Millpond pool will follow.”
The Mill Pond Pool, or “Mickey pool” is going to receive a new slide, and the kiddie pool will be redesigned as a splash ground complete with fort. With the changes to this area, lifeguards will also be posted in the area.
What do you want people to know about Shades of Green
MDT: What’s the one thing about Shades of Green that you wish more people knew about?
Shades of Green: The Salute to our Veterans Program! Anyone who has ever honorably served in the United States military is eligible to stay with us during the months of January and September. These are great months to stay at the resort due to shorter wait times at the local attractions, and the moderate temperatures make it an ideal time for weddings and reunions. All a guest would need for identification would be a photo ID and a DD-214, and they would be able to book up to 3 rooms. Also, that military retirees are able to use the facilities year round.
Well that’s it for the interview. I’m so thankful for Shades of Green’s answers to my questions, some of which are yours too I know.
I’m looking forward to seeing some of the changes coming at the resort!
Click here for part one of the interview
This article was written by Steve Bell, founder of Military Disney Tips.
Steve is a retired U.S. military member who has been visiting the Disney Parks since 1971 and writing about Disney military discounts and vacations for the military community for over 18 years.
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