Shades of Green, Walt Disney World’s military only resort offers so many great benefits that it is hard to keep this list to just 10!
1. Location, location, location
The biggest plus is that Shades of Green is located right in the middle of the Magic, an Armed Forces Recreation Center right on Walt Disney World property!
2. Constant dependable price
The best thing about Shades of Green is its constant dependable price structure. Shades has just 3 rate categories, which are based on pay grade. The more junior members (E1 to E-6) pay significantly less per night (right around $180 based on room type), while more senior members pay somewhat more (around $229-$239)(FY25 Rates).
Shades of Green’s rates are constant year-round while in comparison, Disney World has numerous price seasons throughout the year with prices for each individual room varying up to double the cheapest rate during the more expensive times of the year.
Shades of Green’s Regular Rates
Shades of Green’s Price Compared to Disney
3. Discounts
On top of their great rates, Shades offers some discounts to boot occupancy rates when needed during the slower times of the year.
These discounts are from 10 to 15 percent off the regular rates.
Taking advantage of these discounts can save you cash during your WDW vacation.
Shades of Green’s Discounts and Packages
4. Biggest rooms
Shades of Green has the largest standard guest rooms on Walt Disney World property.
At 480 Square feet Shades of Green’s rooms are among the roomiest to be found on the entire Walt Disney World Resort. Guest amenities in Shades of Green’s oversized, standard guest rooms include two queen-sized beds and a single sleeper sofa. Each standard guest room features either a private balcony or patio, with two chairs and a table.
Shades of Green Guest Rooms are comparable to the Disney Deluxe Resorts such as the Polynesian. The views from almost every room are spectacular. Views throughout the resort are unique and interesting. The lush tropical landscaping provides an incredible backdrop.
5. Great Atmosphere
Shades of Green is a very tranquil resort, during the day the pools and grounds are used lightly. With 586 rooms it is a comparatively small resort, Disney’s Value and Moderate Resorts have up to over 2000 rooms and can be very hectic all day!
On average I’ve found over the years that Shades of Green’s guests are much more friendly to and considerate of each other. After all, we are all part of the same big family!
Guests more often than not, greet each other in passing, ask how you’re doing, or strike up conversations. While at the Disney resort guests will just pass each other by without even looking at each other, much less saying “Hi.”
6. Ticket Sales Office
Shades of Green has a Military Ticket Office, just like the one at your local base.
At the Ticket Sales Office, you may purchase Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets as well as all other varieties of Disney World tickets, plus tickets for other local attractions like Universal Studios Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, and many other Orlando area attractions.
Prices at the Shades of Green Ticket Sales Office are comparable to those that you’d find at your local Base MWR Ticket Office.
Shades of Green’s Ticket Office
The Shades of Green Ticket Office Sells Long-Distance
7. Two Great Pools
There are two very beautiful outdoor pools at Shades of Green.
Both pools are located in the original Magnolia Wing. Both pools are heated and handicap assessable, the Magnolia Pool features zero entry walk in and both pools have assistive lift devices.
The Mill Pond Pool which is formed in the shape of the Mickey Mouse head icon has a water slide and kids splash/play area. The Mill Pond is located at the rear of the Magnolia Wing. Evergreen’s is conveniently located next to the pool for snacks and drinks.
Mill Pond Pool and Slide
Mill Pond Splash Area
The Magnolia Pool is located on the side and near the front of the Magnolia Wing. Chip n’ Dale’s Deli is located nearby for snacks and drinks. The hot tub is also located here.
The Magnolia Pool
8. AAFES Store
You’ll find almost anything you need at great prices. From snacks and breakfast staples to all kinds of drinks, plus lots of Disney souvenirs at awesome prices. The AAFES Store is worth a stop to stock up even if you are not staying at Shades!
The Shades of Green AAFES Store
9. Early Entry and Extended Evening Hours
Shades of Green’s guests are allowed to participate in Walt Disney World’s Early Entry and Extended Evening Hours programs.
Shades of Green guests are eligible for Early Entry benefit that replaced Morning Extra Magic Hours, which ended when Disney World closed for COVID-19 in 2020. Early Entry is available 30 minutes before the regular theme park opening time at every theme park every day.
In addition, guests staying at Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts at Walt Disney World including Shades of Green are also eligible to enjoy Extended Evening Hours on select nights in select theme parks.
Shades of Green Guest Disney Benefits
10. Java Café
The Java Café is the Hidden Gem at Shades of Green. This small counter service location at one side of the lobby is the perfect spot to grab your favorite Starbucks beverage and sweet breakfast treat on your way to the Disney World theme parks!
The Buffet breakfast at the Garden Gallery gets backed up in the morning with sometimes long lines of people waiting to be seated. Besides a big, heavy buffet breakfast will just slow your morning park touring down!
What’s your Favorite?
Share your favorite thing about Shades of Green in the comments below!
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.
Read Steve’s Full Bio | Follow Military Disney Tips on Facebook
Do you suggest AAFES over grocery delivery for stuff like bottled water? I hear Disney water is not great tasting.
Hi Liz,
If you have a car or want to Uber/Lift and the time I’d recommend visiting Shades AAFES Store for your in room snacks and water.
Trying to do so via Disney transport and Shades transport would be a nightmare.
I have stayed at SOG many times and have never once been disappointed. However since I have retired, when I go to Disney I usually spend 3 to 4 weeks a year there and so I take my RV to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Camp Ground. My wife and I absolutely love this place. We will get the annual pass and then go back a couple of times during the year to make it worth it.
Your comment about the Java Cafe is meant for the young families speeding off to the parks. We older patrons enjoy the leisurely breakfast at the Galleria. Escaping a wintry North we enjoy looking around at the green plants and beautiful flowers under a blue sky. The wait staff is excellent and we’ve gotten to know some of them over the years.
Great comment, thanks