Before it became Walt Disney World’s military resort, Shades of Green was one of Disney’s earliest—and most unusual—resort hotels.
The resort military families know today as Shades of Green began as a golf clubhouse, became Disney’s Golf Resort, was reinvented as The Disney Inn, and eventually became an Armed Forces Recreation Center in the middle of Walt Disney World.
Its history includes a struggling early Disney hotel, a post-Desert Storm search for a continental United States military recreation resort, a 100-year lease, a military purchase, a temporary move into Disney’s Contemporary Resort, and a $110 million transformation.
That journey makes Shades of Green unlike any other military resort—or Disney World hotel.
Original Research and Publication Note
I originally published this Shades of Green history on Military Disney Tips on October 22, 2019.
On January 24, 2021, Shades of Green published a history page on its official website that closely followed this article’s wording, structure, and chronology. The two pages have since been edited and updated independently, but archived versions preserved by the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine document the publication sequence.
I am proud that research originally assembled for Military Disney Tips became the foundation of the resort’s own published history.
Shades of Green Today
Shades of Green History at a Glance
| Year | Historical Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1971 | The original two-story golf clubhouse opened without guest rooms |
| 1973 | Guest rooms were added, and Disney’s Golf Resort opened with 151 rooms |
| 1986 | The resort expanded and became The Disney Inn |
| 1992 | Army MWR began searching for a continental United States Armed Forces Recreation Center |
| 1994 | The military-leased Shades of Green opened on February 1 |
| 1996 | Army MWR purchased the resort property from Disney for $43 million |
| 2002 | The resort closed for a major renovation and expansion |
| 2004 | Shades of Green reopened with 586 rooms, the new Palm Wing, and expanded amenities |
| 2020 | The resort closed temporarily during the COVID-19 pandemic |
| Today | Shades of Green continues serving eligible military families as an Armed Forces Recreation Center on Walt Disney World property |
The Early Years: From Golf Clubhouse to Disney Resort
The core of the resort first opened in 1971 as a two-story clubhouse serving Disney’s Palm and Magnolia golf courses.
It did not originally contain guest rooms.
Walt Disney World opened that October with Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. As demand for overnight accommodations grew, Disney added guest rooms to the golf clubhouse.
In December 1973, the expanded property opened as Disney’s Golf Resort with 151 guest rooms.
The resort sat between the Palm and Magnolia golf courses, across from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. It featured wood, volcanic rock, and a quiet country-club atmosphere that distinguished it from Disney’s more theatrical resort hotels.
The Golf Resort offered spacious accommodations and easy access to Disney golf, but it faced an important disadvantage.
It was not located on the Walt Disney World monorail loop.
The Contemporary and Polynesian Resorts offered guests direct monorail service. Golf Resort guests were about a quarter-mile from the nearest station at the Polynesian.
The Golf Resort reportedly operated at approximately 60% to 75% occupancy during much of the year, while the Contemporary and Polynesian frequently approached full occupancy.
Many travel agents and vacationers did not view the Golf Resort as a fully immersive “Disney” hotel. It felt more like a quiet golf retreat located at Walt Disney World.
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: The lack of monorail access made it a hard go for a Disney resort located a half-mile walk from the closest monorail station! The upcoming transition to a different clientele with special incentives totally transformed the resort into a fully used facility.
Disney Reinvents the Resort as The Disney Inn
In February 1986, Disney expanded and renamed the Golf Resort as The Disney Inn.
The goal was to appeal to a broader audience rather than primarily serving golfers.
Disney added 150 rooms and introduced a Snow White theme. With the expansion, the hotel grew to 288 rooms.
The Disney Inn promoted the rustic charm of a quiet country inn. Rooms were designed with a bright and airy style. Sitting areas featured pale green walls, oak tables and chairs, chandeliers, and pull-out couches.
Despite the new name and theme, The Disney Inn remained small by Disney standards and retained its secluded golf-course setting.
STEVE EXPERIENCE: As you may know, I used to work at Walt Disney World, in the Magic Kingdom, after I first got off active duty from 1985 to 1988. I was vaguely aware of the Golf Resort and then the Disney Inn back then. I do remember seeing the sign on World Drive, but I never made it over there.
Why the Military Chose Orlando
By the early 1990s, Army officials had decided that the Armed Forces Recreation Center portfolio should include a resort in the continental United States.
Orlando emerged as the top choice in a market survey of soldiers.
The location made sense. Central Florida was already one of the country’s most popular family-vacation destinations, and a military resort there could serve active-duty families, retirees, veterans in eligible categories, and other authorized guests from across the United States.
In 1992, following Operation Desert Storm, Army Morale, Welfare, and Recreation placed an advertisement in the Orlando Sentinel seeking businesses interested in leasing a resort property to the Army.
The advertisement described the required number of rooms and amenities, including:
- A swimming pool
- A restaurant
- A lounge
- Enough guest rooms to support a military recreation resort
More than 40 responses were received.
The Walt Disney World Company’s offer to lease The Disney Inn was ultimately selected.
MILITARY INSIGHT: Orlando, in general, and Disney World, specifically, is the perfect spot for an Armed Forces Recreation Center! I’ve always said that Disney’s parks are the perfect spot for military families to completely forget about all of the things that they have to deal with in military life. They can set aside deployments, PCS moves, TDYs, and the stresses of military life for a few days and simply enjoy being together as a family! On top of that, the AFRC rates make a Disney vacation much more affordable.
Side Note: quite a few years ago, the Armed Forces Recreation Centers had an online survey asking the military community where in the continental US they would like a new AFRC Resort. There were 4 or 5 choices on the list, and Anaheim, California, near Disneyland, was on the list. I encouraged everyone to vote at the time, but nothing ever came of the survey, no new resort came to be.
The Transition from The Disney Inn to Shades of Green
After negotiations were completed, Shades of Green officially opened on February 1, 1994.
The Department of Defense initially leased the resort and the land beneath it through a 100-year agreement.
The property was no longer operated as a Disney hotel. It became an Armed Forces Recreation Center serving authorized military guests while remaining surrounded by Walt Disney World.
Why Was It Named Shades of Green?
Selecting the new name required agreement between Disney and military Morale, Welfare, and Recreation officials.
At the time, every military service wore some form of green utility or battle-dress uniform. The different shades of green represented the various branches while creating an inclusive name for the entire military community.
The name also fit the resort’s physical location between two lush Disney golf courses and their putting greens.
Why “Shades of Green” Was the Perfect Name
The name connected the resort’s two identities:
- The different shades of green worn by the military services
- The green fairways surrounding the resort
It represented both the military community the resort served and the unique Walt Disney World setting it occupied.
Shades of Green before the 2002–2004 expansion
The Military Purchases Shades of Green
Shades of Green quickly became popular with military families.
In 1996, Army MWR purchased the resort property from Disney for $43 million. Disney retained ownership of the more than 30 acres of land beneath the resort.
Shades of Green operates as a nonappropriated-fund activity. Revenue generated through rooms, dining, retail, parking, and other resort operations supports the property rather than direct congressional taxpayer appropriations.
This self-supporting structure is one reason room occupancy, dining revenue, parking fees, and other resort income matter to Shades of Green’s continued operation and improvement.
STEVE’S PERSPECTIVE: The fact that Shades of Green is self-sustaining is important! This means that no direct taxpayer appropriations are used to operate, maintain, or improve the resort, not for operation, upkeep, or modernization. All of our stays there fund it 100%. In these days of fraud, waste, and abuse of public funds, that’s good to know.
Popularity Leads to a $110 Million Transformation
Shades of Green became so popular that it frequently filled early, especially during peak travel seasons.
The former Disney Inn was no longer large enough to meet demand.
In 2002, Shades of Green closed for nearly two years for a complete renovation and expansion valued at approximately $110 million.
The project was designed to:
- Add hundreds of guest rooms
- Create more room options for military families
- Add family suites
- Expand dining
- Add meeting and event space
- Build a fitness center
- Create a multi-level parking garage
- Modernize the original resort
The Contemporary Resort Interlude
Shades of Green did not simply stop serving military families during the 2002–2004 construction project.
Instead, Disney’s Contemporary Resort North Garden Wing was temporarily turned over to Shades of Green.
The North Garden Wing stood where Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort is located today.
Shades of Green operated its ticket office and gift shop from former guest rooms, and military families stayed in a Disney Deluxe Resort for Shades of Green prices.
For military guests, this was an extraordinary opportunity.
They received the location, transportation, and atmosphere of Disney’s Contemporary Resort while paying military resort rates.
Learn more about Bay Lake Tower, which now occupies the site of the former North Garden Wing.
STEVE’S EXPERIENCE: My family had a couple of vacations at Disney World during the Shades of Green closure for renovation. We didn’t stay at the Contemporary, but we did go there to buy our military tickets at the Ticket Office. During those stays, we used another benefit of Shades of Green that has now disappeared, that being Overflow Rates. Back in the day, if Shades of Green was fully booked for your dates, they would be able to offer you an Overflow Rate (roughly 20% off) at select Disney Resorts, (we stayed at the Wilderness Lodge). Unfortunately, this benefit disappeared years ago and is no longer offered.
Shades of Green Reopens in 2004
The expansion remodeled the original guest areas and doubled the resort’s room capacity through the addition of the Palm Wing.
The project also added:
- Ten family suites
- Additional restaurants
- Approximately 7,500 square feet of meeting space
- A fitness center
- A multi-level, 500-space parking garage
- Larger ticket-sales and gift-shop areas
While the Shades of Green expansion was underway, Disney constructed a separate clubhouse for the Palm and Magnolia golf courses. Golf operations had remained in the original clubhouse area since 1971. Golf-cart operations continued near Shades of Green after the new clubhouse opened.
Shades of Green reopened in March 2004 with 586 guest rooms.
The larger resort included the original Magnolia Wing, the new Palm Wing, ten family suites, expanded amenities, and more space to serve military families.
MOST GUESTS DON’T REALIZE: Shades of Green has only two guest-room wings: the original Magnolia Wing (on the right below with the 2 pools), and the Palm Wing (on the left attached to the garage) added during the 2002–2004 expansion.
Shades of Green following the 2002–2004 expansion and later pool renovations
What Remains from the Original Disney Resort?
Although Shades of Green has been expanded and renovated repeatedly, its Disney history remains visible.
The Magnolia Wing and part of the central resort areas trace their roots to the older Golf Resort and Disney Inn property. The country-club setting between Disney golf courses remains one of the resort’s defining features.
The new lobby, Palm Wing and parking garage expansion represent the military era’s largest physical expansion, but it was designed to complement the scale and spaciousness of the original guest accommodations.
The result is a resort with two intertwined identities:
- An early Walt Disney World resort hotel
- A military-owned Armed Forces Recreation Center
STEVE’S THOUGHTS: The Magnolia Wing is essentially as it was when Disney last owned it (but modernized, of course). It’s the common areas that received the most change. The resort entrance was well to the right of where it is now. The AAFES Store was to the left as you entered, and the front desk was across the small lobby to the left. The Garden Gallery was on the second (lobby level) floor, where the Ticket Office and computer center are now. And the ticket Office was in what is now a guest room (I believe 294).
Renovations and Improvements Since 2004
Shades of Green has continued to refresh its rooms, pools, restaurants, retail areas, and exterior since the major expansion.
| Year | Renovation or Improvement | Reported Investment |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Magnolia Wing guest rooms, corridors, and bathrooms renovated | Not listed |
| 2009 | Wedding Pavilion Deck Added | Not listed |
| 2013 | AAFES Exchange renovated and expanded | Not listed |
| 2013 | Magnolia Pool demolished and replaced with a zero-entry pool | $1.6 million |
| 2014 | Mill Pond Pool received a water slide, splash area, and fencing | $1.8 million |
| 2014 | Lobby renovated and Java Café moved into the lobby | $250,000 |
| 2014 | New patio furniture installed for all guest rooms | $380,000 |
| 2014 | New themed playground installed | $300,000 |
| 2014–2015 | Palm Wing fully renovated | $3 million |
| 2015–2016 | Garden Gallery, Express Café, and Evergreens renovated | $450,000 |
| 2017–2018 | Magnolia Wing, Evergreens Sports Bar, and Ticket Office waiting area renovated | $7.6 million |
| 2019 | Koi pond and central rear outdoor area renovated | $1.9 million |
| 2019 | Entire resort exterior repainted | Not listed |
| 2020 | Wedding Pavilion Deck Removed | Not listed |
| 2024–2026 | Resort roofing replaced | Not listed |
Shades of Green’s Changing Place in the Disney Military Market
For many years, Shades of Green occupied a unique position as the primary deeply discounted lodging option for military families at Walt Disney World.
Disney’s Armed Forces Salute room discounts created greater competition by offering eligible military families reduced rates at Disney-owned resorts.
In response, Shades of Green has offered changing room specials and packages to encourage eligible guests to stay at the resort.
Shades of Green retains major advantages:
- Tax-free room rates
- Pay-grade-based pricing
- Large standard rooms
- Military ticket sales
- A military-focused environment
- A location inside Walt Disney World
But military families now have more choices, making transportation, Disney immersion, room pricing, and family preferences important parts of the decision.
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: The Disney Armed Forces Salute discounts changed how Shades of Green operates. Pre-Salutes, there was no such thing as a discount at Shades of Green; the price was the price. Disney didn’t discount back then either. When the 30 to 40% off Disney rooms hit, Shades of Green adapted, it began offering a couple of minimal, permanent discounts, when these didn’t do well whey switched to monthly discounts that were in the early days up to 40 or even 50% off! But usually around 30% off. Over the years, these have continued to change to the occasional, lower percentage discounts of today.
See: Shades of Green’s Discounts
Shades of Green’s Financial Success
In fiscal year 2017, the most recent financial data cited in this article, Shades of Green reported a 92% occupancy rate.
The resort generated approximately $42.5 million in revenue, including approximately $27.1 million in room revenue. The remaining revenue came from food and beverage, services, parking, and other operations.
These figures demonstrate both the resort’s popularity and the importance of its self-supporting business model.
The 2020 Closure
Shades of Green closed for the second time in its history from March 17 through August 13, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Previously announced room discounts were canceled during the closure and reopening period.
Discounts returned in 2022 but became more sporadic and generally less substantial beginning in 2023.
STEVE’S EXPERIENCE: 2020 was a tough time! Things were so different. Like Disney World, Shades of Green closed its doors for a time, slowly reopening. The DoD travel ban sure didn’t help! But eventually things returned mostly to normal. The biggest issue was what could the military community do with pre-purchased tickets that they couldn’t use. Shades of Green was accommodating and helped people convert tickets to the next year’s version.
Why the History of Shades of Green Matters
Shades of Green is not simply a military hotel located near Walt Disney World.
It is a former Disney resort, located on Disney-owned land, operated for the military community as an Armed Forces Recreation Center.
Its history explains many features guests still notice today:
- The spacious rooms inherited from the Golf Resort and Disney Inn era
- The country-club atmosphere
- The resort’s location between two golf courses
- The differences between the Magnolia and Palm Wings
- The unusual relationship between Shades of Green and Walt Disney World
- The resort’s need to operate as a self-supporting military recreation property
Few hotels have moved through so many distinct identities while continuing to serve vacationing families for more than five decades.
STEVE SAYS: My first stay at Shades of Green was the summer of 2000. As a young E-6, the $89 Cat 2 rate at the time allowed us to stay for a whole week. It was our first-ever multi-day Disney World trip! We had such a fantastic time, we stayed in the MillPond Poolside room (#141). We were back at the room every afternoon for a mid-day break and loved that pool access!
Since that first stay in 2000, I’ve returned to Shades of Green dozens of times. I’ve watched the resort evolve, celebrated new additions, mourned the loss of others, and helped thousands of military families decide whether it’s the right choice for their vacation. That’s why preserving its history matters to me. Every improvement, every renovation, and every guest who discovers the resort today is part of a story that began more than fifty years ago.
Historical Disney Inn Room Rates
In the early 1990s, published rates at The Disney Inn ranged from approximately $195 per night for a room with two queen beds and a sleeper sofa to approximately $500 per night for a suite.
For today’s prices, see:
Current Shades of Green Room Rates and Pay Categories
Many people see just the lower-cost rooms, totally missing the great, relaxing community vibe that makes it special.
See: The Unexpected Advantage of Staying at Shades of Green (It Isn’t Just the Discount)
Learn More About Shades of Green
- Shades of Green Overview Page
- Shades of Green Dining
- Shades of Green Transportation
- Shades of Green Ticket Sales Office
- Shades of Green AAFES Exchange
- Military Members Review and Rate Shades of Green
Historic Photos of the Disney Golf Resort and Disney Inn
These historic images help show how the property evolved from Disney’s Golf Resort to The Disney Inn and finally to Shades of Green. Together, they reveal both the parts of the resort that have changed dramatically and the original design elements that still remain today.
Shades of Green Pre-Expansion
Shades of Green Post-Expansion
Expansion Construction – Garden Gallery (left) Lobby (in the distance)
Expansion Construction – Palm Wing
Shades of Green History Frequently Asked Questions
When did the resort that became Shades of Green originally open?
The core building opened in 1971 as a golf clubhouse. Guest wings were added, and Disney’s Golf Resort opened in December 1973 with 151 rooms.
What was Disney’s Golf Resort like?
The Golf Resort had a quiet country-club design featuring wood and volcanic rock. It sat between the Palm and Magnolia golf courses and offered much larger rooms than many later Disney hotels.
When did the Golf Resort become The Disney Inn?
Disney expanded and renamed the property The Disney Inn in February 1986. The project added 150 rooms and introduced a Snow White theme.
When did The Disney Inn become Shades of Green?
The military-leased Shades of Green opened on February 1, 1994, after Army MWR selected Disney’s offer to lease The Disney Inn.
Why is it called Shades of Green?
The name referred to the different shades of green worn in military utility uniforms at the time and to the green golf courses surrounding the resort.
Who owns Shades of Green?
Army MWR purchased the resort property from Disney in 1996. Disney retained ownership of the more than 30 acres of underlying land.
Does taxpayer funding operate Shades of Green?
Shades of Green operates as a nonappropriated-fund activity. Revenue generated by the resort supports its operation rather than direct congressional taxpayer appropriations.
Where did Shades of Green guests stay during the 2002–2004 renovation?
Guests stayed in the North Garden Wing of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, which stood where Bay Lake Tower is located today.
When did the expanded Shades of Green reopen?
The resort reopened in March 2004 with 586 rooms, including the new Palm Wing and ten family suites.
How many guest-room wings does Shades of Green have?
Shades of Green has two guest-room wings: the Magnolia Wing and the Palm Wing.
How many times has Shades of Green closed?
The resort closed from 2002 to 2004 for its major renovation and expansion. It closed again from March 17 through August 13, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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
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
Planning a Stay at Shades of Green?
Shades of Green is one of the most unique military benefits available for Walt Disney World vacations. From eligibility rules and room categories to transportation and military ticket sales, these guides will help you better understand Disney’s military-only resort.
- Shades of Green Overview
- Shades of Green Rooms
- Shades of Green Room Rates
- How to Make Reservations at Shades of Green
- Disney Tickets at Shades of Green
- Shades of Green Fact Sheet & FAQ
Additional Shades of Green Resources:
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[1]: https://www.shadesofgreen.org/about-shades-green/History “History :: Shades of Green”
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