Shades of Green Fact Sheet

Shades of Green (SoG) is an Armed Forces Recreation Center located right on the Walt Disney World property.

At Shades of Green you will find all of the amenities that you’d expect at any very nice resort destination: a selection of restaurants, recreational options, self and valet parking, bellhop service, spa, fitness room, two pools, free Wi-Fi, and self-service laundry facilities, plus a military discounted ticket sales office and mini Exchange.

The resort was originally built, owned, and operated by the Walt Disney World Company under various names. But since 1994 it has been an Armed Forces Recreation Center.

See the History of Shades of Green for more.

Shades of Green is exclusively for the use of active and retired members of the US Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force, and Coast Guard, Reserves, National Guard, as well as current and retired DOD civilians. Also eligible are U.S. Public Health Officers, those who fall under the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act and other supporters of the US Military.

Shades of Green Full Eligibility List

John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act

Shades of Green is a wonderfully spacious hotel. It was closed for remodeling and expansion from 2002-2004 and has 586 of the largest standard resort rooms on Walt Disney World property, as well as eleven family suites which sleep from six to twelve. Shades of Green is nestled between two championship golf courses in a wooded setting. I’m often asked by people whether staying at Shades of Green will be like staying at billeting on base and nothing could be further from the truth! Shades of Green is a well-maintained first-class resort.

At 480 Square feet, Shades of Green’s rooms are among the roomiest to be found on Walt Disney World Resort property. The views from most every room are beautiful. Views throughout the resort are unique and interesting. The lush Florida landscaping provides an incredible backdrop. Rooms have two queen beds and a sleeper sofa, plus a sitting area with a table and chairs. Bathroom configurations vary between the two guest wings, with split vanity areas in the newer Palm Wing and single room shower/toilet/vanity in the older Magnolia Wing. Each room has a closet, dressers, a nightstand and flatscreen TV. Rooms have either a patio or a private balcony with two chairs and a table. Other amenities include a coffee maker, mini refrigerator, in-room safe, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, in-room movies, and free wi-fi and transportation to Walt Disney World theme parks.

Shades of Green also offers eleven Family Suite combinations. Five of the family suites sleep up to six guests, five of the suites sleep up to eight guests and one sleeps up to 10. Because the number of Family Suites is very limited, these rooms are booked early. If you are interested in making a reservation for a Family Suite, I suggest you do so as soon as you confirm your vacation dates, ideally 1 year prior. All but one of the Suites are located in the Palm Wing.

Yes. There are two views available: Standard and Pool View. Poolside rooms are identical to the standard rooms in size and amenities. The only difference is that their rear sliding door opens towards one of the two pools. You can walk directly from your room’s patio to the pool.

Three rooms maximum may be reserved at one time.

What are the Price Categories at Shades of Green?

Reservation can be made up to one year in advance. The phone number is 888-593-2242, Monday through Friday, 0830-1700. You can also make reservations online 24 hours a day via their website. Cancellation must be received 30 days prior to arrival to avoid a one-night fee. This fee can be waived if you are active duty and have a change of orders.

Shades of Green offers great rooms at reasonable prices, an on-site military ticket office and AAFES Store, room service, bus transportation to Walt Disney World theme parks, water parks and Disney Springs, plus many of the privileges afforded to Walt Disney World Resort guests.

Shades of Green – Ticket Office

Yes, Shades of Green is a smoke-free resort.

No, Shades of Green only offers queen sized beds.

Yes, for a rental fee of $5 per night. Rollaway beds or cots are not allowed.

Yes, some rooms do have a door between them, but you must request them when making your reservation. They are not guaranteed.

Check-in is after 1500, check-out is before 1100 hours.

If your room is not ready when you arrive you may check in and can get your resort ID/charge card. You can then leave your luggage with bell services, and they will deliver it to your room when it is ready. If your room is ready when you return, stop by the front desk and they will provide you with a key.

You have two options. The first is to be placed on the waiting list. Since some people call and reserve rooms up to a year in advance, cancellations can and do happen. You could get a call back letting you know that a room is now available. The second is to ask if they can make a reservation at another resort for you.

Follow the signs to the Magic Kingdom Resorts area. As you approach the parking booths, stay to the left, as you will use the flyover that bypasses the booths. From there, just follow the signs for Shades of Green. When you get to the Shades of Green there is a guard shack where you will need to show your military ID (or DD-214 if using that form of ID

Two guest laundries are available, one in each wing. A detergent vending machine is also available.

Yes. If you are not present or do not wish to be disturbed, the guest messaging service will answer your calls. Your messages will be stored in a personal voice mailbox. Instructions are provided in your room.

Yes. Just like the other Walt Disney World resorts, package delivery is available. Just let them know you are staying at Shades of Green and your room number. If you are checking out the next day, this service is not recommended since your delivery will arrive after you leave. NOTE: Since the 2020 shutdown, Disney has not yet restarted this service for their guests or Shades of Green’s guests. It is unknown if it will return.

No. The Shades of Green ID can only be used to make purchases at shops and restaurants on the Shades of Green property.

Can I use my Disney Magic Band at Shades of Green?

Yes, there is a parking garage available for a ridiculous $17 per day fee. Disney having seen the folly in charging resort guests to pay to park has stopped this practice, yet Shades of Green refuses to.

Shades of Green offers free bus transportation to various locations on Disney World property. Service is offered to the theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the water parks, and Disney Springs.

Yes, all Shades of Green buses are scooter/wheelchair friendly.

Yes, Shades of Green guests must pay for parking at the Disney theme parks.

Yes, Shades of Green’s guests are eligible for Disney’s Early Entry and Extended Evening Hours

Neither Disney or Shades of Green provide child care. There are good services that do so in your room.

Yes, there is an ATM located on the lower level on the way to the resort bus stop.

Yes. There is a Fitness Center on the first floor near Manginos Restaurant.

Yes, Shades of Green has an Attraction Ticket Sales Office just like most military bases do. They can sell you a variety of local area theme park tickets, passes.

Shades of Green guests may reserve tee times for any of the five golf courses at Walt Disney World. Military discounts are available!

Shades of Green has a variety of dining options. Eligible non-guest day visitors to the resort may eat at the restaurants.

The Garden Gallery Restaurant serves a buffet breakfast from 0700-1100 and take out dinner options (Enjoy Pizza, Fried Rice, Pasta, and a full menu all in one place) from 1700-2300 daily.

The Evergreens Sports Bar is open from 1100-2300. Menu items include gourmet burgers, hot dogs, etc. Takeout is available.

The Express Cafe is open from 0700-1400. Items include breakfast sandwiches, pastries, snacks, coffees and beverages.

The Java Cafe is open from 0600-2300. Menu items include pastries, muffins, cinnamon rolls, fruits and yogurts, and Starbucks coffees to start the day. Homemade ice creams and soft-serve in the afternoon or beer and wine in the evening are also available.

Manginos serves classic steaks and old-world Italian dishes. open evenings from 1700-2200.

Mangino’s Steakhouse at Shades of Green Resort

Planning a Disney Trip? Want to get the best military discounts that are available? Feeling a little confused?

See Our Great Disney Discount and Planning Info:

• Disney Veteran & Military Discount Eligibility Guide
• The Military Family’s Walt Disney World Comprehensive Vacation Planning and Preparation Guide 
• Military Disney Tips Disney Packing Checklist 
• Disney Military Tickets – Your Start to Finish Guide

• Resorts/Hotel Overview Page
• Dining Overview Page
• Transportation Overview Page
• Shades of Green, WDW’s Military Only Resort