The real value of the Disney Celebrates America Military Salute Ticket is not just buying it. It is using it in a way that actually fits your travel style. Once you understand that the Disney Celebrates America Military Salute Ticket is not a traditional Walt Disney World Annual Pass, the next step is figuring out […]
Is the Disney Celebrates America Military Salute Ticket Worth It in 2026?
The Disney Celebrates America Military Salute Ticket can be a very good deal in 2026, but only for the right kind of military family. Once you understand that the Disney Celebrates America Military Salute Ticket is not a true Disney Annual Pass, the next question becomes the one that really matters: is it worth it? […]
Do 100% Disabled Veterans Qualify for Disney Military Discounts? (What Actually Matters)
Do 100% disabled veterans qualify for Disney military discounts? Yes—but the details matter more than most people realize. This is one of the most common—and most misunderstood—questions I see. It also tends to spark strong opinions. Some people say yes, of course, they should. Others assume the answer is no unless someone is active duty […]
Disney Military “Annual Pass” 2026? What the Salute Ticket Really Is
The Disney Celebrates America Military Salute Ticket sounds a little like a military annual pass, but that is not what Disney is actually selling. There has been a lot of confusion around Disney’s new 2026 ticket offer, officially called the Disney Celebrates America Military Salute Ticket. I understand why. At first glance, it looks like […]
How to Buy Disney Military Tickets Long Distance (2026 Guide)
How to Buy Disney Military Tickets Long Distance (Updated 2026 Guide) If you don’t live near a military base, buying Disney military tickets can feel confusing—but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, buying your tickets long distance is not only possible, it’s often the fastest and most practical option for many military families. Note, […]
How to Do Disney World on Military Blockout Dates Using Shades of Green
You can still save at Walt Disney World during military blockout dates—you just need a different strategy. For many military families, Spring Break and Thanksgiving are the only times that work for a Walt Disney World trip. Unfortunately, those are also the times when Disney’s best military deals are often blocked out. That includes not […]
When Walt Disney World Closed for COVID (2020–2021 Timeline & What It Was Like)
It began as a temporary closure and turned into one of the most unusual chapters in Walt Disney World history. Around this time six years ago, Walt Disney World was preparing for something none of us had ever seen before. In early March 2020, the news was filled with uncertainty, but even then, most Disney […]
Is Shades of Green Cheaper Than a Disney Discount in 2026?
If you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation using military discounts, one of the most common questions is: Is Shades of Green cheaper than a Disney Armed Forces Salute room discount in 2026? The answer depends on three main factors: Your Shades of Green rate category Your travel dates Whether Disney’s Armed Forces Salute room […]
The Best Old Fashioned at Walt Disney World
A classic cocktail. A lot of opinions. And a few clear standouts. There are few drinks as simple — and as debated — as the Old Fashioned. Bourbon (or rye), sugar, bitters, citrus. That’s it. Which is exactly why it’s so easy to get wrong. Over the years, I’ve talked with experienced Disney guests, serious […]
Is Shades of Green Worth It? 2026 Reviews & Ratings from Military Families
Military members who have never stayed at Shades of Green before often wonder what the military only resort at Walt Disney World is really like. The Shades of Green Resort is the Armed Forces Recreation Center Resort located right on Walt Disney World property. Here you will find very affordable military room rates for your Disney […]
Garden Gallery Buffet Breakfast at Shades of Green
On a recent trip to Shades of Green, Walt Disney World’s Military only Resort, we dropped by the Garden Gallery for breakfast. The Garden Gallery is Shades of Green’s Buffet Style restaurant, which is open for breakfast and dinner. The Garden Gallery serves a traditional American style buffet breakfast every morning. You’ll be sure to […]
Chip n’ Dale’s Deli – Convenient to Shades of Green’s Magnolia Pool
The Chip n’ Dale’s Deli is a Disney-operated Quick Service location that is located right next to Shades of Green’s Magnolia Pool. For many years Shades of Green ran this location through a sub-contractor as the On the Greens Grill. But several years ago operation switched back to Disney and then in 2020 they renamed […]
Shades of Green Resort Garden Gallery Restaurant Review
The Garden Gallery is Shades of Green’s buffet-style restaurant, which is open for breakfast and take-out only dinner. The Garden Gallery features a la carte items plus an all-you-can-eat buffet for breakfast, which includes a great selection of: Eggs / Bacon / Sausage / Corned Beef Hash / Breakfast Potatoes / Breakfast Pastries and Made-to-Order […]
AAFES Exchange at Shades of Green (2026): Who Can Shop, Tax-Free Pricing & What It Sells
Shades of Green, Walt Disney World’s Military Resort has an Armed Forces Exchange Service General Store on property. It’s a small convenience store that carries your typical convenience items plus has a small selection of Disney items as well as Orlando and Florida souvenirs. They carry typical sundry items such as: Soda, water, milk, and […]
Shades of Green’s Java Cafe Review
The Java Cafe at Shades of Green is a great place to grab a quick breakfast on the run to the Disney World theme parks, or a snack upon your return. The Java Cafe is located in the main lobby, right by the Front Desk. They offer standard Starbucks drinks and snacks as well as […]
Shades of Green Resort Express Cafe Review
The Express Cafe is a great place to grab a quick breakfast while on the run to Walt Disney World’s theme parks. The Cafe conveniently located right on the way to Shades of Green’s theme park bus loading area. You can grab a to-go breakfast right on your way! Note: no open food is allowed on […]
Shades of Green Resort’s Standard Guest Rooms
Shades of Green is the Military Only Resort located right on Walt Disney World property. Shades of Green is located right on Walt Disney World Property, in the Magic Kingdom Resort Area very near Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, Shades of Green is open to all U.S. Service Members current […]
Shades of Green’s Poolside Rooms
Shades of Green the military Resort at Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida has 2 different non-suite room types, the Standard Room and the Poolside Room. Shades of Green is located right on Walt Disney World Property, in the Magic Kingdom Resort Area, very near Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. […]
Shades of Green Resort Mangino’s Steakhouse Review
Mangino’s Steakhouse is the single table service restaurant at Shades of Green, Walt Disney World’s Military Resort. Mangino’s Steakhouse is located on the lower lobby level of Shades of Green’s main building. The former Italian restaurant is still decorated in country farmhouse style, with mixed sets of tables and chairs. There are several rooms in […]
Shades of Green Resort Evergreen’s Sports Bar Review
Evergreen’s is a Sports Bar conveniently located next to the Mill Pond Pool at the Shades of Green Resort. It is a good option for some lighter fare while staying at Shades of Green. They offer sandwiches, wraps and burgers, salads, pizza, wings, and nachos. As you enter you’ll first come to a large outer […]
How Do Disney World Resorts Compare To Shades of Green In Price?
Planning a Disney World vacation is a big undertaking! One of the biggest decisions, price-wise, that you’ll have to make during your Walt Disney World vacation planning will be where to stay. Should you stay at a Disney World Resort using the Disney Armed Forces Salute, or at Shades of Green, the Military Owned and Operated […]
Hidden Drink Spots in EPCOT’s World Showcase Most Guests Miss
Step off the main walkway, and you’ll uncover drink locations in World Showcase that most guests never realize are there. EPCOT’s World Showcase is famous for its pubs, cocktail lounges, and high-profile dining locations — and for many guests, those marquee spots become the default when planning where to grab a drink. But tucked deeper […]
Disney World Disney Springs Hotels offer Military Discounts
The Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels are seven hotels located near the Disney Springs shopping, dining, and entertainment area in the Walt Disney World Resort. These National Chain hotels celebrate America’s military with up to off 20% room rate discount at all member hotels. Both active and retired U.S. military personnel, including active and retired […]
How Park Reservations Work with Disney’s 2026 Military Salute Ticket
Making Walt Disney World Park Reservations with the Disney Celebrates America Military Salute Ticket If you’re using the Disney Celebrates America Military Salute Ticket, understanding Walt Disney World’s park reservation rules is essential. While Disney has eliminated park reservations for most regular tickets, military promotional tickets (also called the Disney Armed Forces Salute) still require […]
Your 2026 Introduction to Disneyland Resort Security – Plus Some Tips
Disney’s theme parks had Bag Checks as far back as I can remember. But since late 2015, metal detectors have been added to the security lineup. On 17 December 2015, literally overnight, America’s theme parks all began using some form of metal detectors. This includes Disneyland in California, Walt Disney World in Florida, Universal’s theme […]