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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
Why Disney Still Requires Park Reservations for Military Salute Tickets
Why Disney Still Requires Park Reservations for Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World using a Disney Armed Forces Salute Ticket or the new 2026 Disney Celebrates America Military Salute Ticket, you may be surprised to learn that Theme Park Reservations are required! And you probably would ask the […]
Early Experiences With the 2026 Disney Celebrates America Military Salute Ticket (What We’re Seeing So Far)
Early Experiences With the 2026 Disney Celebrates America Military Salute Ticket The 2026 Disney Celebrates America Military Salute Ticket officially became usable on January 1, 2026. That means we’re only a few days into real-world use—but already, patterns are emerging. 2026 Disney Celebrates America Military Salute Ticket If you’ve seen it referred to online as […]
2026 Walt Disney World Military Discounts
Walt Disney World discounts are available for U.S. Military Members and their Families for 2026! These discounts fall into several categories, from tickets to dining, so read on to find out more! Walt Disney World Military Discounted Tickets for 2026 Many in the military community are surprised to learn that there are 2 very different […]
Military Disney Vacation Planning Guide: Start Here After Christmas
Merry Christmas! The shopping is done. The presents are opened. The kids are happily buried in new toys. And historically—based on years of traffic data—this is exactly when military families start planning their next Disney vacation. If that’s you, you’re in the right place. This page serves as a starting point: a curated collection of […]
Airport Transportation to Walt Disney World & Shades of Green
Getting from the airport to Walt Disney World or Shades of Green sets the tone for your whole vacation. Whether you’re flying into Orlando International Airport (MCO) or the smaller Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), this guide covers every major transportation option—shared shuttles, ride-share, private cars/limos, and taxis—with costs, tips, grocery stop advice, and the […]
Where to Buy Disney Military Tickets in 2026 and What They Cost
If you’re a military family planning a Disney vacation in 2026, you could save hundreds of dollars on park admission through Disney’s exclusive military offers. But here’s the thing—you can’t just buy these tickets anywhere. In fact, you won’t find them on Disney’s website, app, or even at the park gates. In this guide, we’re […]
Military Discounts on Disney Dining and Other Savings Tips
How to Save on Dining at Disney: Military Discounts, Disney Visa Savings & Other Smart Strategies A trip to Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort is always memorable — but meals and snacks can add up quickly. The good news is that there are real ways to save on dining, including military-specific discounts, Disney Visa […]
Disney World Adds New 2026 Verification Rule for Salute Tickets
New for 2026: Disney World Will Require the Military Member or Spouse to Be Present for First-Day Entry With Armed Forces Salute Tickets For the first time since Disney launched the Armed Forces Salute program in 2009, Walt Disney World is making a significant change to how Salute tickets are verified when they are used […]
Shades of Green Walt Disney World’s Military Resort Room Rates
Shades of Green, the Military Only Resort on Walt Disney World property sets their room rates by pay-grade. You’ll find Shades of Green has reasonable room rates when compared to many of the Disney World Resorts and other hotels in the local area. Rates are based upon your pay grade or status, with junior members […]
Space 220 (Restaurant & Lounge) 15% Military Discount at EPCOT
Heads up, military foodies! Space 220 in EPCOT offers a 15% military discount at both the Restaurant and the Lounge. Below you’ll find what’s included, who’s eligible, exactly how to redeem it, and smart tips to make the most of your visit—without turning this into a full dining review (we already have a separate Space […]
Southwest Luggage Transfer Returns to Disney Value Resorts With Full Round-Trip Service
Southwest Airlines Airport Luggage Transfer Service at Disney Value Resorts A helpful piece of vacation convenience has returned to Walt Disney World—and it’s now better than ever. If you’re flying Southwest Airlines and staying at one of Disney’s Value Resorts, since April 2025 you’ve been able to check your bags at the resort before your […]