Shades of Green is now mostly cashless, so here’s what military guests need to know before they arrive. If you’re planning a stay at Shades of Green this year, there’s an important change you’ll want to be aware of before you arrive. Shades of Green has officially transitioned to mostly cashless transactions across the resort—and […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Shades of Green Transit Navigator: Best Routes to Every Park, Resort & Disney Springs
Shades of Green Transportation Guide Planning your Walt Disney World adventures from Shades of Green? Whether you’re heading to the parks, Disney Springs, or another resort for dining and fun, this guide breaks down exactly how to get from Shades of Green to every destination on property. Then, below, we show how to get to […]
Dining Options at Shades of Green – Disney World’s Military Resort
Shades of Green the military-owned and operated resort on Walt Disney World property offers many dining options. Both those staying at Shades and those stopping by for a visit* (perhaps to buy Theme Park tickets or shop at the AAFES Store) are eligible to dine at any of the resort’s restaurants. Dining Options at Shades […]
Relaxation at Shades of Green: Where to Recharge After a Disney Day
After a long day of rope drop, parades, and fireworks, even the most dedicated Disney-goer needs a little downtime. For military families, Shades of Green offers the perfect place to unwind once the park day is over. Here’s a guide to the best spots around the resort to relax, recharge, and enjoy some well-deserved downtime. […]
Can You See Magic Kingdom Fireworks from Shades of Green? (Full Guide)
Many military families staying at Shades of Green wonder if they can watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks without going back into the park. While the resort isn’t an official viewing location, there are still ways to catch glimpses of the Disney fireworks from Shades of Green and even better options nearby for a full experience. […]
Can Military Families Use Military Star Card or Disney Gift Cards Toward a Disney Vacation?
Planning a Disney trip as a military family often brings up many questions! One such question that I’m often asked is: Can we use our Military Star Card—or Disney gift cards—to cover vacation expenses? The answer is a bit nuanced, so let’s sort it out. ️ Military Star Card The Military Star Card, issued by […]
Shades of Green vs. Disney Resort Discounts: Which Is Better for Military Families?
Planning a Disney vacation as a military family comes with a unique decision: Should you stay at the military-exclusive Shades of Green resort, or book a discounted room at a Disney-owned hotel? The answer depends on more than just where you want to sleep—it’s about pricing, perks, proximity, and priorities. In this post, we’ll compare […]
Top Disney Resorts for Military Families Beyond Shades of Green
Can’t stay at Shades of Green—or just want something with a little extra Disney magic? Whether you’re ineligible during a specific season, couldn’t find availability, or just want access to Disney dining plans and resort theming, there’s good news: military families can still stay on-property at Walt Disney World and save big. Disney offers significant […]
How to Book Your Stay at Shades of Green for a Magical Disney Vacation
Did you know there’s a Disney resort built just for military families? That’s right—Shades of Green is a Department of Defense-operated resort right on Walt Disney World property, exclusively for eligible service members and veterans. With large rooms, tax-free rates, a peaceful atmosphere, and access to many Disney resort perks, Shades of Green is one […]
What is Shades of Green at Disney World and Who Can Stay There?
Shades of Green: Disney World’s Hidden Gem for Military Families Did you know there’s a Disney resort just for the military? Tucked away in the heart of Walt Disney World, Shades of Green is a hidden oasis exclusively for U.S. service members, veterans, and their families. It’s not run by Disney, but you’d hardly notice with its […]
2026 Scooter Rentals at Shades of Green
Wounded Warriors and Disabled Veterans who are staying at Shades of Green are able Rent Mobility Scooters (ECVs) for their vacation at Walt Disney World. You can make arrangements ahead of time and your scooter will be waiting for you when you check in at Shades of Green. These scooters, ECVs, and wheelchairs are rented […]
Shipping Items to Shades of Green Resort at Walt Disney World in 2026
Shipping items to Shades of Green can be a great alternative to packing those items, lugging them to the airport, and paying airline fees! Rather than packing food or other items in your suitcases, you can have packages shipped right to Shades of Green. You can mail them yourself, or have your purchases from Amazon […]