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 […]
Pre-Purchase Disney Military Theme Park Tickets at Shades of Green
Disney’s Theme Park Reservation System requires linked tickets in order for you to make reservations. The Problem Theme Park Reservations You need a linked ticket in your My Disney Experience account in order to make your Theme Park Reservations. If you wait to purchase your tickets after arrival, you may miss out on your desired […]
Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board Discusses Shades of Green Pedestrian Bridge
Board members of Governor DeSantis’ Central Florida Tourism Oversight District that replaced Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District recently discussed pedestrian access for Shades of Green guests. The Shades of Green Issue In April 2023, Walt Disney World began a multi-year construction project on the roadway that runs in front of the Shades of Green Resort, […]
Shades of Green Resort Walt Disney World Benefits
When Military families stay at Shades of Green Resort on Walt Disney World property, they are eligible for many of the same benefits that those staying at a Disney World-owned resort are eligible for (but not all!). This list has both grown and shrunk over the years. So, let’s get right to the list… Walt […]
Sponsoring Guests at Shades of Green
Everyone who is eligible to stay at Shades of Green, the Military Resort at Walt Disney World can sponsor extra rooms for family and friends! The Shades of Green Resort is an Armed Forces Recreation Center Resort located right on Walt Disney World property near Orlando Florida. Sponsoring a room means allowing family and friends […]
Getting Around Walt Disney World from Shades of Green (2026): Buses, TTC & Rideshare
Trying to figure out how to get around Walt Disney World can be a challenge, especially when using Shades of Green’s limited bus line. This page is intended to be your guide and hopefully make your travels around Walt Disney World easier. Getting to the various Disney World theme parks, Resorts, or entertainment venues from […]
Is There Any Reason to Choose a Disney Hotel over Shades of Green?
This is a question that is often asked by the military community and it can get contentious! Shades of Green has die hard fans who are totally convinced that Shades of Green is cheaper and better than staying with Disney. But is this true? Of course everyone’s perspective and experiences are different. So, in this […]
Shades of Green’s Laundry Rooms
Shades of Green provides Laundry Rooms for guests. Updated 18 August 2023 – After a month and a half long debacle of closing the laundry rooms in both wings of the hotel, the laundry rooms have finally reopened with new machines. For a long time there had been WiFi connectivity issues (for payment processing) for […]
Shades of Green’s Java Cafe – Get a Good Cup of Joe Before Hitting the Disney Parks
A Walt Disney World morning challenge, you and your family are trying to make the morning rope drop at the Magic Kingdom. You want to be one of the very first to ride Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train, and quickly move on to Peter Pan’s Flight and It’s a Small World before your Character Breakfast at […]
Big Change at Shades of Green – Transportation
Shades of Green announced a big change today that effects getting around at Disney World. Lake Buena Vista 4 April 2023 – Starting on 1 May 2023 Shades of Green guests will no longer be able to walk to the Polynesian Village resort via the walkway along the Shades of Green/ Palm and Magnolia Golf […]
Is Shades of Green Tax Free?
If you’re a member of the military or Department of Defense (DoD) and planning a trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, you may be wondering if Shades of Green, the resort exclusively for military members and their families, is tax-free. The short answer is yes, but let’s dive into the details. First, […]
Shades of Green’s Shifting Military Discounts
The Shades of Green Resort is an Armed Forces Recreation Center located on Walt Disney World property near Orlando Florida. Shades of Green opened it’s doors on 1 February 1994 in the resort that was previously known as the Disney Inn/Disney Golf Resort which was owned by Disney World. (Updated January 2023) Room Rates Shades of Green […]
How do I get to Shades of Green?
Here’s all the info that you’ll need if you are bound for Shades of Green, the U.S. Military-owned and operated resort at Walt Disney World, from Orlando International Airport! My family has lots of experience flying into Orlando International Airport. I was stationed in Ohio for many years, and we flew into Orlando several times […]
Shades of Green Fitness Center
The Shades of Green Resort offers a Fitness Center which is open 24/7 for your fitness needs while on your Walt Disney World vacation. Both cardio and resistance equipment are available. Even at the height of my fitness and with the best of intentions, I’ve never exercised more than the first two mornings of any […]
Shades of Green Evergreens Sports Bar Closed for Updates in August 2022
Shades of Green’s Evergreens Poolside Sports Bar will be closed for Updates 29-31 August 2022. Evergreens is Shades of Green’s popular poolside location to get a cool drink or something to eat while relaxing at the Mill Pond Pool. The Sports Bar will be closed from 29 to 31 August “to make some changes to […]
Shades of Green Garden Gallery Marketplace Takeout Closed for Updates August 2022
Shades of Green’s new Garden Gallery Marketplace will be closed for Updates the second half of August 2022. The Garden Gallery Marketplace offers dinner takeout in place of their pre-shutdown Garden Gallery Dinner Buffet. This newish service will be closed from 16 August through 31 August 2022. This does not affect breakfast at the Garden […]
Shades of Green Resort WiFi for Disney Lightning Lane and Virtual Queues
Shades of Green Resort the Armed Forces Recreation Center at Walt Disney World provides Free WiFi to their resort guests. However the service isn’t that great! In room WiFi speeds are very low. This could impact your ability to: Make Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass Purchases Sign Up for Virtual Queues When trying to make […]
Why Stay at Disney World’s Shades of Green?
Shades of Green is the Walt Disney World Resort for Military Families! This military owned and operated resort is an Armed Forces Recreation Center just like the ones that you may be familiar with overseas. Military families are able to stay right on Walt Disney World property for reasonable prices. Which leads me to my […]