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Military Disney Tips Blog

By Military for Military

Ears of Experience Military Disney Vacation Experts
Home » Blog Posts » 10 Best Things About Shades of Green in 2023

10 Best Things About Shades of Green in 2023

By Steve 24 Comments

Shades of Green, Walt Disney World’s military only resort offers so many great benefits that it is hard to keep this list to just 10!

The biggest which is a given and often goes unsaid is that Shades of Green is located right in the middle of the Magic, an Armed Forces Recreation Center right on Disney property!

This fact is so basic that it didn’t get put on the list, but let’s jump right in and see the Top 10.

(Updated Nov 2021) – Sadly some of our Top 10 are still currently unavailable due to Walt Disney World’s reduced operations. Deleted FastPass+ which is not coming back.

SHades-of-Green

1. Constant dependable price

The best thing about Shades of Green is its constant dependable price structure. Shades has just 3 rate categories, which are based upon pay grade. The more junior members (E1 to E-6) pay significantly less per night (right around $139 based on room type), while more senior members pay somewhat more (around $169-$179)(FY20 Rates).

Shade’s rates are constant year-round and have risen very little through the years (Except for the last 2 years which have seen a $30 increase overall). In comparison, Disney World has numerous price seasons throughout the year with prices for each individual room varying up to 2 times the cheapest rate during the more expensive times of the year.

Shades of Green’s Regular Rates

Shades of Green’s Price Compared to Disney

2. Discounts

On top of their great rates, Shades offers some very good discounts and packages during the slower times of the year.

These discounts are from 10 to 15 percent off the regular rates.

Taking advantage of these discounts can save you cash during your WDW vacation.

Shades of Green’s Discounts and Packages

 3. Biggest rooms

Shades of Green has the largest standard guest rooms on Walt Disney World property.

At 480 Square feet Shades of Green’s rooms are among the roomiest to be found on the entire Walt Disney World Resort. Guest amenities in Shades of Green’s oversized, standard guest rooms include two queen size beds and a single sleeper sofa. Each standard guest room features either a private balcony or patio, with two chairs and a table.

SHades-of-Green-Room

Shades of Green Guest Rooms are comparable to the Disney Deluxe Resorts such as the Polynesian. The views from most every room are spectacular. Views throughout the resort are unique and interesting. The lush tropical landscaping provides an incredible backdrop.

Shades of Green’s Rooms

4. Great Atmosphere

Shades of Green is a very tranquil resort, during the day the pools and grounds are used lightly. With 586 rooms it is a comparatively small resort, Disney’s Value and Moderate Resorts have up to over 2000 rooms and can be very hectic all day!

On average I’ve found over the years that Shades of Green’s guests are much more friendly to, and considerate of each other. After all, we are all part of the same big family!

Guests more often than not, greet each other in passing, ask how you’re doing, or strike up conversations. While at the Disney resort guests will just pass each other by without even looking at each other, much less saying “Hi.”

SHades-of-Green-Rear

5. Ticket Sales Office

Shades of Green has a Military Ticket Office, just like the one at your local base.

At the Ticket Sales Office you may purchase Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets as well as all other varieties of Disney World tickets, plus tickets for other local attractions like: Universal Studios Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, and many other Orlando area attractions.

Shades-of-Green-Ticket-Office

Prices at the Shades of Green Ticket Sales Office are comparable to those that you’d find at your local Base MWR Ticket Office.

Shades of Green’s Ticket Office

The Shades of Green Ticket Office Selle Long Distance

6. Two Great Pools

There are two very beautiful outdoor pools at Shades of Green.

Both pools are located in the original Magnolia Wing. Both pools are heated and handicap assessable, the Magnolia Pool features zero entry walk in and both pools have assistive lift devices.

The Mill Pond Pool which is formed in the shape of the Mickey Mouse head icon has a water slide and kids splash/play area. The Mill Pond is located at the rear of the Magnolia Wing. Evergreen’s is conveniently located next to the pool for snacks and drinks.

Mill Pond Pool and Slide

Mill Pond Pool and Slide

 

Mill Pond Splash Area

Mill Pond Splash Area

The Magnolia Pool is located on the side and near the front of the Magnolia Wing. Chip n’ Dale’s Deli is located nearby for snacks and drinks. The hot tub is also located here.

Shades of Green’s Pools

7. AAFES Store

You’ll find almost anything you need at great prices. From snacks and breakfast staples to all kinds of drinks, plus lots of DIsney souvenirs at awesome prices. The AAFES Store is worth a stop to stock up even if you are not staying at Shades!

SOG-AAFES-Store

The Shades of Green AAFES Store

AAFES Store Items and Prices

8. Early Entry and Extended Evening Hours

Shades of Green’s guests are allowed to participate in Walt Disney World’s Early Entry and Extended Evening Hours programs.

Shades of Green guests are be eligible for the new Early Entry benefit that replaces Morning Extra Magic Hours, which ended when Disney World closed for covid in 2020. Early Entry is be available 30 minutes prior to regular theme park opening time at every theme park on every day.

In addition, guests staying at Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts at Walt Disney World including Shades of Green are also eligible to enjoy Extended Evening Hours on select nights in select theme parks.

Shades of Green Guest Disney Benefits

9. Package Delivery

Another little known benefit of staying at Shades of Green and the Disney Resorts is Package Delivery to your Resort.

Anything that you buy in the Disney theme parks or at Downtown Disney can be delivered to your resort by Disney. This keeps you from having to lug your purchases around all day.

When making a purchase, simply ask for package delivery. You’ll fill out some info and then be on your way. Your purchase will be bagged up and will arrive at Shades of Green the after 1:00 PM following day. Pick up at the front desk.

This works great as long as you will still be staying at your resort the next day. But if you’ll be checking out the next moring, you still have an option. You can have your theme park purchases delivered to the park’s entry gates immediately for the same day pick up on your way out.

Note: Package Delivery is currently not available.

Shades of Green Guest Disney Benefits

10. Java Café

The Java Café is the Hidden Gem at Shades of Green. This small counter service location at one side of the lobby is the perfect spot to grab your favorite Starbuck’s beverage and sweet breakfast treat on your way to the Disney World theme parks!

Java-Cafe

The Buffet breakfast at the Garden Gallery gets backed up in the morning with sometimes long lines of people waiting to be seated. Besides a big, heavy buffet breakfast will just slow your morning park touring down!

Shades of Green’s Restaurants

Whats your Favorite?

Share your favorite thing about Shades of Green in the comments below!

This MDT Post By: Steve Bell

Steve is the the Military Disney Tips Founder. He a retired U.S. Military Member who's been touring the Disney Parks since 1971! Steve's mission is to help military families with their Disney vacations in every way. Check out Steve's Bio.

Subscribe to Steve's email newsletter to get website updates and news by clicking this link.

 


Information on Shades of Green the Military Hotel on Disney World property

See all the current Shades of Green Discounts and Packages

A Special Note on Shades of Green Discounts: Something to be aware of is that Shades constantly changes the dates and discounts offered of their specials and packages. Shades of Green Links

  • Shades of Green
  • Military Members Review and Rate Shades of Green
  • Why Stay at Shades of Green?
  • Shades of Green Rooms
  • Shades of Green Room Rates
  • Disney Tickets at Shades of Green
  • Magic Bands for Shades of Green Guests

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
Learn about the Disney Armed Forces Salute the best military discount that there is for Disney. See our Topic Overview Pages:
  • Resorts/Hotel Overview Page
  • Dining Overview Page
  • Transportation Overview Page
  • Technology Overview Page
  • Shades of Green, WDW’s Military Only Resort

Military Disney Tips' Recommended Disney Travel Agent

Save on your Disney Vacation With Military Ears of Experience

Ears of Experience Disney Only Travel Agency. Military family owned and operated! They know all the ins and outs of Disney military discounts!

 
 
 

 

Filed Under: Disney Military Discounts, Helpful Tagged With: Shades of Green, Shades of Green Tour

Comments

  1. Bryan Pilz says

    13 March 2015 at 15:06

    All you can eat breakfast buffett has got be among the best in DisneyWorld!

    Reply
  2. Larkin Smith says

    13 March 2015 at 16:43

    While visiting DisneyWorld, I had a chance to go by and visit SofG. It looked very nice. I’m retired Army. How would I get from MCO to your place? Please list transportation options to and from the airport. Thank You.

    Reply
    • Steve says

      13 March 2015 at 17:44

      Larkin,

      Shades of Green linnks to this limo company on their website: http://shadesofgreen.org/sunstate.htm

      There is also Mears, and many other smaller limo companies.

      Reply
  3. Karen says

    14 March 2015 at 22:21

    I love how the Shades of Green is so friendly. People talk and strike up a conversation with you. I really missed that when we stayed at a Disney resort.

    Reply
  4. chris says

    13 May 2015 at 11:11

    Can you get the Fastpass Magicband at SoG?

    Reply
    • Steve says

      13 May 2015 at 16:45

      Hi there CHris,

      I’m not sure if you mean does Shades of Green participate in using Magic Bands or can you buy Magic Bands at Shades.

      Unfortunately the answer to both is no.

      Reply
      • Kat53 says

        15 January 2023 at 10:15

        We used to be able to purchase Magic Bands online and have them shipped to our homes.Is that still an option?

        Reply
        • Steve says

          15 January 2023 at 10:17

          Yes you sure can Kat,

          Just click my referral link to go to Shop Disney

          Reply
  5. Margo Foust says

    7 October 2015 at 12:33

    We stayed at SOG 2 years ago and will be returning soon. We enjoyed our time at SOG and are looking forward to another Disney vacation. Granddaughter plans to “buy ice cream every day at the Java Cafe.” Access to SOG is a great benefit resulting from husband’s military service. I encourage you to go and have fun!

    Reply
  6. Cynthia says

    19 November 2015 at 08:35

    I love the size of the rooms at SOG and the Java cafe after a long day in the park is a great pit stop.

    I recently stayed at SOG in Oct 2015 and I brought along my magicband from my recent Xmas trip. I purchased the Armed Forces Salute ticket and they were able to link it to my band, which saved me from having to dig out my card every time I entered a park.

    Reply
    • Steve says

      19 November 2015 at 18:16

      Hey Cynthia,

      I always sport my Magic Band while staying at Shades. Very convenient to have my annual pass and FastPasses on it!

      Reply
  7. Eva says

    28 April 2016 at 03:24

    I stayed at SOG last summer with my family and absolutely loved it. Everyone was friendly, it had a very laid-back, relaxed vibe…which was a big welcome from a hectic day at the parks. The shuttles actually ran better than Disney buses. The Italian restaurant there had amazing pizza which also made for an awesome late night dinner is needed. The rooms were really big and kept pretty well. I loved its location! Short quick walk to the Polynesian resort so you could ride the monorail if needed. (Sometimes, this was even faster than the buses! ). My ultimate favorite perk… the Shady Shuttle by the Bell desk. They’ll drive you on a golf cart-ish vehicle to the crosswalk which saves you the walking trip. Overall, we loved staying there.

    Reply
    • Steve says

      28 April 2016 at 04:56

      Thanks Eva,

      Great review and comments!

      Reply
  8. Alexis westin says

    17 January 2017 at 08:14

    The transportation between parks was a lot quicker than other onsite hotels with multiple stops!

    Reply
    • Steve says

      17 January 2017 at 18:28

      Great point Alexis.

      Reply
  9. Monica says

    28 September 2017 at 16:11

    We just returned from a week-long stay at Shades of Green and loved it! Our arrival date coincided with Hurricane Irma’s and our flight got cancelled twice. Shades was wonderful about rebooking us and finding a great (actually even better) rate to make up for the package rate we had booked for part of our stay that we lost. The room setup was the best I’ve seen at Disney (and we’ve stayed in all but a few of the resorts) with the shower and toilet being separated from the double vanity sink area by a sliding door. As we are a family of 4 adults, this was really convenient. We had great experiences with the shuttles to the parks and they ran right on time. Walking to the Poly is easy and the Bell Desk by the front door will take you to the crosswalk or pick you up (we didn’t learn this until late in our trip)! We enjoyed the quietness and calm and hope to stay there again.

    Reply
    • Steve says

      28 September 2017 at 17:16

      So glad Monica.

      I arrived on property the Thursday after Irma. I stayed with Mickey the first 4 nights, then transferred to Shades myself.

      Reply
      • Monica says

        1 October 2017 at 00:49

        Cool, we also arrived on that Thursday and stayed 7 nights so we may have passed each other!

        Reply
  10. jennifer says

    1 January 2018 at 13:48

    Hi Steve! Happy New Year!
    Thinking about doing the “Disney After Hours” ticketed event on Jan 26th. Have you ever done this? If so, is it worth it? Also…..How do you get back to Shades of Green? The even lasts until 11:00. Will the SOG buses be running? Thank you for any information you might have on this.

    ~Jennifer

    Reply
    • Steve says

      1 January 2018 at 15:08

      Hi there Jennifer,

      Happy New Year!

      Well…. Back in 2000 when this type of thing was first introduced, my family did do this. Back then they called it “E Night” as in E Tickets i.e. the best rides when WDW sold tickets for each ride. And back then it was $20 per person. The MK was almost deserted and you could ride exit and ride immediately again rides like Space Mountain.

      But that’s ancient history…

      My friend Dave has attended these After Hours nights in 2017 and has an extensive review here: https://yourfirstvisit.net/2017/01/31/disney-after-hours-for-2017/ (with links to his first review as well)

      Shades does keep the buses running for these special ticketed parties (like the Halloween and Christmas ones) so getting back will be no problem.

      Reply
  11. Diana says

    10 June 2019 at 21:05

    Love the room size and the location of the resort.

    Reply
  12. Liz says

    11 November 2021 at 17:36

    Do you suggest AAFES over grocery delivery for stuff like bottled water? I hear Disney water is not great tasting.

    Reply
    • Steve says

      12 November 2021 at 10:23

      Hi Liz,

      If you have a car or want to Uber/Lift and the time I’d recommend visiting Shades AAFES Store for your in room snacks and water.

      Trying to do so via Disney transport and Shades transport would be a nightmare.

      Reply
  13. Terry B says

    9 January 2022 at 10:50

    I have stayed at SOG many times and have never once been disappointed. However since I have retired, when I go to Disney I usually spend 3 to 4 weeks a year there and so I take my RV to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Camp Ground. My wife and I absolutely love this place. We will get the annual pass and then go back a couple of times during the year to make it worth it.

    Reply

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