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!
1. Location, location, location
The biggest plus is that Shades of Green is located right in the middle of the Magic, an Armed Forces Recreation Center right on Walt Disney World property!
2. 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 $163 based on room type), while more senior members pay somewhat more (around $199-$209)(FY23 Rates).
Shade’s rates are constant year-round while in comparison, Disney World has numerous price seasons throughout the year with prices for each individual room varying up to double 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
3. Discounts
On top of their great rates, Shades offers some discounts to boot occupancy rates when needed 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
4. 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 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.
5. 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.”
6. 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.
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 Sells Long Distance
7. 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 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.
The Magnolia Pool
8. 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!
The Shades of Green AAFES Store
9. 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
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!
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!
Whats your Favorite?
Share your favorite thing about Shades of Green in the comments below!
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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
- Shades of Green Resort Activities and Amenities
- Disney Tickets at Shades of Green
- Magic Bands for Shades of Green Guests
- Shades of Green Fact Sheet and FAQ
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
- Resorts/Hotel Overview Page
- Dining Overview Page
- Transportation Overview Page
- Shades of Green, WDW’s Military Only Resort
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Military Disney Tips' Recommended Disney Travel Agent
Ears of Experience Disney Only Travel Agency. Military family owned and operated! They know all the ins and outs of Disney military discounts! |
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All you can eat breakfast buffett has got be among the best in DisneyWorld!
AMEN……we always get it!!!! Starts the day off right, great price, saves a ton of money because you are not hungry again till late in the day!
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.
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.
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.
Can you get the Fastpass Magicband at SoG?
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.
We used to be able to purchase Magic Bands online and have them shipped to our homes.Is that still an option?
Yes you sure can Kat,
Just click my referral link to go to Shop Disney
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!
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.
Hey Cynthia,
I always sport my Magic Band while staying at Shades. Very convenient to have my annual pass and FastPasses on it!
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.
Thanks Eva,
Great review and comments!
The transportation between parks was a lot quicker than other onsite hotels with multiple stops!
Great point Alexis.
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.
So glad Monica.
I arrived on property the Thursday after Irma. I stayed with Mickey the first 4 nights, then transferred to Shades myself.
Cool, we also arrived on that Thursday and stayed 7 nights so we may have passed each other!
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
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.
Love the room size and the location of the resort.
Do you suggest AAFES over grocery delivery for stuff like bottled water? I hear Disney water is not great tasting.
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.
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.