This post is part of our Frequently Asked Question Series in the Shades of Green FAQ section.
The Shades of Green Resort is an Armed Forces Recreation Center Resort located on Walt Disney World property near Orlando Florida.
Absolutely! Anyone who is eligible to stay at Shades of Green may visit as a day guest to take advantage the military discounts, cheap prices, and tax free purchases.Â
Shades Of Green Amenities Available To Any Eligible Person
At Shades of Green you will find all of the amenities that you’d expect at the best Disney resorts such as a wide selection of restaurants, recreational options, valet parking, bellhop service, spa, fitness room, two pools, free Wi-Fi, and self-service laundry facilities, plus a military discounted ticket sales office and mini Exchange.
Many of Shades of Green’s amenities are available to those who just drop by!
It may be that may be that you are staying at a Disney owned resort, another resort on property, off site, or are a Disney World day guest,
Whatever your situation as a Military/DoD member you are always welcome to stop by Shades of Green. At least one member of the party must have a military ID or CAC to enter the resort.
Here are the amenities that non-Shades of Green guests are allowed to use:
Shades of Green’s Ticket Sales Office
The AAFES Store
All of the restaurants at Shades of Green
The Magnolia Spa
All of these venues cost less than the comparable services at the Disney resorts and there is no sales tax added!
See below to learn more about all of these options!
Other amenities such as pool and fitness center use are reserved only for those actually staying at Shades.
Shades Of Green’s Ticket Sales Office
Due to the current Theme Park Reservation System it has become essential to purchase your Disney tickets well in advance. Both those staying at Shades and those who are not can do so ahead of time through The Shades of Green ticket office.
Disney day guests, and those who want discounted tickets for a future date or other Central Florida Attractions can stop by to buy their tickets here anytime.
The ticket office doesn’t just offer Disney tickets–you can also find military discounted tickets for all of the major (and many minor) Central Florida attractions here. You’ll find tickets for:
- Universal Orlando
- SeaWorld Orlando
- Legoland Florida
- Busch Gardens
- Kennedy Space Center
- Wet n’ Wild
- Gatorland
- Many Orlando Dinner Shows
- And Disney World’s minor parks: WDW’s Water Parks, and WDW’s Mini Golf Locations
The line for service can be long in the morning, so drop by in the afternoon for a shorter wait.
Shades Of Green’s AAFES Store
The Army Air Force Exchange Service operates what is essentially a small shoppette at Shades of Green. Here you will find all of the sundries that you might need during your vacation. Some of the offerings are: snacks and quick food options, a wide range of beverages including beer, wine, & liquor, toiletries and medicines. You will also find Disney, Orlando area, and military unique souvenir items.
A military ID is required for the sale of liquor and tobacco products. You will find that beer, wine, & liquor are MUCH cheaper here than at the Disney resorts.
This is a great place to stock up on snacks and drinks for the room and theme parks at good prices!
Shades of Green Dining
You are always welcome at all the Shades of Green’s restaurants.
Breakfast options are the Java Café and Express Café, both of which are quick service (grab and go) locations, and the Garden Gallery buffet, which often has long waits for a table during breakfast.
For lunch your options are the Java Café (Starbucks pastries), the Express Café which has great sandwiches, On the Greens Grill offering hot dogs and brats by the Magnolia Golf Course, and Evergreen Sports Bar.
If you are around for dinner you can choose from the Garden Gallery which offers a regional/international buffet with daily rotating items, Manginos Steakhouse, the Java Café (Starbucks pastries), the Express Café, and Evergreen Sports Bar.
Shades of Green’s dining locations are cheaper to considerably cheaper that the corresponding Disney venues, so drop by here to get filled up.
Shades offers this handy chart indicating what is open when during your visit. (subject to change)
Shades Of Green’s Magnolia Spa
The Magnolia Spa is a full service spa.
They offer a full range of services at prices 15-25% lower than the Disney Spas:
- Massage
- Facials
- Manicures
- Pedicures
- Salon and Barber Services
- Packages, and
- Princess Makeovers
The full list of services and prices is here.
How To Get To Shades Of Green
You cannot ride on Shades of Green’s bus if you are not a registered guest, you’ll need to get there on your own.
If you have your own car the easiest thing to do is drive yourself. Note in early 2019 Shades of Green started charging an hourly parking fee for stays over 2 hours to non-guests.
For those without their own transportation, the easiest option is to take an Uber, Lyft, or Minnie Van. Disney’s Minnie Van Service is also run through the Lyft App. (Currently not offered)
There is no DIsney transportation to Shades of Green!
Extra Savings For Your Disney World Vacation
Using these extra benefits available at Shades will help you save a little extra on your vacation!
You are eligible, so if you have the time to stop by, you should definitely use them. Drop by to pick up supplies, buy any tickets you still need, and grab lunch.
Have you used Shades of Green’s benefits when not staying there? Let us know in the comments below.
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This MDT Post By: Steve Bell Steve is the Military Disney Tips Founder. He is a retired U.S. Military Member who's been touring the Disney Parks since 1971! He has been writing about Disney for the US Military Community here for 18 years. Steve's mission is to help military families with their Disney vacations in every way possible. See Steve and His Family's Content |
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:
- Back to Basics Posts - A great place to start, offering basic topics!
- Disney Veteran & Military Discount Eligibility Guide
- The Military Family’s Walt Disney World Comprehensive Vacation Planning and Preparation GuideÂ
- Military Disney Tips Disney Packing ChecklistÂ
- Disney Military Tickets – Your Start-to-Finish Guide
- Resorts/Hotel Overview Page
- Dining Overview Page
- Transportation Overview Page
- Technology Overview Page
- Shades of Green, WDW’s Military-Only Resort
 The Mouse Experts is a travel booking company specializing in Disney vacations. Military family owned and operated! They know all the ins and outs of Disney military discounts!
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