Welcome to my big Basic Information and FAQ page about the Shades of Green Resort on Walt Disney World property in Orlando Florida.
What is Shades of Green?
Shades of Green (SoG) is an Armed Forces Recreation Center located right on the Walt Disney World property.
At Shades of Green you will find all of the amenities that you’d expect at any very nice resort destination: a selection of restaurants, recreational options, self and 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.
The resort was originally built, owned, and operated by the Walt Disney World Company under various names. But since 1994 it has been an Armed Forces Recreation Center.
See the History of Shades of Green for more.
Who is eligible to use Shades of Green?
Shades of Green is exclusively for the use of active and retired members of the US Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force, and Coast Guard, Reserves, National Guard, as well as current and retired DOD civilians. Also eligible are U.S. Public Health Officers, those who fall under the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act and other supporters of the US Military.
Shades of Green Full Eligibility List
John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act
What is the Shades of Green resort like?
Shades of Green is a wonderfully spacious hotel. It was closed for remodeling and expansion from 2002-2004 and has 586 of the largest standard resort rooms on Walt Disney World property, as well as eleven family suites which sleep from six to twelve. Shades of Green is nestled between two championship golf courses in a wooded setting. I’m often asked by people whether staying at Shades of Green will be like staying at billeting on base and nothing could be further from the truth! Shades of Green is a well-maintained first-class resort.
What are the rooms like?
At 480 Square feet, Shades of Green’s rooms are among the roomiest to be found on Walt Disney World Resort property. The views from most every room are beautiful. Views throughout the resort are unique and interesting. The lush Florida landscaping provides an incredible backdrop. Rooms have two queen beds and a sleeper sofa, plus a sitting area with a table and chairs. Bathroom configurations vary between the two guest wings, with split vanity areas in the newer Palm Wing and single room shower/toilet/vanity in the older Magnolia Wing. Each room has a closet, dressers, a nightstand and flatscreen TV. Rooms have either a patio or a private balcony with two chairs and a table. Other amenities include a coffee maker, mini refrigerator, in-room safe, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, in-room movies, and free wi-fi and transportation to Walt Disney World theme parks.
Shades of Green also offers eleven Family Suite combinations. Five of the family suites sleep up to six guests, five of the suites sleep up to eight guests and one sleeps up to 10. Because the number of Family Suites is very limited, these rooms are booked early. If you are interested in making a reservation for a Family Suite, I suggest you do so as soon as you confirm your vacation dates, ideally 1 year prior. All but one of the Suites are located in the Palm Wing.
Are there different room views available?
Yes. There are two views available: Standard and Pool View. Poolside rooms are identical to the standard rooms in size and amenities. The only difference is that their rear sliding door opens towards one of the two pools. You can walk directly from your room’s patio to the pool.
What is the cost for a room at Shades of Green?
Room Rates are based upon your pay grade or status, with junior members paying much less to help them afford a Disney vacation.
Current Fiscal Year Pricing (FY 24)
1 Oct. 2023 – 30 Sept. 2024
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Room Rates | Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 |
Standard Room | $174.00 | $214.00 | $224.00 |
Poolside Room | $184.00 | $224.00 | $234.00 |
Junior Family Suite | $434.00 | ||
Family Suite | $464.00 | ||
Garden Suite | $464.00 | ||
Palm Suite | $674.00 | ||
Magnolia Suite | $754.00 |
Next Fiscal Year Pricing (FY 25)
1 Oct. 2024 – 30 Sept. 2025
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Room Rates | Category 1 | Category 2 | Category 3 |
Standard Room | $179.00 | $229.00 | $239.00 |
Poolside Room | $194.00 | $244.00 | $254.00 |
Junior Family Suite | $479.00 | ||
Family Suite | $509.00 | ||
Garden Suite | $499.00 | ||
Palm Suite | $739.00 | ||
Magnolia Suite | $829.00 |
Add $15.00 per additional adult, 18 years or older. For single occupancy, subtract $2.00 from the above rates.
Cancellation Fee: You may cancel up to 30 days before the start of your reservation without penalty. If you cancel within 30 days of your arrival, you will be charged one night’s stay, per reserved room. If you change your reservation dates within 30 days of your arrival, your deposit can be transferred, however, at that time it becomes non-refundable and cannot be transferred again.
Maximum occupancy for Standard and Poolside rooms is 5, Junior Suite is 6, and Suite is 8. Military sponsors should not reserve additional rooms under their name for other eligible Military or DOD sponsors. A room reserved with multiple sponsors should be reserved based on the highest-ranking person.
How many rooms can I reserve?
Three rooms maximum may be reserved at one time.
What are the Price Categories at Shades of Green?
- Category #1 – E-1 to E-6 and Cadets (E-1 thru E-6 and Cadet sponsored rooms will receive the rate that applies to Category #2.).
- Category #2 – E-7 thru E-9, O-1 thru O-3, WO-1 to CW-3, Widows, Medal of Honor Recipients, 100% Disabled Veterans and Category #1 sponsored guests, Category #2 sponsored guests.
- Category #3 – O-4 thru O-10, CW-4, CW-5, Active and Retired DoD Civilians, Category #3 sponsored guests, Foreign Military assigned to a U.S. Military installation only, DoD Contractors assigned to a U.S. Military installation only. Veterans who are Purple Heart recipients, Veterans who are former prisoners of war, All Veterans with service-connected disabilities, Individuals approved and designated as the Primary Family Caregivers of eligible Veterans under the VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.
What is the reservation/cancellation policy?
Reservation can be made up to one year in advance. The phone number is 888-593-2242, Monday through Friday, 0830-1700. You can also make reservations online 24 hours a day via their website. Cancellation must be received 30 days prior to arrival to avoid a one-night fee. This fee can be waived if you are active duty and have a change of orders.
What are the advantages to staying at the Shades of Green?
Shades of Green offers great rooms at reasonable prices, an on-site military ticket office and AAFES Store, room service, bus transportation to Walt Disney World theme parks, water parks and Disney Springs, plus many of the privileges afforded to Walt Disney World Resort guests.
Shades of Green – Ticket Office
Is Shades of Green totally smoke-free?
Yes, Shades of Green is a smoke-free resort.
Are king sized beds available?
No, Shades of Green only offers queen sized beds.
Are cribs available in the rooms?
Yes, for a rental fee of $5 per night. Rollaway beds or cots are not allowed.
Are adjoining rooms available?
Yes, some rooms do have a door between them, but you must request them when making your reservation. They are not guaranteed.
What is the check-in/check-out time?
Check-in is after 1500, check-out is before 1100 hours.
What if I arrive early?
If your room is not ready when you arrive you may check in and can get your resort ID/charge card. You can then leave your luggage with bell services, and they will deliver it to your room when it is ready. If your room is ready when you return, stop by the front desk and they will provide you with a key.
Shades of Green is booked for the time I want to visit. What can I do?
You have two options. The first is to be placed on the waiting list. Since some people call and reserve rooms up to a year in advance, cancellations can and do happen. You could get a call back letting you know that a room is now available. The second is to ask if they can make a reservation at another resort for you.
How do I get to Shades of Green?
Follow the signs to the Magic Kingdom Resorts area. As you approach the parking booths, stay to the left, as you will use the flyover that bypasses the booths. From there, just follow the signs for Shades of Green. When you get to the Shades of Green there is a guard shack where you will need to show your military ID (or DD-214 if using that form of ID
Where can I wash my clothes?
Two guest laundries are available, one in each wing. A detergent vending machine is also available.
Does Shades of Green have a voice-mail system?
Yes. If you are not present or do not wish to be disturbed, the guest messaging service will answer your calls. Your messages will be stored in a personal voice mailbox. Instructions are provided in your room.
Can I have my purchases from the parks delivered to our room?
Yes. Just like the other Walt Disney World resorts, package delivery is available. Just let them know you are staying at Shades of Green and your room number. If you are checking out the next day, this service is not recommended since your delivery will arrive after you leave. NOTE: Since the 2020 shutdown, Disney has not yet restarted this service for their guests or Shades of Green’s guests. It is unknown if it will return.
Can I use my Shades of Green ID to make purchases at other Walt Disney World locations?
No. The Shades of Green ID can only be used to make purchases at shops and restaurants on the Shades of Green property.
Can I use my Disney Magic Band at Shades of Green?
Yes and No. You are free to use your magic Band for all Disney uses that are available to you such as park entry, Genie+ Lightning Entry, and Disney’s PhotoPass. But, as Shades of Green is not a Disney resort, Magic Bands will not open your room door or allow charges to your room. You may buy new Magic Bands from Disney or reuse ones from previous trips.
Can I park my car at Shades of Green?
Yes, there is a parking garage available for a ridiculous $17 per day fee. Disney having seen the folly in charging resort guests to pay to park has stopped this practice, yet Shades of Green refuses to.
What transportation is available at Shades of Green?
Shades of Green offers free bus transportation to various locations on Disney World property. Service is offered to the theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the water parks, and Disney Springs.
Are the buses scooter or wheelchair accessible?
Yes, all Shades of Green buses are scooter/wheelchair friendly.
Do Shades of Green Guests to pay to park at Disney’s theme parks?
Yes, Shades of Green guests must pay for parking at the Disney theme parks.
Can I take advantage of the Early Entry and Extra Evening Hours while staying at Shades of Green?
Yes, Shades of Green’s guests are eligible for Disney’s Early Entry and Extended Evening Hours
What kind of childcare is available?
Neither Disney or Shades of Green provide child care. There are good services that do so in your room.
Is there an ATM at Shades of Green?
Yes, there is an ATM located on the lower level on the way to the resort bus stop.
Are there any exercise facilities at Shades of Green?
Yes. There is a Fitness Center on the first floor near Manginos Restaurant.
I will need a scooter or wheelchair for my stay at Shades of Green. Can I rent one there?
Scooters and wheelchairs can be rented from out partner Amusement Park Rentals with a military discount and free delivery to the resort.
Can I purchase my Disney theme park tickets at Shades of Green?
Yes, Shades of Green has an Attraction Ticket Sales Office just like most military bases do. They can sell you a variety of local area theme park tickets, passes.
Can I use the golf courses around Shades of Green?
Shades of Green guests may reserve tee times for any of the five golf courses at Walt Disney World. Military discounts are available!
What dining options are at Shades of Green?
Shades of Green has a variety of dining options. Eligible non-guest day visitors to the resort may eat at the restaurants.
The Garden Gallery Restaurant serves a buffet breakfast from 0700-1100 and take out dinner options (Enjoy Pizza, Fried Rice, Pasta, and a full menu all in one place) from 1700-2300 daily.
The Evergreens Sports Bar is open from 1100-2300. Menu items include gourmet burgers, hot dogs, etc. Takeout is available.
The Express Cafe is open from 0700-1400. Items include breakfast sandwiches, pastries, snacks, coffees and beverages.
The Java Cafe is open from 0600-2300. Menu items include pastries, muffins, cinnamon rolls, fruits and yogurts, and Starbucks coffees to start the day. Homemade ice creams and soft-serve in the afternoon or beer and wine in the evening are also available.
Manginos serves classic steaks and old-world Italian dishes. open evenings from 1700-2200.
Mangino’s Steakhouse at Shades of Green Resort
How can I contact Shades of Green?
The address is: Shades of Green on Walt Disney World Resort P.O. Box 22789 Lake Buena Vista, Fl. 32830-2789
Phone numbers are:
Room Reservations: 888-593-2242,
Reservations: Fax (407) 824-3665
Email: [email protected]
Hotel Direct: (407) 824-3400
Hotel Fax: (407) 824-3460
Guest Services: (407) 824-1403 7 Days 0700-2100
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
- How to make reservations at Shades of Green
- 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
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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