The Shades of Green Resort is an Armed Forces Recreation Center Resort located right on Walt Disney World property near Orlando Florida.
This is our special Shades of Green page just for Non-Retired Military Members, or in other words, Veterans.
Many Veterans are able to stay at Shades of Green for very affordable rates during their Walt Disney World vacation. Please see our Eligibility Overview Page to determine if you are eligible.
Many veterans qualify to stay here year round and those who don’t have the specific eligibility can stay here in the months of January and September.
If you are a current or retired military member, see our non-tailored Shades of Green Page.
Shades of Green Resort
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.
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.
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.
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. The resort has undergone several guest room refreshes since 2004.
Shades of Green is a self-sustaining resort, no outside/taxpayer funds are used in its operation or upkeep. Shades of Green is a DoD facility and as such has strict ID requirements.
Shades of Green is dedicated to serving the men and women of the U.S. Armed Services community, their families, other eligible Department of Defense employees, and guests that they sponsor for magical vacations.
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.
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. It has 586 of the largest standard resort rooms on Walt Disney World property, plus eleven family suites.
See:
- Shades of Green compared to a Disney Value Resort
- Shades of Green compared to a Disney Moderate Resort
- Shades of Green compared to a Disney Deluxe Resort
Military Members Review and Rate Shades of Green
Shades of Green Veteran Eligibility
Not just anyone can stay at Shades of Green! Eligibility to stay at the resort is limited to the U.S. Military Community and their supporters.
- Those eligible for the Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018 (Year-Round)
- Honorably Discharged with DD-214 (January and September)
Military Room Rates
You’ll find Shades of Green has very reasonable room rates compared with many Disney World Resorts and other hotels in the local area. Rates are based upon rank/pay grade, with junior members paying much less.
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Shades of Green’s rates are constant all year long, except for various specials which they run from time to time. The Disney resorts however have numerous price seasons throughout the year as well as having their prices fluctuate based on the day of the week (Friday and Saturday nights are more expensive). The price for a specific Disney resort room can vary anywhere from 1.4 to over 2 times the cheapest price for that room depending on the time of year.
Shades of Green reservations may be made 365 days in advance of the desired date.
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Shades of Green Guest Categories
As mentioned Shades of Green prices their rooms based on your rank, pay grade, or status and they do this by placing you into a guest category. Identification verification is required upon check in.
The Guest Categories are:
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.
(Note: Veterans pay the Category 3 rates)
Shades of Green Guest Rooms
Shades of Green’s Guest Rooms are fairly comparable to the Disney Deluxe Resorts such as the Polynesian. The views from most every room are beautiful. Views throughout the resort are unique and interesting. The lush tropical landscaping provides an incredible backdrop.
Pets are not permitted. Shades of Green is a smoke-free resort.
Shades of Green Standard Guest Rooms
At 480 Square feet, Shades of Green’s rooms are among the roomiest to be found on Walt Disney World Resort property. 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.
All rooms include: a table and two chairs, refrigerator, in-room safe, free Wi-Fi, in-room movies/video games, coffee maker, hair dryer, and an iron and ironing board.
Shades of Green Pool View Guest Rooms
Poolside rooms are identical to the standard rooms in size and amenities. The only difference is that their rear sliding door opens towards a view of one of the two pools. You can walk directly from your room’s patio to the pool.
Shades of Green Suites
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.
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Amenities
Shades of Green has two lovely heated pools, one in the shape of Mickey Mouse’s head and ears!
There’s a kiddy Splash Area too.
Laundry facilities (open 0900-2300), credit card operated, detergent vending available
Fitness Center (open 24 hours a day)
Two championship golf courses and a 9-hole executive course
Two lighted tennis courts
There is also an AAFES General Store for your sundry and Disney merchandise needs. A current military ID is required to purchase alcohol and tobacco.
Shades of Green is a smoke free resort.
Military Discounted Tickets for Disney and Other Local Attractions
At Shades of Green’s 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, and many other Orlando/Central Florida 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 and no sales tax is charged.
Note Veterans may purchase tickets as follows:
- Those eligible for the Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018 – Purchase all tickets (except those that require a current military ID for use) at any time
- Honorably Discharged with DD-214 – Purchase all tickets (except those that require a current military ID for use only in January and September when a guest
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Shades of Green Dining Options
Shades of Green Dining
You will find several different dining options at Shades of Green. They run the full spectrum of service, from the Java Café counter in the lobby to Mangino’s table service Steakhouse.
Mangino’s Steakhouse – Mangino’s is located on the lower lobby level of Shades of Green. It is without a doubt the best dining option available at Shades of Green.
The Garden Gallery – Rotating themed buffets include a great selection of international cuisine and a fresh fruit, soup and salad bar. Themes include Mexican, Italian, Oriental, and American menus depending on the night. It is also located on the lower lobby level.
Evergreens Sports Bar & Grill – Evergreens is located next to the Mill Pond Pool. Evergreens serves sandwiches, wraps and burgers, salads, pizza, wings, and nachos.
Express Cafe – The Express Café features breakfast sandwiches, pastries, snacks, fresh coffee, tea and more. After breakfast they offer a selection of great sandwiches. The Express Café is located next to the bus loading area.
Java Cafe – The Java Café is located in the lobby. They serve fresh Starbucks coffee and assorted pastry items, a variety of flavors of handmade ice cream cones and Sundaes, and adult beverages (beer, wine, and spirits). Get your morning Joe and a pastry here before you head out to the parks! Open all day.
Chip and Dale’s Deli – (formerly On the Greens Grill) is located near the Magnolia Pool. They serve quick and delicious grilled hot dogs, Italian sausage, hamburgers, sandwiches, quick snacks and cold drinks. Breakfast burritos are also available. Open 7 a.m.- 5 p.m. Note prior to 2016 this location was operated by Shades of Green through a contractor. In 2016 reverted to operation by Disney, still under the On the Greens Grill name. In 2020 the name change occurred and the menu expanded.
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Shades of Green Transportation
Those staying at Shades of Green are NOT eligible for Disney’s Magical Express and must find their own way to Shades of Green from the Orlando Airport.
Shades of Green offers free bus transportation to various locations on Disney World property. You can leave your car in their parking garage so you won’t have to drive to the theme parks!
Airline Check-in is available.
Parking at Shades of Green is $13.00 per day and Shades guests will pay $25.00 per day to park at Walt Disney World’s theme parks.
Shades of Green New Security Gate
Also Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and it’s Monorail station is just a short walk from Shades of Green.
More Information
Shades of Green often fills up to capacity, in the event this happens you can be placed on their waiting list!
While Shades of Green has the most spacious rooms at Walt Disney World they are not themed in Disney fashion as are the Disney resorts.
Split Stays at Walt Disney World Resorts and Shades of Green
Disney Benefits
Shades, while not a Disney hotel affords some of the same benefits such as Disney’s Resorts:
- Early Entry & Extended Evening Hours
- Make Advance Dining Reservations for your entire trip 60 days prior to your check in day
- Package delivery to your room (Currently not offered due to health concerns)
- Guaranteed Theme Park Entry (Currently not offered due to health concerns)
Shades of Green guests pay $25 per day to park at Disney theme parks and $17 per day to park at Shades of Green itself.
The Shades of Green Resort can be the single most money saving benefit available for military members for their Walt Disney World vacation. We’ve enjoyed each stay at SoG and all of the cost cutting we’ve been able to do through them with overflow rates and discounted tickets through the years!
A Nice Shades of Green video
This was a great info source. Thank you