The Shades of Green Resort is an Armed Forces Recreation Center Resort located right on Walt Disney World property in Central Florida.
Here you will find very affordable military room rates for your Disney vacation as well as a Ticket Office selling Disney World and local area military discount tickets.
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, paid self parking, bellhop service, a spa, fitness room, two heated 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. See the History of Shades of Green
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. This includes military personnel / service members, retired military, and in some instances military veterans.
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
The History of Shades of Green
Shades of Green Eligibility
Not just anyone can stay at Shades of Green! Eligibility requirements to stay at the resort is limited to the U.S. Military Community and their supporters.
- Armed Forces and their Families
- Other Uniformed Services (PPHS & NOAA Commissioned Corps.)
- Armed Forces Retirees and their Family Members
- Others Separated from the Armed Forces and their Family Members
- Personnel separated under the Voluntary Separation Incentive (VSI) and Special Separation Benefit (SSB) programs
- Un-remarried surviving spouses of personnel who died while on active duty or while in retired status
- Un-remarried former spouses who were married to military members for at least 20 years while the military member was on active duty
- Other Supporters of the Department of Defense
- U.S. employees of firms under contract to Department of Defense working in the Pacific Region outside the U.S. on Department of Defense Government orders
- Other personnel on official business with Department of Defense as may be specifically authorized by the General Manager or his designee.
- U.S. Department of Defense Civilians and Family Members
- Those eligible for the Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018
For much more on these various statuses and the required IDs/documentation required see Shades of Green Resort Eligibility
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. Rates change each fiscal year on 1 October.
See:
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.
Non-Retired Veterans with an honorable discharge, see our Special Shades of Green page for Military Veterans with info on Shades of Green stays in January and September.
Shades of Green Guest Rooms
Shades of Green has 2 wings with guest rooms off of each side of the lobby. The Magnolia Wing was the only guest room wing until 2002-2004 remodel and expansion when the Palm wing was added. The 2 wings are named after the Disney golf course that is on their side of the resort.
- The Magnolia Wing – Has both pools and Evergreen’s Sports Bar just outside the doors. All Poolside Rooms are in this wing. Views are either of the Magnolia Golf Course or the resort’s 2 pools. The Magnolia Spa is located here.
- The Palm Wing – Is attached to the resorts parking structure. Views are either of the Palm Golf Course or the Magnolia Wing and interior landscaping of the resort.
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.
Shades of Green’s hotel rooms include:
- Two Queen Beds
- Single Sleeper Sofa
- Flat-screen Hi-Definition LCD Cable TV
- Free High-Speed Wireless Internet
- Mini Refrigerator
- Single-Cup Coffee Maker and Condiments (Tea/Decaf Available Upon Request)
- Ice Bucket
- Complimentary Bath Amenities
- Extra Pillows and Blanket
- Plush Towels
- Iron and Ironing Board
- Hair Dryer
- In-Room Security Safe
Some bathrooms are split with the sink vanity area separate from the tub/shower and toilet, while some rooms have all together.
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 Poolside Guest Rooms
Pool View from a Magnolia Pool, Poolside Room (#102)
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.
See:
- Shades of Green’s Standard Guest Rooms
- Shades of Green’s Pool View Rooms
- Shades of Green’s Suites
- The Best Rooms at the Shades of Green
- Linking Military Discounted Tickets and Shades of Green Reservations
- Shades of Green Resort WiFi for Lightning Lane Reservations and Virtual Queues
Amenities
Shades of Green Resort Activities and Amenities Overview
Shades of Green has two lovely heated pools, one in the shape of Mickey Mouse’s head and ears!
There’s a Hot Tub and Kiddy Splash Area too.
Shades of Green’s Millpond Splash Area. East side in the background, South side to the right
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.
There is an awesome Arcade.
Shades of Green is a smoke free resort.
Military Discounted Tickets for Disney and Other Orlando Area Attractions
At Shades of Green’s Ticket Sales Office you may purchase theme park tickets such as, Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets as well as all other varieties of Disney World park tickets, plus tickets for other local attractions like: Universal Studios Orlando, SeaWorld, and many other Orlando Area attractions.
Shades of Green Attraction 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 and no sales tax is charged.
Shades of Green’s Ticket Office sells tickets for:
- The Disney Armed Forces Salute
- Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way Tickets
- Universal Orlando’s Freedom Pass
See this post for full info:
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.
See
Shades of Green Transportation
Shades of Green is a Magic Kingdom Area Resort, though it is not located on Disney’s Monorail Route.
Those staying at Shades of Green must find their own way to Shades of Green from the Orlando International Airport. Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine is a bus and limo service that serve Disney World.
Update 14 July 2023 – Mears Connect and the Sunshine Flyer have merged. They are now operating as Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine. The Sunshine Flyer website is still active but the content has switched over to match the Mears site
Shades of Green Bus Service – 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.
You can leave your car in their parking garage for a fee and you won’t have to drive to the theme parks.
Parking at Shades of Green is $17.00 per day and Shades guests will pay $30.00 per day to park at Walt Disney World’s theme parks.
Getting around Walt Disney World is easy with free transportation provided by both Shades of Green and Disney (which Shades of Green’s guests are free to use).
Getting Around Disney World for Shades of Green Guests
Shades of Green Transit Navigator: Best Routes to Every Park, Resort & Disney Springs
Walt Disney World Transportation Overview
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
- Making Advance Dining Reservations for your entire trip 60 days prior to your check in day
- Free use of all Disney Transportation
- Use of Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane purchases at 7 a.m.
Linking Military Discounted Tickets and Shades of Green Reservations
Shades of Green guests pay $30 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
More Military Discount Information
See these related posts for more discounts and guidance:
- Military Discount on Memory Maker at Walt Disney World
- Disney Military Tickets – Your Start to Finish Guide
- Disabled Veterans Are Eligible for Disney Military Discounts
- How to Activate Your Disney Armed Forces Salute Theme Park Tickets
- Buy Military Tickets Long Distance
What’s New or Easy to Miss (2025)
- Rates reset October 1 each year. Shades of Green (SoG) room rates are rank/status-based and update annually on October 1—they do not fluctuate seasonally.
- Lightning Lane terminology updated: Disney now uses Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass (replacing Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane). SoG guests can purchase/use these like other off-site guests.
- Transportation updates: SoG is not on the monorail, and the walkway to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is permanently closed. Use SoG buses, Disney transportation, or rideshare.
- Room capacity: Standard and Poolside rooms sleep 5 plus a crib when available.
- Theme park parking: Disney theme park parking is now $35/day for guests who drive to the parks. (SoG garage parking is $17/day.)
Shades of Green: Frequently Asked Questions
Who can stay at Shades of Green?
Shades of Green serves the U.S. military community and certain DoD-affiliated guests. Eligible groups include active duty, Guard/Reserve, retirees, DoD civilians, NOAA and U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, certain separated personnel, un-remarried surviving/former spouses meeting specific criteria, foreign military/DoD contractors assigned to U.S. installations, and more. Proper ID is required at check-in. See the full eligibility page for details.
Can veterans stay at Shades of Green?
Yes. Non-retired veterans with an honorable discharge can stay at Shades of Green only during January and September each year. Documentation is required.
Are DoD civilians eligible to stay?
Yes. DoD civilians and their family members are eligible to stay year-round.
How far in advance can I book?
You can make Shades of Green reservations 365 days in advance of your desired arrival date.
Do Shades of Green room rates change during the year?
No. SoG rates are based on rank/status and are not seasonal. They typically update once per year on October 1, with occasional specials.
What are the guest categories and why do they matter?
Shades of Green assigns Category 1, 2, or 3 based on rank/status (e.g., E-1–E-6; E-7–E-9/O-1–O-3; O-4+/DoD civilians, etc.). Your category determines your nightly rate. Sponsored guests are charged at their sponsor’s category.
How many people do standard rooms sleep?
Standard and Poolside rooms sleep 5 (two queens + single sleeper sofa) plus a crib when available. Every room includes a balcony or patio.
Do rooms have microwaves?
Guest rooms do not include microwaves. Microwaves are available in the laundry rooms and at Express Café.
What are the parking rates?
On-site Shades of Green parking is $17/day. Disney theme park parking is $35/day for guests who drive to the parks.
Is Shades of Green on the Disney monorail?
No. Shades of Green is not on the monorail, and the walkway to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is permanently closed. Use SoG buses, Disney transportation, or rideshare.
Do Shades of Green guests get Disney hotel perks?
Yes. Guests can enjoy Early Entry and Extended Evening Hours (when offered), book Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) for their entire stay 60 days before check-in, and use Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass like other guests.
Can I buy Disney and other attraction tickets at Shades of Green?
Yes. The Ticket Office sells Disney Armed Forces Salute and other Disney ticket types, plus local attractions like Universal’s Freedom Pass and SeaWorld, generally tax-free and comparable to base MWR/ITT pricing.
Is Wi-Fi free? Are rooms Disney-themed? Are pets allowed?
Wi-Fi is free. Rooms are not Disney-themed (SoG is a DoD resort). No pets are permitted. The resort is smoke-free.
How do Shades of Green rooms compare to Disney hotels?
Shades of Green standard rooms are among the largest near Walt Disney World—about 480 sq. ft.—with two queens, a sleeper sofa, and a private balcony/patio. Great space for families.
Military Tip: Family Suites are very limited—book as early as possible, ideally right at the 365-day mark.
How-To: Book a Room at Shades of Green (Step-by-Step)
- Confirm eligibility & rate category. Identify your status (e.g., E-1–E-6, DoD civilian, retiree) to determine your guest category and nightly rate.
- Select dates & room type. Choose Standard, Poolside, or limited Family Suites (sleep 6–10). Suites book quickly.
- Book directly with Shades of Green. Reservations open 365 days in advance. Have ID details ready; verification is required at check-in.
- Purchase tickets. Buy military-discounted Disney (and Universal, if needed) tickets via SoG or your base MWR/ITT office, then link them to your Disney account.
- Plan transportation. Use SoG buses, Disney transport, or rideshare. If driving, budget $17/day for SoG parking and $35/day for Disney theme park parking.
- Arrival day. Bring required ID/documentation for eligibility verification. Grab a paper resort map and note microwave locations if you’ll need one.
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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 |
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
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I purchased tickets almost year ago to go to Disney World in Orlando. Due to COVID we are canceling the trip. I have requested through advance tickets to get a refund. I have sent numerous request to:
[email protected] over the passed few months and still not response. Can someone help me please!!!!!
Hi Roger,
Base Ticket Offices including Shades of Green did have a refund period, but it has long past ended as far as I know.
I have seen email traffic instructing Offices to allow 2020 Salute Tickets that can’t be used towards tickets later.
Have you called them vs, emailing?
Attraction Ticket Hotline (407) 824-1403
I’m concern about the military Disneyworld tickets my son-in-law purchased for my wife and I. He’s a 2nd lieutenant in the Air Force and bought us 6 day passes. I’m a disabled veteran but at only 40%. Can we sell our tickets back at Shades of Green since we don’t meet the requirements to go in without our active duty son in law?
Hi Mike,
There are usually no refunds on the Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets. You shouls call SHades of Green’s Ticket Office to discuss your situation.
Attraction Ticket Hotline (407) 824-1403
Category 3 has veterans with service connected disability. Category 1 was only for 100%
Hi Amanda,
I’m sorry what are you trying to say? Please use full detailed sentences.
Category 1 has no veterans in it. 100% DAV are in cat 2, all other vets when eligible are in 3.
Also categories are not explained on this page…
Hi Steve are there room available in shade of green for the end of December 2021, thank you.
Hi Sam,
Just go right to their website and at the top click on Book Now and enter your daqtes to see if there is availability.
shadesofgreen.org
do you have a phone number to call to ask about tickets. sorry I couldn’t find it.
Hi Monty,
I don’t, I’m a retired military member who runs this informational website. Providing phone advice isn’t part of what I do.
If you’re confused and think this is the Shades of Green website, their ticket office number is (407) 824-1403.
Or see my ticket overview page: https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/military-discount-theme-park-tickets/
Hi Steve,
We are planning our first trip to WDW and staying at SOG this January. I drink a LOT of coffee. What are the coffee makers like in room? Can I bring my own K-cups? Thanks.
Hi Darissa,
When last there they had Senseo type coffee pod makers.
I am reading for the individuals eligible to stay and trying to figure out if I would qualify? I am employee with the VHA? Next, my father is a Purple Heart recipient who is 20% disabled. Would he qualify anytime of year for just in January and September?
Hi Jan,
You would not be eligible, but your dad being a disabled vet is eligible year-round.
How can I find out if you have any military salute 4 day tickets available? I want to bring my family this weekend.
Well Shelby, you are a little confused. I don’t have any tickets available. This is an informational website run by a retired military member for our community’s knowledge.
However the Shades of Green ticket office always has all tickets that they sell in stock.
I am wondering how do we get military discounts miliary park tickets. Where do I get the phone number
Hi Michelle,
Please check out my Tickets Overview Page, look in the sec ion labeled Where Can I Buy These Tickets?
https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/military-discount-theme-park-tickets/
I’m a little confused. So if my husband is a non-retired veteran that doesn’t fall under one of the specialty categories, can we still purchase discounted tickets at a base or long-distance? Or we would ONLY get discount tickets if we stayed at Shades of Green in Jan or Sept? Thanks!
Hi Ely,
It’s the latter, just from Shades in Jan/Sept while staying there.
Does Disney still do overflow rates if shades is full?
Hi Heather,
Shades of Green currently states, “We also can help connect you to nearby hotels with special rates available for our guests,…” To me, this does not sound like Disney resorts, but could be perhaps, rather local national chains.