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Military Disney Tips Blog

By Military for Military

Ears of Experience Military Disney Vacation Experts
Home » Shades of Green Resort at Walt Disney World

Shades of Green Resort at Walt Disney World

The Shades of Green Resort is an Armed Forces Recreation Center Resort located right on Walt Disney World property near Orlando 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 is an Armed Forces Recreation Center

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

Shades of Green Resort is an Armed Forces Recreation Center

Military Members Review and Rate Shades of Green

Shades of Green 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.

  • 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.

See:

  •  Shades of Green’s current and next fiscal year rates

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.

See:

  • How Shades of Green’s prices compare to Disney’s

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 Veterans with info on Shades of Green stays in January and September.

Shades of Green Resort is an Armed Forces Recreation Center

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. 

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 Disney Genie+ and Virtual Queues

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.

Shades of Green is a smoke free resort.

Shades of Green Resort is an Armed Forces Recreation Center

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.

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’s Attraction Ticket Sales Office

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 Dining Overview

Shades of Green Resort is an Armed Forces Recreation Center

Shades of Green Transportation

Those staying at Shades of Green must find their own way to Shades of Green from the Orlando International Airport. Mears Connect is a new bus and limo service starting on 1 January 2022.

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 so you won’t have to drive to the theme parks!

Airline Check-in is available.

Parking at Shades of Green is $15.00 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 

Shades of Green Resort is an Armed Forces Recreation Center

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 

Shades of Green Resort is an Armed Forces Recreation Center

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)

Linking Military Discounted Tickets and Shades of Green Reservations

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

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 2022 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

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
  • Disney Tickets at Shades of Green
  • Magic Bands for Shades of Green Guests

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
Learn about the Disney Armed Forces Salute the best military discount that there is for Disney. See our Topic Overview Pages:
  • Resorts/Hotel Overview Page
  • Dining Overview Page
  • Transportation Overview Page
  • Technology Overview Page
  • Shades of Green, WDW’s Military Only Resort

Military Disney Tips' Recommended Disney Travel Agent

Save on your Disney Vacation With Military Ears of Experience

Ears of Experience Disney Only Travel Agency. Military family owned and operated! They know all the ins and outs of Disney military discounts!

 
 
 

 

Looking for the 2023 Disney Armed Forces Salute?

Comments

  1. Cheryl says

    22 June 2020 at 19:04

    Is shades of green open ?

    Reply
    • Steve says

      23 June 2020 at 06:41

      Hi Cheryl,

      Shades of Green has not updated thair re-opening date (1 July 2020) since 19 May.

      See: https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/shades-of-green/shades-of-green-tentative-re-opening-date-extended/

      Reply
  2. Anne Offutt says

    2 July 2020 at 09:08

    Since we don’t know military tickets will resume and they will be extended through September next year, I’ll be curious to see if we can still buy for 2021 since we’ve used our allotment this year. But, reading this page, if my husband (who is retired) is also a DOD employee can we get another 6 for this year then we won’t have to worry about January’s trip.? Any thoughts?

    Reply
    • Steve says

      3 July 2020 at 07:02

      Hi Anne,

      Everything about Salute Tickets moving forward is unknown at this point. Sadly, we’ll have to wait on Disney to get around to letting us know.

      The military community is very low on their priority list.

      Reply
  3. Roger Bright says

    19 January 2021 at 08:40

    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!!!!!

    Reply
    • Steve says

      20 January 2021 at 08:37

      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

      Reply
  4. Mike says

    3 February 2021 at 01:56

    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?

    Reply
    • Steve says

      3 February 2021 at 07:19

      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

      Reply
    • Amanda Trimble says

      18 February 2021 at 20:30

      Category 3 has veterans with service connected disability. Category 1 was only for 100%

      Reply
      • Steve says

        19 February 2021 at 10:09

        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…

        Reply
  5. Sam Obechi says

    3 May 2021 at 15:56

    Hi Steve are there room available in shade of green for the end of December 2021, thank you.

    Reply
    • Steve says

      4 May 2021 at 07:26

      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

      Reply
  6. Monty Moody says

    18 May 2021 at 20:22

    do you have a phone number to call to ask about tickets. sorry I couldn’t find it.

    Reply
    • Steve says

      19 May 2021 at 09:34

      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/

      Reply
  7. Darissa says

    17 November 2021 at 14:21

    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.

    Reply
    • Steve says

      17 November 2021 at 14:42

      Hi Darissa,

      When last there they had Senseo type coffee pod makers.

      Reply
  8. Jan says

    5 February 2022 at 10:57

    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?

    Reply
    • Steve says

      6 February 2022 at 10:12

      Hi Jan,

      You would not be eligible, but your dad being a disabled vet is eligible year-round.

      Reply
  9. Shelby Greenlaw says

    22 February 2022 at 15:20

    How can I find out if you have any military salute 4 day tickets available? I want to bring my family this weekend.

    Reply
    • Steve says

      22 February 2022 at 15:51

      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.

      Reply
  10. Michelle says

    10 April 2022 at 14:42

    I am wondering how do we get military discounts miliary park tickets. Where do I get the phone number

    Reply
    • Steve says

      11 April 2022 at 15:45

      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/

      Reply
  11. Ely says

    6 February 2023 at 12:16

    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!

    Reply
    • Steve says

      6 February 2023 at 12:35

      Hi Ely,

      It’s the latter, just from Shades in Jan/Sept while staying there.

      Reply

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