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Military Disney Tips Blog

By Military for Military

Ears of Experience Military Disney Vacation Experts
Home » Blog Posts » How do I get to Shades of Green?

How do I get to Shades of Green?

By Steve 18 Comments

Here’s all the info that you’ll need if you are bound for Shades of Green, the U.S. Military owned and operated resort at Walt Disney World from Orlando International Airport!

How do I get to Shades of Green?

My family has lots of experience flying into Orlando International Airport. I was stationed in Ohio for many years and we flew into Orlando several times back then. We then transferred to the Florida Panhandle and drove to Disney World for 9 years. But we’ve been back in Ohio for quite a few years now, and we fly into Orlando multiple times a year.

When not staying at a Disney Resort, we’ve rented cars at the airport and used airport limos.

Transportation Options for Shades of Green

Sunshine-Flyer at Orlando International

Sunshine-Flyer at Orlando International

Here are the various options for your transportation from Orlando International Airport to Shades of Green:

  • Mears Connect – Bus Service to multiple resorts after a wait
  • Sunshine Flyer – Bus Service to multiple resorts after a wait. Offers military discounts to Shades of Green only
  • Sunshine Flyer Direct – Private car/SUV/van service, from baggage claim, zero wait
  • Mears Express – Shared van service, From Mears departure area, short to zero wait
  • Limo Service – Private car/SUV/van service, from baggage claim, zero wait
  • Taxi
  • Bus Service
  • Rental Car
  • Uber or Lyft

Mears Connect is the successor to Disney’s Magical Express, which ended service at the end of 2021. They offer a bus service identical to the Magical Express as they were the actual company running the Magical Express for Disney and a shared van service that goes directly to your resort. See my full Mears Connect Post.

The Sunshine Flyer is the second replacement service for Disney’s Magical Express. They offer a bus service identical to the Magical Express as well. They also offer and a private car/SUV/van service that goes directly to your resort. See my full Sunshine Flyer Post.

Limo Service – There are numerous limo services available to take you to Walt Disney World. I like Happy Limo.

Taxi – Taxis at the airport are about $75 each way to Disney World.

Car Rental – You might be able to find a good military rate. I’m a USAA member and they have discounts negotiated with all the major car rental companies.

Uber and Lyft -Are great alternatives to traditional transportation companies. Uber and Lyft fares are currently starting at around $30 one way to WDW.

Disney World’s Minnie Van Service used to provide airport service prior to the 2020 shutdown, but to this date that service has not returned.

My Transportation Recommendations

Economical – Slower/Less Service

Use the Magical Express Replacements

Both Mears Connect and The Sunshine Flyer bus services are great budget options to get you to your Disney vacation, but there is waiting involved and you’ll pick up your bags at baggage claim and drag them to the loading area, which can sometimes (depending on your airline) be on the opposite end of the terminal. See my Orlando International Airport Overview.

You’ll need to pick up your bags at Baggage Claim and drag them to the Mears Connect location on the transportation level of Terminal B.

Use Uber or Lyft

Uber and Lyft are a great alternatives to traditional transportation services. Fares to and around Walt Disney World can be much lower that other commercial options.

If you, or someone in your party doesn’t yet have a Lyft account, you can get a $5 credit towards your first ride when you sign up for Lyft using this link. This promo is for your first ride only, this is perfect for a quick hop across WDW property.

Here is a link to Uber’s Orlando International page for pickup instructions and price estimates.

See our Using Uber, Lyft, and Minnie Vans at Disney World post

More Costly – Faster/Better Service

If you’d prefer to get going right away to your Disney vacation, would appreciate a higher level of service (and don’t mind paying for it) the following are your options.

Sunshine Flyer Direct – Your driver will meet you at Baggage Claim and assist you with your luggage to your car, SUV, or van depending on the size of your party and vehicle you picked. You’ll then head direct to your Disney Resort or Shades of Green. Basic round trip fares (without child seats or stops) run from $264 for a car that seats 3, $319 for a SUV that seats 6, to a Sprinter van that seats 10 for $352.

Limo Service – There are numerous limo services available to take you to Walt Disney World. Your driver will meet you at Baggage Claim and assist you with your luggage to your car, SUV, or van depending on the size of your party and vehicle you picked. You’ll then head direct to your Disney Resort or Shades of Green. I like to use Happy Limo. Prices vary between companies but are in the $225 to $300 price range round trip.

Mears Connect – You’ll still need to pick up your bags at Baggage Claim and drag them to the Mears Connect location on the transportation level of Terminal B. At this point you might be directed right to a van to get aboard or you might have to wait a short while. Your driver will load your bags in the van. Once at the van one of 5 things will occur,

  1. You might be joining 1 or several other parties already in the van heading to the same resort as you and then depart
  2. You might be joining 1 or several other parties already in the van heading to the same resort as you, wait for more parties to join you, and then depart
  3. You might be the first party in the van, then wait for more parties heading to the same resort as you to join you, and then depart
  4. You might be the first party in the van, then wait for more parties heading to the same resort as you to join you, wait a while and then depart because the planned parties are late
  5. Best case scenario, you’ll get in the van by yourselves and depart

Mears Connect costs $250 round trip for up to 4 people, extra passengers are $55 each.

Use Disney World’s Minnie Vans – If they ever come back

The Minnie Van airport shuttle used to provide service between the Orlando International Airport and any Walt Disney World Resort hotel including Shades of Green!

The Minnie Van pick-up location was near the baggage claim escalators.

Each vehicle accommodated up to 6 Guests, 8 medium-sized suitcases and can be equipped with up to 3 complimentary car seats.

The cost of the Minnie Van airport shuttle was $155 each way; gratuity not included.

The Minnie Van airport shuttle operated from between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM daily.

Service could also have been arranged for other local airports for other rates by calling (407) 828-3500.

How can I get to Other Destinations like Universal Studios, SeaWorld, or Legoland?

As far as getting to Universal Orlando, Sea World, other destinations like Legoland Florida, and Kennedy Space Center from Shades of Green you have a few options.

You could use Uber or Lyft, the ride to another theme park would also be a great use of the  $15 off your first Uber trip, or the $5 credit towards your first Lyft ride.

Getting around WDW

Once you are at Shades there are lots of transportation options.

Shades has its own small fleet of buses to take you around Disney World and you can use Disney’s transportation free options (Buses, Monorail, Boats) without staying at a Disney Resort and they also offer a fleet of Minnie Vans, a new paid Disney run uber like service.

See these other posts which you might find helpful:

Your Guide to Disney World Transportation

Transportation options at WDW for Shades of Green Guests

Using Uber, Lyft, and Minnie Vans at Disney World

WDW’s Minnie Van Service

Shades of Green’s Bus Stops

Magic Kingdom Parking for Shades of Green’s Guests

Epcot Parking for Shades of Green’s Guests

See All My Posts About Walking at Disney World:
  • Transportation Overview Page
  • Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) Overview Page
  • Walk between Shades of Green and Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
  • Walk Between Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
  • Walk between Disney's Contemporary Resort / Bay Lake Tower and the Magic Kingdom
  • Walk between Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and the Magic Kingdom
  • Walk Between Disney's Polynesian Village Resort and the Transportation and Ticket Center

Have you flown into Orlando and stayed at Shades of Green? How did you get there?

Let us know in the comments below!

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!

 
 
 

 

Filed Under: Shades of Green Tagged With: Shades of Green, Shades of Green Tour, Transportation

Comments

  1. Jenn says

    15 July 2011 at 19:32

    I’ve never found the Shades of Green to be a good deal – compared to the amazing military deals on property and the benefits, it has yet to seem worthwhile.. without EMH or DME, I can’t imaging paying just for that location.. just my thoughts, though.

    Reply
    • Steve says

      15 July 2011 at 21:29

      True Jenn, Shades isn’t the deal it once was due to Disney’s room discounts of the last couple years. But Disney is on record stating that they are in the process of weaning the public off the discounted rooms, so Shades will once again become a better deal. It still is the cheapest deluxe on property, even with 40% off Disney deluxes.

      Shades guests are eligible for EMH, but as you say an airport transport would be nice!

      Reply
  2. Tim says

    18 July 2011 at 21:27

    Shades of Green is a much better deal for meals, and all around value. Shades of Green is a top quality resort. 5 Star. Disney Swan and Dolphin (Deluxe Resort) are a piece of crap. They are old and dingy and not worth even the discounted price.

    I have stayed at better Hampton inns than the Deluxe Disney Resorts…

    That value alone makes it worth. Shades of Green also offers separate buses that run more often than Disney buses to the parks.

    Reply
  3. Steve says

    19 July 2011 at 19:26

    That’s super tip on the Groupon savings! You can also find discounts on restaurant.com for the Swan and Dolphin resorts. Last month they had a 80% off sale (with certain restrictions. See DFB

    Reply
  4. Jonathon says

    11 March 2013 at 20:02

    Bus 111 from International Airport OIA to Florida Mall, then International Dr. Then Walt Disney bus Annex.

    Reply
  5. Brandy says

    27 December 2013 at 11:15

    I tried to make a reservation for the Universal Shuttle, but the hours are very limited. They pick up from the hotel at 830 and pick up from city walk at 1830. If you wanted to spend an entire day at the park, you have to find other transportation. We ended up renting a car.

    Reply
    • Steve says

      27 December 2013 at 12:34

      Thanks for the info Brandy!

      Reply
  6. JoAnn says

    13 February 2015 at 14:50

    The rate quoted by Sun State is the same as is on their homepage. No special rate. That said, I’m looking for info, comments, reviews. The good and the bad about using Sun State. The company we’ve used in the past was bought by another company and I wasn’t impressed so I’m are looking for a new car company.

    Reply
    • Sandra says

      14 February 2015 at 15:56

      We’ve used Sunstate twice now for pick up/return. Messaged me the moment my plane landed and took us to Shades offering to stop at local store if we needed supplies, was on time on my return trip to airport as well. Second trip same on time service. Town car was older, not awful but well used! Drivers very friendly, no complaints at all!

      Reply
      • Steve says

        14 February 2015 at 16:07

        Thanks for the report Sandra

        Reply
  7. Eric says

    24 June 2015 at 08:57

    Is there a bus that travel to polynesia resort from the airport, so that way you could just walk to Shades of Green and save money that way?

    Reply
    • Steve says

      24 June 2015 at 15:27

      The Disney Magical Express will take you to the Polynesian Village Resort for free only if you are staying there.

      Reply
  8. Judy says

    22 December 2015 at 11:10

    Thank you so much for negotiating a discount with Orlando Shuttle Service. We usually hire a well known Towncar service to transport us back and forth between the airport and Shades of Green. After seeing your post about the discount, we decided to give them a try. They actually act as a middle man between you and the car services. I have to admit that made me a bit nervous. But everything worked smoothly. Our driver was at the airport waiting for us, stopped at the grocery store on the way and was early picking us up to go back to the airport. He was very friendly and knowledgeable about both Disney and Universal Studios. For less than what we usually pay to have 4 adults a little tight in a Towncar, we had a luxury SUV instead. Will definitely use this service again in the future.

    Reply
    • Steve says

      22 December 2015 at 19:48

      Hi Judy,

      Awesome!!! Thanks so much for the trip report. So glad you were satisfied.

      Reply
  9. Jo Anne says

    25 October 2020 at 13:30

    Any suggestions for a reliable private transfer service for 3 adults from Orlando Airport to Shades and return? The service we have used in the past now has very low ratings….

    Reply
    • Steve says

      26 October 2020 at 10:08

      Hi Jo Anne,

      It has been many years since I personally used a local limo service. I stay mostly with Disney and use the magical express. My Shades of Green stays are always in the middle of my trips.

      Shades of Green is now recommending Mears:

      “Mears Shuttle: This is a shared van service that you can arrange from the airport. It may make an additional stop or two at other hotels on the way to Shades of Green, and you’ll also have to have your military I.D. card ready to show at the gate. The price is typically about $20 per adult one-way or $35 for a round trip.”

      They are the biggest transpo company in Orlando (and are actually the Magical Experss buses and drivers as well).

      Reply
  10. Jena Allen says

    5 July 2021 at 12:05

    All right so it says we can take a taxi from MCO to Shades of Green, but can you take a taxi from Shades of Green BACK to MCO? What are the options for getting from Shades of Green TO MCO? Is the only way back to rent a car?

    Reply
    • Steve says

      5 July 2021 at 12:43

      Hi Jena,

      You sure can. You have all the same options to return to the airport as to get to Shades of Green

      Reply

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