Did you know there’s a Disney resort built just for military families?
That’s right—Shades of Green is a Department of Defense-operated resort right on Walt Disney World property, exclusively for eligible service members and veterans.
With large rooms, tax-free rates, a peaceful atmosphere, and access to many Disney resort perks, Shades of Green is one of the best deals in the world of military travel. But knowing how—and when—to book your stay is key.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about booking Shades of Green, including who can stay there, how to make a reservation, and tips to get the most out of your stay.
🪖 1. Who Can Book Shades of Green? (Eligibility Recap)
Unlike regular Disney resorts, Shades of Green is reserved for members of the U.S. military community, and eligibility rules apply. Here’s who qualifies:
✅ Eligible to Book Year-Round:
- Active Duty (all branches)
- Retired Military (20+ years or medically retired)
- National Guard and Reserve (drilling and retired)
- Spouses of the above
- 100% service-connected disabled veterans
- Department of Defense (DoD) civilians
- Service-Connected Disabled
- Former POWs
- Medal of Honor Winners
- Several other less common categories
🔗 Check full eligibility at Shades of Green here
✅ Eligible to Book Only in January and September:
- Non-retired veterans with an honorable discharge (who do not qualify above)
📝 You’ll need to present a valid military or DoD ID at check-in.
🔗 See this post for more info on this program
📅 2. When Can You Book?
Shades’ North side Millpond Poolside Rooms. Evergreens in the background
- Reservations open 12 months in advance.
- No seasonal rate fluctuations—rates only change once per year, on October 1.
- Non-retired veterans may only book for stays during January and September.
- Popular times (spring break, summer, holidays) fill quickly—book early!
🌐 3. How to Make a Reservation
✅ Online Booking
- Visit www.shadesofgreen.org
- Click “Book Now” and select your dates and room type.
- Pay the required deposit (first night + tax).
☎️ Phone Booking
- Call (888) 593-2242 or (407) 824-3400.
- Perfect for special requests or complex bookings.
🛏️ 4. Choosing the Right Room Type
- Standard and Poolside Rooms: Sleep up to 5 guests, plus one crib.
- Suites: Ideal for larger families or multigenerational travel.
- ADA-accessible rooms are available on request.
- All rooms include a mini-fridge, coffee maker, table/chairs, and flat-screen TV.
- Rates are based on military rank/status and only change on October 1st each year.
🔗 Standard Rooms
🔗 Poolside Rooms
🔗 Suites
📦 5. Optional Add-On Services
- Ticket & Travel Office: Buy Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld tickets.
- Discounted golf tee times at Magnolia and Palm Courses.
- Cribs, rollaway beds, and connecting rooms are available by request.
🔗 Shades of Green Ticket Office
💳 6. Payment, Cancellations, and Policies
- Deposit: First night + tax required at booking.
- Balance due: Paid at check-in.
- Cancellation policy: Full refund if canceled at least 14 days in advance. If you cancel within 14 days of the arrival date, you will be charged the one-night deposit.
- Changes allowed based on availability.
🎯 7. Pro Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Booking
- Book early—especially for school breaks and holiday periods.
- Even if you’re not staying there, you can use the Ticket & Travel Office.
- Combine your stay with Armed Forces Salute tickets for max value.
- Consider a split stay with a Disney Resort if you want MagicBand charging or dining plans.
🙋 8. FAQs About Booking Shades of Green
Q: Can I book multiple rooms?
A: Yes, but the eligible sponsor must be present and listed on one reservation.
Q: Can I book for adult children, parents, or friends?
A: Yes, if they are traveling with you.
Q: Can I book if I’m a non-retired veteran?
A: Yes, but only during January and September.
Q: Is there a waitlist?
A: Yes—call directly to ask about waitlist availability if your dates are full.
✍️ Conclusion
Shades of Green’s Millpond Pool
Shades of Green is a hidden gem that offers military families unbeatable access to Disney magic, without Disney prices. With tax-free rates, oversized rooms, and a location near Magic Kingdom, it’s no wonder rooms fill up fast.
👉 If you’re eligible, don’t wait—book early and start planning your next magical mission!
If you’ve stayed at Shades of Green before, share your tips in the comments or with your military community!
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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 |
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:
- Back to Basics Posts - A great place to start, offering basic topics!
- 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
- Technology Overview Page
- Shades of Green, WDW’s Military-Only Resort
 The Mouse Experts is a travel booking company specializing in Disney vacations. Military family owned and operated! They know all the ins and outs of Disney military discounts!
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