January 2019 – This month for the second time in 2 years Shades of Green has raised its Parking Garage Rates for guests staying at the resort on Walt Disney World property.
New this time around is the introduction of a scheme charging those who are not staying at the resort who are just visiting an hourly rate.
Parking Fee History at Shades of Green
During its first decade of operation, Shades of Green had no parking fees. There were 2 parking lots on either side of the resort where guests parked for free.
In 2002 Shades of Green closed for renovation for almost 2 years. when the resort reopened in March 2004 it had a brand new parking garage. Starting at that time guests parking their cars in the garage were charged $5.00 per night.
The 5 dollar price remained the same until 2017 when it was raised to $7.00.
Now the price has been increased to 9.00.
New Parking Rates
For those staying at the resort:
- Self Parking is $9.00 per night
- Valet Parking is $14.00 per night
For those visiting the resort for an event, to visit the AAFES Exchange, Magnolia Spa, Attraction Ticket Sales Office or one of the restaurants:
- Up to 2 hours free
- Over 2 hours 1 dollar per hour, starting at your original arrival time, (so a $3 minimum charge)
- Maximum daily charge and lost ticket fee $24.00
Note Shades of Green Bus Service to Disney World destinations is solely for guests staying at the resort. A resort ID is required.
Why is there a Parking Fee
Shades of Green, like all Armed Forces Recreation Centers operate solely on self generated funds at no expense to the government and taxpayers.
When Shades underwent the renovation 16 years ago private financing was obtained. One would assume the parking fee was to help pay back the cost of the garage.
But conservative calculations indicate that over 11 Million Dollars has been charged for parking to date!
The garage has long since been paid for!
How’d I get to that figure?
- The garage has 599 parking spaces
- 7 are reserved for rental cars (this was not always so)
- There are 5 parking levels
- On every trip I’ve ever taken the first 4 levels of the garage are always full
But to be more conservative let’s say the garage is always 3/4 full, not 4/5.
That’s 395 cars parking in the garage per day.
- 395 cars a day times $5 a day is $1,975, times 365 days is $720,875 a year, times 13 years is $9,371,375
- 395 cars a day times $7 a day is $2,765, times 365 days is $1,009,225 a year, times 2 years is $2,018,450
- Add the 2 and you get 11 million, three hundred and eighty-nine thousand, eight hundred and twenty-five dollars ($11,389,825) in parking fees since 2004
This does not take into account the increased income from Valet Parking at all.
Now with an additional 2 dollars per day increase (not counting in the new hourly fees) the garage will rake in an additional $288,350 per year or a total resort guest parking income of $1,297,575 per year!
This income is 100% profit and is on top of the profit made on room charges, dinning, drinks, catering, conference and event sales, yoga fees, weddings, and walkway paver sales.
Time for a change
I totally understand the resort is self funded.
But it is way past time to stop making those who drive pay an unequal share in funding the resort!
Do away with the parking fees and add a much smaller amount (a couple bucks) to room charges to equal the loss.
This way everyone who stays at the resort shares the cost of upkeep, rather than those who drive there being charged a bigger share!
What Say You?
Do you agree, or am I way off base?
Share your thoughts on this in the comments section below!
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
- Shades of Green Rooms
- Shades of Green Room Rates
- Disney Tickets at Shades of Green
- Links to Everything Shades of Green
- Shades of Green Blog Tour
- 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:
Learn about the Disney Armed Forces Salute the best military discount that there is for Disney. For where to stay see our Resorts/Hotel Overview Page. Disney doesn’t discount dining for the military, but there are a few places on property that do, see the Dining Overview Page to learn where plus more dining info. You can also learn about Transportation Options. Be sure to check out our Technology Overview to learn about Magic Bands and My Disney Experience to see how they work with military tickets. Walt Disney World visitors might be interested in staying at Shades of Green, WDW’s Military Only Resort.
See: Top 8 Reasons to Use An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
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Cynthia says
24 January 2019 at 17:31I totally agree with you on the parking!
Dallas says
24 January 2019 at 22:07The Magnolia wing renovation was long overdue! Could this be how the cost is being offset?
Steve says
25 January 2019 at 06:46Hi Dallas,
It’s possible, but I think that 1. they make a lot more profit on room charges, and 2. if this revenu stream is being used for capital improvements everyone should share the cost, not just those who choose to drive.
LG says
25 January 2019 at 20:23I did a Google search and a site was saying parking ramps cost about $19000 per space to build. That would mean 11.4 million in cost… Anyone know what it actually cost? A parking structure to withstand Florida possible hurricane winds may be even more costly. And honestly, parking garages often require guards and cameras and cleaning and upkeep costs, repainting, etc. I don’t think those that don’t park should pay more. They likely had to pay their own way on a shuttle from the airport, have iber or taxis cost, etc, keep the rooms cheap and parking fees for those that park.
Steve says
26 January 2019 at 13:36Hi LG,
Thanks for commenting!
I found that stat you mentioned it was for 2017. This garage construction was done in 2002. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index, prices in 2017 were 36.25% higher than prices in 2002, bringing the cost down to $12558 a space in 2002 dollars or about than 7.5 million total ($7,522,691).
Copy the potential slight upkeep costs and perhaps some extra time for a couple of employees now and then. You are right this could add some cost, but how much compared to the much larger footprint of the parking lot that the garage replaced? Not much I’d imagine.
Those who park do pay more to Shades of Green than those who don’t which is what we are talking about. The cost for someone to get there is irrelevant to this discussion. Yes people have to pay these charges to the local Orlando businesses you mentioned. But this post is talking about income Shades of Green derives from what they charge and whether it is really warranted based on their expanse or is it just a grab for easy cash from only some of their guests.
To explain why: What about the person who rents a car at the airport and drives to Shades of Green (because they dislike the riding the buses or wish to drive elsewhere during their stay). If we count the cost of renting the car (like the shuttles and Uber you mentioned) plus the charge to park at Shades they are being double charged. For those who drive their own car, what about the cost of hotels and food on the way to WDW for those who drive from somewhere else in the country? Should that factor into this discussion of what Shades charges for parking?
Again, thanks for commenting! I appreciate you sharing your thoughts. And hope you understand I’m just defending mine.
Dave says
29 January 2019 at 08:34I don’t like fees either, but DISNEY is also charging for parking at all resorts as do most hotels at DISNEY SPRINGS. We need to be thankful that SHADES is even in existence,
Adina Long says
29 January 2019 at 09:03SoG is not always the cheapest for us and yes, the parking does factor in for us. People will argue that Disney now charges for parking and it starts at $13 a night. The huge difference is as someone who has 100% disabled handicap tag, I pay 0% in parking fees at a Disney resort. We visit Disney monthly and only stay on property for long trips. Our shorter 4 day trips, we stay in town….so much cheaper. Our long trips, I feel penalized because we have to add around another $100 to our trip if we want to stay at SOG.
Lou Maruzo says
29 January 2019 at 09:05My understanding is ALL the employees of Shades of Green, along with the Hale Koa and the resorts in Germany, Japan and Korea are government employees. That means government pay, benefits and retirement. I think that is where most of the money goes. I know at the Hale Koa on Oahu parking is $15/day the last time I was there in 2015. Charging these ridiculous fees to guests in uncalled for and not necessary, just one more revenue stream.
FG says
29 January 2019 at 09:45We are grateful to have Shades of Green for military. My 2 cents is charge $5.00 per day for guests staying at Shades of Green and a flat rate of $20.00 per day for others using the garage. I have no problem with Shades making money. They provide a great place to stay and eat for those not willing or able to pay for other accommodations.
Kathy Evers says
29 January 2019 at 12:00I totally agree with your assessment. Thank you for your research!
Meg says
30 January 2019 at 10:36Could it be that people are parking there and walking to the Disney resorts to get to the Magic Kingdom? It’s a great way to skip out on paying TTC prices, but I can see why that would be concerning.
Steve says
30 January 2019 at 11:17That’s definitely the reason behind the hourly charge Meg.