Shades of Green, Walt Disney World’s Military Resort has an Armed Forces Exchange Service General Store on property.
It’s a small convenience store that carries your typical convenience items plus has a small selection of Disney items as well as Orlando and Florida souvenirs.
They carry typical sundry items such as:
- Soda, water, milk, and juice
- Liquor, beer, and wine
- Snack foods
- Breakfast items
- Over the counter medicines
- Tobacco products
- And many more items
The AAFES Store is open to Those stating at Shades of Green, their guests, and all other DoD ID card holders.
Non, military sponsored guests may use the store, but their sponsor’s military ID is required to purchase alcohol and tobacco.
Day guests not staying at Shades may also drop by to make purchases. There is a new hourly parking fee at Shades of Green’s parking garage.
Check out our Shades of Green AAFES Store Prices page (with Pictures).Â
Hours of Operation: 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
The Shades of Green’s AAFES General Store Ratings
Here’s how MDT Readers rate the Shades of Green’s AAFES Store on a 1 to 5 scale in our Shades of Green Surveys.
You will also see the following symbols after the numerical rating to indicate the most recent trend:
- Rating Increased is +
- Rating Decreased is –
- No Change is =
This symbol is then followed by how much the rating changed.
Overall Experience – 4.56, -0.03
Prices – 4.42, -0.01
Item Selection – 4.19, -0.02
Comments:
For their limited space the stores offers a wide range of food items, snacks, adult beverages, and souvenirs. Prices are fair. Guests should buy here before ordering from commercial sources.
Similar limited items offered as available in theme parks, but at reasonable prices.
Plenty of Disney merchandise. There was a good selection of items, and the prices were better than Disney resorts.
They need to have fresh fruit available daily for purchase. Also the fruit in the fridge section was old and slimy.
Similar limited items are the same as available in theme parks, but at reasonable prices.
Happy to see the offer of cases of bottled water.
Need more Disney merchandise.
We were expecting more Disney merch, but the prices were good.
Such a great amenity on property. It was so nice to be able to shop for things at normal prices instead of the Disney mark-up.
It’s really helpful to have that store. We would like to see more variety, but on the other hand they have most of the categories that we needed. For example they have breakfast cereal but only a couple of sweet types.
Would like honey nut cheerios, but other than that that store is well stocked! The staff is very friendly and helpful.
Great selection on Disney items, and nice selection of food/non grocery items
Very nice remodel since last visit. It was usually closed when we left for the day and when we got back, but one morning we had a few moments.
A nice satellite store which carries supplies tailored to visiting the parks (esp water) for adults and families. Good prices.
Did not sell swim diapers, which are required for the pool. They kept telling me to come back yet never got them.
Nice & convenient. A good overall selection of items
I thought the merchandise was a little pricey
The prices are a bit expensive. I had hoped they would be a bit cheaper.
Out of stock on diapers we needed.
Wish had few more items like case of water.
Could have more Disney souvenirs.
Should not run out of items like kids medicine, etc.
Friendly staff, a really good selection of products per square foot, and seemed to be about the same price I’d pay at home (a few items, like Monster energy drinks, were marked up though).
They got rid of magazines! Tons of Disney merchandise a little skimpy but prices are good. I use the store multiple times every stay. They take the Star Card.
A lot of their Disney merchandise had some type of military logo on it. Not really looking for Disney merchandise with Navy/Army logo on it.
I appreciated you had items that were forgotten but direly needed
There was too much Disney and other type merchandise that was highly overpriced.
Milk was more expensive than what I’m used to paying at home, but the Disney Merchandise was significantly cheaper than the parks.
See the Full Survey Post for all ratings plus guest comments in each category!
Your Thoughts
Have your used the Shades of Green AAFES General Store? Let us know what you think in the comments section below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can shop at the AAFES Exchange at Shades of Green?
Authorized military patrons only (service members, retirees, eligible dependents, other qualifying categories, and guests) with valid military ID.
Where is the AAFES store located?
Inside the Shades of Green resort at Walt Disney World. Exit the lobby on the front desk side and go down the ramp; the front desk can point you in the right way.
Is it really tax-free?
Yes—Exchange purchases are tax-free for authorized patrons.
What does the store sell?
Travel sundries, snacks, drinks, toiletries, basic medicines, baby items, and select souvenirs/gift items. Selection varies by season and inventory.
Do they sell alcohol or tobacco?
Yes, Beer, wine, and liquor are available, as are tobacco products. These two categories are restricted to individuals with a valid military ID. So this excludes sponsored guests.
Can I buy Disney or Universal tickets there?
Yes, Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, and most local area theme-park tickets are sold by the Shades of Green Attraction Ticket Sales.
What forms of payment are accepted?
Major credit/debit cards are accepted; the Exchange also accepts the MILITARY STAR®.
Do I need to be a hotel guest to shop?
You must be an eligible patron and present a valid ID at the Shades of Green security gate. Sponsored guests may also shop here with their resort ID, but alcohol and tobacco are excluded.
What are the hours?
Hours change seasonally. Check posted hours at the resort or call the front desk for today’s schedule.
How To: Shop the AAFES Exchange at Shades of Green
- Confirm eligibility – Ensure you’re an authorized patron and bring your valid military ID.
- Enter Shades of Green – Present ID at the security gate; proceed to the main building.
- Find the Exchange – Follow hotel signage to the AAFES store (ask the front desk if needed).
- Shop & pay – Select items; pay with accepted cards (and MILITARY STAR®, where accepted).
- Keep your receipt – Purchases are tax-free; retain the receipt for returns or verification.
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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 GuideÂ
- Military Disney Tips Disney Packing ChecklistÂ
- 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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Can you purchase on-line from your store? Can you call and order from your location?
Hey Chuck,
You are a little confused.
This is an informational website run by a military retiree to share info about discounts and other things for the military community for their Disney vacations.
But, no you can’t call or order online from the Shades of Green AAFES Store.
Do they carry things like loaves of bread, peanut butter, jelly, bags of chips? Thanks!
Yes they sure do Kayla.
Please click the link in the post that says “Check out our Shades of Green AAFES Store Prices page.” to see pics of the items they carry.
We are headed there in a few weeks. Is the exchange tax free? Including their class six? Thank you!
Yes it sure is Sara!
Please let us know if they are planning a discount for the Genie. Also what would be the perk of staying at the Disney Hotel. Fast pass plus was the best perk.
Hi Rebecca,
From what I’m hearing at this time, no discounts are expected, AP, FL or Mil.
Disney has told cast members: “At this time, there are no discounts available for Disney Genie+ or individual attraction Lightning Lane purchases. As always, we will continue to explore new offerings for Annual Passholders in the future and value their feedback.”
Hey Chief,
Just wanted to say – I basically used your site to scope out a 5 day vacation to Disney World and if you hadn’t explained everything the way you did I’d be almost a thousand dollars past my budget.
With that being said – have you heard of any drastic price changes at the general store? I’m planning on going in the summer and I’m kind of looking forward to coming here in case it gets too crazy out in WDW.
Again – appreciate you for running this site!
Thanks so much! That’s exactly why I do this.
I don’t stay at Shades of Green too often, as there is little change there and so much constant change at the WDW resorts. It’s been a couple years, but I do drop by a couple times a year.
I haven’t heard any feedback on price increases there (perhaps based on the current economic conditions), but impacts there would be the same or less than in the local economy.
Military ticket discount. We went through the Mountain Home AFB ITT office to get our tickets as you mentioned. We paid by credit card for 5 tickets. The card was ran and went through but the ITT office hasn’t gotten our tickets. They say the discount tickets are through someone else and that they have to wait same as we do. Is it possible to look into this and is there similiar porblems military wide?
Hi Michael,
So, some confusion here. You’ve left this comment on the AAFES Store post so I’m not sure what tickets you are referring to, but I assume you mean Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets/Disney Regular Military Tickets not Universal or another park.
I’m not sure exactly what the situation you were trying to describe is…
Are you saying you’ve paid for your tickets and they told you that they have to order them and wait for them to arrive before they can send them to you?
If so this is a common occurrence. As I always mention when discussing buying from a base ticket office, many do not stock tickets and have to order them from their regional or in some cases a central military office ticket. This is why I always stress to order well ahead of the time that you want the tickets in hand (at least 2 weeks)!
My base, Wright-Patt always has to order my tickets, though it only takes a couple days for them to receive them.
Usually only the Florida and some Southeast bases keep them in stock.
Tinker AFB had them in stock early this week. I bought them by phone on 1/17/23 and they were sent by Fed-Ex the same day, arriving ton 1/18/23
Tried to buy alcohol at that little store in shades of green and they said I had the wrong va card and they wouldn’t accept my dd214
Hi Alan,
As noted in the post above, a military ID is required to purchase alcohol and tobacco. Both a VA card and DD-214 are not military IDs.