by Shades of Green and Disney’s Deluxe Resorts can both give military families a premium Walt Disney World stay—but they deliver that value in very different ways. For eligible military families, the decision isn’t simply whether Shades of Green is cheaper or whether a Disney Deluxe Resort is more luxurious. Shades of Green gives you […]
Shades of Green vs. Disney Value Resorts: Which Is Better?
Shades of Green and Disney’s Value Resorts can both be smart choices for military families—but they solve very different vacation problems. This may be the most price-sensitive comparison in the Shades of Green – Disney Resort series. Unlike the Moderate and Deluxe comparisons, there are times when a Disney Value Resort can cost less than […]
Shades of Green vs. Disney Moderate Resorts: Which Is Better?
Shades of Green and Disney’s Moderate Resorts can land surprisingly close together in price, but they deliver very different Walt Disney World vacations. For military families, the decision isn’t simply whether Shades of Green is cheaper or whether a Disney Resort is more “Disney.” Shades of Green gives you much larger rooms, stable military pricing, […]
When Is a Minnie Van Actually Worth the Money at Disney World?
When Is a Minnie Van Actually Worth the Money at Disney World? Minnie Vans are one of the most expensive ways to get around Walt Disney World. Disney transportation is free, and an Uber or Lyft will usually cost considerably less for the same drive. Even so, we use Minnie Vans on almost every Disney […]
Is Shades of Green Worth It? 2026 Reviews & Ratings from Military Families
Thousands of military families have already taken this trip. Their experiences can help you plan yours. Military members and their families who have never stayed at Shades of Green often wonder what the military resort at Walt Disney World is really like. That is exactly why Military Disney Tips collects ongoing feedback from guests after […]
Shades of Green vs Disney Resorts: Which Is Actually Cheaper in 2026?
Comparing Disney World Resorts to Shades of Green is not just about finding the cheapest room. One of the biggest decisions military families make when planning a Walt Disney World vacation is whether to stay at a Disney Resort or at Shades of Green. At first, this looks like a simple price comparison. Check […]
Shades of Green Resort Mangino’s Steakhouse Review
Mangino’s Steakhouse is the single table service restaurant at Shades of Green, Walt Disney World’s Military Resort. Mangino’s Steakhouse is located on the lower lobby level of Shades of Green’s main building. The former Italian restaurant is still decorated in country farmhouse style, with mixed sets of tables and chairs. There are several rooms in […]
Disney World versus Universal Orlando Fish Fry Throw Down
When it comes to theme parks, food can be just as important as the rides and attractions. And for seafood lovers, there’s nothing quite like a good old-fashioned fish fry. Two of the biggest theme parks in the world, Disney World and Universal Studios, both offer their own takes on this classic dish. At Disney […]
Disney Blocks Popular Monorail Access for Military Families
As of May 1st 2023 Guests staying at Shades of Green, Disney World’s Military Only Resort, no longer have the ability to take the scenic half-mile walk to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort with its easy monorail and boat access to the Magic Kingdom and wonderful dining and shopping venues. The walkway in question dates back to the […]
Is Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Worth It?
If you are planning a Disney World vacation with a little princess ages 3-9, then you have to know about Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique! All little girls dream of becoming a little princess, and in Disney World the Fairy Godmother can make that happen! 📍 Magic Kingdom | Fantasyland What is Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique? Bibbidi Bobbidi […]
Big Change at Shades of Green – Transportation
Shades of Green announced a big change today that effects getting around at Disney World. Lake Buena Vista 4 April 2023 – Starting on 1 May 2023 Shades of Green guests will no longer be able to walk to the Polynesian Village resort via the walkway along the Shades of Green/ Palm and Magnolia Golf […]
What’s The Deal With Joffrey’s Coffee and Disney?
If you have ever been anywhere in Walt Disney World then you have surely seen the name Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company, but what’s the deal? Starbucks is the most iconic coffee brand company in the world and every park in Walt Disney World has a Starbucks, Disney Springs actually has 2! It is actually […]
Starlight Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
On my most recent trip to Walt Disney World I tried out the Starlight Safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. It was fantastic!!! Unlike the free NVG Safari where you watch the animals on the savanna from one of the Lodge’s overlooks using Night Vision Goggles, on the Starlight Safari you get into the back […]
Affordable Babysitting Service for WDW Date Night
It’s hard enough to get a date night when you have kids! But if you’re a military family, then it can feel darn near impossible! Between deployments, TDYs, training schedules and schools, it’s hard to find time for each other, and more than likely, you have moved to fill the needs of the military and no […]
Disney World’s Keys to the Kingdom Tour
On a recent trip to Disney World my wife and I took the Keys to the Kingdom Tour, a special walking tour of the Magic Kingdom. Disney World offers many of these special tours and experiences, for an extra fee, at its Florida resort destination. Years ago the Keys to the Kingdom Tour was the […]
Does Shades of Green Participate In Disney World’s Magic Band Program?
This post is part of our Frequently Asked Question Series in the Shades of Green FAQ section. The Shades of Green Resort is an Armed Forces Recreation Center Resort located on Walt Disney World property near Orlando Florida. Use this Image link to buy them from the Disney Store Online