Before it became Walt Disney World’s military resort, Shades of Green was one of Disney’s earliest—and most unusual—resort hotels. The resort military families know today as Shades of Green began as a golf clubhouse, became Disney’s Golf Resort, was reinvented as The Disney Inn, and eventually became an Armed Forces Recreation Center in the middle […]
AAFES Exchange at Shades of Green (2026): Who Can Shop, Tax-Free Pricing & What It Sells
AAFES Exchange at Shades of Green (2026): Who Can Shop, Tax-Free Pricing & What It Sells You may use the Shades of Green Exchange more than you expect Most military families do not think much about the AAFES Exchange before they arrive at Shades of Green. Then they end up visiting it several times during […]
Shades of Green Dining Guide (2026): Restaurants, Menus & Best Times to Eat
Dining at Shades of Green works best when you use it strategically Shades of Green has several dining options, but the best way to think about resort dining is not simply by restaurant. The better question is: When does it actually make sense to eat at Shades of Green? For most Walt Disney World vacations, […]
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 Standard Rooms: Military Disney Guide
Shades of Green Standard Guest Rooms are some of the largest standard rooms at Walt Disney World, and for many military families, they are the main reason the resort works so well. If you are comparing Shades of Green with Disney resorts, the Standard Room is where the conversation really begins. The room rate matters. […]
Shades of Green Poolside Rooms: Are They Worth It?
Shades of Green Poolside Rooms are not larger or more upgraded than Standard Rooms. The rooms themselves are identical. What you are paying for is location. If you are considering a Poolside Room at Shades of Green, the real question is not, “Is the room better?” The better question is, “Will my family actually benefit […]
Garden Gallery Buffet Breakfast at Shades of Green
On a recent trip to Shades of Green, Walt Disney World’s Military only Resort, we dropped by the Garden Gallery for breakfast. The Garden Gallery is Shades of Green’s Buffet Style restaurant, which is open for breakfast and dinner. The Garden Gallery serves a traditional American style buffet breakfast every morning. You’ll be sure to […]
Shades of Green Resort Garden Gallery Restaurant Review
The Garden Gallery is Shades of Green’s buffet-style restaurant, which is open for breakfast and take-out only dinner. The Garden Gallery features a la carte items plus an all-you-can-eat buffet for breakfast, which includes a great selection of: Eggs / Bacon / Sausage / Corned Beef Hash / Breakfast Potatoes / Breakfast Pastries and Made-to-Order […]
Shades of Green Resort Express Cafe Review
The Express Cafe is a great place to grab a quick breakfast while on the run to Walt Disney World’s theme parks. The Cafe conveniently located right on the way to Shades of Green’s theme park bus loading area. You can grab a to-go breakfast right on your way! Note: no open food is allowed on […]
Shades of Green Resort Evergreen’s Sports Bar Review
Evergreen’s is a Sports Bar conveniently located next to the Mill Pond Pool at the Shades of Green Resort. It is a good option for some lighter fare while staying at Shades of Green. They offer sandwiches, wraps and burgers, salads, pizza, wings, and nachos. As you enter you’ll first come to a large outer […]
2026 Scooter Rentals at Shades of Green
Wounded Warriors and Disabled Veterans who are staying at Shades of Green are able Rent Mobility Scooters (ECVs) for their vacation at Walt Disney World. You can make arrangements ahead of time and your scooter will be waiting for you when you check in at Shades of Green. These scooters, ECVs, and wheelchairs are rented […]
10 Best Things About Shades of Green in 2025
Shades of Green, Walt Disney World’s military only resort offers so many great benefits that it is hard to keep this list to just 10! 1. Location, location, location The biggest plus is that Shades of Green is located right in the middle of the Magic, an Armed Forces Recreation Center right on Walt Disney […]
Shades of Green – Disney Deluxe Resort Comparison
Welcome to the third installment of the Shades of Green – Disney Resort Comparison Series. This post wraps up my series intended to help you determine the differences between Shades and the Disney Resorts. I hope that you’ll find them helpful. Be sure to post comments and questions below. Also please see How does Shades of […]
Shades of Green – Disney Moderate Resort Comparison
Welcome to the second installment of the Shades of Green – Disney Resort Comparison Series. This is the second post on the differences between Shades of Green and the Disney World resorts, this series is offered in the hope it will help you with your Disney trip planning. Also please see the other 2 posts […]
Shades of Green – Disney Value Resort Comparison
This is the first installment of the Shades of Green – Disney Resort Comparison Series Also please see How does Shades of Green compare to Disney in Price and the other 2 posts in the series: Shades of Green – Disney Moderate Resort Comparison Shades of Green – Disney Deluxe Resort Comparison Readers often send me questions […]
Pre-Purchase Disney Military Theme Park Tickets at Shades of Green
Disney’s Theme Park Reservation System requires linked tickets in order for you to make reservations. The Problem Theme Park Reservations You need a linked ticket in your My Disney Experience account in order to make your Theme Park Reservations. If you wait to purchase your tickets after arrival, you may miss out on your desired […]
Shades of Green Resort Walt Disney World Benefits
When Military families stay at Shades of Green Resort on Walt Disney World property, they are eligible for many of the same benefits that those staying at a Disney World-owned resort are eligible for (but not all!). This list has both grown and shrunk over the years. So, let’s get right to the list… Walt […]
Shades of Green’s Laundry Rooms
Shades of Green provides Laundry Rooms for guests. Updated 18 August 2023 – After a month and a half long debacle of closing the laundry rooms in both wings of the hotel, the laundry rooms have finally reopened with new machines. For a long time there had been WiFi connectivity issues (for payment processing) for […]
Walk from Shades of Green to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Directions from Shades of Green to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort with Pictures! UPDATE: 1 May 2023 – Sadly this walking path has closed permanently! See the legal battle: Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board Discusses Shades of Green Pedestrian Bridge Shades of Green is located within walking distance of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. It’s about a […]
How do I get to Shades of Green?
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! 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 […]
Shades of Green Fitness Center
The Shades of Green Resort offers a Fitness Center which is open 24/7 for your fitness needs while on your Walt Disney World vacation. Both cardio and resistance equipment are available. Even at the height of my fitness and with the best of intentions, I’ve never exercised more than the first two mornings of any […]
Why Stay at Disney World’s Shades of Green?
Shades of Green is the Walt Disney World Resort for Military Families! This military owned and operated resort is an Armed Forces Recreation Center just like the ones that you may be familiar with overseas. Military families are able to stay right on Walt Disney World property for reasonable prices. Which leads me to my […]
Catch the Shady Shuttle at Shades of Green
Shades of Green Guests have several transportation options available to them to get to Walt Disney World’s theme parks. Note: First the golf carts broke down, then the walkway to the Polynesian was permanently closed by Disney. This service is no more! Shades of Green has its own fleet of Buses which transport Shades guests to […]
Magic Bands and FastPass Plus for Shades of Green Guests
Many readers ask me about the status of Walt Disney World’s Magic Bands and FastPass Plus at the Shades of Green Resort. They wonder: Does Shades of Green provide Magic Bands for free? How can I get a Magic Band? Can I link my Shades of Green reservation to my My Disney Experience account? Can […]
The Essential Guide to Shades of Green
Planning a Disney World Vacation is challenging to say the least. With all you have to think about, you don’t want to have to worry that your accommodations won’t be what you expect. The Essential Guide to Shades of Green will show you everything you need to know about Shades of Green! The first time […]