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 […]
The Best Rooms at Shades of Green: A Room Request Guide
The Best Rooms at Shades of Green: A Room Request Guide There is no single best room at Shades of Green. The good news is that there really aren’t any bad room locations at Shades of Green. This guide is about choosing the room that best matches your priorities. Shades of Green allows room requests […]
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 […]
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 […]
How to Do Disney World on Military Blockout Dates Using Shades of Green
You can still save at Walt Disney World during military blockout dates—you just need a different strategy. For many military families, Spring Break and Thanksgiving are the only times that work for a Walt Disney World trip. Unfortunately, those are also the times when Disney’s best military deals are often blocked out. That includes not […]
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 […]
Chip n’ Dale’s Deli – Convenient to Shades of Green’s Magnolia Pool
The Chip n’ Dale’s Deli is a Disney-operated Quick Service location that is located right next to Shades of Green’s Magnolia Pool. For many years Shades of Green ran this location through a sub-contractor as the On the Greens Grill. But several years ago operation switched back to Disney and then in 2020 they renamed […]
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’s Java Cafe Review
The Java Cafe at Shades of Green is a great place to grab a quick breakfast on the run to the Disney World theme parks, or a snack upon your return. The Java Cafe is located in the main lobby, right by the Front Desk. They offer standard Starbucks drinks and snacks as well as […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
Shades of Green Walt Disney World’s Military Resort Room Rates
Shades of Green, the Military Only Resort on Walt Disney World property sets their room rates by pay-grade. You’ll find Shades of Green has reasonable room rates when compared to many of the Disney World Resorts and other hotels in the local area. Rates are based upon your pay grade or status, with junior members […]
What is Shades of Green at Disney World and Who Can Stay There?
Shades of Green: Disney World’s Hidden Gem for Military Families Did you know there’s a Disney resort just for the military? Tucked away in the heart of Walt Disney World, Shades of Green is a hidden oasis exclusively for U.S. service members, veterans, and their families. It’s not run by Disney, but you’d hardly notice with its […]
2026 Regular Disney Military Ticket Discount for Walt Disney World and Disneyland
What did we do before Disney’s fabulous Armed Forces Salute? Many newer members of the military have never experienced a time when Disney did not offer the Disney Armed Forces Salute, but before January 2009, there was no such thing (except for one similar offer during part of 2002). Before these fairly new Salute Offers […]
Military Discounts On Stroller Rentals at Walt Disney World for 2026
Military Families are eligible for military discounts on Stroller Rentals for their vacation at the Walt Disney World Resort! Walt Disney World rents strollers, but only in the theme parks and only for use in the parks! If you’ll be needing one for your whole vacation, you will need to rent from an independent company. You will find […]
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 […]
The 2026 Military Family’s Walt Disney World Comprehensive Vacation Planning and Preparation Guide
Here is Military Disney Tips’ Walt Disney World Planning Guide that will guide you through the process of preparing for your vacation. Hi there, I’ve written this guide and checklist to help guide military members and their families through the complexities of getting ready for a Walt Disney World vacation. This checklist has milestones and […]
Shipping Items to Shades of Green Resort at Walt Disney World in 2026
Shipping items to Shades of Green can be a great alternative to packing those items, lugging them to the airport, and paying airline fees! Rather than packing food or other items in your suitcases, you can have packages shipped right to Shades of Green. You can mail them yourself, or have your purchases from Amazon […]
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 […]