{"id":42517,"date":"2026-10-08T06:00:20","date_gmt":"2026-10-08T10:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/?p=42517"},"modified":"2026-09-25T15:46:34","modified_gmt":"2026-09-25T19:46:34","slug":"is-shades-of-green-still-a-good-value-category-2-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green\/is-shades-of-green-still-a-good-value-category-2-3\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Shades of Green Still a Good Value for Category 2 and 3 Guests?"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Category_II_and_III_Change_the_Shades_of_Green_Value_Equation\"><\/span>Why Category II and III Change the Shades of Green Value Equation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Shades of Green has a well-earned reputation as one of the best lodging values at Walt Disney World for military families.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_88 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green\/is-shades-of-green-still-a-good-value-category-2-3\/#Why_Category_II_and_III_Change_the_Shades_of_Green_Value_Equation\" >Why Category II and III Change the Shades of Green Value Equation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green\/is-shades-of-green-still-a-good-value-category-2-3\/#What_Category_II_and_III_Guests_Pay_at_Shades_of_Green\" >What Category II and III Guests Pay at Shades of Green<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green\/is-shades-of-green-still-a-good-value-category-2-3\/#Who_Pays_Category_II_and_Category_III_Rates\" >Who Pays Category II and Category III Rates?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green\/is-shades-of-green-still-a-good-value-category-2-3\/#This_Pricing_Question_Mostly_Applies_to_Standard_and_Poolside_Rooms\" >This Pricing Question Mostly Applies to Standard and Poolside Rooms<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green\/is-shades-of-green-still-a-good-value-category-2-3\/#Why_Disney_Can_Cost_Less_Than_Shades_of_Green\" >Why Disney Can Cost Less Than Shades of Green<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green\/is-shades-of-green-still-a-good-value-category-2-3\/#Category_II_Shades_of_Green_Has_to_Earn_the_Choice\" >Category II: Shades of Green Has to Earn the Choice<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green\/is-shades-of-green-still-a-good-value-category-2-3\/#Category_III_Your_Best_Alternative_Matters_Even_More\" >Category III: Your Best Alternative Matters Even More<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green\/is-shades-of-green-still-a-good-value-category-2-3\/#What_Shades_of_Green_Still_Gives_You_for_the_Money\" >What Shades of Green Still Gives You for the Money<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green\/is-shades-of-green-still-a-good-value-category-2-3\/#Very_Large_Standard_Rooms\" >Very Large Standard Rooms<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green\/is-shades-of-green-still-a-good-value-category-2-3\/#Military_Atmosphere\" >Military Atmosphere<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green\/is-shades-of-green-still-a-good-value-category-2-3\/#Walt_Disney_World_Location\" >Walt Disney World Location<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green\/is-shades-of-green-still-a-good-value-category-2-3\/#Pools_and_Recreation\" >Pools and Recreation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green\/is-shades-of-green-still-a-good-value-category-2-3\/#Dining\" >Dining<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green\/is-shades-of-green-still-a-good-value-category-2-3\/#Military_Ticket_Convenience\" >Military Ticket Convenience<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green\/is-shades-of-green-still-a-good-value-category-2-3\/#Extended_Evening_Theme_Park_Hours\" >Extended Evening Theme Park Hours<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green\/is-shades-of-green-still-a-good-value-category-2-3\/#What_Disney_Gives_You_That_Shades_of_Green_Does_Not\" >What Disney Gives You That Shades of Green Does Not<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green\/is-shades-of-green-still-a-good-value-category-2-3\/#The_Disney_Bubble\" >The Disney Bubble<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green\/is-shades-of-green-still-a-good-value-category-2-3\/#Disney_Transportation_Integration\" >Disney Transportation Integration<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green\/is-shades-of-green-still-a-good-value-category-2-3\/#Dining_Depth\" >Dining Depth<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green\/is-shades-of-green-still-a-good-value-category-2-3\/#Resort-Specific_Amenities\" >Resort-Specific Amenities<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green\/is-shades-of-green-still-a-good-value-category-2-3\/#A_Better_Way_to_Compare_Category_II_and_III_Value\" >A Better Way to Compare Category II and III Value<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green\/is-shades-of-green-still-a-good-value-category-2-3\/#When_Category_II_or_III_Shades_of_Green_Still_Makes_Sense\" >When Category II or III Shades of Green Still Makes Sense<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green\/is-shades-of-green-still-a-good-value-category-2-3\/#When_Disney_May_Be_the_Better_Value\" >When Disney May Be the Better Value<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green\/is-shades-of-green-still-a-good-value-category-2-3\/#Bottom_Line\" >Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Shades-of-Green-Resort-Front-Left.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-42388\" src=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Shades-of-Green-Resort-Front-Left.jpg\" alt=\"Shades of Green military resort at Walt Disney World\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Shades-of-Green-Resort-Front-Left.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Shades-of-Green-Resort-Front-Left-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Shades-of-Green-Resort-Front-Left-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>But that reputation can be misleading if you assume every guest pays the same room rate.<\/p>\n<p><strong>They do not.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For Standard and Poolside Rooms, Shades of Green uses three rate categories based on military pay grade or eligible status. Category II and Category III guests pay substantially more than Category I guests for the same basic room.<\/p>\n<p><strong>That changes the decision.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>At Category II and III rates, Shades of Green is no longer an automatic bargain. Disney Value Resorts are often cheaper even at rack rate, and with the full Disney Armed Forces Salute room discount they are cheaper for most of the year outside major peak periods. Disney Moderate Resorts can also fall below Category II and III Shades of Green rates on many weekdays, making the comparison much more competitive than it is for Category I guests.<\/p>\n<p>That does not automatically make Disney the better value, but it means Category II and III guests need to compare the full resort experience instead of assuming Shades of Green wins on price.<\/p>\n<p>The right question is not:<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u201cIs Shades of Green cheaper than Disney?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It is:<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u201cIs Shades of Green the better value at my actual rate for my actual dates?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Category_II_and_III_Guests_Pay_at_Shades_of_Green\"><\/span>What Category II and III Guests Pay at Shades of Green<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Shades of Green room rates reset each October 1 with the start of the new fiscal year.<\/p>\n<p>For October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027, Standard and Poolside Room rates are:<\/p>\n<div align=\"center\">\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Room Type<\/th>\n<th style=\"text-align: center;\">Category I<\/th>\n<th style=\"text-align: center;\">Category II<\/th>\n<th style=\"text-align: center;\">Category III<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Standard Room<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">$189<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">$247<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">$267<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Poolside Room<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">$207<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">$267<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">$287<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p>The difference is significant.<\/p>\n<p>For a Standard Room:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Category II pays $58 more per night than Category I<\/li>\n<li>Category III pays $78 more per night than Category I<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For a Poolside Room:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Category II pays $60 more per night than Category I<\/li>\n<li>Category III pays $80 more per night than Category I<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Over a five-night stay, that means a Category III guest pays $390 more than a Category I guest for the same Standard Room.<\/p>\n<p><strong>That is why broad statements such as \u201cShades of Green is always an incredible bargain\u201d are not very useful without knowing which rate category applies.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_Pays_Category_II_and_Category_III_Rates\"><\/span>Who Pays Category II and Category III Rates?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>For FY27, Shades of Green places the following eligible guests in Category II:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>E7-E9<\/li>\n<li>W01-CW03<\/li>\n<li>O1-O3<\/li>\n<li>Widows<\/li>\n<li>100% disabled veterans who meet Shades of Green eligibility requirements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Category III includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>CW4-CW5<\/li>\n<li>O4-O10<\/li>\n<li>DoD civilians<\/li>\n<li>Eligible foreign military<\/li>\n<li>Disabled veterans eligible under the Equal Access Act<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These rate categories do not determine every other Disney discount you may qualify for.<\/p>\n<p>That matters because two Category III guests can pay the same Shades of Green rate but qualify for very different Disney discounts. A senior military officer may qualify for the Disney Armed Forces Salute room discount, while a DoD civilian or Equal Access Act guest may need to compare Shades of Green with general-public or other Disney offers instead.<\/p>\n<p><strong> So \u201cIs Category III still a good value?\u201d does not have one answer for every Category III guest.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For full Shades of Green eligibility rules and required identification, see my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green-resort-at-walt-disney-world\/shades-of-green-resort-eligibility\/\">Shades of Green Eligibility Guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"This_Pricing_Question_Mostly_Applies_to_Standard_and_Poolside_Rooms\"><\/span>This Pricing Question Mostly Applies to Standard and Poolside Rooms<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Category II and III price issue does not apply equally to every Shades of Green room type.<\/p>\n<p>Standard and Poolside Rooms use the three-category pricing structure.<\/p>\n<p>The suites do not.<\/p>\n<p>For FY27, Junior, Garden, Family, Palm, and Magnolia Suites each have the same nightly rate across Categories I, II, and III.<\/p>\n<p>That means this article is primarily about the value equation for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green\/shades-of-green-resorts-standard-guest-rooms\/\">Standard Rooms<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green\/shades-of-greens-poolside-rooms\/\">Poolside Rooms<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Those are also the rooms most guests are comparing with regular Disney Resort hotel rooms.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Disney_Can_Cost_Less_Than_Shades_of_Green\"><\/span>Why Disney Can Cost Less Than Shades of Green<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Shades of Green room rates stay fixed within the fiscal year, aside from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green-resort-at-walt-disney-world\/shades-of-green-resort-discounts-specials-and-packages\/\">special packages and offers<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Disney Resort prices work differently.<\/p>\n<p>Disney uses date-based room pricing, so the same resort and room type can cost very different amounts depending on when you travel.<\/p>\n<p>Disney also runs multiple discount programs throughout the year.<\/p>\n<p>Depending on your eligibility and dates, those can include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Disney military resort room discounts<\/li>\n<li>General-public room offers<\/li>\n<li>Annual Passholder offers<\/li>\n<li>Disney Visa Cardmember offers<\/li>\n<li>Florida resident offers<\/li>\n<li>Disney+ subscriber offers<\/li>\n<li>Other affiliation-based promotions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>That is why Category II and III guests should never compare Shades of Green only with Disney rack rates.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Compare your Shades of Green rate with the best Disney rate actually available to you for the same dates.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A discounted Disney Value or Moderate Resort can cost less than a Category II or III Shades of Green room on some dates.<\/p>\n<p>Even when Disney costs slightly more, the price gap may be small enough that the added Disney Resort benefits deserve serious consideration.<\/p>\n<p>See: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/how-do-disney-world-resorts-compare-to-shades-of-green-in-price\/\">Shades of Green vs Disney Resorts: Which Is Actually Cheaper?<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Category_II_Shades_of_Green_Has_to_Earn_the_Choice\"><\/span>Category II: Shades of Green Has to Earn the Choice<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Category II includes senior enlisted, junior officers, some warrant officers, widows, and eligible 100% disabled veterans.<\/p>\n<p>At $247 per night for an FY27 Standard Room, the decision is very different from Category I at $189.<\/p>\n<p>Category II is my Shades of Green rate category.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background-color: #eef5fa; border-left: 6px solid #2f6f9f; padding: 16px; margin: 20px 0;\"><strong>STEVE SAYS:<\/strong> As a Category II guest, I do not assume Shades of Green is automatically the better value. Disney has an edge for me in the resort experience \u2014 the Disney bubble, amenities, dining, and overall integration. Shades of Green has to offset that with a winning price. At Category II rates, that does not always happen.<\/div>\n<p>That does not mean I dismiss Shades of Green.<\/p>\n<p>Far from it.<\/p>\n<p>The rooms are large, the military atmosphere is unique, the resort has strong pools and recreation, and its Walt Disney World location remains excellent.<\/p>\n<p>But once a Disney Value or Moderate Resort gets close in price, I start weighing the full experience rather than looking only at the room rate.<\/p>\n<p>That is the point where Shades of Green has to win on more than reputation.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Category_III_Your_Best_Alternative_Matters_Even_More\"><\/span>Category III: Your Best Alternative Matters Even More<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Category III includes senior officers, DoD civilians, foreign military, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/disney-discounts-and-the-john-mccain-defense-authorization-act\/\">Equal Access Act eligible veterans<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The FY27 Standard Room rate is $267 per night.<\/p>\n<p>But Category III guests do not all have the same Disney discount eligibility.<\/p>\n<p>Some military Category III guests may qualify for the current <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/the-disney-armed-forces-salute-military-ticket-and-room-discounts\/the-disney-armed-forces-salute-a-fantastic-disney-military-resort-room-discount\/\">Disney Armed Forces Salute military resort room discount<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Other Category III guests do not.<\/p>\n<p>That does not automatically make Shades of Green the better deal.<\/p>\n<p>Disney&#8217;s general-public and affiliation-based room offers can match or beat military discounts in some situations.<\/p>\n<p>A DoD civilian paying the same Category III Shades of Green rate as an eligible military officer may have a different set of Disney offers available, but both should still comparison-shop.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Shades_of_Green_Still_Gives_You_for_the_Money\"><\/span>What Shades of Green Still Gives You for the Money<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Price is important, but Shades of Green has advantages that remain valuable even at Category II and III rates.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Shades-of-Green-Poolside-Room-Magnolia-Wing-View.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-37226 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Shades-of-Green-Poolside-Room-Magnolia-Wing-View.jpg\" alt=\"Shades of Green Poolside Room in the Magnolia Wing\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Shades-of-Green-Poolside-Room-Magnolia-Wing-View.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Shades-of-Green-Poolside-Room-Magnolia-Wing-View-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Shades-of-Green-Poolside-Room-Magnolia-Wing-View-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Very_Large_Standard_Rooms\"><\/span>Very Large Standard Rooms<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Shades of Green Standard Rooms are about 480 or 450 square feet and sleep up to five guests, plus a crib.<\/p>\n<p>That is one of the resort&#8217;s strongest advantages.<\/p>\n<p>For a family of five, the room capacity alone can make Shades of Green much more competitive than a smaller Disney room that does not fit everyone comfortably.<\/p>\n<p>The extra space also matters during midday breaks, mornings, bedtime, and longer stays.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Military_Atmosphere\"><\/span>Military Atmosphere<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Shades of Green serves the military community in a way no Disney Resort does.<\/p>\n<p>For many families, that familiarity and military-specific environment are part of the appeal.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Walt_Disney_World_Location\"><\/span>Walt Disney World Location<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Shades of Green sits in the Magic Kingdom Resort Area near Disney&#8217;s Polynesian Village Resort and the Transportation and Ticket Center.<\/p>\n<p>It is firmly inside Walt Disney World property even though it is not a Disney-owned hotel.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pools_and_Recreation\"><\/span>Pools and Recreation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The resort has two heated pools, a hot tub, a children&#8217;s splash area, recreation, and other resort amenities.<\/p>\n<p>My <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green\/military-members-review-rate-shades-green\/\">reader research<\/a> consistently shows the pools and rooms among the strongest parts of the Shades of Green experience.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dining\"><\/span>Dining<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green\/dining-options-at-shades-of-green-disney-worlds-military-resort\/\">Shades of Green has more dining<\/a> than many people expect, including Garden Gallery, Mangino&#8217;s, Evergreens, Express Caf\u00e9, Java Caf\u00e9, and other options.<\/p>\n<p>The dining experience is not the same as staying at a Disney Moderate or Deluxe Resort, but this is not a hotel without meaningful on-site food choices.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Military_Ticket_Convenience\"><\/span>Military Ticket Convenience<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Eligible guests can purchase military Disney tickets through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green-resort-at-walt-disney-world\/shades-of-green-military-ticket-sales-office\/\">Shades of Green&#8217;s Ticket Office<\/a>, including long-distance ordering in advance of the trip.<\/p>\n<p>That convenience remains one of the resort&#8217;s strongest military-specific advantages.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Extended_Evening_Theme_Park_Hours\"><\/span>Extended Evening Theme Park Hours<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Shades of Green guests currently qualify for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-theme-parks\/walt-disney-world-extended-evening-hours\/\">Extended Evening Theme Park Hours<\/a> on eligible nights.<\/p>\n<p>That gives Shades of Green a benefit most Disney Value and Moderate Resorts do not receive.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Disney_Gives_You_That_Shades_of_Green_Does_Not\"><\/span>What Disney Gives You That Shades of Green Does Not<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The question is not only what Shades of Green provides.<\/p>\n<p>At Category II and III rates, you also need to consider what you gain by moving to Disney.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Disney_Bubble\"><\/span>The Disney Bubble<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A Disney Resort keeps you inside the Disney-operated resort experience from the hotel to the parks and back again.<\/p>\n<p>For some guests, that matters very little.<\/p>\n<p>For others, it is a major part of the vacation.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Disney_Transportation_Integration\"><\/span>Disney Transportation Integration<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Shades of Green&#8217;s transportation works, but it is not as convenient as transportation at many Disney-owned resorts.<\/p>\n<p>Magic Kingdom and EPCOT require transiting the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green\/the-transportation-and-ticket-center-reality-for-shades-of-green-guests\/\">Transportation and Ticket Center<\/a>, and Shades of Green&#8217;s buses use different <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green-resort-at-walt-disney-world\/shades-of-greens-walt-disney-world-bus-stops\/\">theme park bus stops<\/a> than Disney Resort buses.<\/p>\n<p>See my full <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green-resort-at-walt-disney-world\/shades-of-green-transportation-options\/\">Shades of Green Transportation Guide<\/a> for the practical differences.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dining_Depth\"><\/span>Dining Depth<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Disney Moderates and Deluxes can offer broader dining options, including Table Service restaurants, lounges, Signature Dining, character meals, and easy access to nearby resort dining.<\/p>\n<p>Even Disney Values can make other dining areas easier to reach when they sit on the Skyliner network.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Resort-Specific_Amenities\"><\/span>Resort-Specific Amenities<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Depending on the Disney Resort, moving away from Shades of Green may give you:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Better park access<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-worlds-skyliner\/\">Disney Skyliner<\/a> service<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-transportation-overview\/soaring-above-the-magic-the-enchanting-world-of-disneys-monorails\/\">Monorail<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-transportation-overview\/set-sail-with-walt-disney-worlds-friendships-a-guide-to-scenic-water-transport\/\">boat<\/a> transportation<\/li>\n<li>More elaborate pool complexes<\/li>\n<li>More extensive recreation<\/li>\n<li>More immersive Disney theming<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Those advantages do not automatically make Disney worth more.<\/p>\n<p>But once the nightly prices become close, they matter much more.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Better_Way_to_Compare_Category_II_and_III_Value\"><\/span>A Better Way to Compare Category II and III Value<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Do not start with the assumption that Shades of Green is cheaper.<\/p>\n<p>Start with your actual trip.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Find your exact Shades of Green rate.<\/strong> Use your correct rate category and room type.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Price the Disney Resorts you would genuinely consider.<\/strong> Do not compare Shades of Green with a Disney hotel you would never choose.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Apply the best Disney discount you qualify for.<\/strong> Check military, general-public, Passholder, Visa, Florida resident, Disney+, and other applicable offers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Compare the actual room cost for the same dates. Don&#8217;t forget to add parking fees for Shades\u00a0of Green if driving.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Decide what the resort differences are worth to your family.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>That last step is where the decision becomes personal.<\/p>\n<p>If Shades of Green saves $75 or $100 per night, the choice may be easy.<\/p>\n<p>If the difference is $10 or $20 per night, the Disney bubble, transportation, dining, or resort amenities may be worth more than the savings.<\/p>\n<p>And if Disney is cheaper, Shades of Green has to win on room size, military atmosphere, location, or another advantage that matters more to you.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/When-Category-II-or-III-Shades-of-Green-Still-Makes-Sense.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-42520 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/When-Category-II-or-III-Shades-of-Green-Still-Makes-Sense-640x800.jpg\" alt=\"Decision guide for comparing Category II and III Shades of Green rates with Disney Resort prices\" width=\"640\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/When-Category-II-or-III-Shades-of-Green-Still-Makes-Sense-640x800.jpg 640w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/When-Category-II-or-III-Shades-of-Green-Still-Makes-Sense-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/When-Category-II-or-III-Shades-of-Green-Still-Makes-Sense-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/When-Category-II-or-III-Shades-of-Green-Still-Makes-Sense.jpg 1122w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_Category_II_or_III_Shades_of_Green_Still_Makes_Sense\"><\/span>When Category II or III Shades of Green Still Makes Sense<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Shades of Green can still be an excellent value at the higher rate categories.<\/p>\n<p>It deserves a strong look if:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Disney&#8217;s discounted alternatives remain materially more expensive<\/li>\n<li>You need a room that sleeps five without booking a second room<\/li>\n<li>Room size is a major priority<\/li>\n<li>You value the military community atmosphere<\/li>\n<li>You plan to use the pools and other Shades of Green amenities<\/li>\n<li>Extended Evening Theme Park Hours matter to your plans<\/li>\n<li>You value on-site military ticket services<\/li>\n<li>The Disney Resort advantages do not matter much to your family<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In those situations, Shades of Green can still deliver an excellent combination of space, location, military-specific benefits, and price.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_Disney_May_Be_the_Better_Value\"><\/span>When Disney May Be the Better Value<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A Disney Resort deserves a harder look when:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A discounted Disney Value or Moderate costs less than Shades of Green<\/li>\n<li>The nightly difference is small<\/li>\n<li>You value the Disney bubble<\/li>\n<li>You want Disney transportation integration<\/li>\n<li>Dining is an important part of the resort experience<\/li>\n<li>You plan meaningful resort time<\/li>\n<li>A particular Disney Resort gives you a transportation or park-access advantage you will use most days<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you are comparing against Disney&#8217;s lower resort categories, see my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/walt-disney-world-value-resorts-overview\/\">Walt Disney World Value Resorts Overview<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/walt-disney-world-moderate-resorts-overview\/\">Walt Disney World Moderate Resorts Overview<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>You can also read my guide to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/best-disney-resort-category-alternative-to-shades-of-green\/\">best Disney resort category alternative to Shades of Green<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bottom_Line\"><\/span>Bottom Line<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Shades of Green can still be a very good value for Category II and III guests.<\/p>\n<p>But it is not a bargain you should assume.<\/p>\n<p>At FY27 rates, Category II and III Standard and Poolside Rooms cost substantially more than Category I, and those higher prices put more Disney Resort options into the conversation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Category II and III guests should treat Shades of Green as a choice to compare, not a bargain to assume.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Price the Shades of Green room you would actually book.<\/p>\n<p>Then price the Disney Resorts you would actually consider using the best discount available to you.<\/p>\n<p>If Shades of Green wins clearly on price, its large rooms, military atmosphere, location, and military-specific benefits can make it an excellent value.<\/p>\n<p>If Disney is close \u2014 or cheaper \u2014 the Disney bubble, dining, transportation, amenities, and resort experience deserve serious weight.<\/p>\n<p>The best value is not the resort with the strongest reputation.<\/p>\n<p>It is the one that gives your family the best combination of price and experience for this trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Why Category II and III Change the Shades of Green Value Equation Shades of Green has a well-earned reputation as one of the best lodging values at Walt Disney World for military families. But that reputation can be misleading if you assume every guest pays the same room rate. They do not. For Standard and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":42388,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-42517","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-shades-of-green","entry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Is Shades of Green Still a Good Value for Category 2 and 3 Guests? - Military Disney Tips<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Category 2 and 3 Shades of Green rates are much higher than Category 1. 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