Special Info for these Crazy Times:
Big News:
Everything is Different at WDW since it Reopened See these Posts to see what's different!
- Planning and Executing Your Walt Disney World Vacation During These Trying Times
- Our Return to Walt Disney World
- Our Second Trip Back to Walt Disney World
- Using the Walt Disney World Theme Park Reservation System
I’m getting reports from the field that Shades of Green Guests have successfully linked their Shades reservation number to their My Disney Experience Account, thus making them eligible to make their FastPass Plus reservations 60 days prior to check in.
(Updated 12/31)
This has now been confirmed by Shades of Green and Disney.
I have been contacted by very many of those who have done this.
It has been news on the web for a few weeks that Disney would be extending this ability to other resorts on property.
This is a huge change for the military community, which bumps Shades of Green up in priority for their accommodations decision.
How to do this
Please see our WDW technology overview for all of our FastPass related posts. When reading all of the linked material please understand that any references to Shades of Green and the 30-Day FastPass+ window are now obsolete. Understand that Shades’ Guests are now considered Disney Resort Guests!
There are a huge amount of pages and posts that I need to edit, and I’m TDY with a full schedule, in a time zone that puts me at odds with a normal schedule. I will get to them as I am able, most likely this weekend.
Reports also seem to suggest that because this is new program (as with all software) there are issues…
- Linking with your computer works fine
- Linking via the phone app does not
- Linking vis calling in to to tech support does not
- It seems to take from 24 to 48 hours after making your SOG reservation to be able to link your reservation to MDE
(Reports indicate that the bugs have been worked out!)
If you are experiencing problems you can try clearing your browser cache or calling the Disney Internet Help Desk for assistance, at 800-848-6413, option #3
Dining Reservations Also
Now reports are also surfacing that Shades of Green Guests are also eligible for WDW’s 180 Day plus 10 Dining Reservations.
This means that you can now make your Advance Dining Reservations 180 days prior to check in for up to 10 days of your trip. Previously Shades Guests could only make them 180 days out from the desired date like all other non-Disney guests.
Please note: Free magic Bands are not a part of this program! If you would like to use Magic Bands you’ll need to buy your own. Also this does not add other Disney Resort only benefits such as free theme park parking or the ability to add the Disney Dinning Plan to your Shades reservation.
Note: that Dave at Your First Visit is reporting that starting 1 January 2018 the Disney Springs Resort Area Resorts will Extra Magic Hours and then on 10 January they will also get 60-Day FastPass Plus.
Your 60-Day FastPass Window
For those who stay at Shades exclusively and might not be familiar with how the 60-Day Window works, check out our post on how it is different:
Waiting on your 60-Day FastPass Plus Window
Over to you
PLEASE report your experience with this in the comments section below so that all in our military community will be abel to see what is going on!
Disney Tickets and Technology Links
Tickets
Disney's Armed Forces Salute Tickets The biggest military discount available on tickets
- Disney Armed Forces Salute FAQ The questions that I get most often
Regular Disney Military Discount Tickets The permanent Disney Military Discount
Stars and Stripes Passes From Shades of Green at Walt Disney World, are available to any Shades of Green eligible person who is staying anywhere on WDW property.
Disney Military Tickets – Your Start to Finish Guide
What’s the Right Military Discounted Disney Ticket for Me?
WDW's Park Hopper Plus Option Information
Technology
Disney World's new Fast Pass Plus (FP+) system and the Magic Bands are great new benefits that are part of the set of new technologies collectively known as Disney Next Gen or My Magic Plus.
Disney Technology Overview Page
Memory Maker and PhotoPass+ Military Discounts
My Magic Plus - What all this New Disney Technology?
Linking Disney Military Tickets And Fastpass Plus Reservations
Waiting On Your Walt Disney World FastPass Plus Window To Open (what you'll see in your account)
Disney FuelRod Stations are Available at Disney Parks for Recharging Your Devices
Magic Bands for Shades of Green Guests
FastPass Plus for Shades of Green Guests
All You Need To Know About Disney World FastPass Plus For The Military Traveler
Military FastPass Plus Ticket Options for Disney World
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
- Shades of Green Rooms
- Shades of Green Room Rates
- Disney Tickets at Shades of Green
- Shades of Green Blog Tour
- Magic Bands for Shades of Green Guests
Planning a Disney Trip? Want to get the best military discounts that are available? Feeling a little confused? Get Our Email Newsletter
Read about the Temporary Changes to Disney World during their Post-Lockdown Re-Opening
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 Guide
- Military Disney Tips Disney Packing Checklist
- Disney Military Tickets – Your Start to Finish Guide
- Resorts/Hotel Overview Page
- Dining Overview Page
- Transportation Overview Page
- Technology Overview Page
- Shades of Green, WDW’s Military Only Resort
Disney World Guidebooks By MDT
|
Military Disney Tips' Recommended Disney Travel Agent
Ears of Experience Disney Only Travel Agency. Military family owned and operated! They know all the ins and outs of Disney military discounts! |
I have a reservation at SOG in May that I made about a month ago, I just tried linking my reservation number, in both the app and website, and was unable to link it. When I tired on the website, it asks you for additional information, like which resort, but SOG is not an option to choose 🙁
Actually nevermind, I used the wrong number!! It works!!
What number did you use? because I am having this exact problem using my SOG confirmation number and I don’t know what to do. I can’t get it to link without a list of good neighbor hotels at Disney springs popping up.
Could this be because I just booked my reservation and I just read it could take 24-48 hours to link to MDE?
Yes give it a day and try again
Steve,
I was able to link SoG reservation via computer but making FP reservations was really wonky. It took one and then didn’t recognize me as eligible for those dates. I switch to the mobile app and made FP reservatios III not a snap. Same day as I input SoG Rez. Thanks so much for this tip as I am 45 days out and was able to get all the FP I wanted at the times I wanted. I wasn’t confident I was go to be able to do that a D-30.
Typing on phone. Should read FP reservations via mobile app WERE a snap. Much better than computer.
Thanks Brian, Awesome!
I was able to link SOG reservations, but fp window is only 30 days out. I will call help line tomorrow morning
Oh my gosh, Steve! Thank you so much for this post! We are right at 45 days out, so I’m very excited to “get in early!”
Here’s what I did:
We have 4 rooms (17 people) booked at SOG. It would only allow me to link one room. I called WDW. She said that SOG is not part of Disney and I was “lucky” to get to link the one reservation. Am I wanting to link to get FP’s? I said yes, that’s why I wanted to link. She said fine, all you have to do is have the one room linked and you can make everyone’s fast passes. (I already had our tickets linked) She said I would have to link everyone to the same ride/event though. I said no problem, that was the plan. However…..I was able to link us on two different rides during one time frame on the one day I tried! Any way… she said I was lucky that I was able to even link the reservation. I then asked her about the 30 vs 60, WDW vs Non WDW hotel new policy, and she said it’s actually in the testing phase right now with SOG.
Hope this helps and I’m not rambling too much! It’s late and I’m way too excited as I got all the FP’s I wanted, except one!
Again, Thanks so much Steve for posting this information, and all the hard work you put into helping fellow Military Families!
Awesome Jennifer,
Thanks for the great information!!!
My pleasure!!! Happy to of been able to contribute… even in a small way!!!
Wanted to also add- I was using my laptop and had to re-login a couple of times- but other than that little bit- no problems!
Any word on a fix for when we are staying at Shades of Green without the military member? I’m staying there without my spouse with 2 friends in February. I was able to link the reservation, but Shades puts the reservation in the military member’s name even if they are not going to be the one staying there so in MDE he shows up as the primary person on the reservation with the option to add 2 other adults. Since it won’t let me change him as the primary, I can only link 2 of the 3 of us that are staying there. Any ideas?
Hi Michelle ,
You can try calling the Disney Internet Help Desk for assistance, at 800-848-6413, option #3
As a last resort, on arrival explain the situation to Guest Relations and ask for matching FP+ for the 3rd person.
Thanks I will call them tomorrow. I wasn’t sure if I should since it isn’t “official” yet!
It seems to be a “test” program, with an unannounced “soft” opening to ease into things and work the bugs out.
Update: SOG called me this morning to finalize my advanced ticket order. It must be “official” now because she asked me on the phone if I was aware that we are now able to book FP 60 days in advance.- to which I said I was aware thanks to following this page! 🙂
I asked her about this issue and she went to ask her boss because she said they had only been officially informed about it this morning. They transferred be to reservations because they said maybe they would have to start putting the room in the spouses name if the military member wasn’t going to be with them. Reservations said no, they would not be able to do that and suggested I call Disney (like you had already suggested). I did that and they said that there is nothing they can do either but as long as the one person who can’t be linked is doing the same Fastpasses as the ones that are linked to the reservation then I should be able to do them for her as well even though her name is not linked to a Disney hotel reservation.
I will let you know what happens!
Awesome, thanks for the feedback. I’m anxious to hear how it all works out!
Have fun!
I had just linked my SoG reservation on the website from a desktop with the SoG confirmation number and the last name of whom made the reservation.
However, I have not been able to select any fastpass on the computer end yet. Haven’t tried on the mobile app. My trip is 51 days away.
Update:
As of 12:53 PDT, I was able to see the FP selection open up for my stay. It was due to a browser cache. Once I delete the cache, I was able to make FP selection.
I am just under 60 days out from our trip. Got the hotel linked, but am unable to do FP.
Hi Brittney ,
You can try calling the Disney Internet Help Desk for assistance, at 800-848-6413, option #3
Brittney,
I had the same issue when I tried to reserve my FP on the website. If you are booking FP on your computer, you can either try to clear the browser cache or switch to a new browser other than the one you usually use.
I couldn’t select FP by using Chrome, but was able to do so on Firefox.
I was so excited to hear this but unfortunately it is not working for me.:( I called Disney today, who called Shades and they’re supposed to email me when they fix the problem. I’ve put in my confirmation # and last name from the reservation probably 20 times with no luck. We made our reservations in September for our January 29-Feb 2 trip. 54 days out and would love to be able to make those FP’s! Anyone have any other tips??
Hi Claire,
Are you using your computer and not your phone app?
Have you tried clearing your browser cache?
Yes, using my laptop. Maybe I’m dumb for asking, but clearing the browser cache meaning trying with a different browser?
Thank you for your help! I really appreciate it!
You could try with a different browser, or google clearing cache for you specific browser for instructions.
You bet!!!
Ok, so I just called Shades and Disney again. Evidently, they’re currently working on my account. They verified my confirmation number with Shades. I had the right info, it’s just not working for some reason. They said they are working on getting a new number, manually putting it in and hopefully it will be ready by the 9th of December. Fingers crossed!
I’m still happy though! 50 days out is better than 30 days out! Thanks again.
Update! Disney fixed the issue and I got Shades linked to my account this morning. I got into my account and wasn’t able to get to the 60 day mark until I cleared my browser cache. After I did that, everything worked great and I got all the Fastpasses I wanted! Never wouldv’e thought to do that if it wasn’t for this page, so THANK YOU to you all!
You are so welcome Claire! Glad it worked out well.
Did you make sure you put the confirmation number, and not the itinerary number? Lol cause that’s what I did at first hahah
Thanks Caitlin
Haha I could definitely see myself doing that. Thanks! But no. All info was right, Just a glitch in the system I guess.
Another update:
I have the Shades of Green reservation linked and showing up on my account. I received my ticket scans today and linked them on MDE. When I went to Fastpass selection it is still only showing 30 days out. I am on a computer not the app and I cleared my browser cache. Am I missing something?
No, you have done everything you should. I don’t remember if you mentioned how far out you are, are you 60 days or less?
If not see: http://www.militarydisneytips.com/My-Magic-Plus/Waiting-For-Your-FastPass-Puls-Window-To-Open.html
If so then call the Disney Internet Help Desk for assistance, at 800-848-6413, option #3
THis is so new it seems to be very glitchy.
No I’m not at my 60 day mark quite yet. That link was very helpful- sounds like if they are treating us like Disney resorts then I will only see the 30 days until I get to my 60 day point. So I guess all is well – thanks for the help!
You bet!
I hit my 60 day mark and sure enough – the fastpass selection showed up! And it actually opened the whole week we are there, not just one day at a time like I thought it would do. I was able to get everything we wanted for the whole week – including Avatar Flight of Passage!! This is an amazing perk for Shades of Green guests!!
Awesome Michelle, yep only the 30-Day fastPass is day by day.
Man! We just got back from there today!!!! I wish they had changed this before we left:(but it will be great for the next time we go:)
Not sure what happened. I was able to link my SOG reservation in my Disney Experience one day, but it just dropped off two days later. When I try to link it again, it wouldn’t work anymore. I called Disney’s helpdesk, they were unable to do it either. I called SOG to ensure my reservation is valid, which it was. I was also told by SOG that they been having a lot issues with Disney. Good thing that our vacation is not until August, so there’s still time for them to get “bugs” out.
Update: I was able to add the SOG reservation back in my Disney Experience today.
Super, thanks for the update!
Hi Steve! I just read that the other hotels that are not on WDW property that are getting the 60 day FP’s are also getting the magical express from the airport. Is that something that is now at, or coming to SOG?
Thank you!!
Hi Jennifer,
I hadn’t heard that yet. No Shades doesn’t have it now.
We’ll have to see, it would involve extra cost to Shades to pay for that service, something I’ve said they would never do. But I also said that they’d never pay to upgrade their reservation system to work with Disney’s (60-DAy FastPass). Maybe Disney paid for that, who knows?
Do you think the upgraded reservation system will allow for SoG guests to purchase Disney Meal Plan in the future or is it available now?
Hey Brian,
I’m getting a bunch of questions on all the other Disney Resort items that tie into the reservations and My Magic Plus systems, i.e. Magic Bands, Disney’s Magical Express, etc. Most of these would generate a cost for Shades. But this one, the Meal Plan might not and is the most likely, though I have heard nothing about it.
Shades restaurants would take a hit unless they started participating, but that could require another software upgrade, this time to the SoG restaurant register system. ($$$)
Shades could generate some additional income from this by getting the referral that travel agents normally get from Disney for selling the DDP (if they could work it out between SoG and WDW).
So long story short, I don’t know. We’ll have to see what happens, but it would be a while as they first have to work the bugs out of this current project, and then WDW has to do the same with the Disney Springs Hotels after 10 Jan.
Thanks Steve!!!
Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
Thanks for the tip! We were 32 days out when I saw this, and I was easily able to link my reservation by the reservation number as they did not list SOG as a resort. The FP+ was available within the hour and we were able to get most of what we wanted!
Awesome Darlene, you are welcome.
I just asked Disney Help and they said that SoG was not eligible for 180+10 but SoG guest are eligible for the 60 day advanced fast pass. Has anyone had any experience with the 180+10 advanced dining reservations and staying at SoG? Thanks in advance!
Hi Bethany,
When Shades first got the 60-day FP I heard from someone who got the 180+10. That’s it though.
I’d keep trying back, you often get conflicting info from the Disney Call Center. One may not and one may…
Ok, thank you!!
I was able to successfully link my SOG reservation to MyDisneyExperience via the website today. Could not do it with the app. Thank you for directing me to the website.
Awesome. Thanks for the feedback!!!