Shades of Green

Shades of Green is a full service resort on Walt Disney World grounds that serves members of the United States military. Surrounded by two golf courses in the Magic Kingdom resort area, the property is a peaceful retreat from the activity of Disney. This resort is not owned or operated by Disney but is run by the military.

Perks

• Great room rates for military
  
• Large guest rooms
• Access to golf
• Eligible for some Disney resort benefits
• Lovely setting surrounded by woods and golf courses

Disadvantages

• Parking fees
• Ineligible for certain Disney benefits including Disney Dining Plan and Disney Magical Express
• No special theme
  

About the Resort

Shades of Green is an Armed Forces Recreation Area on Walt Disney World property in Orlando, Florida operating for the benefit of our service personnel since 1994. 

The property originally opened in 1973 as the deluxe Disney Golf Resort. The lovely resort is surrounded by two sunny golf courses. In 1986 the resort was expanded and was renamed the Disney Inn.The military began leasing the resort in 1994, renaming it Shades of Green in honor of the military, and has since purchased the building.

The building was erected to resemble a country club, but does not have much of the theming for which Disney is known. The building have a quiet country charm and is located in a lovely setting. The resort is in the Magic Kingdom area of Walt Disney World but is not served by the monorail.

To be eligible to stay at Shades of Green you must be a member of the military (active or retired), current reserve, National Guard or a civilian Department of Defense employee. Eligible members may sponsor others and can book up to three rooms. Valid military is required at check in. Members of the military can also receive discounts of up to 30 to 40% off rates at Disney resorts.

This is a busy place and is often booked up. There is a waiting list and you can also be offered greatly discounted rates on other hotels if Shades of Green is full.

The Rooms

Shades of Green boasts the largest standard hotel rooms on Disney World property with 480 square feet of space. Each room has two queen beds, a sleeper sofa and a sitting area. The decor is in shades of green, as one might expect. There is no Disney theming to speak of.

Rooms have a flat screen TV, mini fridge, coffee maker, safe, iron & ironing board and hair dryer. There is free Wi-Fi on the premises. The bathrooms have two sinks and granite countertops with a separate toilet and shower area. Nice views of lush green landscaping can be seen from balconies or patios.The resort is non-smoking.

The resort was remodeled and enlarged in 2004, for a total of 586 rooms.  This resort is very popular and typically sells out.A limited number of family suites are available and sleep between six and eight people.

Guests may only room charge on resort property, not in the rest of Walt Disney World. Room rates are based on rank. Tax is not added to your room rate, as it is to other hotels.

Dining

• America, The Ice Cream Parlor
• Express Cafe for counter service breakfast and lunch
  
• Garden Gallery for buffets and ala carte dining
• Java Cafe for Starbucks coffee and snacks
• Mangino's for fine Italian dining
• On the Greens Grill for quick service hamburgers and sandwiches
  

Room service is available. Guests are ineligible for the Disney Dining Plan.

Recreation

• Two pools. The Mill Pond Pool is Mickey shaped and the Magnolia Pool with zero entry; kiddie pool
• Golfing
• Fitness center
• Arcade
• Tennis court
  
• Magnolia Spa for massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and hair salon treatments
• Jogging path to the Grand Floridian and Polynesian Resorts 
• Banquet meeting space
  

AAFES is a store selling snacks, magazines, beer, and souvenirs. East Meets West is the gift shop. The merchandise sold on the premises is exempt from sales tax since the property is operated by the military. The gift shop sells tax free Disney tickets.

A club house is adacent to the resort serving three golf courses and has a Pro Shop.

Perks

Guests are eligible for many of the amenities enjoyed by other Disney guests, including free transportation to the theme parks (including Universal), package delivery to the resort and Extra Magic Hours for extended park hours. Guests are ineligible for Disney Magical Express transportation from the airport, the Disney Dining Plan and room charging in the theme parks.

However, the resort charges a parking fee of $5.00 daily. Also, if you want to park your car at the theme parks you will be required to pay the fee, currently $14.00 but subject to change.

Address

1950 West Magnolia Palm Drive

Lake Buena Vista, Fl 32830

Phone (407) 824-3400

This charming rustic resort will be enjoyed by anyone looking to get away from it all. Shades of Green offers great tax free room rates to members of the military in addition to tax free theme park tickets and merchandise. However, the parking is not free at the resort or the theme parks. The resort rooms are the largest on Disney property, but lack the classic Disney theme. This resort is a great choice for those eligible for its benefits.