Shades of Green Resort
Shades of Green at Disney World resort is a special hotel located on Disney property. Shades of Green is an Armed Forces Recreation Center Resort, not a “Disney Resort” even though it is on Disney property and has a lot of the same perks you get at a Disney Resort. This of course means you need to meet their eligibility criteria (be in or be former military, etc.) to be able to stay here.
Shades of Green has a good guide to eligibility on their website as it can be confusing with the different categories and ranks. Room rates are based on your current ranking. Check out their website for current rates and eligibility criteria.
the resort
Shades is truly a beautiful resort. As you walk in the lobby it gives a modern lodge vibe. The resort has enough amenities to keep you occupied even if you’re not going to the parks.
If you’re interested in golf the resort is quite literally steps away from a course. You can book your room to overlook the green so you never miss a minute. There are two pools and a kids aqua playground, an arcade, fitness center, and outdoor gardens.
Grab a quick bite as you’re headed out the door at the Express Cafe or have the full breakfast buffet experience at the Garden Gallery. Mangino’s is a full service Italian restaurant and grill, located right next to the Garden Gallery. If formal isn’t really your style grab pub style food and drinks at Evergreen’s Sports Bar by the pool. There is also a Java Cafe in the lobby that serves Starbucks coffee or ice cream if you’d rather.
There is a small Exchange near the front desk that has everything you might need on vacation. Beer, snacks, Disney apparel, deodorant, over the counter medications, you name it and they’ll have it. This is super handy if you forgot something or just don’t want to pay for alcohol at the bar while you’re staying.
visiting the parks
There are some major up-sides to buying your theme park tickets through Shades of Green. You can save up to 12% on tickets, pay no tax, and order ahead online so you can activate them on your Disney account. There is a PDF form you need to fill out and submit to get your tickets and validate your identity. If you’re looking for Universal Park tickets you can use the same form.
You don’t need to worry about transportation to the Disney parks from Shades of Green. There is a bus route that will take you from the front door of the resort to the bus depot of your park of the day. You do however, need a military ID and resort ID card (they give you this at the front desk) to board the bus in either direction. One set of verification for every 5 people works so you will be able to get your whole family on the bus.
There used to be a walkway between the Polynesian Resort and Shades of Green that everyone utilized to get to the monorail but the 2023 World Drive expansion project has shut down this path indefinitely. A major bummer, and you’re no longer allowed to walk past the guard house.
personal opinion
Shades of Green will hold a place in our hearts. You don’t need to leave the grounds to find something to do or to go to the store. If you are able to stay at Shades of Green we highly, highly recommend it. Their room rates are very affordable (in the Disney sense) and make it a breeze.
