By Steve Bell
Imagine Staying right in the middle of the Disney World Magic at a military resort with great rates!
You can at the Shades of Green Resort, an Armed Forces Recreation Center at Walt Disney World near Orlando Florida.
I’m often asked by people whether staying at Shades of Green will be like staying at billeting on base and nothing could be further from the truth! Shades of Green is a well-maintained first-class resort.
The resort was originally built, owned, and operated by the Walt Disney World Company under various names. But since 1994 it has been an Armed Forces Recreation Center.
Shades of Green is a wonderfully spacious hotel with 586 of the largest standard resort rooms on Walt Disney World property, as well as a small number of family suites which sleep from six to twelve.
You’ll find Shades of Green has very 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 paying less, to help them afford a Disney vacation. Standard room rates vary from $124 to $164 based on rank. Poolside rooms are 10 dollars more.
Shades of Green affords some of the same benefits that you would receive if you were staying at a Disney owned resort. These benefits include, 60-Day prior FastPass+ reservations, participating in Disney’s Extra Magic Hours (early theme park entry or late stays on specified days), and merchandise delivery to the resort from the theme parks and Disney Springs.
Shades of Green offers a wide range of resort amenities.
There are several different dining options available at Shades of Green. They run the full spectrum of service, from the Java Café counter in the lobby to buffet meals, to a table service steakhouse.
There are two very beautiful outdoor pools at Shades of Green. Both pools are heated and handicap accessible, one features zero entry walk in and a volleyball net, while the other has a feature slide and kid’s splash area. You’ll appreciate the hot tub after a day in the parks!
There is a Spa with a wide range of services to help you relax. Everything from massages and facials to mani-pedis and salon/barber services are available.
At the Shades of Green Ticket Sales Office, you can purchase Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets as well as all other varieties of Disney World tickets, plus tickets for other local attractions like: Universal Studios Orlando, SeaWorld, and many other Orlando/Central Florida area attractions.
There is even an Armed Forces Exchange Service (AAFES) General Store on property. It’s a small convenience store, which has all your usual Shoppette items plus a selection of Disney Merch as well as Orlando, and Florida souvenirs.
Shades of Green also offers free transport to the Disney theme parks in its fleet of buses.
My family will always remember our very first time staying at Shades of Green. It was a magical weeklong vacation and we couldn’t get over how nice Shades of Green was. It truly is a wonderful benefit that we in the military community have this great resort right in the middle of Walt Disney World.
Steve Bell is the creator of Military Disney Tips. The internet’s premier location for all things at the intersection of Disney and the military community. For much more detailed information on the Shades of Green Resort, Disney World and much more visit: MilitaryDisneyTips.com.
