Staying At Shades Of Green Resort
Your next option for resorts at Walt Disney World is to stay at the Shades of Green Resort. If youve never heard of Shades of Green, it is a resort ON Disney property specifically for Military Service Members. Unlike the Military Room Discount for Disney Resort Hotels, Shades of Green is open to all Service Members, past or present. Any Veteran who Honorably served and has a DD214 can stay at Shades of Green in January or September. There are several different categories that a Service Member may fall into and is eligible to stay year round. For full details on the Shades of Green Resort and eligibility requirements click on the link below.
Since Shades of Green is located on Disney property and even though it is one of the few Non-Disney owned resorts, resort guests will receive all of the same benefits as you would if you were staying at an official Disney Resort Hotel . Staying at Shades of Green will put you so close to Magic Kingdom, that you could even walk there if you wanted! You will also pay a fraction of the price compared to a Disney Resort Hotel. There are three different rate categories at Shades of Green. So depending on what category your rank falls into, you can save a lot by staying at Shades of Green. Or you might end up paying more if you are comparing the cost of Shades of Green to a Disney Value Resort.
Walt Disney World Privileges
Shades of Green guests have full transportation to all Walt Disney World theme parks, provided by Escot Bus Lines, with Shades of Green wrapped buses. The resort offers direct bus transportation to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios theme parks. However, it does not offer direct bus transportation to the Magic Kingdom or Epcot. Guests traveling to the latter two theme parks may either take a bus to the Transportation and Ticket Center and transfer to the monorail there or may take a ten-minute walk to the nearby Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and board the monorail on the second floor. There is bus transportation offered to Disney Springs and to either of the Walt Disney World water parks .
Shades of Green is considered a Disney-owned resort for purposes of Extra Magic Hours at the theme parks. However, due to its ownership by the Department of Defense, it does not have certain amenities that are exclusive to other Disney-owned resorts. Room charging off Shades of Green property is not available. Resort guests are not eligible for the Disney Dining Plan. It does not participate in the Magical Express program, which transfers guests and luggage directly to the Disney resort from Orlando International Airport, skipping baggage claim. Shades of Green guests are required to pay for daily parking at Disney World’s theme parks if they drive their car.
Does Shades Of Green Get Extra Magic Hours/early Theme Park Entry
Yes! While we are sad that Extra Magic Hours wont be returning, we are happy to share that Shades of Green resort guests will have access to Early Theme Park Entry when it debuts on October 1, 2021. This covetable perk will allow guests staying at applicable Disney World resorts to enter any of the theme parks 30 minutes prior to non-resort guests on any given day.
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Disney World Resort Hotels Offer Discounted Rates
As a member of the U.S. military, you can enjoy great rates at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels for stays most nights January 1, 2022 through December 16, 2022 when you book by December 16, 2022.
The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Length of stay requirements may apply. Valid military ID will be required upon check-in and military member must stay in the room. Visit the Walt Disney World website for more details.
Military.com provides discount information as a service to our members. We make every effort to ensure accuracy, but are not liable for the availability of discounts provided by a third party. Discounts may vary by location. The discount provider may track how you navigated to their site, but we do not share personal information with them.
Staying At A Disney Resort Hotel
Your first option is to stay at a Disney Resort Hotel. Staying at a Disney Resort Hotel is going to be where you will experience the most magic during your vacation. The resorts are all themed differently and some have some truly amazing décor. However, they will most likely be the most expensive out of all your options. Disney does have multiple categories for its resorts that are all priced differently to fit all types of budgets.
Disney Resorts Hotels are broken out in to 5 price ranges:
*Depending on your dates of travel, room rates can vary
- Multiple campsite options including, tent or pop-up campsites and full RV hook-up
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Complimentary Shades Of Green Disney World Transportation
Similar to other resorts at Disney World, transportation is provided in and around the Central Florida resort. However, the Shades of Green bus schedule is decidedly less robust, with buses only running to the Transportation & Ticket Center and Animal Kingdom Theme Park. You will need to use the Disney bus system to go to the other theme parks, resorts, or areas like Disney Springs.
If desired, you can also walk across the street to Disneys Polynesian Village Resort and the neighboring Transportation & Ticket Center if youd rather not wait for the bus. Those that prefer to not take the free hotel transportation are also welcome to drive to the theme parks although as parking isnt free for guests staying at Shades of Green, you should expect to pay if you choose to drive.
Can Disney Travel Agents Book Shades Of Green
Nope! As Shades of Green is operated by the U.S. Department of Defense, not Disney, travel agents are unable to book guestrooms. So, if youre interested in making Shades of Green reservations, you can either use their website or contact their reservations office by calling 593-2242.
Well, that concludes our tour around the Shades of Green military resort at Walt Disney World. As long as you fit the qualifications, this comfortable, spacious hotel is a serene retreat with a location and room rates that are hard to beat.
So, if youre a former or current service member or you know someone who is and youre looking for a vacation the whole family can enjoy, we highly recommend you give Shades of Green a try. While youre there, make the most of your time at Walt Disney World with our 1-day plans for Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.
Have you ever stayed at Shades of Green? What do you love about the resort? Would you stay there again? Let us know in the comments!
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Senior Citizens Are Entitled To A Special Rate
If youre 62 years or older, you can save up to 25% on your room rate at our award winning resorts are located in the heart of Walt Disney World making this the perfect location for a special getaway. Enjoy entertainment, activities, dining and more during your stay.
For Reservations: Contact us at 1-888-828-8850 and ask for promotional code SENIOR CITIZEN RATE or when booking online, make sure Promotional Code S9R appears in the Corporate/Promo code box. Proof of age required at check-in to receive this offer.
Book the Swan:
Disney Annual Passholder Offer
Disney Annual Pass Holders Save Up to 30% Off Regular Rates ACT NOW, OFFER EXPIRES SOON!
Disney Annual Pass Holders receive a special discount to return and experience all that the Disney theme parks have to offer. We are located within walking distance to Epcot and Disneys Hollywood Studios.
For Reservations: Contact us at 1-888-828-8850 and ask for promotional code ANNUAL PASSHOLDER RATE or when booking online, make sure Promotional Code QWH appears in the Corporate/Promo code box. Valid/current Disney Annual Pass is required at check-in to receive this offer.
Book the Swan:
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The Disney World Hotel That Charges Based On Your Pay Grade
Posted by: Melissa Cannioto March 23, 2022
The 50th anniversary celebration at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is fully underway, with its theme parks seeing new experiences such as Remys Ratatouille Adventure, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and the return of the Festival of Fantasy parade.
For military families, a Disney vacation can bring such joy and relief to Guests that are often separated through deployments and training, with the Military Salute Tickets providing amazing savings.
But many military members are not aware of the special hotel on Walt Disney World property that charges Guests based on their pay grade!
The Walt Disney Company loves the military. Eligible active duty and retired U.S. military personnel can enjoy special military discounts for both Disney Resort Hotel stays and Park tickets, including exclusive rates at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels for stays most nights through December 16, 2022, and the amazingly affordable Military Salute Tickets.
For the Resort discounts, the minimum stay is 1 night and the maximum stay is 14 nights. The number of rooms for the offer is limited, so youll want to hurry and make your booking as soon as you get the chance!
But theres one other option for Guests in the United States Armed Forces wishing to stay on property at the Walt Disney World Resort in Central Florida Shades of Green Resort, the military-only Disney Resort.
The three categories are:
Military Discount Disney World Resort Stays
Hop aboard! Photo by Brett Svenson
Book Through
Most nights January 1, 2022 through December 16, 2022
Length of Stay Requirements
- Minimum 1 night
- Maximum 14 nights
How to Book: Call your travel agent dont have one? We suggest Destinations To Travel, a full-service travel agency that specializes in Walt Disney World vacations. Think you cant afford a travel agent? Theyre FREE. Thats right, no catch. Contact a D2T agent today.
Am I Eligible? This offer is for active or retired US military personnel, including active or retired members of the National Guard, Reservists, the US Coast Guard, the US Space Force, the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service , and the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration . Spouses of Military Service Members also qualify if they are able to present valid and active US Military IDs in the absence of active or retired Military Personnel or Commissioned Corps Members.
Exclusions: 3-bedroom villas, suites in Moderate and Deluxe Resort hotels, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disneys Wilderness Lodge, The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms at Disneys Art of Animation Resort, and Bungalows at Disneys Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.
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Staying At The Shades Of Green Disney Resort
Located in the Magic Kingdom Resort Area, Shades of Green is conveniently situated in the heart of the magic yet feels worlds away from the crowds and general Disney-ness of the rest of the Walt Disney World Resort. As this is primarily a military resort, Disney touches like over-the-top theming and lots of characters are conspicuously missing, although you will find a few nods to Disney around the lobby area.
Noticeably as absent are children. Although kids are welcomed here, Shades of Green has the feel of a dignified, country club-style golf resort. Along with feeling physically secluded from the rest of Disney World, it also has a decidedly more mature vibe when it comes to clientele. In fact, back when Shades of Green was owned by Disney, it was actually known as the Golf Resort and then The Disney Inn in hopes of drawing in a broader range of guests.
Canadian Resident Disney World Hotel Discounts
Canadian residents can book the US offers listed above. The Disney specialist travel agency we recommend, Small World Vacations, gladly works with clients around the globe. They have many clients from Canada.
In addition, you can visit Walt Disney Worlds Canadian website and select the Special Offers tab to see any current deals specific to Canadians, but most of the time the offers are the same as those distributed in the US. Sometimes the Canadian offer will have a different discount code, but otherwise it will be identical to the US offer. If we learn of any specials for Canadians only, they are listed below.
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Florida Resident Resort Hotel Discounts
Savings for Florida residents are more likely to be available during Value and Regular seasons, though there are exceptions to this Peak season discounts are not unheard-of. Generally speaking the discounts are released 2-4 months in advance.
Florida resident rates are NOT guaranteed and frequently are not offered during peak holiday periods. Be aware that discounted rooms are limited in number and will not be available for all dates at all resorts. You may have to be flexible with your selections. If you cant get your first choice on the first try, call back periodically and check on availability. Frequently discounted rooms will open up as people change and cancel their reservations over time.
Florida Resident Room-Only Discounts
No current offers.
Shades Of Green Military Resort At Walt Disney World
The Shades of Green resort, which is an Armed Forces Recreation Center resort located on the Walt Disney World grounds in Orlando, FL. While its not technically a Disney resort, it is located on Walt Disney World property and is conveniently located adjacent to the Polynesian Resort.
The Polynesian is two Monorail stops from the Magic Kingdom. You can walk to the Polynesian within 10 minutes, or you can take one of the free Shades of Green Resort shuttle buses to the Disney World Ticket and Transportation Center, or to Disney Springs .
Shuttle buses are also available for a nominal fee for some of the other major Orlando area attractions, such as Universal Studios and Sea World.
Shades of Green is one of four Armed Forces Recreation Centers around the world run by the Army. AFRCs are resorts that were built for the military and are exclusively for use by military members, retirees, DoD civilians, and other authorized guests.
The Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Programs operate these resorts. These resorts were built with MWR funds and now operate on a self-sustaining basis.
Other AFRC resorts are Edelweiss Lodge & Resort in Garmisch, Germany, Dragon Hill Lodge in Seoul, Korea, and Hale Koa on Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, HI. The Navy runs The New Sanno Hotel in Tokyo, Japan, which is another premium military resort.
Hopefully, Ill have the opportunity to travel to the other locations in the future!
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Shades Of Green Pricing
Shades of Green prices are very affordable for the Orlando area. They are even more affordable when you consider the quality of the resort and the location.
Like most AFRC Resorts, the room prices are based on the location in the resort as well as your rank or status. Rooms that have a better view or that are closer to attractions such as a pool may cost more than a standard room. And of course, suites are even more expensive.
This is also the case with the Hale Koa, which prices rooms based on the availability of an ocean view and other factors. Rooms are still very affordable, even with this variable pricing structure.
How To Purchase Military Discount Theme Park Tickets
There are a number of ways to purchase the tickets. You could get them in person or via phone at a military base ticket office. If you visit a base in person, be aware that it might not have all tickets in stock, in which case it might need to ship you the tickets you want to purchase.
You could also get the tickets in person at all Disney World ticket windows. One downside to this option used to be that guests were not able to make FastPass+ ride reservations in advance, when that program was available. Now that Disney has replaced FastPass+ with Disney Genie, however, that is no longer a concern.
Another option to purchase tickets in advance is through the Shades of Green ticket sales office. To begin the process of buying tickets in advance from Shades of Green, send an email to: ticketinfo@shadesofgreen.org.
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Shades Of Green Resort Features & Amenities
Shades of Green has just about everything you need for a full vacation, even if you dont want to do the Disney World thing. There are several restaurants, a bar, a coffee shop, AAFES Exchange, and Discounted Ticket Sales.
You can buy your Disney Park Hopper passes or other local attraction tickets here), an Alamo Rent a Car, tennis, golfing, two pools and a splash park, a playground, and more.
In short, you can go to Shades of Green any time of year and have a self-contained vacation, whether or not you decide to do Disney World. Shades of Green also features different specials throughout the month.
For example, we were at Shades of Green during September, and they were hosting a special Oktoberfest promotion, complete with a live band, a German buffet, and a beer and wine tent.
There is a cost associated with these promotions, of course. But its nice that Shades of Green makes entertainment easy for their guests.