Shades of Green Room & Resort Tour

I’m a military brat, my dad is a retired career Air Force officer. In 2000, we were planning a vacation together to Disney World, and he mentioned the “military hotel”. I was skeptical, I even offered to pay the difference if we stayed in a Disney resort. He told me to look it up, and instead of barracks (which is what I was envisioning), I saw a nice resort. Over the years, we’ve returned to stay at Shades of Green.

We were there over Thanksgiving, and I took that opportunity to view it with “park reporter” eyes so I could share with you what a stay at Shades of Green is like, using Touring Plans’ testing standards. I looked into the rooms, dining options, transportation, and amenities, and I’ll also share the pricing information and who is eligible to stay at SOG.

What Does a Military Hotel Look Like?

Shades of Green was originally the Golf Resort, and then the Disney Inn. In 1994, it was transitioned over to the State Department to create a resort for military families, and some government employees to have a space for R&R. The State Department purchased the building in 1998, however, Disney continues to own the land.

The resort feels like a hybrid between a Disney resort and a base rec center. The lobby features an amazing Mickey statue with a patriotic flair, and there are fun photo-op spots with a giant Mickey bar, mouse ears, and even Star Wars. The military vibes are enhanced by an AAFES Exchange, with Army and Navy sweatshirts hanging right alongside Mickey. The parking garage levels are named after branches of the military, and, of course, flags are proudly displayed.

TouringPlans lists Shades of Green as a deluxe resort. It does have large room sizes, patios or balconies, rooms that open into hallways, and guests can enjoy both Early Park Entry and Extended Hours, as Disney deluxe resorts do. Please don’t assume that this means fancy. The rooms are clean and large, but they need some refurbishment.

Shades of Green Has Some of the Largest Rooms on WDW Property

One of the best features of the rooms is the size, and in my opinion, the ceiling fan. All of the rooms open into the building and have either a patio or a balcony. Ours was in the Magnolia Wing with a view of the Mill Pond Pool.

The room is quiet (after the pool closes at 10:00) with fabulous light. My parents appreciated the paper maps, tv channel guide, and other instructions. Although the Hallmark channel wasn’t marked correctly, if you visit and find the channel, please report back.

The room has

• 2 queen beds
•  pull out couch
• small table and two chairs
• dresser with three drawers
• nightstand between the beds with three drawers
• ceiling fan
• 12 plugs, 5 USB ports, 1 USB-C
• full length mirror
• safe
• ironing board/ iron
• Dish tv
• old school laminated remote control guide
• alarm clock with additional outlets and USB
• double sinks
• separate room for toilet and tub/shower
• shampoo and body wash in the shower
• hand soap and lotion
• hairdryer
• patio/ balcony with small table 2 chairs

Dining at the Shades of Green

There are several dining options, including room service.

Garden Gallery- $19.95 adults, Children 5-11 $11.95, Children 4 and under are FREE

Only open for breakfast from 6:30-10:30. This is an expansive buffet with made-to-order Mickey Mouse pancakes, an omelet station, Mickey waffles (regular and chocolate), and every protein and carb you ever associated with breakfast.

 

Mangino’s- Italian -mixed with standard burgers etc. open for dinner from 5:00-10:00pm

Evergreen- A sports bar with burgers, sandwiches and pizza. They have an arcade, including air hockey and pool tables.

 

Express Cafe- Open for breakfast and lunch. A quick grab-and-go located down by the bus stop. There are tables and chairs and a TV for the kids. Plan your time, you can not eat or drink on the bus.

Java Cafe’- Proudly serving Starbucks Coffee. They also have pastries, and ice cream treats, including Dole Whip.

Room Service- A full menu including entrees like Rib Eye Steak and Pork Schnitzel, sandwiches, and pizza.

Transportation, Parking, and Options

Buses- Although Shades is on Disney property, it is not included in Disney transportation. Shades of Green operates its own buses. These buses have three routes on an every 30-minute rotation. The schedule is available on the website, and a paper copy is in the room. The buses use the Ticket and Transportation (TTC) for Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Another bus goes to Disney Springs, dropping off at the charter buses past Cirque du Soleil. The third bus combines Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios into one long route. What could be an eleven-minute ride to Hollywood Studios becomes thirty-two. If you use a scooter, only two scooters fit on a bus at a time. At one point during my stay, eight guests with scooters were waiting for Magic Kingdom, and buses only come every thirty minutes. Guests literally wait for more than an hour for a bus, and this was at a slow period, 11:00 am. One couple ordered a $44 Minnie Van to avoid the wait. Those fees will add up, but I would do the same.

Parking– There’s a parking garage on resort property. It’s $17 a day to park, $22 per day for valet. Shades of Green guests do not have free parking at the theme parks. Parking is free for everyone at Disney Springs.

Amenities and Recreation at Shades of Green: Walt Disney World

There is no shortage of activities and amenities available at Shades of Green. Not only does it share a campus with Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course, but there’s also a spa, pools, and, of course, Walt Disney World.

• Two pools- The Mill Pond pool has a three-story slide, a basketball hoop, and an adorable themed splash park. The Magnolia pool and hot tub feature a zero-entry pool, a volleyball net, and other outdoor games.
• Playground- Treehouse themed with slides and climbing with some accessible access
• Magnolia Spa- Massages, etc- a fair comparison is a national chain similar to Massage Envy.
• Arcade- air hockey, Mario Kart-style games, and pool tables
• Outdoor Games- corn hole, Connect Four, chess, etc
• Fitness Center
• Two Laundry Facilities
• Walt Disney World benefits- Discounted tickets for those who qualify, Early Entry, and Extended Evening Hours

Eligibility and Room Rates, and Taxes at Shades of Green

–All active duty military personnel, 100% disabled vets, and career retired veterans are able to enjoy Shades of Green year-round. In January and September, retired vets are welcome. Please check here for full information about eligibility.

Pricing-  Rank and category determine the room rates. Please find the categories listed here.

Taxes– None of the rooms have any taxes or fees added. Just like on base, the Exchange, dining locations, and attraction tickets are also tax-free.

Are you looking for an escape from the military feel, or will Shades of Green make you feel right at home?