Review: Shades of Green at Walt Disney World: A Hidden Gem for Military Families
- Jillian Wallin
- Apr 19
- 3 min read
Tucked into the Magic Kingdom Resort Area sits one of the most unique — and often most exclusive — resorts on Walt Disney World property. I’m talking about Shades of Green, a resort with a history as fascinating as the families who stay there.
A Resort With a Story
Shades of Green didn’t begin as a military resort at all. When it opened in 1973, it was a Disney‑owned golf resort located between the Palm and Magnolia courses, offering just 151 rooms. In 1986, Disney renamed it The Disney Inn, adding another 150 rooms and introducing a charming Snow White theme throughout the property.
Even then, the resort was small compared to other Disney hotels — but its rooms were massive. That remains true today: Shades of Green still boasts some of the largest standard rooms on Disney property, known for being bright, airy, and wonderfully quiet.
How It Became a Military Resort
In the early 1990s, the Armed Forces Recreation Center began searching for its next leisure destination. On February 1, 1994, the property officially opened as Shades of Green, leased by the Department of Defense for 100 years.
Popularity soared quickly. By 1996, Army MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) purchased the property outright. Demand continued to grow, and in 2002 the resort closed for a two‑year expansion. During that time, Shades guests were temporarily housed at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. (As much as I love Shades… staying at Contemporary for Shades prices would’ve been the dream.)
Why Shades of Green Stands Out Today
Since reopening, Shades of Green has become a beloved hub for military families seeking Disney magic at a more accessible price point. Guests enjoy:
Magic Kingdom Resort Area location
Disney transportation access
Extended Evening Hours (when offered)
Spacious rooms
A peaceful atmosphere
Significantly lower rates based on military rank categories
It’s Disney convenience without the Disney price tag — and that’s a game changer for many families.
My Personal Experience
I’ll be honest: Shades of Green wasn’t always on my radar.
When we planned our first Walt Disney World trip in 2021, a friend convinced me to skip Shades and stay at Coronado Springs. I was excited — new resort, beautiful theming, full Disney bubble immersion.
But in 2022, when our Christmas trip turned into a mother‑daughter adventure, price became a bigger factor. We booked Shades of Green… and I was nervous.
The moment we pulled up to Shades, though, I was in awe. The resort was beautiful — warm, welcoming, and absolutely giving that “you’ve arrived” Disney feeling. And then there was the security.
Because Shades of Green is treated like a military installation, only guests with a military ID or a sponsored guest pass can enter the property. That means:
No random foot traffic
A quieter, calmer environment
A safer space for pre‑teens and teens to have a little independence
A peaceful retreat for service members or veterans who may need a break from the sensory overload of the parks
It’s one of the things I appreciate most about the resort.
Dining at Shades of Green
Shades offers several great dining options — all tax‑free, which is a perk you feel immediately.
Garden Gallery – Breakfast buffet from 6:30–10:30 AM
Mangino’s – Full‑service dinner from 5–10 PM
Evergreens – Casual bites and sports from 11 AM–11 PM
Express Café – Breakfast & lunch grab‑and‑go
Java Café – Starbucks + ice cream
Garden Gallery Takeout & Room Service – Easy and convenient
Final Thoughts
Shades of Green is more than a resort — it’s a place built to honor service, support families, and make magical vacations more accessible. With its unbeatable location, spacious rooms, enhanced security, and tax‑free dining, it offers a unique blend of comfort, value, and Disney magic that’s hard to find anywhere else on property.
Comments