A Guide to AFRC Shades of Green: Disney World’s Military Resort

Shades of Green is an Armed Forces Recreation Center located within Walt Disney World Resort, offering military families and eligible civilians an affordable yet luxurious experience. This conference guide will provide a detailed overview of the resort, its history, room types, payment structure based on rank, amenities, restaurants, and other key offerings like the ticket office and golf courses.

History of Shades of Green

Originally, Shades of Green was known as The Golf Resort when it opened in 1973. It was a small, intimate property located near Disney’s Palm and Magnolia Golf Courses, catering mainly to golfers visiting Walt Disney World. In 1986, it was renamed The Disney Inn and operated as a quiet, wooded retreat from the busy parks.

In 1994, the resort transitioned to military ownership and was officially renamed Shades of Green. The U.S. Department of Defense now runs the property exclusively for military personnel, their families, and other eligible guests, providing a well-deserved respite within the magic of Disney. In 2004, the resort underwent a major expansion, doubling its capacity to meet growing demand from military families

Eligibility for Shades of Green

Staying at Shades of Green is a special privilege reserved for eligible military members and their families. To book a stay, guests must be active or retired members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard, Reserves, or members of the Public Health Service or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) who hold military status. Additionally, Department of Defense civilians, military retirees, and their dependents can also stay at the resort. Importantly, the military member or spouse must be present during the stay, as proof of eligibility is required at check-in. This ensures that the exclusive pricing and amenities are reserved for those who have served or are currently serving, making Shades of Green a military-only sanctuary at Walt Disney World. For families of military personnel, this policy ensures a secure, affordable, and relaxing environment with all the comforts of a deluxe Disney resort.

Payment Structure Based on Military Rank

The cost of staying at Shades of Green is based on a tiered pricing system that correlates with your military rank, offering affordable pricing based on income. The three categories are:

• Category 1: E-1 to E-6, Cadets, Midshipmen

  • The most affordable rate is offered to junior enlisted service members and their families.

• Category 2: E-7 to O-3, Warrant Officers

  • Mid-level service members, including officers up to O-3 and senior enlisted, pay a moderate rate.

• Category 3: O-4 and above, DoD civilians, sponsored guests

  • Senior officers and civilians in the DoD system pay the highest rate, though it is still lower than most Disney resorts.

The rates fluctuate seasonally, but the tiered system ensures that military families across the pay spectrum can enjoy a stay at Shades of Green.

Hosting Guests at Shades of Green

Shades of Green is perfect for hosting family gatherings, offering eligible military members the option to book up to three rooms at the resort. This is especially convenient for larger families or multi-generational trips, allowing everyone to stay together and enjoy the same deluxe amenities. The affordable, tiered pricing based on military rank applies to all three rooms, ensuring that even extended family members or close friends can experience the magic of Disney at a fraction of the cost. With access to the resort’s pools, playgrounds, dining, and recreation areas, Shades of Green provides a comfortable and affordable setting to create lasting memories with your loved ones.

Magnolia Wing vs. Palm Wing: Which is Right for Your Stay at Shades of Green?

Shades of Green is divided into two main sections: the Magnolia Wing and the Palm Wing, each offering a unique atmosphere. The Magnolia Wing is known for its quiet, peaceful ambiance and is often preferred by guests seeking a more serene experience. This wing is situated closer to the Magnolia Spa and overlooks lush gardens and parts of the golf course, making it a great choice for those looking to unwind in a tranquil setting after a busy day at the parks.

On the other hand, the Palm Wing is located nearer to the pools and recreational areas, making it ideal for families with children who want to be close to the action. The Palm Wing has a more energetic feel, with easy access to the playgrounds, pools, and restaurants, offering convenience for families looking to enjoy the resort’s activities. Both wings provide spacious rooms with the same amenities, but your choice will depend on whether you prioritize relaxation or proximity to family-friendly fun.

Room Types at Shades of Green

Shades of Green offers spacious accommodations, larger than typical Disney resorts, making it ideal for families. The rooms are split into several categories, catering to different group sizes and preferences.

1. Standard Room
   These rooms are spacious at 480 square feet and can comfortably sleep five people. Each room includes two queen beds and a sleeper sofa, a mini-fridge, coffee maker, and a private balcony or patio.

2. Poolside Rooms
   Located close to the resort’s Mill Pond Pool, these rooms offer similar amenities to the standard room but with added convenience for families looking to enjoy the pool area. They provide easy access to poolside fun, perfect for families with children.

3. Junior Suite
   The Junior Suite offers additional space with a separate living area, making it perfect for families who need a bit more room to spread out. It includes two queen beds, a sleeper sofa, and enhanced in-room amenities.

4. Garden Suite
   These suites provide a tranquil, garden-facing view with spacious living areas, separate from the bedroom, ideal for extended stays or those looking for a touch of luxury. The Garden Suites offer a king bed, sleeper sofa, and elegant bathroom features.

5. Family Suite
   Designed for larger families, these suites can sleep up to eight guests. They feature two bedrooms, one with a king bed and the other with two queen beds, along with a separate living space and kitchenette. These are ideal for multi-generational trips or those seeking extra space.

6. ADA Accessible Rooms
   Shades of Green also offers ADA-accessible rooms designed to meet the needs of guests with disabilities. These rooms include roll-in showers, handrails, and other accessible features to ensure a comfortable stay for everyone

Amenities at Shades of Green

Shades of Green offers a variety of amenities to ensure that guests enjoy both relaxation and recreation:

1. Magnolia Spa
   The Magnolia Spa offers an array of treatments, from massages to facials and body treatments, allowing guests to unwind after a day at the parks. It’s a peaceful retreat where relaxation is prioritized. In addition to the spa, Shades of Green offers Princess and Pirate Makeovers, a fun and magical experience for children where they can transform into their favorite characters with costumes, makeup, and themed accessories, all at a fraction of the cost of similar experiences at other Disney resorts.

2. Fitness Center
   For those who want to stay active, Shades of Green provides a well-equipped fitness center featuring cardiovascular machines, weights, and strength-training equipment. Open daily, the workout room offers a variety of cardio machines, including treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes, along with strength training equipment like free weights and resistance machines.

3. Playgrounds
   The resort features several playgrounds for children, providing a safe and fun space for younger guests to play while parents relax.

4. Pools
   Shades of Green offers two large pools:

   • Mill Pond Pool: A family-friendly pool featuring a water slide and zero-entry for younger children. This pool is a Mickey shaped pool that features a splash park along with a three level playscape and waterslide.

   • Magnolia Pool: A quieter, more relaxing pool, perfect for adults or those looking to escape the bustle.

5. Arcade
   A family arcade offers various games, from modern video games to classics like air hockey and pinball, providing hours of entertainment for children and adults alike.

Dining Options at Shades of Green

Shades of Green features several dining options catering to a range of tastes:

1. Mangino’s
   A full-service restaurant situated near the main lobby serving Italian cuisine. It’s a great place for a sit-down meal with dishes like pasta, seafood, and steaks.

2. Garden Gallery
   A buffet-style restaurant offering a variety of international and American cuisine for breakfast and dinner, making it easy for families to find something for everyone.

   • GARDEN GALLERY TAKEOUT

     Dinner Takeout 
     5pm - 10pm

     *Visit Garden Gallery Host Stand to Order Take-out.
     Family Pizza Party Combo  
     5pm - 10 pm

     Room Delivery EXT 6120
     5pm - 10pm

     Call x6120 to place your order. 

     $3.00 delivery fee applies.

     Credit card used for payment, must be present when signing the credit card receipt.

3. Evergreen’s Sports Bar & Grill
   This casual restaurant offers pub-style food, including burgers, wings, and sandwiches is located poolside. With a variety of TVs playing sports, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day at the parks.

4. Express Café
   For a quick bite or coffee, the Express Café offers grab-and-go sandwiches, pastries, and drinks for guests who are on the move. Conveniently located on the Lower Level just beneath the Main Lobby and near the Shades of Green bus stops.

5. Java Café

   The Java Café is often our first stop when we arrive at Shades of Green. It's the perfect spot to kick off your trip with a fresh coffee or light snack, and we especially love stopping by because you can also grab a DOLE Whip! Starting your vacation with this iconic Disney treat sets the tone for a magical stay right from the start.

Transportation to The Parks

Shades of Green offers convenient transportation options that make it easy for guests to access all the Walt Disney World parks and attractions. The resort provides complimentary buses that run regularly to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs, ensuring you’re never far from the magic. Their used to be a walking path at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, where guests could access the Monorail system for quick transportation to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. However with the new construction of the Polynesian tower that access has been closed.

For guests with mobility needs, Shades of Green is fully equipped to accommodate scooters and other mobility devices. The resort's spacious layout, accessible pathways, and scooter-friendly buses ensure a smooth and comfortable experience throughout your stay. Scooters can also be rented on-site, making it easy for guests to explore the resort and Disney parks with ease. This thoughtful accessibility and transportation make Shades of Green a convenient and stress-free option for families and guests with special mobility needs.

The Exchange & Ticket Office

Shades of Green offers a small Exchange, where guests can purchase essential items, souvenirs, and even Disney merchandise at discounted prices. This can be convenient for families needing quick supplies without leaving the resort.

The Ticket Office is a key feature of Shades of Green, offering discounted tickets to Walt Disney World and other nearby attractions, including Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and more. Military families can save significantly by purchasing their tickets here instead of at the park gates. This office offers military discounted tickets to the Disney parks and numerous parks and attractions in the Greater Central Florida Area. The great thing about buying your tickets from the ticket office is not only do you get a discounted ticket but you also do not have to pay tax!

Golf Courses

Shades of Green is flanked by two of Walt Disney World’s premier golf courses:

1. Palm Golf Course
   This championship course offers a challenging yet enjoyable game with scenic views and water hazards.

2. Magnolia Golf Course
   Designed to be both beautiful and challenging, this course is known for its lush landscaping and strategically placed bunkers.

Both courses are open to Shades of Green guests and offer discounted rates for military members, along with club rentals, a pro shop, and golf lessons.

My Family’s Expereince

Shades of Green really feels like home for many military families. A lot of us are incredibly grateful to have a resort that offers deluxe amenities at what often amounts to value pricing. Our family has only stayed at Shades of Green a couple of times, and though my husband qualified for a lower rate, we didn’t always fully take advantage of the savings. Since becoming Disney Vacation Club members, we’ve primarily stayed on Disney property. However, when we host large family trips or travel with multiple families, Shades of Green is our go-to because the rooms are absolutely enormous.

If you’re looking for a heavy dose of Disney theming, this probably isn’t the place for you. While there are a few Disney touches here and there, it doesn’t have the overwhelming Disney vibe that many of the on-property resorts offer. That said, you still get those deluxe resort perks like extended evening hours and the ability to book Lightning Lane selections 7 days in advance, along with early park entry—all benefits we definitely appreciate.

The transportation system here is much more orderly compared to Disney property. Personally, I’m used to the chaos of Disney’s transportation, but many regular Shades of Green guests prefer the system here.

The pools are great, and the kids always have a fantastic time. The spa is another plus—it’s well-priced and very affordable, which makes it a nice perk.

One unique memory we have from Shades of Green is spotting a little baby alligator. It stayed in one spot all day long, and apparently, that’s totally normal for them, but it was such a cool experience!

Another huge benefit is having the ticket office and the exchange right on property. Even when we’re staying at a Disney resort, you’ll often find me heading over to Shades of Green to pick up tickets or stop by the PX.

One thing to remember is to check eligibility requirements. In some situations, if the eligible member can’t attend the trip, you may have to cancel since they have to be there in person.

My biggest tip is to book early, especially if you need a larger room. For our family of six, we either need two standard rooms or a junior suite, and those junior suites tend to book up about a year in advance. The junior suite is absolutely worth the price, especially now that my husband is in the higher rate bracket. When you compare the size of the suite to what you’d get at a Disney resort, it’s significantly more spacious.

They also offer even larger rooms that can sleep 8 or 12 people. Those, too, are hard to come by and often book up a year in advance. If securing one of these larger rooms is important to you, make sure to call and reserve it as early as possible.

Shades of Green provides a truly unique experience, combining the magic of Disney with the support and appreciation for military families. From spacious rooms and tiered pricing based on rank to world-class amenities and dining options, it is a haven for military members looking to enjoy a magical vacation on a budget. Whether relaxing by the pool, enjoying a spa day, or hitting the golf course, Shades of Green ensures that guests can make the most of their Disney experience while feeling right at home.