Shades of Green Resort in Disney World – Our Recent Stay
If you’ve never heard of Shades of Green Resort, allow us to introduce you to one of the best-kept secrets at Walt Disney World. Nestled in the Magic Kingdom resort area, just across the road from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, this lush, tranquil property is operated by the Armed Forces Recreation Centers (AFRC) and available exclusively to active-duty, retired military members, and their families.
We recently spent 10 days at this beautiful resort—and here’s why it may just be your new favorite place to stay at Disney.
First Impressions Matter: A Resort That Feels Like a Retreat
Whether it’s your first stay or your 31st, walking into Shades of Green never loses its charm. With manicured grounds, peaceful fountains, and a refined lobby, it offers a relaxing atmosphere without the over-the-top Disney theming. You won’t find giant character statues here—but you will find serenity.
From the moment you arrive, you feel the difference. It’s calm. It’s quiet. It’s exactly what a true vacation should feel like.
🔐 Exclusivity matters: Only eligible military families can book this resort—making it one of the most peaceful stays on Disney property.
You won’t find larger than life animated character statues and that over-the-top Disney theming here, however, there are fountains, water features and manicured garden areas throughout the resort grounds.
Room Sizes That Put Disney Resorts to Shame
Here’s the truth: Shades of Green rooms are bigger than most rooms at other Disney resorts.
- Sleeps 5 adults comfortably
- Two true queen-sized beds + a full-size sleeper sofa
- Balcony or patio with table and chairs
- In-room coffee maker and refrigerator—no request needed
- Bathroom with tub/shower combo and generous counter space
For coffee lovers like us, sipping a morning cup on the balcony while overlooking the golf course or gardens is one of the best parts of the stay.
✨ Need a room for 5 adults? Most Disney resorts can’t match this level of comfort or size.
Resort Grounds: Quiet Luxury Meets Military Pride
This resort is beautifully landscaped, clean, and extremely well-lit at night. While it spans a large area, the walkways are wide and peaceful, giving you that resort feel without the crowds.
Keep in mind: the walk from one end of the resort to the other can take around 10 minutes—something to consider when planning your daily schedule.
tudio was closed during our recent visit, the spa was open and highly recommended.
We always find the walkways to be clean and well lit. Like most of the Disney resorts, Shades of Green is large, so for some, a walk from one end of the property to the other could take ten minutes or more. You’ll want to take that into consideration when making your daily plans.
💦 Pools, Golf, and Relaxation Amenities
There’s no shortage of things to do if you’re enjoying a resort day:
- Two heated pools (rotating hours between 10 AM–4 PM and 4 PM–10 PM)
- Children’s splash area and a hot tub
- Access to Magnolia and Palm golf courses
- Magnolia Spa (open and offering discounts during our stay)
- Two lighted tennis courts and a fitness center
While the Magnolia Yoga Studio was closed during our recent visit, the spa was open and highly recommended.
If you have a golfer in your group, they will love the proximity to both the Magnolia and Palm golf courses which will be just a short walk from your room.
Location & Transportation: Inside the Magic Kingdom Resort Area
Shades of Green is located on Disney property and enjoys prime proximity to all four theme parks:
- Magic Kingdom – ~7 minutes
- EPCOT – ~8 minutes
- Animal Kingdom – ~9 minutes
- Hollywood Studios – ~11 minutes
Even though it’s not on the monorail loop, you’re just steps away from the Polynesian, where monorail access is available (currently restricted to guests with dining reservations or room bookings at the Polynesian).
🏞️ Bonus: Walk to the Polynesian Resort to enjoy fireworks from the beach or grab a Dole Whip from Captain Cooks—when policies allow.
🚌 Shades of Green Bus Service: What You Need to Know
The resort offers routine complimentary transportation to the Disney theme parks and Disney Springs:
- Buses to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios run every 30 minutes
- Buses to EPCOT and Disney Springs operate hourly
🚨 Important: Upon check-in, each guest receives a resort ID card. You must show this—along with a valid military or photo ID—for bus access. Children under 15 have reduced or no ID requirements.
🚘 Onsite parking is available in a multi-level garage at $13 per night per vehicle. Note: the rental car desk was closed during our visit.
Dining Options at Shades of Green
There are three restaurants at Shades of Green. Two were open during our visit:
- Mangino’s – Full-service dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Excellent service and quality, with menu options for every appetite.
- Evergreen’s – A casual sports bar offering indoor dining and takeout options.
- Garden Gallery Buffet – Currently closed, but this is a can’t-miss when operational. One of the best buffets we’ve experienced near Disney.
Menus are available online, and both open restaurants were operating at reduced capacity with enhanced cleanliness protocols.
🏅 Final Thoughts: Is Shades of Green Worth It?
If you’re eligible to stay here, it’s not just an option—it’s a privilege. Spacious rooms, unbeatable rates, excellent proximity to the parks, and a peaceful atmosphere make Shades of Green a standout.
💡 Planning Tip: Compare your military discount for other Disney resorts—but don’t overlook the room size and comfort here. When traveling with larger families or groups, Shades of Green consistently wins on value and space.
Have you stayed at Shades of Green before?
Share your thoughts below! We love hearing from fellow travelers and helping military families plan magical Disney vacations.
Happy Planning!
