Shades Of Green Disney World Resort Review

[Travel Guru]

A hidden jewel at Disney World is the Shades of Green resort that is exclusively for military families. My family and I have stayed at this great resort on at least 6 occasions. It was a great Disney resort before the renovations. Disnce the renovations, it has become superb. Let's review what you can expect to experience if you decide to stay at the Shades of Green resort on your next vacation to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

Shades of Green, nestled among three of Disney's golf courses near the Magic Kingdom, is open only to folks in the military and their spouses, military retirees and widows, 100% disabled veterans, and Medal of Honor recipients. If you qualify, don't think of staying anywhere else -- it's the best bargain on WDW soil. A $92-million refit in 2004 doubled the room capacity of the resort and added fully ADA-compliant rooms with wide doorways and roll-in showers. In addition to the added rooms and suites (housing up to eight), existing rooms were completely overhauled. All the large rooms offer TVs with wireless keyboards (access to the Internet is offered for a fee), balconies or patios, and pool or golf-course views. Transportation -- though slow -- is available to all of the Disney parks and attractions.

Shades of Green is a beautiful resort overlooking Disney's Golf Courses. It is not uncommon to see small alligators lounging around the several ponds on property or wild turkeys strolling around as if they own the resort! The resort has a lodge feel to it that you notice immediately when you step into the "Great Room" area that separates the "new wing" from the "old wing". This main area is where you check in, or can just sit and relax in one of the many seating areas set up an overlooking the fireplace and big outdoor deck. There is another fireplace on the outdoor deck and this area also has numerous area to sit and relax.

You can't beat the price for the room size and location. The rooms are very large, clean, in good condition, and with large bathrooms. The lighting isn't the best in the bathroom so bring a lighted make up mirror. However, there is very little sound proofing, even in the new section. I could hear the women sneezing in the next room and strange noises from their bathroom. I could also hear the people on the floor above me. If a quiet room is what you want/need then don't stay at the Shades of Green. The food in each restaurant on the property is horrible and the service is not good. Save your money and stock up at the little BX or eat some place else. I did like the fact Shades of Green has a Hertz Rental Car on site. It was easy to grab a car and go off Disney property for the day. I stayed at Shades of Green in December 2006 and I am planning another trip for later this year. I will be staying at a different Magic Kingdom resort. It may cost more but between the noisy rooms, lack of clean buses, and horrible food, it's worth it to me.

The transportation is ok. It's not as nice as the Disney buses. The Shades of Green buses are pretty beat up and some of the drivers are pretty odd/scary. It takes a few go-arounds to get used to the bus schedule. The bus to the Transportation Center, where you take other transportation to the Magic Kingdom or Epcot, leaves every 15 minutes. The buses that leave to go to MGM and the other parks only leave one time each hour and pick up once an hour. If you are looking for transportation that works on your schedule and not their's I would suggest another resort.

All in all, we love the Shades of Green at Disney World, and our review should help you to choose it as your Disney resort if you can. A++!!!

[disneyfrekinrulz]

I have also stayed at Shades of Green my husband is retired Air Force. This resort is for government employees also. When it was full we have stayed at All star movies and sports. They are all great! I can't imagine there is a bad resort at Disney! lol. It just depends on your budget and your preferences.