Shades of Green
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Shades of Green is a United States Department of Defense-owned resort located at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. It is an Armed Forces Recreation Center (AFRC) resort and therefore a part of the military's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation program (MWR).
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[edit] Resort details
Shades of Green is located near the Magic Kingdom, just southwest of the Polynesian Resort. The resort is not, however, on the monorail loop that services the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Transportation around Walt Disney World is provided exclusively by a separate fleet of buses which shuttle guests to and from the Transportation and Ticket Center, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Downtown Disney, and the water parks.
Originally, the Shades of Green resort was a Disney-owned property first called The Golf Resort and later The Disney Inn. The original resort was more of a country club for the golf courses and it did not actually have any guest rooms until December 1973. The resort expanded in 1986 and was renamed The Disney Inn as well as receiving a new Snow White theme. It was leased by the Department of Defense beginning in 1994 for the MWR program. The resort was purchased outright January 12, 1996 and renamed Shades of Green.
Shades of Green does not have a pervasive theme like other Disney resorts, and the general decor is that of a classy, modern country club. The resort now has 586 guest rooms after being completely remodeled in 2003-2004. The resort has lighted tennis courts, two heated swimming pools, a children's pool, a hot tub, fitness center, arcade, and laundry facilities. There is also over 7,000 square feet of banquet space with state-of-the-air audio visual equipment, and a professional staff to host events. Because the resort is owned and operated by the U.S. Military, merchandise sold within the resort is exempt from sales tax, and rooms are exempt from hotel tax.
As for dining, there is a themed sports bar named Evergreen's, a family style buffet called "The Garden Gallery," and an upscale Italian restaurant called Manginos. Manginos was added in the 2003-2004 renovation of the resort. There is also a snack bar open extended hours, and a '50s themed ice cream parlor called "America." In addition, there is a poolside snack stand offering sandwiches, and a quick-stop restaurant near the entrance to the lobby, the "Express Cafe."
Shades of Green is considered a Disney-owned resort for purposes of Extra Magic Hour/Early Entry at the theme parks, and for use of transportation on Disney property. It does not, however, participate in the Magical Express program which transfers guests' luggage directly to the Disney resort from Orlando International Airport, skipping baggage claim.
[edit] Eligible guests
Because Shades of Green is an AFRC resort, it is not open to the general public. Reservations may only be made by active-duty and retired members of the Uniformed Services, current Reserve and National Guard members, and civilian employees of the Department of Defense. People who do not meet these eligibility requirements may stay at Shades of Green so long as they are on vacation with a sponsor who is an eligible person.
Room rates are based on rank and/or pay grade. The rates are adjusted on a sliding scale, with prices increasing with rank and pay grade. Even the highest rates are comparable with pricing at Disney's Value Resorts, but with all of the amenities and appeal of a deluxe resort. Eligible guests (see above) may also purchase discounted admission tickets for the WDW parks and other Orlando-area parks and activities at the Shades of Green ticket office. Again, these tickets may be used by any person, the only restriction is that the purchaser be one of the eligible persons listed above.
[edit] Timeline
- December, 1973
- Opened as The Golf Resort
- February 1, 1986
- Reopened as The Disney Inn after renovation and expansion
- February 1, 1994
- Lease to the US Military begins, closure to the general public
- January 12, 1996
- Disney sells to government and resort is renamed Shades of Green
- March 31, 2004
- Reopened after major renovation and expansion
[edit] External links
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Deluxe | Moderate | Value | Deluxe Villa / Disney Vacation Club |
| Magic Kingdom Resort Area |
Grand Floridian Resort Polynesian Resort Contemporary Resort Wilderness Lodge Shades of Green |
None | None | Villas at Wilderness Lodge |
| Epcot Resort Area |
BoardWalk Inn Yacht Club Resort Beach Club Resort Walt Disney World Swan Walt Disney World Dolphin |
Caribbean Beach Resort | None | BoardWalk Villas Beach Club Villas |
| Downtown Disney Resort Area |
None | Port Orleans French Quarter Port Orleans Riverside |
None | Old Key West Resort Saratoga Springs Resort |
| Disney's Animal Kingdom Resort Area |
Animal Kingdom Lodge | Coronado Springs Resort | All-Star Music Resort All-Star Sports Resort All-Star Movies Resort |
Animal Kingdom Villas |
| Wide World of Sports Resort Area |
None | None | Pop Century Resort | None |
| Campsites and cabins | Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground | |||
| Hotel Plaza | Best Western • Doubletree • Regal Sun Resort • Hilton • Holiday Inn • Royal Plaza • Buena Vista Palace | |||
