Shades of Green Armed Forces Recreation Center

Shades of Green is an Armed Forces Recreation Center located at Walt Disney World “across the street” from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.  We’ve had the pleasure of staying here on a multiple of occasions, and although not on the top of our list and not as “Disney” as the other on-property resorts, it is a very nice option for a very nice price!  Guest eligibility for Shades of Green can be found on their official site.
Shades of Green at Walt Disney World
Disney's Beach Club Resort
Shades of Green at Walt Disney World

Shades of Green
1950 West Magnolia Palm Drive
Lake Buena Vista, Fl 32830
(407) 824-3400

Lobby | Shopping | Guest RoomsDining Options | Recreation | Around the Resort

I CANNOT book reservations at Shades of Green.  This must be done by the service member or family.  Walt Disney World is currently offering military discounts on rooms, but this is another great opportunity for those who serve our country!

Rates: Room rates based on rank (see official site for details)
Room Occupancy: Standard rooms sleep 5, Junior Suites sleep 6
Transportation: Complimentary shuttle to and from the Ticket and Transportation Center (resort ID required to board); Shady Shuttle (golf cart) to the end of Shades of Green property (from here, guests can walk to the Polynesian to use their transportation)

Lobby

In the main lobby, you’ll find the reception desk, seating, television playing children’s movies and a snack bar featuring ice cream and coffee.  Down the hall you’ll find an Alamo car rental desk, as well as the ticket office, gift shops and the family technology center.

Shopping and Sundries

Guests can stop in at the Exchange for snacks and souvenirs, as well as sundries, luggage, toys and more.  Made in the Shade offers Shades of Green logo items.  Discounted theme park and attraction tickets can also be purchased at Shades of Green.  Military IDs must be presented at time of purchase.

 

The Exchange

Made in the Shade

Ticket and Attractions Office

Guest Rooms

All Shades of Green guest rooms include a refrigerator, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, and in-room safe.

Dining

From the Shades of Green site:
“Dining options are available throughout the resort. Relaxed, affordable family meals are available in the Garden Gallery Restaurant. Enjoy a refreshing beverage and light snack at Evergreens.

Express Cafe gets you ready for a day of fun with “breakfast on the run” including breakfast sandwiches, fresh bagels, pastries, snacks, coffee, tea, cappuccino and espresso.

Java Cafe features STARBUCKS coffee and a wide selection of pastries, fruit, and beverages.

Our featured restaurant Mangino’s Bistro is a mix of old world and new Florida. From an array of delightful appetizers to the popular pasta dishes, Mangino’s Bistro provides an opportunity for you and your guests to relax and enjoy.”

Menus can be found here.

We’ve personally dined at the Garden Gallery for dinner and found it to be a great, low-priced option. Guests with food allergies can chat with the chef here, just as they can at Disney-owned restaurants.

We also had a lot of fun at Mangino’s clam bake!  This had been recently added when we tried it, and it looks like they’ve made it a somewhat regular event.

 

Recreation

Golf is the sport de resistance at Shades of Green with two championship golf courses flanking the resort.

From the Shades of Green site:

Owned and operated by Arnold Palmer Golf Management, the Magnolia and Palm are two of the featured golf courses in the Children’s Miracle Network Golf Classic. Past Golf Classic winners include local PGA golf pros Mark O’Meara and Tiger Woods. The best part is that these courses are literally a few paces from the Shades of Green front entrance. Golf views abound from many of our guest rooms. Military rates are available for qualified guests. Contact Shades of Green Guest Services for current rates and additional information.

Book a Tee Time with Military Rates

Shades of Green also boasts a spa, free yoga sessions, pools, a fitness center, arcade and complimentary family technology center.

 

Around the Resort

Although not as Disneyfied as I like, the grounds of Shades of Green are kept gorgeous and prove to be a nice, relaxing atmosphere for a vacation.

Christmas

Again, I cannot book vacations at Shades of Green, but please don’t hesitate to ask any questions about this great resort.  I’ll do my best to answer or find an answer for you.  Don’t forget to ask about the current military offers at Disney owned and operated resorts, too!  I’d love to help you plan!  For more information about Shades of Green, visit their official site: Shades of Green