Shades of Green, AFRC
Walt Disney World
A Hidden Gem for Military Families
Located “across the street” from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Shades of Green is an Armed Forces Recreation Center offering eligible military families a comfortable and affordable option in the middle of the magic. We’ve had the pleasure of staying here multiple times, and while it doesn’t have the same immersive Disney theming as the official Disney resorts, it offers spacious accommodations, great amenities and an incredible value for those who qualify.
Shades of Green
1950 West Magnolia Palm Drive
Lake Buena Vista, Fl 32830
(407) 824-3400
Guest Rooms | Shopping | Dining | Recreation | Around the Resort
Rates: $180+/night
Room Occupancy: 5 in a standard room, 6+ in suites
Transportation: Bus to all locations; see bus schedule for times and locations for drop-off
Guest Rooms
The guest rooms at Shades of Green prioritize comfort, space and practicality. While the décor is more understated and less themed than a traditional Disney resort, the rooms are spacious, comfortable and thoughtfully designed to give families plenty of room to relax and refresh.
Speaking of refresh, our photos are from an older stay, so they are very much a little time capsule of the early 2000s décor. While the rooms have been updated over the years, we wanted to share our firsthand experience from our stay.
Room Types
- Standard Room – 2 queen beds, 1 sleeper sofa; up to 5 adults
- Poolside Room – 2 queen beds, 1 sleeper sofa; up to 5 adults
- Junior Suite – 3 queens; up to 6 adults
- Garden Suite – 1 king, 2 queen sleeper sofas; up to 6 adults
- Family Suite – 1 king, 3 queen sleeper sofas; up to 8 adults
- Palm Suite – 4 queens, 1 sleeper; up to 10 adults
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Front Hall
Hall Closet
Vanity
Queen Bed
Flat Panel TVs
Dresser
Coffee & Snacks
Oktoberfest
Special event, dining and other info can be found in the rooms.
Twin Sleeper Sofa
Twin Sleeper Sofa
Dining Area
Patio of Deluxe Poolside Room
Our daily wake-up call from the turkeys!
Shopping & Sundries
Located near the Shades of Green Attraction Ticket Sales Office, the AAFES Exchange is one of those places you’ll be very glad exists. In addition to sundries, snacks and suplies, you can find all kinds of Disney-themed merchandise here, including princess dresses, hats, shirts, magnets, autograph books and even Sharpie markers for those character signatures. And because purchases are tax-free for eligible guests, it’s a great spot to pick up items you might otherwise pay a little more for elsewhere.
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Dining
Dining at Shades of Green is all about convenience, variety and value. Whether you’re grabbing something quick before heading to the parks, sitting down for a leisurely meal or treating yourself to an ice cream after smashing those step goals in the parks, there are plenty of options.
Start your morning with the breakfast buffet at Garden Gallery, enjoy steaks and Italian favorites at Mangino’s, relax with gastropub classics and drinks at Evergreens or grab a quick meal to take on the go from Express Café. Need a coffee fix? Java Café has Starbucks selections and pastries ready to fuel your Disney adventures. You can also take advantage of takeout options for those nights when everyone is tired and the idea of one more outing feels like a lot.
One important note: All Shades of Green food and beverage locations are cashless, so plan to have a card or digital payment option ready during your stay.
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Express Cafe
Near the bus stop
Mangino’s Clam Bake
Mangino’s Clam Bake
Mangino’s Clam Bake
Mangino’s Clam Bake
Recreation & Activities
Shades of Green offers plenty of ways to enjoy a resort day beyond the parks. The Mill Pond Pool is the main family hub, featuring a Disney-inspired design, splash area, playscape and waterslide, while the Magnolia Pool offers additional recreation like volleyball, water polo and basketball. Both pools include games and activities throughout the day.
Looking for more fun? Enjoy a round of Golf or Foot Golf with military discounts available, let little ones transform with Princess and Pirate Makeovers or cool off at the Arcade inside Evergreens with video games, billiards and more. The nearby playground and Braids & Tattoos services add even more vacation extras for families.
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Magnolia Pool
Family Technology Center
Family Technology Center
Family Technology Center
Family Technology Center
Family Technology Center
Schedule for Starlite Movies
Around the Resort
The grounds at Shades of Green offer a unique blend of military hospitality and Disney history. Before becoming Shades of Green, the resort was known as the Disney Inn, and its roots as part of Walt Disney World history are still visible throughout the property. With walking paths, beautiful greenery and plenty of space to explore, Shades of Green offers a different kind of Disney stay.
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Shades of Green
Shades of Green
Back Courtyard
Disney Wildlife
Shades of Green
Near Outdoor Dining Area
Disney Wildlife
Disney Wildlife
Disney Wildlife
Take a look in the background!
Hallway to Gift Shops and Magnolia Wing
Alamo has a rental desk inside the resort, as well.
Shhh!
For real, though. This guy means business.
Oktoberfest
Select evenings in September and October
Oktoberfest
Lobby Statue
Mickey Statue
He’s celebrating Oktoberfest!
Statue Dedication
Kids’ Area
Kids’ Area & Registration
Lobby
Java Express to the left
Ballroom Entrance
Lobby
From the Palm Wing
Lobby
Holidays at Shades
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Christmas
Lobby Tree
Christmas
Outdoor Decor
Memorial Day POW/Mia Table
More Magic Tips
A few tips go a long way toward making your Shades of Green stay even more magical!
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Remember that Shades of Green is a shared space built on respect. Take a minute to read the posted resort expectations and remember that kindness goes a long way with both fellow guests and the incredible staff who make your stay special.
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Take advantage of military-exclusive savings. Eligible guests can purchase tax-free items and discounted attraction tickets for Disney and other Florida attractions, but eligibility requirements vary, so be sure to check what applies to your family.
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Know your pricing category before you budget. Shades of Green rates are based on military rank, with Category 1, 2 and 3 pricing tiers. Higher ranks do mean higher nightly rates (sincerely, an officer’s family 😉), so check the current rate chart before booking.
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Plan for a cashless stay. Shades of Green is completely cashless, so bring a credit card, Military Star card or use room charging for purchases during your visit.
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Keep your ID handy. Your Military ID and required guest passes should stay with you throughout your trip.
Our Take on
Shades of Green is such an incredible perk for eligible military families. While it doesn’t have the immersive Disney theming that I personally love, the location, spacious accommodations and pricing make it a fantastic option for those who qualify.
One thing we’ve always appreciated during our stays is the atmosphere among guests. There’s a real sense of mutual respect and appreciation here. While we’ve all encountered a few less-than-magical moments at other resorts (hello, random vacation Chads and Karens 😉), our experiences at Shades of Green have consistently been filled with kind, friendly interactions.
As a Disney travel planner, I can’t book Shades of Green directly since it is not a Disney-owned and operated resort, but I’m always happy to answer questions and help you decide if it’s the right fit for your family. I’m also well-versed in military discounts at Walt Disney World and can help eligible guests book discounted stays at Disney resorts. Semper fi! Oorah!
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