Did you know that there’s an entire resort on Walt Disney World property exclusively for military personnel?
Well if you didn’t, now you do! Shades of Green is a resort on Walt Disney World property in Orlando, Florida, and is owned by the United States Department of Defense. Located just a few miles away from the Magic Kingdom, this resort allows military personnel and their families to experience Walt Disney World in an affordable and unique way.
Before the United States Department of Defense took ownership of this property, it was owned by Disney. In 1973, the resort opened as the Golf Resort, and on it was on the Disney Magnolia and Palm Golf Courses. There was a complete renovation in 1986. The resort became known as the Disney Inn to try and appeal to more than just golfers.
In the early 1990s, the Armed Forces Recreation Center (AFRC) decided they wanted to have a property in Orlando, Florida, as many tourist attractions were on the rise in the area. With more than 40 offers, the AFRC ultimately accepted the offer from the Walt Disney Company. After this, the Disney Inn officially re-branded as Shades of Green on February 1st, 1994. With this, the Walt Disney Company leased the property to the Department of Defense, and the lease was to last nearly 100 years.
The resort became a huge success among many of its guests, and the Armed Forces MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) decided to purchase the resort. Disney, however, still owned the 30 acres of land that are currently occupied by their golf courses. With all this, Military families were now able to stay at the equivalent of a Disney Deluxe Resort for a price similar to that of a Disney Value or Moderate Resort.
Some additional fun facts about the resort:
The resort was named Shades of Green to honor the various shades of green worn by members of the military on their uniforms.
The rooms are some of the largest standard rooms on Walt Disney World Property.
The resort sells tickets for many other local Orlando Theme Parks at a military-discounted price.
The resort is only a walkway away from one of the opening day resorts at Walt Disney World, Disney’s Polynesian Resort.
There’s a mini Exchange inside the resort.
Around 7 restaurants are located throughout the property.
The cost for rooms is based on military rankings meaning someone ranked higher will be paying more, whereas someone ranked lower will pay less.
Having stayed at this resort, it’s definitely one I recommend for any military family traveling to Walt Disney World, or even Florida in general. You pretty much can’t beat the quality it brings. It’s great to know that there are resorts out there that give back to military families for the service they do.
So informative! Love it!!