I recently helped a friend plan her family’s first Walt Disney World vacation. That’s nothing new to me and I love to share tips and advice with friends and family. However, this time there was a twist as I have never helped a military family plan a Walt Disney World vacation. They wanted to make sure they took advantage of all the perks they were entitled to so I ended up learning a lot along with them.
Did you know that there is a military-only resort on Walt Disney World property? It is called Shades of Green and is located in the Magic Kingdom area, just across from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. To stay at Shades of Green, you must meet strict, federally mandated laws regarding eligibility. You can visit the Shades of Green website to determine if you or your loved one might qualify. Eligible guests may book up to 3 rooms under their name but must be present when all of their guests check in and agrees to take responsibility for the guests’ actions. Guests of a sponsor must check out before or at the same time the sponsor checks out.
Shades of Green is not an official Disney resort, and because of this, some of the amenities differ slightly. Parking your personal vehicle/rental car will cost guests $7 per night. Transportation from the resort to Disney Springs and Disney theme parks is complimentary; however guests must make their own arrangements to get from the airport to Shades of Green. Resort guests are now able to make FastPass+ reservations 60 days in advance. Prices are comparable to a Disney Value to Moderate while the accommodations are in line with a Deluxe resort.
Kids will love the 2 pools on property. The Magnolia Pool and Mil Pond Pool are both heated for year-round enjoyment and have everything guests need, from life jackets and towels to ADA-compliant furniture and pool lifts. Kids will love the waterslide at Mill Pond Pool (but must be 47” to ride) and snack bars with a variety of food and drink options for both children and kids at heart.
Shades of Green boasts the largest standard rooms on all of Disney World property. The general population is not able to access the property or dining options without a valid military I.D. Eligible military persons are also able to take advantage of Disney resort discounts.
A variety of multi-day theme park ticket package options are available to eligible military persons. The tickets are discounted 3-12% from general public pricing. Guest will need to compare options to determine what works best for them. Shades of Green books up quickly and is available for reservations 1 year prior to stay dates. For the smallest crowds, think about visiting in January or September.
Additionally, military family members and their children alike will enjoy the Flag Retreat Ceremony at Magic Kingdom. This takes place daily around 5:00pm (check Town Hall for possible time changes) and honors our nation and those who defend it. The ceremony is conducted by Disney security personnel and a military guest who is specially chosen. The guest selected receives a certificate, a photo taken at the event, and a pin. This event is touching and worth taking the time out of your day to observe, regardless of military status.
If you or someone you know is in the military, be sure to check in to what Disney has to offer your family.
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Candice was raised in east Tennessee. While in college, her best friend dragged her to a Walt Disney World College Program recruiting session at the University of Tennessee and the rest is Disney history. In the Fall of 1999, Candice became a quick service food hostess for Sunset Ranch Market and Fantasmic at Disney-MGM Studios – or what is now known as Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While soaking up her time as a cast member, she met Ryan, a neighbor and a fellow college programmer who worked as a custodial host at Epcot. Four years later, Candice moved to the Midwest and married that boy from across the hall. They now live in Greenwood, Indiana with their two little boys. The Disney-loving foursome took their first family trip to The Happiest Place on Earth in 2013 and Candice is eagerly planning their return. Candice also works full-time at a community mental health center and enjoys taking photographs and blogging at Mommy in the Midwest.
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