This FAQ is not maintained and/or affiliated with Shades of Green or Walt Disney World in any way. It is being maintained to inform guests of some of the benefits, conveniences, and services available to them should they decide to stay at SoG. I am not being paid or compensated in any way to provide this information by SoG, Walt Disney, DoD, or any other party. This information is considered unofficial and should be confirmed with the SoG resort. I can not make reservations for you. I am only providing information.

Shades of Green, the armed forces resort on Disney property is 
doubling in size.

"We turn away twice what we have now," Shades of Green 
General Manager Jim McKrindle said.

The resort is typically filled with vacationing military personnel 
and their families, and $55 million is being spent to expand it
by nearly 600 rooms. However, to complete the work, the
hotel will close April 1, and it won't reopen until Sept. 15, 2003.

Most of the hotel's 300 workers will be let go, but officials
plan to place them at other resorts.

"My goal is to help every person that is displaced to get a job," 
McKrindle said.

Shades of Green will still be arranging military vacations,
sending visitors to neighboring hotels while the resort is 
being expanded. Although it's a military resort, no taxpayer
dollars are spent to expand or operate it.

What is Shades of Green?

• Shades of Green (SoG) is an Armed Forces Recreation Center located on the WDW property. It was originally owned by WDW and called the "Golf Resort" and later the "Disney Inn". It was leased by the Department of Defense in 1994 and renamed to SoG. SoG is totally self supporting and operates from non-appropriated funds (no cost to the taxpayer). Profits generated are used for improvements to the hotel, property and services for the guest.

Who is eligible to use SoG?

• SoG is reserved for the use of active and retired members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. Reserves, National Guard, as well as currently employed DoD civilians and U.S. Public Health Officers are eligible .

What is the SoG resort like?

• SoG is nestled between two championship golf courses. It is in a wooded setting. The resort has two lighted tennis courts, two heated swimming pools, children's pool and play area, exercise room, three gift shops, travel services, video arcade, laundry facilities, restaurant, lounge, and sports bar.

What are the rooms like?

• There are 287 rooms. Each room is among the largest at WDW (480 square feet) and has two queen sized beds and a day bed/sleeper sofa. There is also a sitting area that includes a table and chairs. The bathrooms are big and include double sinks/vanities. Each room has a large closet, dressers, a night stand and a color TV . Each room has either a patio or a private balcony with two chairs and a table. When Disney owned the property it was classified as one of their "deluxe" resorts.

SoG is supposed to break ground on a major expansion in the Spring of 2001. This should almost double the size of the resort. The first phase is refurbishing the kitchens and restaurants. The second phase is redoing the lobby area and the final stage is to add additional rooms.

• There is also one suite available. For more information click on the link below.

• SoG suite. Thanks Alicia!!!

Are there different room views available?

• Yes. There are two views. A pool veiw and a golf course view. First floor rooms that face the pools are now considered "Premium Room" and now cost $10 extra. They can be guarenteed when you make your reservation.

What is the cost for a room at SoG?

Categories                         Room Rate              Premium

1 . E-1 through E-5                     $66                    $76

2.  E-6  through E-9
    O-1  through O-3
    WO-1 through CW-3
    GS-1 through GS-10
    NF-1 through NF-3                   $89                    $99

3.  O-4 through O-6 
    CW-4 and CW-5
    GS-11 through GS-15
    NF-4 and NF-5                       $95                   $105

4.  O-7 through O-10
    Active Duty Foreign Military **
    Retired DoD Civilians
    NF-6                                $99                   $109

• All widows, 100% Disabled Veterans and Medal of Honor recipiants will be charged at the category 2 rate.

• * E-1 through E-5 Sponsor and dependents will receive the rate that applies to category 1. Any additional rooms will receive the rate that applies to category 2.

• ** Foreign Military assigned to U.S. military installation only

• All rates are subject to change without notice. The above rates are based on two adults occupying a room. Add $10 per additional adult, for single occupancy subtract $2.

How many rooms can I reserve?

• The maximum number of rooms that can be reserved is three. Occupancy per room is five.

What is the reservation/cancellation policy?

• Reservation can be made up to one year in advance. The phone number is (407) 824-3600, Monday through Friday, 0800-1900 . Cancellation must be received 30 days prior to arrival to avoid a one night fee. This fee can be waived if you are active duty and have a change of orders.

• You may also send a reservation request form online from the link below.

What are the advantages to staying at the SoG?

• SoG offers inexpensive rooms, spacious accommodations, room service, discount tickets, bus transportation to the rest of WDW, a discount souvenirs, an AAFES gift shop/mini-mart, and all the privilidges afforded any WDW resort guest.

I heard that SoG is totally smoke-free. Is this true?

• Well, mostly. While all of the rooms are smoke-free and smoking is no longer allowed inside, each room has an ashtray on the balcony/patio and smoking is allowed outside in designated areas. SoG fully supports the DoD policy for a smoke-free enviroment.

Are safes available in the rooms?

• Yes, safes are available for $1 per night.

Are refrigerators available in the rooms?

• Portable refrigerators are available for $5 per night.

Are king sized beds available?

• No, not at this time.

Are cribs available in the rooms?

• Yes, for a rental fee of $5 per night.

Are adjoining rooms available?

• Yes, but you must request them when making your reservation. They are not guaranteed, but every effort will be made to honor your request.

What is the check-in/check-out time?

• Check-in is after 1500, check-out is before 1100.

What if I arrive early?

• Go ahead and check-in at the front desk. If your room is not ready you can get your resort charge card. You can leave your luggage with bell services and they will deliver it to your room when it is ready. If your room is ready when you return, stop by the front desk and they will provide you with a key.

I just called and SoG is booked for the time I want to visit. What can I do?

• You have two options. The first is to be placed on the waiting list. Since some people call and reserve rooms up to a year in advance, cancellations can and do happen. You could get a call back letting you know that a room is now available. The second is to ask if they can make a reservation at another Disney resort for you. Depending on the time of year and availability you could get a "SoG overflow" rate. We recently got just such a rate and are staying at the All-Star Sports resort for $66.08 a night, tax included!!!

How do I get to SoG?

• Follow the signs to the Magic Kingdom Resorts area. Before you get to the parking booths, stay to the right, the turn is immediately after you exit this area, and just follow the signs for Shades of Green. Show your reservation slip to the attendant and they should wave you through. When you get to the resort there is a guard shack. Again showing your reservation slip or a DoD identification card will get you through.

Where can I wash my clothes?

• Coin operated washers and dryers are located on the second floor. A detergent vending machine is also available.

Can I have someone else wash my clothes?

• Laundry bags and lists are in each closet. Same day service (except Sundays and Holidays) is available if received before 0900. Clothes will be returned by 1900.

Does SoG have a voice-mail system?

• Yes. If you are not present or do not wish to be disturbed, the guest messaging service will answer your calls. Your messages will be stored in a personal voice mailbox. Instructions are provided in your room.

Can we have our purchases from the parks delivered to our room?

• Yes. Just like the other WDW resorts, package delivery is available. Just let them know you are staying at SoG and your room number. If you are checking out the next day, this service is not recommended since your delivery quite possibly arrive after you leave.

Can we use our SoG ID to make purchases at other WDW locations?

• No. The SoG ID can only be used to make purchases and dining on the SoG property.

What transportation is available at SoG?

• SoG has two bus schedules. Both will pick you up at the front of the resort.

• Bus #1 runs every 20 minutes between SoG and the TTC. From there you can use the Disney transportation system to get to the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Pleasure Island, Typhoon Lagoon, River Country, and Disney Village Marketplace.

• Bus #2 serves Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach, and MGM.

The start and end time of the bus service varies with the park operating 
hours, however when you check-in you will be given a schedule. A typical
schedule looks like this:

                BUS #1                            BUS #2 
0900     Depart SoG                        Depart SoG
0905     Arrive TTC 
0910     Depart TTC   
0915     Arrive SoG                        Arrive AK    Bus stop #7
0920     Depart SoG                        Depart AK
0925     Arrive TTC                        Arrive BB
0930     Depart TTC                        Depart BB 
0935     Arrive SoG                                     
0940     Depart SoG       
0945     Arrive TTC                        Arrive MGM   Bus stop #6
0950     Depart TTC                        Depart MGM
0955     Arrive SoG                        Arrive SoG        

Bus # 2 skips the BB stop before and after the parks operating hours,
that is to say if you board the 0800 bus to MGM you will arrive earlier 
since they do not stop at BB.                           

Are the busses wheel-chair accessible?

• Yes. You can call the reception desk from your room and they will arrange for a bus with a wheel-chair lift.

It is 1425 and we are at Animal Kingdom. We just missed the bus by a couple of minutes, do I have to wait here 55 minutes until the next bus arrives?

• ABSOLUTELY NOT. We hopped on the next bus to the Polynesian resort and walked down the path to SoG and beat the bus by 10 minutes. If you don't mind the walk, it can also be easier to use the monorail system at the Polynesian.

• John J. Peters Writes " You might also want to include that although SoG does provide bus service to the TTC and Animal Kingdom that it might be to guests benefits to either use there own car to drive to the Polynesian to pick up the monorail or walk there to catch the monorail. Once dropped off at the TTC you're stuck competing with all the day guests and others for a monorail seat, but at the Polynesian and Grand Floridian the line are much shorter. You also have a chance to sit in the front of the monorail." Thanks John. DMM

If I decide to drive to the parks, will I have to pay to park?

• You should not have to pay if you show your resort ID or reservation conformation slip. The staff at SoG have tried to inform the parking lot attendants not to charge resort guest for parking, but as with any large organization, like Disney, sometimes not everybody gets the word.

Can we take advantage of the early opening park while staying at SoG?

• Yes. your resort ID will get you early admission to the early opening park of the day.

What kind of child care is available?

• SoG guest have the same access to child care as other WDW resort guests. Kinder-Care Learning Center offers in-room and drop-off child care, and WDW itself has many drop-off child care during the evening hours. Check with Guest Services for the times, availability and costs.

I have a VCR in my room. Where can I get movies to watch?

• The VCR's have been taken out of the rooms. This is a permanent change.

Where can I get some cash a SoG?

• There is an ATM located near the front desk. Check cashing is available at the front desk. Check cashing is limited to $100 per day per room, and $300 per week per room. There is a 1% check cashing fee for each check cashed.

Is there any exercise facilities at SoG?

• Yes. there is a small exercise room with treadmills, bikes and various other equipment. It is located on the second floor across from room 251. Children age 12-17must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 12 are not allowed. The room is open daily from 0700-2200.

I will need a wheel chair for our stay at SoG. Can I rent one there?

• Yes. A limited number of wheel chairs are available at Bell Services But, must stay on the property. Wheel chair rentals are available at the entrance of the parks and are on a first come first served basis.

Can I purchase my Disney theme park tickets at SoG?

• Yes. The Guest Services and Attraction Ticket Sales Office can sell you theme park tickets, passes, and Stars and Stripes Passes (length of stay). Their number is (407) 824-1403. Their hours are 0700-2100 seven days a week.

                                  Adult               Child (3-9)
One day One park                 $46.50              $36.75
Four day park hopper             $186                $147
Five day park hopper             $210                $168         
Five day park hopper Plus        $240                $193
Six day park hopper Plus         $270                $218
Seven day park hopper plus       $300                $243

Disney Quest                     $25.00              $20
Pleasure  Island                 $13.00

Stars and Stripes Passes (Length of Stay)    
                                 Adult        Child
2 Day                             $109          $89
3 Day                             $150          $120
4 Day                             $188          $151
5 Day                             $222          $179 
6 Day                             $251          $201
7 Day                             $280          $224
8 Day                             $308          $245

Stars and Stripes passes are available to those guest registered
 at the Shades of Green or a Walt Disney World Resort.

• SoG guests are eligible to participate in the E-Ticket nights. Ask for the details when you check-in if interested.

I was thinking of including some Non-Disney attractions into our trip. Can SoG help with the tickets and transportation?

• SoG Guest Services sells tickets to many other Orlando area attractions. Transportation can be arranged to attractions such as Sea World and Universal Studios through a shuttle service for an extra fee. At this time the cost is $10 per person round trip for the shuttle. Mears Transportation is available to Busch Gardens for $20 per person round trip.

The prices for non-Disney attractions are as follows:

Universal Escape             Adults           Child (3-9)
One day (Studios or IOA)    $42.50           $33.50
Two day pass                $77              $62
Three day pass              $95              $76.50

Sea World Orlando           $42              $34
Busch Gardens Tampa         $42              $34 

• Tickets are also available for most of the local dinner shows and various other local attractions. Call guest services for prices and availablity.

What else can Guest services do for me?

Guest services is your connection to the rest of WDW. They can answer your questions, assist with reservations, arrange for car rentals, assist with problems, and much, much more. If you have any questions about WDW or other area attractions, they are the people to call.

What is a Gold Leaf package?

• SoG has created packages for guests to simplify the reservation process and to save guests some money. Gold Leaf 4,5,6 and 7 night packages offer accomidations at SoG, Stars and Stripes packages, Early Bird specials, unlimited use of both the SoG and WDW transportation systems, breakfast and dinner buffets, all gratuities, baggage handling and resort parking.

• This is a very lengthy list that is broken down by paygrade and length of stay. You can request the most current copy of this information by calling SoG at (407) 824-3600

Can I use the golf courses around SoG?

• SoG guests may reserve tee times for the five golf courses at WDW, Just like all the other WDW resort guests. The prices are the same, but at times, SoG guest services may have additional discounts available. It is best to check with Guest Services before calling WDW Master Starter's Office (407) WDW-GOLF.

Where can we dine at SoG?

The Garden Gallery Restaurant is located near the lobby/front desk area. This is a full service restaurant serving breakfast from 0700-1100 and dinner from 1700-2200 daily. The breakfast is an all you can eat buffet. The dinner can be either a la carte or from 1700-2100 the dinner buffet is open. Visitors to the resort may eat at the restaurants, however SoG guests receive a discount on the buffets.

Is there any place to get a drink at SoG?

The Evergreens sports bar and grill is located by the millpond poll and is open from 1100-2400. Menu items include gourmet burgers, hot dogs, onion rings and dinosaur shaped chicken nuggets. Seating can be either inside or outside on the deck by the pool.

How about room service?

Room service is also available with breakfast from 0700-1100, lunch and light fair from 1100-2300, and a dinner menu from 1700-2200.

How can I contact SoG?

The address is:
                        Shades of Green on Walt Disney World Resort
                        P.O. Box 22789
                        Lake Buena Vista, Fl. 32830-2789

Phone numbers are:

Room Reservations          (407) 824-3600      M-F    0800-1900
                           (888) 593-2242
Reservations Fax           (407) 824-3665
Hotel Direct               (407) 824-3400
Hotel Fax                  (407) 824-3460
Guest Services             (407) 824-1403      7 Days 0700-2100   

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