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. The resort underwent a total renovation that was completed in 2004.

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 in a wooded setting. The resort has two lighted tennis courts, two heated swimming pools, hot tub, children's pool and play area, Fitness center, gift shops, travel services, video arcade, laundry facilities, restaurants, lounge, and sports bar and more.

What are the rooms like?

There are 586 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. Other ammenities include: coffee maker, refrigerator, in-room safe, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, in-room movies, internet access and transportation to WDW theme parks.

Five family suites are available that sleep 6 persons and six family suites will sleep 8 persons.

Are there different room views available?

Yes. There are two views available: Standard and Poolside.

What is the cost for a room at SoG?

Room Rates are based on pay grade and party size verification upon check in. Upon check-in, a valid military ID or DoD ID and LES is required.

Rates are based on two adults occupying a standard or poolside room and four adults occupying the suites. Add $ 15.00 per additional adult ages 18 years or older. For single occupancy, subtract $ 2.00 from the room rates. Maximum number of rooms is three. Maximum occupancy for Standard and Poolside rooms is 5, Junior Suite is 6, and Suite is 8. Military sponsors should not reserve additional rooms under their name for other eligible Military or DOD sponsors. Reservations are not transferable. A room reserved with multiple sponsors should be reserved based on the highest-ranking person

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 888-593-2242, Monday through Friday, 0830-1700. You can also make reservations online 24 hours a day via their website. 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.

Shades of Green requires a minimum 3 night stay.

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 privileges afforded any WDW resort guest.

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

Yes, Shades of Green is a smoke-free resort.

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.

How do I get to SoG?

Follow the signs to the Magic Kingdom Resorts area. As you approach the parking booths, stay to the right, as you will want to right fork in the road immediately after the booths. From there, 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.

Can I park my car at Shades of Green?

Yes, there is a parking garage available for $5 per day.

What transportation is available at SoG?

SoG has two bus schedules. Bus loading and unloading is located on the lower level below the lobby. There is an elevator to the Bus Stop located outside the lobby in the Port Cochere.

Shades of Green room key is required to ride these buses.

Check upon arrival for the Extra Magic Hour bus scheule.

Bus A
* Departs Shades of Green every 15 minutes starting at 0800.
* Departs the Ticket Transportation Center every 15 minutes
* On this route you will get to the Magic Kingdom or Epcot (Via monorail), and to the Downtown Disney Resort area via bus from space 26 which runs every half hour until 2300.
* Drop off locations for Downtown Disney are either at the Wyndham Palace Resort or the Hilton Resort.
* The last bus will depart the Ticket Transportation Center 2 hours and 15 minutes after the Magic Kingdom closes.

Bus B
* Departs Shades of Green every half hour starting at 0800 to Disney's Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach and Disney's Hollywood Studios.
* Departs Animal Kingdom 15 minutes and 45 minutes after each hour (Space #7)
* Departs Blizzard Beach 30 minutes after the hour and at the top of the hour (Space #1)
* Departs Disney's Hollywood Studios 45 minutes and 15 minutes after the hour (Space #6).
* The last bus for Animal Kingdom and the Studios will be 2 hours and 15 minutes after each park closes. The last bus for Blizzard Beach will be 2 hours after the park closes.

Are the buses wheelchair accessible?

Yes. You can call the reception desk from your room and they will arrange for a bus with a wheelchair 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 Extra Magic Hours while staying at SoG?

Yes, Shades of Green participates in the Extra Magic Hours program.

What kind of childcare 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.

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 Fitness Center on the first floor near Manginos Restaurant.

I will need a wheelchair 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. Click here for the most up to date prices

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.

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

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.

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 a full service restaurant serving breakfast from 0700-1100 and dinner from 1700-2200 daily. Visitors to the resort may eat at the restaurants.

The Evergreens sports bar and grill is open from 1100-2400. Menu items include gourmet burgers, hot dogs, etc.

The Eagles Lounge serves sandwiches and beverages from 1100-2100.

The Express Cafe offers pastries, snacks, coffees and beverages.

Mangino's is a Tuscan Italian restaurant open evenings 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: 888-593-2242, 
Reservations: Fax  (407) 824-3665
Email: reservations@shadesofgreen.org

Hotel Direct: (407) 824-3400
Hotel Fax: (407) 824-3460
Guest Services: (407) 824-1403      7 Days 0700-2100