Frequent Questions
We Have Your Answers
We cover a number of frequently asked questions in this section to better help in your planning, from check-in time to the bus transportation to the theme parks. If you don't see the answer to your question, feel free to drop us a line on our contact us form. We will respond within three business days of your request.
My child lost her favorite doll during our recent stay at Shades of Green. Who do I contact to see if it was found?
With so many guests coming and going around Shades of Green Resort, we can rack up a range of lost items. If you’re missing something, please submit a request at our ZenDesk help center at the link below. Someone will assist you with your lost items. Please note that we charge a shipping and handling fee to return your item(s). The fastest way to receive your item is by submitting the lost and found form.
I was told that Shades of Green books up quickly. Is that true?
Yes. We begin to accept room reservations one year to the date before your desired arrival date. Holidays are the most popular times to book a reservation. Of course, the further in advance you book, the better chances you’ll have of securing a reservation. You’ll also find more discounts available with more advance notice. Please note that we can book weddings, meetings and other special occasions up to two years in advance.
What are the eligibility requirements to stay at Shades of Green?
There are strict, federally mandated laws regarding eligibility. You’ll be prompted to see more about eligibility when you book a room, or you can check eligibility requirements here.
Can Veterans that did not retire stay at the Shades of Green?
We normally offer a Salute to the Veterans Program for the months of January and September, please view the information here.
As a sponsor, may I bring additional guests?
Yes. Each eligible sponsor may book up to three (3) rooms under your name. In other words, including your own room, you can book up to two additional rooms.
I’m a sponsor. Can my spouse stay here without me?
Yes. The sponsor does not have to be present as long as the spouse has a valid dependent I.D. card at check-in.
What is your cancellation policy?
Can I pay with my Military Star Card?
Yes, we accept the Military Star Card at the Front Desk. When reserving online, you must first enter a major credit card. However, when you check-in we can switch the card over to your Military Star Card.
Do you have ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) rooms available?
Yes. We have several ADA room options.
How does Shades of Green compare to the other Walt Disney World hotels?
Shades of Green would be comparable to the Disney Deluxe Resorts such as Disney’s Polynesian Resort. We have the largest Standard Rooms on the property, and a variety of restaurants, as well.
When is the best time to travel to Shades of Green?
Shades of Green is a year-round destination with plenty to do any season of the year. To avoid the crowds, the best time to visit is during January or September.
Is Shades of Green a family-friendly environment?
Yes. We are a family-friendly resort hotel destination. We have interactive water features (waterslide, splash area, etc.), a playground, and arcade-style games. All of our restaurants include kids’ menus and child-friendly options.
Does Shades of Green have transportation to the Walt Disney World parks?
Yes. Shades of Green provides complimentary bus transportation to and from the Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs. Buses run regularly throughout the day and schedules may change based on park hours of operation. We have the schedules posted throughout the resort. You must show your Resort I.D. card and Military I.D. card (or photo I.D. if you are a sponsored guest) to access Shades of Green bus transportation.
Can Shades of Green guests use Walt Disney Transportation?
Yes. Shades of Green guests have access to the monorail, ferry boat, and bus transportation that Disney offers on the complex.
Can Shades of Green guests park their vehicles for free at any of the Walt Disney World theme parks?
No. Parking at Walt Disney World® theme parks come with additional fees and guidelines. You can find more information about Walt Disney World parking here.
Is there a fee for parking at Shades of Green?
Yes. For the latest information about parking, click here >
Does Shades of Green provide transportation from Orlando International Airport?
No. We do not provide transportation from Orlando International Airport. You can read more about transportation options from the airport here.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is after 3 p.m. Check out is before 11 a.m.
Is Shades of Green a pet-friendly resort?
We are not a pet-friendly resort; however, Walt Disney World does offer kennels where you may board your pets. You may view the information at https://www.bestfriendspetcare.com/waltdisneyworldresort/.
Can I bring my Keurig coffee maker or other small appliance to use in my room?
No. Personal electrical items, such as cooking appliances and coffee makers, are not allowed in the rooms.
Can I buy my theme park tickets at Shades of Green, even if I am not staying here?
Absolutely. You will be asked to provide a valid military I.D. card to access Shades of Green property and to purchase your tickets at the Shades of Green Attraction Ticket Sales Office.
Does Shades of Green sell attraction tickets in advance?
Yes. Please read more about the attractions on this site and contact the Shades of Green Attraction Ticket Sales Office for more information.
Can I dine in your restaurants even if I do not hold a reservation at Shades of Green?
Yes. You will be asked to provide a valid military I.D. to access the Shades of Green property, as well as show your valid I.D. at the restaurant.
What kinds of evening entertainment options are available?
There are so many options for shopping, dinner shows, and more all within about 20 minutes of the resort. Learn more >
How can we set up a tee time?
Visit this site to book a tee time with discounted military rates or call 407-939-4653. Read more about Walt Disney World Golf and get detailed information about prices and more.
Do you have an Exchange on the property?
Yes. The AAFES Exchange provides selected Disney items and sundries. A limited selection of snacks and beverages are also available. Tobacco and Alcohol may only be purchased by the military with a valid military I.D. card.
Hours of Operation: 8am - 10pm, Daily
Are the pools indoors or outside?
Our pools are outdoors. However, they are heated and can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Yes, registered guests are able to have visitors during their stay. Visitors may utilize our restaurants during their visit. Visitors (non-registered guests) are not able to use the swimming pools, hot tub, kids splash pad, fitness center, or bus transportation during their visit.
How do I get mail while staying at Shades of Green?
Ship to: Shades of Green Sponsor’s Name (Confirmation #, Arrival Date, or Room #)
1950 West Magnolia Palm Drive
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-2789
* We are happy to accept mail on your behalf. Please remember Shades of Green is not responsible for delivery time or the perishable/non-perishable items shipped to the resort. Mail delivery is not guaranteed daily. If on-site it will available for pick up Monday thru Friday between 0800 and 1600 hours. If, for some reason, the mail is delayed, shipment back will be provided at guest's expense. To ensure the safety of your mail, insurance can be purchased from your provider.
What is your firearms policy?
Firearms are not allowed at Shades of Green. Weapons may not be carried, kept in guestrooms, secured in guestroom safes, nor stored in vehicles while at Shades of Green. If you arrive with any weapon or firearm, you are required to declare it and turn it into our Security Department upon arrival on property. Notify a Front Desk Agent, and a Security Officer will meet you at the porte-cochere to receive the weapon. The weapon owner will be required to ensure the weapon is not loaded (clear) in front of the Security Officer; this will be done in the Bell Desk area, out of the view of our other guests. The Security Officer will give you a receipt for the weapon. The weapon will be taken to the Shades of Green Security Center and locked in a weapons cabinet for safekeeping until checkout. The weapon owner will keep any ammunition. On your day of departure, please contact the Front Desk or the Security Center (extension 1458) at least one hour before check out to allow a Security Officer time to return the weapon.
Where can I get convenience items like souvenirs, snacks, sunscreen, and over the counter medicine?
Your best destination at Shades of Green for convenience items, souvenirs, snacks, sunscreen, and supplies is the AAFES Exchange, centrally located next to the Attraction Ticket Sales Office. If you need to refill a prescription or other medication, Turner Drugs is a local pharmacy that delivers.
Where can I go if I need medical attention?
If you need medical attention, Centra Care is a local walk-in clinic that can also pick you up for free. You won’t need to worry about taking a cab or other transportation to get seen. For more serious health issues, Celebration Hospital is the nearest medical center.
Where can I get groceries?
If you need to stock up on groceries or items you’d find in a supercenter, there’s a Walmart nearby, as well as a Publix Grocery store and Target in the area near the intersection of Vineland Road and Highway 192, about 10 miles from Shades of Green. Stop by the Front Desk, where we’ll be glad to point you in the right direction for these and other conveniences in the area.
We're adding extra buses to the Transportation and Ticket Center route, so you can still easily get to your destination.
If you prefer to use your own vehicle, you can still do so, but please note that you will be responsible for the parking fee at the theme parks. Alternatively, you could use a ride-sharing service like Uber, Lyft, or the Minnie Van™ service connected by Lyft - all available within the Walt Disney World Resort
Polynesian Walkway Closure FAQ
1. Will the walkway closure be temporary during the road construction or permanent?
No, the walkway closure will be permanent. At its conclusion the World Drive expansion will be a four lane highway with no crosswalk.
2. How long will the construction project take?
It’s projected to be completed in 2027.
3. Can’t we just walk alongside the road to access the Polynesian?
No, the sidewalk will be removed from the Polynesian side as well. For safety reasons, security will not permit guests to exit or enter property on foot through the driveways.
4. I want to visit the Polynesian, how can I get there now?
If you have a dining reservation:
• You can drive and park for free at the Polynesian
• Take SOG bus to TTC and walk to the Polynesian
• Take SOG bus to TTC and take the resort monorail to the Polynesian
• Use a rideshare service (Lyft, Uber, or MinnieVan)
If you do not have a dining reservation:
• Take SOG bus to TTC and walk to the Polynesian
• Take SOG bus to TTC and take the resort monorail to the Polynesian
• Use a rideshare service (Lyft, Uber, or MinnieVan)
5. Can I still use transportation at the Polynesian to get around Disney?
Yes, you can take our bus to the TTC and access the various transportation options that the Polynesian offers (buses, resort monorail, boats, etc.)
STEP 1: SOG bus to the TTC – approx. 7 min travel time
STEP 2:
• Resort Monorail TTC stop: join the line – approx. 2 min walk
• For Disney Parks Bus Access: Walk from TTC to Polynesian Bus Stop – approx. 5 min walk
• For Boats to Magic Kingdom or Resort Monorail Polynesian stop: walk from TTC to Polynesian Great Ceremonial House – approx. 8 min walk
6. With the sidewalk closure I’d prefer to stay elsewhere, but I’m stuck because I’m within 14 days of arrival.
We hope it’s not the case, however, any guests who had confirmed reservations prior to this announcement (April 4, 2023) and wish to cancel will not be assessed a cancellation fee.