Shades of Green at Walt Disney Resort
1950 West Magnolia Palm Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-8418
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Room & Suite (243)
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4.5
#1 of 1 special resort in Lake Buena VistaLocation
4.8
Cleanliness
4.5
Service
4.4
Value
4.7
Travelers' Choice
The Shades of Green Resort is a military-owned resort within Walt Disney World and is exclusively for military guests and their families.
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Property amenities
Valet parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room
Bar / lounge
Golf course
Tennis court
Children's playground
Wifi
Hot tub
Pool / beach towels
Outdoor pool
Heated pool
Coffee shop
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Kid-friendly buffet
Kids' meals
Snack bar
Special diet menus
Children's television networks
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Kids' outdoor play equipment
Free shuttle or taxi services
Shuttle bus service
Taxi service
Business Center with Internet Access
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Spa
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Concierge
Convenience store
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
Shops
ATM on site
24-hour front desk
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
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Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Interconnected rooms available
Private balcony
Coffee / tea maker
Refrigerator
Cable / satellite TV
Complimentary toiletries
Room service
Safe
Seating area
Iron
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Flatscreen TV
Hair dryer
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Room types
Pool view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Business
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
Location
1950 West Magnolia Palm Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-8418
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Grade: 62 out of 100
62
Orlando Intl Airport
17.4 mi•
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Orlando Sanford International Airport
33.8 mi•
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Rental Cars
18 Restaurants
within 0.75 miles
2,127Reviews179Q+A100Room tips
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Detailed Reviews
After a nightmare of a hotel earlier on in our vacation, we were prepared to like just about anything. But this hotel literally had our jaws hanging open. It is a resort on the Disney property, for the exclusive use of military families. So, if no one is in the military in your immediate family (who you vacation with), then move along. You can't stay here.
The entryway of the hotel looks like a Disney venue. Huge space, beautifully decorated, with a fireplace and comfy chairs. Check in area was just as up-scale looking. I worried I had heard the rate wrong; how could this hotel be this affordable?
The room was wonderful. Designed to sleep 5, it had 2 queen beds and a sofa where the back rolled over to form a mattress. The double sink counter was separated from the toilet/shower area, so you could brush your teeth without waiting. The beds were comfy, and the rooms were clean.
You pay for parking, but you can also arrange to rent a vehicle from the in-house car rental place (I forget who it was, but it was a national brand), so you don't need to keep one. Shuttles regularly, well, shuttle guests to the Disney venues. And because Shades of Green is on Disney property, you get to take advantage of the early opening of the parks (each park has a day when they will be open early, and you get a list when you check in). The shuttles don't run to Universal, so if you want to go there, or Seaworld, you'll have to find other transportation.
There are several restaurants in the hotel, and the breakfast was well stocked and very affordable for what it provided. There are 2 pools, but we never went to them, because we were busy at the parks and just wanted to crash when we got back. They even have spa services. And a golf course.
Saving the best for last: the employees. The woman on the night shift who checked us in was wonderfully welcoming and accomodating to our last-minute reservation. She helped us out with finding rooms for the remainder of our stay, and even called my daughter (the military connection who vacations with us) at 10pm one night to tell her she had found a room for us. Amazing. We didn't need the room though. Why? Because that morning, another employee had helped us find a local hotel (Shades was fully booked; no wonder), and even called them to smooth the way. I can't say enough about the extra mile these employees were willing to go. You truly feel like someone special when you stay here.
Book early. They fill up VERY quickly. But also check back for those inevitable cancellations.
The entryway of the hotel looks like a Disney venue. Huge space, beautifully decorated, with a fireplace and comfy chairs. Check in area was just as up-scale looking. I worried I had heard the rate wrong; how could this hotel be this affordable?
The room was wonderful. Designed to sleep 5, it had 2 queen beds and a sofa where the back rolled over to form a mattress. The double sink counter was separated from the toilet/shower area, so you could brush your teeth without waiting. The beds were comfy, and the rooms were clean.
You pay for parking, but you can also arrange to rent a vehicle from the in-house car rental place (I forget who it was, but it was a national brand), so you don't need to keep one. Shuttles regularly, well, shuttle guests to the Disney venues. And because Shades of Green is on Disney property, you get to take advantage of the early opening of the parks (each park has a day when they will be open early, and you get a list when you check in). The shuttles don't run to Universal, so if you want to go there, or Seaworld, you'll have to find other transportation.
There are several restaurants in the hotel, and the breakfast was well stocked and very affordable for what it provided. There are 2 pools, but we never went to them, because we were busy at the parks and just wanted to crash when we got back. They even have spa services. And a golf course.
Saving the best for last: the employees. The woman on the night shift who checked us in was wonderfully welcoming and accomodating to our last-minute reservation. She helped us out with finding rooms for the remainder of our stay, and even called my daughter (the military connection who vacations with us) at 10pm one night to tell her she had found a room for us. Amazing. We didn't need the room though. Why? Because that morning, another employee had helped us find a local hotel (Shades was fully booked; no wonder), and even called them to smooth the way. I can't say enough about the extra mile these employees were willing to go. You truly feel like someone special when you stay here.
Book early. They fill up VERY quickly. But also check back for those inevitable cancellations.
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Date of stay: December 2019
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our family stayed in 2 rooms in the Magnolia wing in early November. Shades is doing an excellent job of cleaning in the public areas during COVID and many precautions are being taken. The pools were open which was great for the kids. Our rooms had good space, 2 queen beds, a refrigerator, a coffee maker & a sofa bed to name a few. There's a nice small PX in the resort where you can buy some food, wine, souvenirs, Disney items, etc. We used the shuttles to the Magic Kingdom & to Epcot and found them to be on time. If you want to ride on the shuttle to the park when it opens, I recommend that you show up about 10-15 minutes early as a line formed some days.
There was no daily room cleaning but you can call for more towels, coffee, etc. and the staff will bring them to the room. We were there a week. I would have liked to have some wipes about halfway through our stay to use to clean in the bathroom, our table, counter and other spots. The resort has a parking garage & charges $13 a day. Mangino's restaurant was a good place to get some of our meals. We ate in the restaurant one night plus did take out for dinner another night & for some breakfasts. Meals were very good.
There was no daily room cleaning but you can call for more towels, coffee, etc. and the staff will bring them to the room. We were there a week. I would have liked to have some wipes about halfway through our stay to use to clean in the bathroom, our table, counter and other spots. The resort has a parking garage & charges $13 a day. Mangino's restaurant was a good place to get some of our meals. We ate in the restaurant one night plus did take out for dinner another night & for some breakfasts. Meals were very good.
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Date of stay: November 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We just recently stayed. I was nervous about some reviews, but our stay was fantastic. We stayed in the Palm Wing which i recommend. They seemed to be recently updated. The rooms were very large consisting of two beds, table/chairs, large dresser, mini fridge and sofa. The bathroom was also very large with a separate vanity/toilet and shower area.
We found all the staff to be very pleasant. This included the check-in, coffee stand, buffet restaurant, bus drivers as well as gate security. All so nice.
Two pools, one with a kids play area.
We tried Evergreens, garden buffet and Manginos. I have to say the food was nothing to rave about. We preferred to go off property for food as it was not so good at the resort.
Bus system went well. You do have to take a bus to the TTC then monorail to MK or Epcot. One bus takes you to HS and AK, with AK being its first stop.
Overall we were very pleased with the resort. Friendly staff, good transportation and clean property.
Even though we enjoyed it, we would choose a Disney resort next stay. It lacks the Disney feel, with only one Mickey statue on property. We like the Disney bus going straight to the parks and not having to take two forms of transportation. And most of for the food, Disney hotels had much better food quality and options.
If you don't mind these minor things, then this is the place for you. You cant beat the price and you will have a fantastic stay.
We found all the staff to be very pleasant. This included the check-in, coffee stand, buffet restaurant, bus drivers as well as gate security. All so nice.
Two pools, one with a kids play area.
We tried Evergreens, garden buffet and Manginos. I have to say the food was nothing to rave about. We preferred to go off property for food as it was not so good at the resort.
Bus system went well. You do have to take a bus to the TTC then monorail to MK or Epcot. One bus takes you to HS and AK, with AK being its first stop.
Overall we were very pleased with the resort. Friendly staff, good transportation and clean property.
Even though we enjoyed it, we would choose a Disney resort next stay. It lacks the Disney feel, with only one Mickey statue on property. We like the Disney bus going straight to the parks and not having to take two forms of transportation. And most of for the food, Disney hotels had much better food quality and options.
If you don't mind these minor things, then this is the place for you. You cant beat the price and you will have a fantastic stay.
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Enjoyed our visit to SOG as always. Wasn’t sure what to expect with Covid but room was well cleaned, daily room service was suspended but anytime we needed extra towels etc a call to front desk brought quick response and our needs were met. Several hotel restaurants were still closed but there were options open for quick grab or sit down meals. Pools open and the bus service was available. Buses for park transportation were very reliable and punctual. One note of concern/suggestion as far as bus transportation to Disney Springs...the bus stop at DS did not feel “safe” to us upon leaving that night after dinner. It is at the end (WestEnd) where many venues are still closed. It was empty of people except security guards and some sketchy individuals, lighting is poor and the stop is difficult to find at night. Not a comfortable spot and we felt rather uneasy. Perhaps a more visible spot is better....
Hotel lobby, grounds, and our room were well kept, staff and patrons were physically distancing and being respectful during the pandemic so vacation experience here is a good, safe one. Wish we could visit more often! Looking forward to next time.
Hotel lobby, grounds, and our room were well kept, staff and patrons were physically distancing and being respectful during the pandemic so vacation experience here is a good, safe one. Wish we could visit more often! Looking forward to next time.
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can’t beat the prices and the on site MWR services made ticket purchasing a breeze since I couldn’t get them on my base. The shop was very convenient to have and the shuttle services were very good. The rooms were very clean but lack a microwave (not all hotels do so didn’t bother me much). We were in the pools a lot and life guard staff were very attentive. My only complaint was during our 2 week stay both of our conjoining rooms didn’t have hot or warm water. After finding this out the first day we were told by staff to just let the water run... that never fixed the problem so after contacting front desk staff again they put in a request to have it fixed. We spent our whole stay taking cold showers.
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Date of stay: February 2019Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
+1
This was a last minute trip for my husband and I so of course our first choices on Disney property were booked. We always stay at a Disney resort when we visit. In all our years coming We had never stayed at shades of green and to be honest I will never stay there again. We were on the Magnolia side.
We fall into category 3 and for the price we paid per night- I expected a more updated room. The room itself was large and would be ideal for those with children. The mattress was a little hard for my liking. But that’s personal preference. My biggest issue was the very very outdated bathroom. Our water took a few minutes to get Hot and after we both took back to back showers I opened the bathroom door to let some of the steam out and it made the fire alarm start chirping.
There was one sink. A toilet that was so low I felt like I was at the gym doing squats when I used it. There was only one towel rack that was crooked and hanging loose from the wall at one end. I measured and this towel rack was 7 feet from the shower. Speaking of the shower there was mold in some of the grout and the actual showerhead was literally hanging by a thread. The one and only electric outlet in the bathroom was so old and yellowed that I was scared to plug my hairdryer into it. The small exhaust fan ,if you wanna call it that , that was near the toilet was so dusty that I don’t know what it was doing to help anything in that bathroom. The sconces were dusty too in the bathroom. There was no designated shower mat to lay down to step on when you got out of shower.
The ceilings In the bathroom felt low and are completely outdated.
FYI: The shuttle bus to Magic Kingdom and Epcot literally drives to you across the street to the transportation and Ticket Center where you stand in line to get through security and then stand in another line to catch either the monorail or the boat to Magic Kingdom.
If you choose to walk across the street to the Polynesian you can catch the monorail there which would be two stops to Disney And Four stops to the transportation and Ticket Center where you get off to walk downstairs and back up to get on another monorail into Epcot.
The Exchange carried a reasonable amount of items Incase you forgot something that were surprisingly affordable. Their souvenirs were average and didn’t feel like they were anything that I couldn’t buy at the outside large discount Disney stores.
The grounds were pretty. And my husband enjoyed his round of golf.
No trash bags in any of the trashcans in room. I have videos but they won’t let me upload.
We fall into category 3 and for the price we paid per night- I expected a more updated room. The room itself was large and would be ideal for those with children. The mattress was a little hard for my liking. But that’s personal preference. My biggest issue was the very very outdated bathroom. Our water took a few minutes to get Hot and after we both took back to back showers I opened the bathroom door to let some of the steam out and it made the fire alarm start chirping.
There was one sink. A toilet that was so low I felt like I was at the gym doing squats when I used it. There was only one towel rack that was crooked and hanging loose from the wall at one end. I measured and this towel rack was 7 feet from the shower. Speaking of the shower there was mold in some of the grout and the actual showerhead was literally hanging by a thread. The one and only electric outlet in the bathroom was so old and yellowed that I was scared to plug my hairdryer into it. The small exhaust fan ,if you wanna call it that , that was near the toilet was so dusty that I don’t know what it was doing to help anything in that bathroom. The sconces were dusty too in the bathroom. There was no designated shower mat to lay down to step on when you got out of shower.
The ceilings In the bathroom felt low and are completely outdated.
FYI: The shuttle bus to Magic Kingdom and Epcot literally drives to you across the street to the transportation and Ticket Center where you stand in line to get through security and then stand in another line to catch either the monorail or the boat to Magic Kingdom.
If you choose to walk across the street to the Polynesian you can catch the monorail there which would be two stops to Disney And Four stops to the transportation and Ticket Center where you get off to walk downstairs and back up to get on another monorail into Epcot.
The Exchange carried a reasonable amount of items Incase you forgot something that were surprisingly affordable. Their souvenirs were average and didn’t feel like they were anything that I couldn’t buy at the outside large discount Disney stores.
The grounds were pretty. And my husband enjoyed his round of golf.
No trash bags in any of the trashcans in room. I have videos but they won’t let me upload.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It is very hard to get a reservation as an active duty service member (unless you are able to be very flexible). The last 2 times we have made reservations we had to cancel do to work. When we would try to rebook none of our dates were available. I guess we will get to enjoy Shades of Green after retirement. It's a great deal for retirees and veterans who might have a bit more flexibility with their dates. I wish they would hold back a few rooms for active military who have unexpected TDYs and deployments.
If you are able to book a room (and Uncle Sam doesn't change your plans) it is a really nice hotel and in a great location. We always walk over to the Polynesian and catch the monorail to the Magic Kingdom. We really love Shades of Green I just wish we were able to use it more.
If you are able to book a room (and Uncle Sam doesn't change your plans) it is a really nice hotel and in a great location. We always walk over to the Polynesian and catch the monorail to the Magic Kingdom. We really love Shades of Green I just wish we were able to use it more.
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Date of stay: August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Checked in Dec 31 and checked out 1/7, stayed with a big family and had four rooms total. The hotel was decorated beautifully for the holidays and they had some events for New Years Eve that were family friendly including a family dance with a DJ. Front desk staff were friendly and always available, they even went above and beyond when our stroller broke. The rooms were clean and very spacious, we had no issues. We ordered room service a number of times and felt the prices were reasonable, the food was good, and once when they were out of Cesar salad (which is what we wanted) they gave us a house salad for no charge.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is my second time here as a guest. My brother and SIL are vets (Marines/AF). My sons were all in the Navy (oldest for 20 years). So, my grands took me to SoG to be close to WDW. I am disabled, so was glad for my powerchair. The room are large, but not necessarily totally accessible...no way to sit in the bathtub, but I was able to make do for one night. Never asked for a stool as we were at Epcot all day, and too tired after getting back in the evening. If we were staying longer I am sure we could have done better. Lots of flagstone floors that were very bumpy for those using mobility wheels or even walkers or canes. It is a lovely hotel with at least 2 pools and several places to eat (no free breakfasts here, but egg sandwiches down on the first floor, limited hours). There is a refrigerator, but no microwave to heat anything. WIFI was not very good in our room. Price was great for being so close to WDW, and accessible buses run every 20 minutes from first floor. Elevator is outside for the bus area. Get there early as they only can fit 2 mobility devises at a time. Parking is an extra $11.00 a night.
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Date of stay: December 2019
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We/I was very excited to finally stay at SOG after years of just going on to buy our tickets. So first the pros:
The food is really good especially the Italian restaurant. And all the staff is super nice. The pools are very relaxing. The rooms and bathroom are very large.
The bell hops are wonderful and very helpful.
I was worried about the buses but they actually were great and the drivers super nice.
Now for the Cons:
The Wifi is TERRIBLE. You need to use the phone to get food reservations and menus but it’s almost impossible to log on anywhere to do so.
We stayed 10 days on 1st fl Palm side and the ice machine our floor was broken the whole time leaving us no choice but yo go to the second floor every time we needed ice.
There is only one laundry room which is on the 3rd floor and that’s where the small microwave is. It’s impossible to go that far to heat anything and get back while it’s still hot. For the very expensive price we paid I’d like a bit more amenities at my reach. Once the pool closes due to thunder, it’s closed for the rest of the day and if you know fl. It will rain hard and be done an hour later. Then your stuck in the heat with no pool.
There for this is probably the last time we stay there. For that price only Hawaii is worth it. For Florida with hotels a dime a dozen we will go elsewhere.
The food is really good especially the Italian restaurant. And all the staff is super nice. The pools are very relaxing. The rooms and bathroom are very large.
The bell hops are wonderful and very helpful.
I was worried about the buses but they actually were great and the drivers super nice.
Now for the Cons:
The Wifi is TERRIBLE. You need to use the phone to get food reservations and menus but it’s almost impossible to log on anywhere to do so.
We stayed 10 days on 1st fl Palm side and the ice machine our floor was broken the whole time leaving us no choice but yo go to the second floor every time we needed ice.
There is only one laundry room which is on the 3rd floor and that’s where the small microwave is. It’s impossible to go that far to heat anything and get back while it’s still hot. For the very expensive price we paid I’d like a bit more amenities at my reach. Once the pool closes due to thunder, it’s closed for the rest of the day and if you know fl. It will rain hard and be done an hour later. Then your stuck in the heat with no pool.
There for this is probably the last time we stay there. For that price only Hawaii is worth it. For Florida with hotels a dime a dozen we will go elsewhere.
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Date of stay: July 2021Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip: If you need a scooter, order with the Bell hop Buena Vista rentals 35/day.
Get to the bus early...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It like a pod type. They have star bucks in the lobby and opens at 0600.
If I had to guess I'd say January and September - that's when all veterans were allowed to book, not just 100% disabled ones were - at least when I went.
This is no longer possible. We had to take the bus at shades of green to the transportation center then walk to the Polynesian . We wanted to watch the fireworks on their beach. We found out the next night that we can watch them from the 5th floor parking lot at Shades.😀
Shades will give all adult guests passes for the buses. They may have to show a drivers license.
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ALSO KNOWN AS
shades of green resort disney world, shades of green resort walt disney world, shades of green resort orlando
LOCATION
United StatesFloridaCentral FloridaLake Buena Vista
NUMBER OF ROOMS
584
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Claim Your ListingSHADES OF GREEN AT WALT DISNEY RESORT - Updated 2024
Frequently Asked Questions about Shades of Green at Walt Disney Resort
Which popular attractions are close to Shades of Green at Walt Disney Resort?
Nearby attractions include Disney's Spirit of Aloha Show (0.4 miles) and Basin White (0.6 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Shades of Green at Walt Disney Resort?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at Shades of Green at Walt Disney Resort?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Shades of Green at Walt Disney Resort?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and a snack bar during their stay.
Is parking available at Shades of Green at Walt Disney Resort?
Yes, a parking garage and valet parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Shades of Green at Walt Disney Resort?
Conveniently located restaurants include Victoria & Albert's, Pineapple Lanai, and Citricos.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Shades of Green at Walt Disney Resort?
Yes, guests have access to a pool and a fitness center during their stay.
Are any cleaning services offered at Shades of Green at Walt Disney Resort?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Does Shades of Green at Walt Disney Resort offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers a business center, meeting rooms, and a banquet room.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Shades of Green at Walt Disney Resort?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Spanish.
Is Shades of Green at Walt Disney Resort accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access, reduced mobility rooms, and facilities for disabled guests. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.