We just returned from a long weekend at SoG. Very nice room in newer wing overlooking golf course. Amenities are nice - they are definitely adequate but not over the top. Bring your toiletries! Bus transportation was easy but note that bus to TTC runs 2 X an hour where others run 1 X. We walked to the Polynesian one night and sat on the beach to see Magic Kingdom's fireworks. Gorgeous view from there and they had a kiddies fireworks show prior. Also we ordered our tickets prior and they were ready when we checked in.We did eat once at Maginos and it was fine - reasonably priced. The souvenirs at the AAFES store were alson inexpensive.

Overall I would definitely recommend as an inexpensive alternative to Disney resorts! Have fun!

We had 3 Adults in our party and 2 Teenagers and I'm sorry to say that a Disney room just wouldn't have been big enough. We arrived at 2 am (late flight) and were checked in quickly. Our room was quite a distance from the lobby but the porter helped us and we were settled in and sleeping in no time. The best value of this resort is the room size and location. Easy to get to all parks. No resort fees or taxes and that includes the AAFES store where you can buy your drinks for the day and your souveniers and the restaurants. What it lacks in Disney Theming it makes up for with military camaraderie.

Loved , loved this hotel. The rooms are large . Plenty of room to spread out. A nice sofa that folds out if needed. A big screen tv with decent channels . Nice patio or balcony for each room. Ducks to feed out side at the Koi pond. Staff friendly, helpful.Rooms nice and clean , comfortable beds.I had a nice quiet buffet breakfst for a very good price. I only hope I can stay with my family at this hotel , on the next Disney trip!

My family spent a week at Shades of Green and were very pleased with the experience. Let me begin with the hotel rates, which are a fraction of those at other "on Disney" hotels. Shades is a military hotel that offers much lower rates in a clean, attractive setting and with a helpful staff. It is also located a short 10 minute walk from the Polynesian (which has views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks show and other attractions) and a 15-20 minute walk from the Ticket and Transporation Center. The entry is beautiful, with a large waterfall and spacious lobby (including a TV with Disney movies for the kids and a bar for the parents). The rooms are large and can sleep 5 to 6 people (with a sofa). The rooms include the normal hotel amenities such as a small coffee pot and refrigerator. All rooms have a balcony or patio. Our room had a couple of maintenance issues that the staff quickly addressed. Other items to note include several pools, a toy boat play area, an arcade, an outdoor path area, restaurants and an AAFES PX (which includes a large Disney selection). The pool has quiet hours from 10pm to 8am, but they were not enforced during our visit - something to consider at the end of a long day at Disney. Mangino's Italian Restaurant was quite good, but the Garden Gallery's food was similar to an elementary school lunch. Regardless, the entire staff are helpful, friendly and very professional.

For first time visitors - all of the Disney hotels are surrounded by nature and have significant animal populations. Most of these are fairly harmless, such as lizards, rabbits, birds or turtles. Some can be more dangerous such as the alligators and there were at least two juveniles (4' or so) in the pond on Shade's property. I mention this for two reasons. First, the animals have very little fear of humans and may even get unnaturally close to beg food. Second, parents with little ones may wish to keep a close watch to avoid what could be a dangerous encounter. This is not a black mark against Shades, but something to be aware of (it certainly surprised us).