new to this just stop to say hello

Welcome! Glad you decided to join us fun, Disney loving folk! I've never stayed at Shades of Green, so I can't comment on it, but I do believe there are a few folks here who have and will let you know their thoughts.

Thank you for your service!

Welcome!!

I've stayed at SOG. It's a nice hotel, the rooms are huge and it's very clean! It's not over the top Disney, but you still know you're at Disney World. Transportation is pretty easy, as the buses comes just like the do at the Disney resorts or you can walk across to the Poly and use their transportation (buses, boats, and monorail!). The pools are nice, there's a little snack shop that serves beer by the pools, which was fun after a long day at the parks. The golf courses looked nice, although I didn't play. Downsides are that Magical Express doesn't run to SOG, so you have to provide your own transportation, there are no "amenities" like bars of soap and bottles of shampoo in the rooms (there's a dispenser with some generic liquid that could accomplish all purposes I guess, very US Government of them) and the restaurants are edible, but really not that great. I'm a civilian, so I can't stay there unless I'm on orders or with someone who qualifies, but I would stay there again (if my Disney resorts were not available - those are still my first choice!).

Hi! Joe Oliver and Also thanks for your service.

Welcome Joe. Glad you joined us.

Thank you for your service.

Hi Joe! I'm fairly new myself and loving it here!

Thank you for service sir, you have our undying gratitude here in the Ford house!

Definitely the way to go. Since it's US military property, not everything had tax charged, which makes it a better deal than Disney.

As far as the standing in line, Disney offers a Guest Access Card for disabled/injured/individuals who can't stand for long periods of time. You simply go to guest services when you get to a park and they will give you a card. It is very easy. When you get to a ride, you present the card. Generally speaking, in my experience, the cast member will allow you to use the fast pass line so that you do not have to stand and wait in the general (and long) queue. There were a few rides that were wheelchair/ECV accessible (safari tour in AK, for instance) so the card did not really matter in those cases, you simply waited in line with your "ride". I'm not sure what they do for those rides if you are walking and just cannot stand for a long while, but I'm sure someone here will know!

We are glad you are here to talk Disney with us!

Hello Joe and I will also say thank you for your service.

Yes most definitely stop at any guest services and get the GAC, we got one for my wife scrappy on our last trip in July and it helped alot. It's not a Go to the front of the line for free card, but it helps alot. She hurt her ankle the second day we were there, had to get a scooter or it would have put a real damper on our trip.

Well, it's the Husband of the Other Jamie Oliver...Hello!! Welcome!! We've enjoyed chatting with Jamie and I know we'll enjoy chatting wit you, as well!

Three articles from the forum I thought may be helpful to you:

http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/articles/walt-disney-worlds-salutes-us-military-special-rates-rooms-and-park-tickets

and

http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/articles/walt-disney-world-guest-assistance-cards

and

http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/articles/mobility-assistance-rentals-walt-disney-world-vacations

Thank you for your service, Sir! Can't wait to hear more about your trip plans!

Hi Honey!!
You'll love these people. They're smart, love Disney, and most of all, they're NICE! You're not going to find any bashing at all here.

Plus, they love to talk about food.

Just our kind of friends!!

Welcome Joe!! Thanks so much for your service! I too come from a military family and truly admire those whose serve!!

We too will be in WDW in Sept!! I hope you enjoy your trip!!

yes, we do.

Thanks for Serving! Ive actually never stayed at shades of green bc they are always so booked. It is a great location and very beautiful (ive walked around it before) They always need to see Military ID just to go through gates. Its not OVER the top at all Disney but it looks nice and reminds me of DAK Lodge meats Wilderness Lodge. Also Look into AFVCLUB.COM they have the best rates for Military and Vets that are way too good to pass up. The top youll pay for a week Villa down by Disney is 369$
Good Luck and Enjoy your vacation. You and your family deserve it!!!

Hi and hope you and Jamie have a great trip! It's coming up quick now!

Hi Joe!!! Welcome!