In recent years there has been a lot of controversy as U.S. military benefits have been impacted by reductions and changes. There’s one benefit for active-duty and retired military that has improved each year – the 27 acre Shades of Green resort at Walt Disney World.

The resort, located on the site of the first housing for WDW staff and builders, was once the Disney Golf Resort, but was leased and then obtained by the Department of Defense. Today it is the only Armed Forces Recreation Center (AFRC) in the Continental USA.

No public funds are used at the resort open only to active-duty and retired members of our Uniformed forces, current Reserve and National Guard members, 100% disabled vets, and civilian employees of the Defense department. With a sliding scale based upon rank and service, Corporals pay less than Colonels.

Shades of Green has its own bus service to the parks for it is not a Disney resort. But merchandise is exempt from local taxes and there are no hotel taxes.

The rooms and suites are larger than Disney resorts. The service staff is great. The new pool complexes are heated. The restaurants include buffets and fancy meals. Shades of Green is a wonderful experience for our troops past and present and an asset to WDW and Florida.