Hi Penny!
Welcome to planDisney, and thank you for your question!
Shades of Green Resort is a wonderful option for military families! I recently stayed here, and it is so nice being so close to Magic Kingdom Park, having spacious rooms and great amenities on site. Another great perk to staying here is that this resort is classified under the "deluxe tier," meaning Guests staying here can participate in
Extended Evening Hours and purchase
Lightning Lane Passes seven days ahead of their check-in date, which is offered to guests staying at Disney Resort Hotels in the deluxe category. You can also participate in
Early Park Entry, provided to all Disney Resort Hotel categories and select Disney Springs area resorts. The downside is that the
dining plans offered to Disney Resort Hotel Guests are not provided here. Shades does have a
Breakfast Program option, where if you stay a select number of nights, you can get 10% off breakfast at Garden Gallery included in your rate.
Penny, if the dining plan is a necessity, and you want the deluxe tier privileges such as Extended Evening Hours, a deluxe resort is your best bet. I recommend staying at
Disney's Wilderness Lodge, which is one of my family's favorites! It is so cozy and gorgeous during the holiday season! If this resort is above the budget, I recommend bumping down to a moderate resort, and I recommend looking at
Disney's Port Orleans Resort-Riverside or
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. With a moderate resort, the only benefit you wouldn't receive is the Extended Evening Hours. All three are great options and feature fantastic dining options and great amenities.
I hope all of this information was helpful, Penny! Thank you again for stopping by planDisney. Don't forget that when you call the
Disney Resort Hotel Reservations line to ask for the military rate if the qualifications are met! Have a magical family holiday!
'Tis the Season!
Frances