Hi, Kristin! The only guests who are permitted to enjoy the fine dining at the Garden Gallery buffet at the Shades of Green resort are those who are active or retired military with proper identification, and certain other Department of Defense civilian employees with the necessary credentials. To find out if you are among the group that are eligible to dine at the restaurant, you can visit
www.shadesofgreen.org and click on the eligibility tab at the top of the page.
If you do qualify, you don't need a reservation at the Garden Gallery, but reservations are recommended for the Italian restaurant, Mangino's. During peak season or holidays, they suggest reservations at the Garden Gallery as well. You make those reservations by calling (407) 824-2437.
You can get to Shades of Green using your personal vehicle, Shades of Green bus transportation, or by taking a Walt Disney World bus or monorail to the Polynesian resort and walking over to Shades of Green. You will need to have someone with a military ID card to access the Shades of Green facilities.
Enjoy your vacation!