Disney World has issued a new warning about a permanent closure coming to one of its resorts, effective May 1.
For Guests who visit the Walt Disney World Resort, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to interactive attractions, thrilling rides with the latest in cutting-edge ride technology, Broadway-style stage shows, and dining venues that feature menus for every taste and many diets, with gluten-free options, nut-free options, vegan and vegetarian options and more.
Disney World is, by far, The Walt Disney Company’s largest theme Park Resort, encompassing more than 43 square miles, though not all of Disney World’s property is developed at this time. The Resort includes four unique and distinct theme parks–Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, as well as two whimsically-themed water parks–Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.
When it comes to dining at Disney World, the Resort offers more than 200 different places to grab a bite, and Guests have three options when it comes to exactly how they want to grab those bites. They can choose table-service dining, during which they are seated and enjoy the comfort and convenience of a server during the meal, or they can choose quick-service dining, which allows Guests to order meals via the My Disney Experience mobile app and pick up their orders at the restaurant to enjoy in a self-seating atmosphere.
Guests also have the option of stopping at a kiosk or pick-up location inside the parks, such as Fife and Drum Tavern at the American Adventure pavilion on the World Showcase at EPCOT. These locations offer walk-up windows and limited offerings, but they’re perfect for Guests who don’t want to miss a beat as they explore the four theme parks.
But there’s perhaps no greater variation in offerings than across Disney World’s Resort Hotels. There are more than two dozen of them, each one complete with specific theming and associated decor and elements, dining options, shops, and other offerings that make for an exciting experience that can serve as a vacation getaway, even without ever visiting a theme park.
From the very first Disney Resort Hotels built in the early 1970s, like Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, to the newest ones, like Disney’s Gran Destino Tower and Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney World’s menu of Resort Hotels is vast, meaning there’s literally something for every Guest. Disney World offers different levels of hotels, and Guests can choose a Value Resort, Deluxe Resort, Moderate Resort, or Villa.
The list of Disney World Resort Hotels from which to choose is extensive and includes Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, the Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Fort Wilderness and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Disney’s Yacht Club, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Coronado Springs, Saratoga Springs, Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts, and more.
Disney World even has a Resort Hotel option on property that caters exclusively to members of the U. S. Armed Forces. Shades of Green originally opened at the Disney World Resort in December 1973 as the Golf Resort. The hotel boasted 151 rooms and was unique in that it was built of wood and volcanic rock and constructed to have the appearance of a country club. It was once owned and operated by Disney World, but today it is operated by the United States Department of Defense.
The Resort is nestled between two PGA championship golf courses in a wooded setting, complete with lush gardens and spectacular vistas. There are more than 600 oversized guestrooms and guest suites inside the resort, many with private patios and balconies from which Guests can watch the sunrise every morning. The Resort books up quickly, and as such, reservations are accepted up to one year in advance of Guests’ planned visits.
One of the most popular experiences enjoyed by Guests of Shades of Green is strolling along a paved walkway from Shades of Green to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The beautiful half-mile walkway offers Guests scenic views as they make their way to the Polynesian, and it only takes 10 to 15 minutes to walk between the two Resort Hotels. The experience is so popular among Guests that Shades of Green issued a statement online on Tuesday, warning Guests that construction related to the World Drive Expansion Project at the Disney World Resort will lead to the permanent closure of the walkway:
“Starting Monday, May 1, 2023, the World Drive Expansion Project will begin between Shades of Green and the Grand Floridian Resort,” the hotel shared in a statement. “We know that it’s a lovely stroll on the walkway from our hotel to the Polynesian Village Resort, [but] unfortunately, it will no longer be accessible.”
But Shades of Green offered Guests a reprieve, stating that transportation offerings to and from the Resort Hotel will be increased to help Guests quickly arrive at their destinations around the Walt Disney World Resort:
“But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! We’re adding extra buses to the Transportation and Ticket Center route, so you can still easily get to your destination. And the best part? It’s totally free! If you prefer to use your own vehicle, you can still do so, but please note that you will be responsible for the parking fee at the theme parks. Alternatively, you could use a ride-sharing service like Uber, Lyft, or the Minnie Van™ service by Lyft – all available within the Walt Disney World Resort.”
The Resort is one of the Armed Forces Recreation Center Resorts (AFRC) and is available exclusively to members of the U. S. Armed Forces, their families, and other authorized Guests, and eligibility requirements are strict:
Veterans who are Purple Heart recipients, veterans who are former POWs, all veterans with VA-documented service-connected disability ratings, and individuals assessed, approved, and designated as the Primary Family Caregivers of eligible veterans under the VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers are eligible Shades of Green Resort users when identified as follows:
Veterans must present a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) indicating at least one of the three acceptable eligibility statuses (PURPLE HEART, FORMER POW, or SERVICE CONNECTED); or HEC form H623A indicating placement in VA health care priority group 8E paired with an acceptable credential like a REAL ID-compliant State driver’s license or a U.S. passport.
To learn more about Shades of Green, click on the video below, or visit the official Shades of Green website by clicking here.
