WDW Hotels

DisBeamer · Post by **DisBeamer** » Jan Fri 30, 2009 8:48 pm

99Soulz wrote:
DisBeamer wrote:
dbalentine wrote:I only heard of Shades of Green a couple of months ago. My impression is that it's reserved for those in the military, active and retired. True?
It's leased by the US Military from Disney and, yes, you can only stay there if you're in (or have been in) the armed forces. You're allowed to go visit, though, but their security kiosk out front is a little more serious business than the usual Disney ones. Back in the day, it was the Disney Golf Resort, then the Disney Inn. You can see the entrance if you're driving around over by the Grand Floridian.
I'm not exactly sure what the agreement is but it's not listed as a Disney-owned property at all. You cannot book thru Disney (due to military restictions/eligibility), they don't employ any Disney CM's and are not on the transportation system. They have their own busses that only take you to the TTC and back.

Since I am not sure of the actual legal ownership, I really cannot judge or comment but if Disney does have any rights/ownership they really should incorporate ALL the amenities.

Does anyone know the deal?

As far as I've ever heard (and as I said), it's leased on a long-term lease (though I've never heard a number of years given). That would seem to imply that Disney still owns it - at least, the land it's on. I would imagine their setup is similar, though obviously not the same as, what the Swolphin has.

I don't think they get revenue from the specific rooms, though, so I don't really agree Disney's on the hook to supply the same amenities as their owned-and-operated resorts, you know? The military is going to pay their lease regardless of how many people are staying there and what those people are paying, so it's really up to the military how things are run, imo. For what it's worth, from everything I've heard from people who've stayed there, they seem to do a pretty decent job. I like the fact that it's set up that higher ranking officers pay more, for instance.

jiminycricket · Post by **jiminycricket** » Feb Wed 04, 2009 2:23 pm

We have stayed at 8 different Disney hotels and the Fort Wilderness cabins. Each is unique and special. I prefer the Wilderness Lodge, but the cabins at FWC are great also!

kima86 · Post by **kima86** » Feb Mon 09, 2009 2:12 pm

I wish I could have the chance to stay at all of them, but we've managed to stay at only 3 so far - (the other times have been off site):

All Star Sports (2000)
Pop Century (2005)
Old Key West (2006)

I really liked the theming of Pop Century, but my favorite has been Old Key West - it's so relaxing.

purple figment · Post by **purple figment** » Mar Thu 05, 2009 12:08 am

I have stayed at the Polynesian, the Comtemporary, Port Orleans Riverside, Animal Kingdom Lodge, The Grand Floridian and the Wilderness Lodge.

They are all special. I think my favorites are the Poly (not that I can ever afford to go there again), the Contemporary (ditto) and the Wilderness Lodge.

I would love to stay at the Beach Club, the Yacht Club or Boardwalk.

Peerless83 · Post by **Peerless83** » Mar Fri 06, 2009 8:51 am

I have not stayed at all of them..but the Wilderness Lodge is by far my favorite Disney resort..But I will admit that listening to the band play in the Grand Flo while enjoying a cocktail is pretty hard to beat as well!