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The Military Disney Tips Monthly Newsletter
Hello and welcome to this month's newsletter!
☕ From Steve’s Desk
July was an exciting month at Military Disney Tips, with a little bit of everything. I wrapped up Disney's Fourth of July celebrations and America 250 coverage, then shifted attention to practical planning articles designed to help military families get the most from their vacations.
One of the biggest highlights was the release of the 2026 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party military dates and pricing. I also continued expanding Shades of Green coverage with new planning guides, transportation tips, resort comparisons, and guest-focused advice based on real military family experiences. Along the way, I also added new Walt Disney World planning articles, Disneyland content, and even a few Aulani resources.
Whether you're planning a trip later this year, researching next year's vacation, or simply enjoying reading about Disney from home, I hope you find something helpful in this month's collection.
Steve
⭐ Featured Stories of the Month
This one's from the Fourth of July. The 920th Rescue Wing from Patrick Space Force Base did a flyover of the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT. Disney posted some great pictures.
👉 Disney’s July 4 Flyover Features Real Combat Rescue Aircraft—Not Fighter Jets
In this new guide, I explain exactly how the Transportation and Ticket Center affects Shades of Green guest's Magic Kingdom and EPCOT visits, who it impacts the most, and how to plan around it.
👉 The Transportation and Ticket Center Reality for Shades of Green Guests
Disney has announced the 2026 dates for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and Shades of Green has now released the military discounted dates and prices.
👉 2026 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party military prices and dates
Long before it became Walt Disney World's military resort, Shades of Green was Disney's Golf Resort and later The Disney Inn. I completely updated this history with photos, new research, and personal stories from my years visiting and covering the resort. If you've ever wondered how this unique military resort came to exist inside Walt Disney World, this is one of my favorite articles I've written.
👉 The History of the Shades of Green Resort at Walt Disney World
🆕 New Blog Posts & Pages This Month
✨ My Best Walt Disney World Tips After 50 Years of Disney Trips
After five decades of visiting Walt Disney World—as a guest, Cast Member, military traveler, and DVC owner—I’ve narrowed down the tips that have made the biggest difference in our family’s vacations.
👉 Read my best Walt Disney World tips after 50 years of Disney trips
🌺 Aulani’s Ka Wa‘a Luau vs. Hale Koa Luau: Which Is Worth Your Money?
If you're planning an Oahu vacation, this side-by-side comparison explains the differences in food, entertainment, atmosphere, and overall value to help you choose the right luau.
👉 Compare Aulani's Ka Wa‘a Luau and the Hale Koa Luau
🌙 Why Extended Evening Hours Make Shades of Green One of Disney World's Best Hotel Values
One of the biggest hidden benefits of staying at Shades of Green is access to Disney's Extended Evening Hours—a Deluxe Resort perk that can dramatically improve your park experience.
👉 See why Extended Evening Hours make Shades of Green such a great value
🪖 The best thing about Shades of Green isn't the military discount
Most people expect me to say it's the money you save. After many stays, I've come to appreciate something completely different—the relaxed atmosphere, larger rooms, friendly military community, and the way the resort changes the entire feel of a Walt Disney World vacation.
👉 See the Shades of Green Advantages
🎢 Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster has changed... but not as much as some people think.
👉 Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets: Complete Guide and What to Expect
Is Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs worth the hype?
Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs has quickly become one of Disney's most popular quick-service snack spots, but popularity doesn't always equal "must-do." After several visits, I'm sharing what I loved, one menu item I'd skip, and who I think will enjoy it the most.
👉 Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs at Disney's BoardWalk: Is It Worth a Stop?
🪖 What Guests Love About Shades of Green — And the Tradeoffs You Should Know
Military families love the big rooms, peaceful setting, strong value, and practical layout — but there are a few tradeoffs you really need to understand before booking.
👉 See this post based on 10 years of surveys
🪖 Military Planning Tips
💰 Disney Memory Maker Military Discount Our newly updated Military Memory Maker guide explains the $98 military offer, who qualifies, where to purchase it, and why you don't have to buy it before rope drop. We also help you decide whether Memory Maker is actually worth it for your family's vacation style.
👉 2026 Disney Memory Maker Military Discount: Save on PhotoPass at Disney World
⭐ Military Members Review and Rate Shades of Green
Planning a stay at Shades of Green? See what hundreds of military families had to say about the resort, including what they loved, what could be improved, and how they rated the rooms, dining, transportation, and overall experience.
👉 Read the Military Members Review and Rate Shades of Green report
💰 Why Didn't You Get the Full Military Room Discount?
One of the most confusing parts of the Disney Armed Forces Salute is the resort room discount. Disney advertises savings of "up to" a certain percentage, but many military families receive something much lower.
👉 How Disney Armed Forces Salute Room Discounts Really Work
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🔥 You Also Might Like
- 🚌 Shades of Green Transportation Options
Learn the best ways to get from Shades of Green to every Walt Disney World park, Disney Springs, and nearby resorts.
👉 Explore Shades of Green transportation options
- 🏊 Shades of Green Resort Pools
Whether you're looking for a relaxing afternoon or a place for the kids to play, here's everything you need to know about the Magnolia and Mill Pond pools.
👉 Explore the Shades of Green pools
- 🍽️ Dining Options at Shades of Green
From quick-service meals to table-service restaurants and grab-and-go snacks, this guide covers every dining option at Disney's military resort.
👉 See all dining options at Shades of Green
- 🌴 Our Family's Aulani Vacation: What We Loved, What We'd Change, and Why We'd Stay Longer
An honest look at our family's stay at Aulani, including favorite experiences, lessons learned, and what we'd do differently next time.
👉 Read our Aulani vacation review
- 🏛️ EPCOT's Wonders of Life Pavilion: The History of an Underused and Now Closed Location
Take a nostalgic look back at one of EPCOT's most fascinating—and often overlooked—pavilions and its evolution over the years.
👉 Explore the history of the Wonders of Life Pavilion
- 🎈 15 Best Free Things to Do in Walt Disney World
You don't have to spend extra money to have a memorable Disney vacation. Here are some of our favorite free experiences around Walt Disney World.
👉 Discover 15 free things to do at Walt Disney World
- 🏨 Shades of Green vs. Disney Resorts: Which Is Better for Military Families?
Both offer excellent advantages, but the best choice depends on your family's priorities. We compare pricing, transportation, benefits, dining, and more to help you decide.
👉 Compare Shades of Green and Disney Resorts
- 🎟️ Military Disneyland Tickets: Armed Forces Salute vs. Regular Discounts
Not sure which Disneyland military ticket is right for your trip? This complete guide explains the differences between the Armed Forces Salute Ticket and regular military discounts so you can maximize your savings.
👉 Compare Disneyland military ticket options
- 🛍️ Disney Springs Military Discounts at Walt Disney World
From shopping and dining to entertainment, discover where eligible military families can save money at Disney Springs during their Walt Disney World vacation.
👉 See military discounts available at Disney Springs
- 🌡️ Why Are Walt Disney World Hotel Rooms Getting So Hot?
Many Disney guests have noticed warmer room temperatures in recent years. We explain why it happens, what you can expect, and a few tips to stay more comfortable during your vacation.
👉 Learn why Disney hotel rooms can feel so warm
- 🎟️ Walt Disney World Military Theme Park Tickets
Not every military ticket works the same way. This guide explains how Military Theme Park Tickets compare with the Disney Military Salute Ticket and when each makes the most sense.
👉 Learn about Walt Disney World Military Theme Park Tickets
- 👨👩👧👦 How Many Military Disney Tickets Can You Buy—and Who Can Use Them?
Confused about ticket limits or who can use military-discounted tickets? This guide explains the rules, guest limits, and common scenarios.
👉 See how many military Disney tickets you can buy and who can use them
- ⚓ The Orlando Navy Tickets and Travel Office
Located just minutes from Walt Disney World, this ITT office is a convenient place for eligible military families to purchase discounted attraction tickets. You'll also find a Commissary there!
👉 Learn about the Orlando Navy Tickets and Travel Office
- ⚖️ Disney vs. Universal Military Discounts: Which Is Better?
Both destinations offer outstanding military savings, but the best choice depends on your family’s vacation style, budget, and travel goals. This guide compares them side by side.
👉 Compare Disney vs. Universal military discounts
- ✈️ Airport Transportation to Walt Disney World & Shades of Green
Whether you’re renting a car, using a rideshare, or booking a shuttle, this guide compares the best ways to get from Orlando International Airport to your Disney resort.
👉 See airport transportation options
- 💰 Is Shades of Green Really Cheaper Than Disney Resorts?
We compared real 2026 vacation scenarios to see when Shades of Green offers the best value—and when a Disney resort military discount may be the better choice.
👉 See the real 2026 cost comparisons
🛏️ The Best Rooms at the Shades of Green Resort
Room location can have a big impact on your stay. Learn which areas offer the best combination of convenience, quieter surroundings, and easy access to resort amenities.
👉 See the best rooms at Shades of Green
🎟️ What's the Right Military Discounted Disney Ticket for Me?
Not sure which military ticket option fits your family's plans? This guide compares the available choices to help you make the right decision.
👉 Find the right military discounted Disney ticket
⭐ Military Members Review and Rate Shades of Green
See what hundreds of military families had to say about their stays, including ratings for rooms, dining, transportation, and overall guest satisfaction.
👉 Read the Shades of Green guest reviews
🏨 Disney Armed Forces Salute Room Package vs. Room-Only Reservation
Trying to decide which booking option is best? This guide explains the differences between Disney's military room package and a room-only reservation so you can choose the option that fits your vacation.
👉 Compare the Disney Armed Forces Salute room package and room-only reservation
Thanks for being part of the Military Disney Tips community! Have a wonderful Fourth, and as always, thank you for your service 🇺🇸✨
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Disney Cruise Line Military Discounts
Did you know that the Disney Cruise Line also offers Military Discounts?
They Sure do!
These discounts aren't offered all the time, though. They are just for specific sailings and cabin types. And they are often available to book for a limited time. In fact, the list of availability changes every week! Disney updates the dates if needed on Mondays (as do we).
You can see available dates and learn more on our Disney Cruise Line Military Discount page. (Updated each Monday afternoon)
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