Military Disney Tips Monthly – September 2025: See What You Missed

The Military Disney Tips Monthly Newsletter

Welcome to this month's edition of the Military Disney Tips Monthly Newsletter!

This past month, we covered a lot of ground. From relaxing on your Disney vacation, to helpful breakdowns of Disneyland military ticket options and how to relax after a busy park day — there was plenty to talk about.

Two big stories stood out this month. First, the announcement that Cinderella Castle is returning to its classic blue and grey colors — a change that brought a smile to many longtime fans (myself included). And second, Magic Kingdom quietly introduced Beak & Barrel, a charming new pirate-themed hideaway, and we visited.

If you missed anything, here’s a quick recap of what we published in September — plus a few reader-favorite posts you might enjoy.

🆕 New Blog Posts & Pages This Month

🟦 Cinderella Castle Is Returning to Its Classic Colors — And I’m So Glad!
The makeover is coming to an end, and the castle is going back to its iconic blue and grey hues. Find out why this nostalgic change means so much to long-time fans.
🔗 Read More »

✨ Beak & Barrel: A Pirate's Hideaway at Magic Kingdom
Ahoy, mateys! There's a brand-new pirate-themed experience at Magic Kingdom. Beak & Barrel brings swashbuckling charm and immersive fun, perfect for families with little adventurers.
👉 Read more →

📅 The Ultimate Guide to Disney Reservations — Walt Disney World & Disneyland
Everything you need to know about making park reservations at both Disney World and Disneyland, especially under current policies.
👉 Read the Reservation Guide

🪖 Military Disneyland Tickets 2025: Armed Forces Salute vs Regular Discounts
A full breakdown of the 2025 ticket options for military families headed to Disneyland — including what makes the Salute offer different.
👉 Compare Disneyland Military Tickets

🟦 Is There a Shades of Green in California at Disneyland?
Many wonder if there's a Shades of Green-style resort on the West Coast. Here's everything you need to know about military-friendly options at Disneyland.
🔗 Get the Details »

🛏️ Relaxation at Shades of Green: Where to Recharge After a Disney Day
After a full day of Disney magic, you deserve a place to unwind. Discover the best places to relax and recharge at Shades of Green, from scenic spots to cozy corners.
👉 Read More

🕶️ Meet Edna Mode at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The iconic fashionista from The Incredibles is now greeting guests! Get the details on this fabulous new character experience at Hollywood Studios.
👉 Learn More

🍽️ Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' at Disney Springs
Craving Southern comfort food? Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' delivers delicious dishes with a homey vibe right in the heart of Disney Springs. Learn why this spot is a must-visit for food-loving families.
👉 Read the review →

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🔥 You Also Might Like

🏨 Choosing Where to Stay at Walt Disney World
An overview of Disney resort options to help you find the best fit for your budget and travel style.
👉 Read the Resort Guide

🛏 The Best Rooms at the Shades of Green Resort
Insider tips on which rooms offer the best views, locations, and value.
👉 Check out the Best Rooms

🎆 Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios — Everything You Need to Know
From seating to showtimes, here’s how to make the most of Disney’s legendary nighttime show.
👉 Read the Fantasmic! Guide

🎟 Where to Buy Disney Military Tickets in 2025 — and What They Cost
A handy reference for all your 2025 ticket-buying options.
👉 View Ticket Options

🛍 Shades of Green’s AAFES General Store
Find out what’s available at this on-resort convenience store.
👉 Visit the Store Overview

📍 Orlando Florida ITT Ticket Sales Office
Learn how this local military office can help with ticket purchases.
👉 Explore the ITT Office

🍽 Disney Dining Overview
How dining works at Disney, including reservations and mobile ordering.
👉 View the Dining Guide

🚍 Wondering how to get around Disney World if you're staying at Shades of Green?
Here’s a guide to transportation options that will help you get where you need to go.
🔗 Getting Around Walt Disney World for Shades of Green Guests

📸 Looking to capture your magical memories?
Learn how military families can save on the Disney Memory Maker PhotoPass service.
🔗 Military Discount on Disney Memory Maker PhotoPass

⚡ Not sure if Lightning Lane is included with your military tickets?
We break down what’s included and what costs extra when it comes to Disney’s line-skipping options.
🔗 Is Disney’s Lightning Lane Included with Military Tickets?

🛏️ Curious about what Shades of Green rooms are really like?
Check out this look at the resort’s standard guest rooms to see what you can expect.
🔗 Shades of Green Resort’s Standard Guest Rooms Overview

🚶 Want to stretch your legs while getting from point A to point B?
Here’s how to walk from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort to the Transportation & Ticket Center.
🔗 Walk Between Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and the Transportation & Ticket Center

How to Book Your Stay at Shades of Green
Everything you need to know to reserve your perfect resort stay.
👉 Booking Guide

How to Activate Your Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets
Step-by-step instructions to get your tickets ready for the parks.
👉 Ticket Activation Guide

Top 10 Things to Love About Shades of Green
From affordability to exclusive perks—find out why this resort is a favorite.
👉 See the List

Walt Disney World's Transportation and Ticket Center Explained
A helpful overview of this key hub for getting around the parks.
👉 Transportation Tips

Military Promotional Tickets vs. Regular Military Tickets
Not all tickets are created equal—know the difference to save money and time.
👉 Ticket Comparison

🏨 Shades of Green Transportation Options
Navigating Walt Disney World is easier with the right info. Here's how Shades of Green guests can get around efficiently.
👉 Learn more →

🎟️ Disney Military Theme Park Tickets
Maximize your benefits with military-exclusive ticket options.
👉 Get the details →

⚡ Using Lightning Lane with Military Tickets
Yes, you can use Lightning Lane with military tickets! Here's what you need to know to skip the lines.
👉 Find out how →

🏡 How Disney Armed Forces Salute Room Discounts Work
Unlock amazing room savings with this guide to the Disney Armed Forces Salute program.
👉 Read the guide →

🗺️ Shades of Green Resort Layout
Explore the layout of this military-exclusive resort before your stay.
👉 Take a tour →

🏢 The Orlando ITT Office, Navy Exchange, and Commissary
Plan your visit to the Orlando area with this helpful guide to military resources nearby.
👉 Check it out →

💬 What Did You Think?

Which article was most helpful? Was there something you were hoping to see?
Leave a comment on the site and let me know — I read every one.

If you know someone who could benefit from these tips, please forward this newsletter or share the site. Your support helps more military families plan incredible Disney vacations.

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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Disney's Aulani Military Discounts

Disney's Hawaii Resort, Aulani, also offers Military Discounts on a seasonal basis.

Shades of Green Specials

Here is the newsletter’s regular feature with all of Shades of Green’s current discounts.

Here are the current limited-time discounts from Shades of Green:

New Offers

None

Modified Offers

None

Unmodified Offers

Savings in October 2025

January Savings 2026

Sweet Savings in February 2026

April Showers & Savings 2026 - Room Only

Savings in April 2026 - Room and Breakfast

Military Appreciation Month May 2026 - Room and Breakfast

Military Appreciation Month May 2026 - Room Only

Shades of Green Summer 2026 - Room and Breakfast (Jul-Aug)

Shades of Green Summer 2026 - Room Only (Aug)

Canceled Offers

None

See all the Shades of Green Discounts

You can see these discounts and watch for any new discounts that pop up on the Shades of Green Discount Page, and of course, I’ll let you know here in the newsletter.

Don’t Forget!

Please take our Post-Vacation Surveys!

There are a few Shades of Green surveys and a Military Ticket survey too.

Military Disney Tips Surveys

See the results: Military Members Review and Rate Shades of Green

This Newsletter Brought To You By:

The Mouse Experts, my trusted Disney-Specializing Travel Agent.

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