I echo everyone's sentiments on Shades of Green. I have stayed there every year since 2007. I'm traditional Air Guard and even though it is not plussed out Disney, the resort is very, very nice. It's like an Air Force Inn, like the one at the KMCC at Ramstein. It has the amenities and some slight Disney touches. The resort caters to the military member and his or her family.
Like many, I am on the go when I visit the resort. I need a place to crash for the night and the rooms are BIG. Two queens and a sleeper sofa.
Sure you might do some extra walking to get from your room (or if you are lucky your room is near the parking garage and you cut through the garage) to the top of the street to cross into the Polynesian, but it's not that bad. They have a "Shady Shuttle" golf cart that, if available, can whisk you to the top of the street.
The coolest parts staying at Shades are the economical rates, based on your rank (and even some seasons you might have access to HALF PRICE room rates, or nearly close to half. How can you go wrong with a "suite" for $50-$60 a night if you are lucky, or $93 a night off-promotion for E1-E4); the no sales tax; having access to both Shades transportation AND Disney transportation; access to a daily $10 shuttle van that takes you to either Sea World or Universal; and feeling special at a resort that is exclusive to catering to the military.
If you are a golfer you can golf next door at the Magnolia or the Palm for about half price, or a significant reduced rate than other Disney guests.
As for the Shades buses on Disney property, they only run twice an hour on the long routes, say to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios and Downtown Disney, and each 15 minutes from the TTC. But the cool part of it all is that if you know the Shades bus schedule (posted in the lobby and at the bus stand), work it to your advantage and combine it with Disney transportation.
The only thing is that Shades buses do not park where Disney transportation buses park. A slight disadvantage, but it could work in your favor if Disney transportation is unavailable.
If you don't mind an extra 10-15 minutes, you can walk from the TTC and through the Polynesian Resort path all the way to right across the street from Shades.
Finally, if you arrive by car, Shades has the only multi-level indoor parking garage on Disney property (until Downtown Disney transforms into Disney Springs). It only costs $5 parking a day to park your vehicle. As well, it costs about $32-$35 roundtrip from Orlando International Airport to Shades on the Mears Shuttle. By the way, Disney partnered with Mears to run the Disney Magical Express.
Best of luck if you stay at Shades, or if you decide to go more Disney and use a 40-percent military discount on Disney hotels.
