Army Plans $50-Mil Expansion at Shades of Green

ORLANDO-The Army’s eight-year-old, 287-room Shades of Green resort at Walt Disney World plans to break ground in April on a $50 million expansion that will double its room count to 574 rooms and accommodate its growing guest list.

The Army-owned and operated hotel near the Magic Kingdom attraction is 99% occupied and not open to the general public. Hospitality industry analysts agree Shades of Green is the most successful hotel operation in the United States, largely because it caters to a captive audience at below-market room rates.

Room rates vary depending on military rank. A private for example, pays $62 per night; captains, $87. Typical room rates in nearby Disney area hotels generally average $150 per night in season when the economy is bubbling. Current Disney area hotels have dropped prices by 50% to 70% at some locations.