Armed Forces Recreation Center Resorts

MAJ Dallas D. — Thu, 15 May 2014 09:26:22 -0400

What are your thoughts on the Armed Forces Recreation Center Resorts such as Shades of Green at Disney or others?

Do you use them?

Are they a benefit that you really enjoy?

I have stayed at Shades of Green (Orlando), Hale Koa (Hawaii) and Dragon Hill Lodge (Korea) and enjoyed my stay at each one.

In the past Shades of Green was booked almost a year in advance but I called today and they have rooms for next month, are they no longer being used as much?

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made May 15 at 2014 9:29 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Thu, 15 May 2014 09:29:54 -0400

I've stayed at the hale Koa, Dragon Hill Lodge, and Edelweiss Lodge in Germany (and it's predecessors) and have enjoyed the comfort and convenience of all of them. I've not stayed in any since my retirement but if I were going to an area with an AFRC resort, it would certainly be my first choice.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made May 15 at 2014 1:51 PM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Thu, 15 May 2014 13:51:30 -0400

I've used both Shades of Green and the Hale Koa.
AWESOME resource. If in the area of any of them, I will select over any other option. Especially the Hale Koa.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2014 1:53 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 May 2014 13:53:25 -0400

I have stayed at them in the past. They have one in Virginia Beach. It was at a great price. I think it is a great benefit to have for those in the military.

Response by COL John Rosnow made May 16 at 2014 10:09 PM

COL John Rosnow — Fri, 16 May 2014 22:09:34 -0400

I have never stayed at Shades of Green as it was much cheaper for me to stay at a time share. I do head over there to purchase tickets for the Disney Parks. They have the best deal around.

I have stayed at several of the Armed Forces Recreation Centers in Germany (there used to be a few of them). They were a great deal, and a great way to see the country.

The Hale Koa was nice when I stayed there and cheaper than other hotels in the area, but not cheap if you were staying a week.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made May 16 at 2014 10:26 PM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Fri, 16 May 2014 22:26:27 -0400

Sir, I used the Hale Koa during my honeymoon. We loved it and plan on going back someday with the kids to visit Hawaii.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2014 9:19 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 09:19:11 -0400

Shades of Green to expensive, can can stay in a 3 bedroom furnished Condo for 1/2 the price.
Hale Koa also expensive, I stayed there for a few days and quickly changed to furnished 2 bedroom apartment in Kahala located on the beach, they rent by day, week, month.
Dragon Hill Lodge is the number one scam, I PCS in and pay 2x the normal rate compared to LV/Pass rate. When PCS out me and my family stayed at the Hilton in a penthouse for less money.
I would add what they all offer is convienance, but with a little effort and research you will find much cheaper or better locations.

Response by COL Randall C. made Jul 6 at 2014 11:13 AM

COL Randall C. — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 11:13:10 -0400

I've stayed at the Shades of Green twice and have enjoyed both stays. You can find cheaper places to stay near Disney. I geeked out and did a comprehensive spreadsheet comparing the rates of the Disney properties (after the 40% military discount they gave), hotel dining, transportation to/from the airport, etc. Came out cheaper than the Disney budget resorts!

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 26 at 2014 4:21 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 16:21:57 -0400

Hale Koa with the family 2 months before I retired (had massive leave to burn up). Right on the beach and the cost pales in comparison to the other resorts. They have great deals from time to time. I strongly urge people to get on their website contact list.