Hotels to avoid, or recommend

[diamond57]

I would be very grateful for any advice regarding hotels off site to avoid (or you would recommend as budget hotels/hostels), or areas. Will be travelling on my own with six year old daughter, and most on site charge per room which makes it pricey in August. Also, any advice regarding cost/availability of local buses/taxis to get to off site hotels - we would want to stay until the fireworks. Any advice will be gratefully received, because previously we have stayed at the Newport Bay and Santa Fe but both of them are so expensive in August - going then because it is dd's birthday, and getting annual passport for her and my birthday presents.
Thanks
Iona

[wideeyes]

you could try the Holiday Inn or Explorers which I have never stayed at however plenty of people on here have, and I have not heard anything negative about. They have buses to the park and are not far away.

[BONITATIME]

I like the Holiday inn. There web site gives great prices and you can then buy tickets extra. There is a free bus going to all the associated hotels so that would mean you don't need to get a Taxi.

I wouldn't reccomend the Kyriad in Esbly as it is a fair way to et to it and a taxi was about 20 euros. Other than that is was a great little hotel but a long way away.
We looked at the Moulin de Paris for this summer which is not so far away. There prices were ok. You could almost wallk it but probably not with a 6 year old unless she walks well or you have a large pushchair. But I haven't stayed there so I can't comment how it is.

[Cyrano]

Another who can vouch for the Holiday Inn :thumbsup2

[Ware Bears]

We stay at the Explorers, it is fine there and is a very nice hotel for children.

However, I think you will probably be able to get a room at the Holiday Inn through their own website cheaper, bearing in mind the Holiday Inn is a 4 star hotel! :teeth:

[Quack]

We have stayed in the Explorers. It was fine. Rooms were practical but fairly ordinary (and small). Breakfast was also ok. Evening meals there were horrible and overpriced (although we did not try the pizza place). There is a good childrens play area (indoors) and good pool with separate toddler area.

Given the choice we would not 'choose' to go there again because we have been spoiled by staying in a Disney hotel. But honestly, if I was strapped for cash then I would stay there.

[diamond57]

The Explorers looks likely, but there are a couple of not so good report on it - including the bus being hard to board sometimes, and it not running very late when the park closes at 11pm. Has anyone else found this? The other option is the Dream Castle, has anyone any comments on this? We have tried for the Holiday Inn, and there is very limited availability - including none on our preferred dates.

[Cyrano]

The shuttle bus is shared by Kyriad, Holiday Inn, Dream castle and The Explorer. We never had difficulty with timing, but as with all the shuttles when the park closes it can be a bit of a scrum :)

[Quack]

The Explorers looks likely, but there are a couple of not so good report on it - including the bus being hard to board sometimes, and it not running very late when the park closes at 11pm. Has anyone else found this? The other option is the Dream Castle, has anyone any comments on this? We have tried for the Holiday Inn, and there is very limited availability - including none on our preferred dates.

It was always a scrum to get on. On one occassion the bus was too full and we had to wait 20 minutes for the next one. With two young children it can be hairy (you are unlikely to get a seat and the little ones have to hang on!) They do pack them to full standing capacity so be prepared for this.

[Ghost]

Holiday Inn... book online, become a member, and before you know it you'll even have a free night at one of their hotels...

I will be using this on my August trip (I can't believe I am going during an august weekend - I must be mad)...

Just book as soon as possible - price go up the longer you wait....

[Ware Bears]

Iona, we have stayed at the Explorers twice and find it meets all our needs. It is clean and comfortable and the continental breakfast is good, although I wouldn't bother to pay the supplement for the cooked English. We have never eaten an evening meal there as there are so many Disney restaurants to choose from in the park or Village.
The only downside is the manic scrabble for the shuttle bus immediately after the park closes. One good thing is that Explorers is *usually* first pick-up and drop-off of the off-site hotels.

[Ware Bears]

Iona, just found this (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1090324&highlight=Movenpick) thread about the Movenpick Dream Castle hotel. Hope it helps. :)