Explorers Hotel

[ScottishDisMam]

I've just booked for our family of 5 to go to DRP in march. We've previously stayed at Newport Bay, Sequoia Lodge and Cheyennne, but it was more cost effective to book Explorers. My husband is a bit worried in case it's too far away, and not the same as staying in resort, so can anyone tell me how it is, although I'm just really excited to be going.


Lisa x

 

[A Small World]

We stayed at Explorers for a few days at Easter (after a few days at Santa Fe) and also at Holiday Inn in Summer. These hotels are very close to the park- just across the road really from Santa Fe and Esso garage. They are walkable although we never did it.

We still felt as though we had the Disney magic especially in Explorers as it was so well themed and there was a Disney shop on site.

The pool there is brilliant as is the childrens indoor play area. Look at the hotel FAQ thread for more info about our stay

 

[Ware Bears]

We've only ever stayed at Explorers so I can't compare it with the Disney Hotels but I never feel like I'm missing out on anything.

Like A Small World said, it's really been designed with kids in mind. We often walk to/from the parks ~ not sure of the ages of your kids but if they're up to it, it's a pleasant 25 minute walk.

The Disney Shop is a good one too, it stocks a wide range of merchandise so is very good for last minute pressies!

 

[Cyrano]

Given that you are served by a regular shuttle bus you don't feel to far away from the park and Disney village.
IMHO one of the few things you miss out on is the character photo meets. So this is not a great deal. For familys of 5 and over the partner hotels have made a DLP holiday very affordable
But you can always go to any of the hotels in the morning or anytime if you so wish

 

[ScottishDisMam]

Thanks, thats good to know that you can walk it - my kids are 15 13 and 11 so walking no prob.
This visit was completely unplanned, but I saw cheap flights with easyjet, and priced Disney and they were too expensive, and showed no availibility at the explorers for a crew 6 room, so I phoned the hotel direct and they booked it for me, and I must say they were really nice and sent me a lovely confirmation e mail saying that they were at my disposal!
The only thing now will be getting park tickets, and saving for some nice souveneirs.

Thanks again for your replies,

Lisa

 

[Sinead]

How long would you estimate the walk to the parks? Is it well sign posted or along a scenic route?

From Santa Fe I reckon it took us maybe 10 mins and was a lovely walk along the river so we never bothered with using the shuttle but we are thinking of staying @ Explorers next time with family.

 

[tennisfan]

I would personally just use the free shuttle bus that serves the hotel, its a lot easier then trying to cross the road which is always busy.

I never use the shuttle if staying in a Disney hotel but did when I stayed in the Kyriad which is along the samme road as the Explorers.

 

[Ware Bears]

How long would you estimate the walk to the parks? Is it well sign posted or along a scenic route?

From Santa Fe I reckon it took us maybe 10 mins and was a lovely walk along the river so we never bothered with using the shuttle but we are thinking of staying @ Explorers next time with family.

It takes us about 25 minutes. We follow the river and cut through by the Santa Fe, then it's just a short walk to the off-site hotels from there.

 

[TOT CREW]

If you are travelling to DLRP by car, you can request a parking pass (when staying at the Explorers Hotel) which will allow you free access to the main DLRP car park for the duration of your stay. Request the pass when you check-in.

Driving time from Explorers to the DLRP car park is about 5 mins.

As stated by others, there are shuttle buses that serve the Explorer and neighbouring hotels - although we did not use these ourselves. I understand that these can be very busy at peak times (in particular, at park closure) and you may not be able to get on the first bus.