Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel vs Disney Explorers Lodge Review | Disney Explorers Lodge Room Tour

Summary

In this video, Gio from Independent Guides reviews two Disney hotels at Hong Kong Disneyland: Disney's Explorers Lodge and the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel. He compares their unique features, such as the Explorers Lodge’s themed rooms, spaciousness, and relaxed atmosphere, with the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel’s luxury services, refined Victorian decor, and closer proximity to the park. Both hotels offer excellent amenities, but the Explorers Lodge stands out for its modern theme and affordability, while the Disneyland Hotel is a premium option with fine dining and superior service. Gio recommends splitting a stay between both for a complete Disney experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Disney Explorers Lodge at Hong Kong Disneyland opened in April 2017 and is the mid-priced hotel among the three on-site options.
• 😀 The Disney Explorers Lodge has 750 rooms, split into four themed wings: Polynesia, Asia, South America, and Africa, with an exploration theme.
• 😀 The hotel offers amenities such as a large pool, themed gardens, an indoor kids' club, and poolside activities in the evening.
• 😀 There is no hotel gym at the Explorers Lodge, but guests have access to the gym, sauna, and steam room at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel.
• 😀 The Explorers Lodge features three dining options: a quick-service cafe, a table-service world cuisine restaurant, and a Chinese restaurant.
• 😀 The hotel is located 20 minutes from the park by foot, with shuttle buses available for convenience.
• 😀 The rooms at the Explorers Lodge are spacious, with amenities like a mini-fridge, tea and coffee station, a large vanity, and H2O bath products.
• 😀 The Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel is a five-star property and has 400 rooms, with a Victorian Disney theme.
• 😀 The Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel features luxury amenities such as an outdoor pool with a water slide, a hot tub, a gym, and an indoor pool.
• 😀 Food options at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel include a poolside bar, Walt's Cafe, a character buffet, and a fine dining Chinese restaurant called Crystal Lotus.
• 😀 Prices for a standard room at both hotels are typically around $255 USD per night during low season, but can rise significantly during high seasons.
• 😀 Both hotels are close to the parks, but the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel offers a shorter 10-minute walk to the park compared to the 20-minute walk from the Explorers Lodge.
• 😀 The reviewer prefers the Explorers Lodge for its more modern, relaxed atmosphere, better theming, and value for money, especially if the gym and sauna aren't essential.

Q & A

What is the theme of Disney Explorers Lodge?

Disney Explorers Lodge is themed around exploration, with four wings dedicated to different regions: Polynesia, Asia, South America, and Africa.

What are the main amenities offered at Disney Explorers Lodge?

The main amenities include a large outdoor pool, themed gardens, an indoor kids' club, poolside activities, and access to fitness facilities at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel.

How does the location of Disney Explorers Lodge compare to Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel?

Disney Explorers Lodge is slightly farther from the park, with a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute shuttle ride to the park entrance, whereas Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel is closer, only a 10-minute walk.

What food options are available at Disney Explorers Lodge?

There are a quick-service café called Chartroom Cafe, the World of Color restaurant offering world cuisine, and a Chinese restaurant named Dragon Wind.

What is a downside of dining at the World of Color restaurant in Disney Explorers Lodge?

The reviewer was disappointed with the seafood pizza at the World of Color restaurant, advising others to avoid it.

What distinguishes the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel from Disney Explorers Lodge in terms of service?

Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel offers a more refined, five-star level of service, with a more intimate lobby and luxurious facilities, including live music and premium dining options.

What are the leisure facilities available at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel?

The hotel has an outdoor pool with a water slide, an outdoor hot tub, a gym, a sauna, steam room, an indoor hot tub, and a beautiful indoor pool. There is also a playground, tennis court, maze, and kids' activity center.

How are the rooms at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel different from those at Disney Explorers Lodge?

Rooms at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel are slightly smaller than those at Disney Explorers Lodge and feature Victorian Disney-themed decor. They also offer character-themed rooms and club-level rooms with additional benefits like access to a lounge.

What dining options are offered at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel?

Dining options include Walt’s Café (table service), Enchanted Garden (character buffet), and Crystal Lotus (fine dining Chinese restaurant with Disney-themed dim sum).

How does the pricing of Disney Explorers Lodge compare to Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel?

Pricing is generally similar, with both hotels costing around $255 USD per night during low season. However, during peak times, Disney Explorers Lodge can reach $390 USD per night, while Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel can go up to $550 USD per night.