Driving to Disney Davy Crockett Ranch

[Powerkiter]

My wife wants to take the children to the Disney Davy Crockett Ranch for 3/ 4 days in July. As we are going to drive I want to stop over at a few places on the way; probably two nights on the way and two nights on the way back. Will be travelling via Euro Tunnel. Having never visited Northern France, any recommendations where should I be visiting/ staying over night at. Would like to see traditional towns, villages, markets, war sites, etc.

Also, anybody stayed at the Davy Crockett Ranch ? Is it any good ?

Edited by Powerkiter on Wednesday 3rd April 18:50

[foodie]

I cant add much to where to go but stayed there about 3 years ago.

On the last night of our stay, each and every English plated car had 2 or 3 tyres slashed (for maximum inconvenience).

To be fair to Disney they reimbursed recovery cost and the costs of new tyres and park tickets, but it certainly took the shine off it, and they paid up within a couple of weeks..

(the kids loved the pool complex by the way).


J

[Bluebarge]

If you're taking a couple of days over it there are plenty of places you can choose from. Taking the coastal A16 towards Abbeville, you have Boulogne with its old walled town on the hill and the fantastic Nausicaa aquarium for the kids, the coastal resort of le Touquet, the pretty walled hill town of Montreuil sur Mer (now inland), then after Abbeville the cathedral and old town of Amiens. Going back the more direct route you have the pretty town of Senlis, the forest of Compiegne (site of signing of the Armistice), Arras with its old square, underground tunnels and the Canadian war memorial at Vimy Ridge with its preserved trench sections and tunnels; further towards Dunkerque you have the pretty hill town of Cassel, reputedly the hill of Grand Old Duke of York fame and Marshal Foch's HQ in WW1. There is also La Coupole near Calais but this may be a bit grim for smaller kids with its displays on slave labour.

I've not stayed at the Davy Crockett Ranch but literally 2 minutes further down the road is the Novotel le Collegien which has a nice pool, indoor and outdoor play areas, a Playstation, pool table etc. Kids stay free in their parents' room (double bed and 2 roll-out beds) and get free breakfast, and they offer park tickets deals. When I looked last year, this was a much cheaper option than Davy Crockett, seemed more comfortable than staying in a mobile home with some wood cladding, and most certainly had better food. Since you have to drive to the park anyway from Davy Crockett, there was no disadvantage in taking the Novotel option and, by the time you've driven from your cabin to the ranch exit, the Novotel would probably be quicker. IMHO, the Disney hotels are only worth the premium if you can walk from them to the Park.

[williredale]

I stayed in the Davy Crockett last January. We didn't take the scenic route to get there but just blasted down the peage. The pool wasn't open as it was January but the kids loved the whole experience. The rooms are just mobile homes with fake log cladding but it was fine.

Enjoy!

[F1SERB]

Halfway between Calais and Disneyland Paris is a theme park called Astrix
[The little roman guy who used to be in the papers years ago]
It is a modern park with top rides for the kids and better value than Disney
Clearly sign posted from the motor way