Davy Crockett Ranch - AP discount?

[DebIreland]

We're off to Disneyland Paris for our family trip 2 weeks from Saturday. I am beyond excited. We're travelling via London (staying for a night ) and then getting the Eurostar to Paris and staying in the Explorers (family of 5 and it looks cool anyway ).

I've decided that we'll buy annual passports as we will go to the parks 4 days.... thanks to this board I have learned a ton of stuff about the APs. But of course, I don't even have the APs and they're burning a hole in my pocket. I'm thinking as we have them I wonder could we squeeze in another DLRP trip perhaps late summer or early January '09 (around the 1st to the 5th). I've seen mention of some generous discounts for Davy Crockett Ranch.

I was sure we would buy the Fantasy APs but now I'm not so sure.....

I'm wondering:

1) With the Fantasy AP, are the first few days in January usually blackout days? I see the blackout days on dlrpmagic but there's no mention of early 09 and I don't know if that's because there are no restrictions then or because the info isn't available.

2) Generally could anyone guess what type of AP discount would be available for August '08 or early Jan '09 in Davy Crockett Ranch? And is that discount always only available with a Dream AP or would we be likely to get the discount with a Fantasy AP?

3) If we stayed in Davy Crockett ranch I know we will need a car. There's no way we would drive though from CDG airport. Does anyone know if there is a car hire place near Disneyland or near Davy Crockett Ranch itself?

4) Is the ranch more suitable for summer time or is it fun in the winter too?

If we get Dream APs then we qualify for EMH. But it would cost 200 more (than Fantasy APs). So I'm thinking that if the AP discounts aren't great (re: accommodation) and the blackout days make a 2nd trip tough, then we'll go for Dream APs but I'm not sure.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

Deb

 

[Cyrano]

Although the blackout dates for 2009 are not yet available it might be wise to think that the dates will be much the same as 2008.

With Dream AP you can get up to 30% discount.

We've never been to DCR in the winter time but as a family of 5 would not be put off going there. Cabins look like they would be quite snug and have an electric heater should it be required.

Don't forget the 20% discount on shopping with the Dream AP as well as free buggy hire. One of the main reasons we like the Dream AP is the ability to park at any of the hotels (except Disneyland Hotel). We therefore park at Hotel New York as it is much better than parking in the main car park

 

[DebIreland]

Thanks a million Cyrano. And I hadn't even thought of the parking which of course, if we hire a car, could be invaluable. I think we will go for the Dream APs as then I won't have to worry about blackout days and lack of discounts.

Thanks again.

 

[A Small World]

We stayed at DCR this Dec (between Christmas and New Year) and it was really snug and warm. The heaters were left on all the time so it was warm as soon as we walked in.

The only problem with staying in Winter was it was dark so you couldnt really appreciate what the site looked like and you couldnt sit outside at the end of the day to relax. It didnt bother us too much as the parks were open late anyhow so we didnt spend much time in there.

the swimming pool was lovely- a nice break from the chaos of the park.

We have dream passes and got a good discount (DH thinks poss 20%) but not sure.
From what we gather with dream APs you are always guaranteed a discount - up to 30% whereas with Fantasy you may get one depending on hotel/time of yr etc.

I dont know of any car hire places near the park Im afraid.

BTW we have also stayed at Explorers and loved that as well

 

[pyebibby]

I believe Hertz have car hire place near the railway station/bus station.
Will just have a look at their site

I am hiring from the airport but thought about getting bus to resort and then hiring the car.

 

[pyebibby]

Had a look on the Hertz site and it is listed as Disneyland TGV Station so you could catch TGV from airport and then collect car

 

[Ware Bears]

I think we will go for the Dream APs as then I won't have to worry about blackout days and lack of discounts.

Plus you'd be able to use them for EMH on this trip while you're staying at the Explorers.

 

[meeko cat]

We've never been to DCR in the winter time but as a family of 5 would not be put off going there. Cabins look like they would be quite snug and have an electric heater should it be required.

One of the main reasons we like the Dream AP is the ability to park at any of the hotels (except Disneyland Hotel). We therefore park at Hotel New York as it is much better than parking in the main car park

Glad to hear there is heating ....were off to stay there in two weeks

Hadnt realised you can park in hotels.....

why do you say its better to park at HNY

THANX

 

[Cyrano]

Hadnt realised you can park in hotels.....

why do you say its better to park at HNY

THANX

You can park at the Disney hotels; except Disneyland Hotel, with a Dream AP. Otherwise you have to be a guest staying at the hotel.

The reason we prefer the HNY is because it has the closest walk to the Disney Village and is a smaller hotel. Therefore easier to park and less to walk

 

[meeko cat]

Great thanx for the info !

I assume the village is signposted from the park

 

[DebIreland]

Thanks so much for the replies.

A Small World,
great to hear DCR is snug in winter time. It sounds really cozy actually and could be the perfect winter break. It's funny how I didn't even consider it for this upcoming trip (the car thing put me off I guess) but now the more I look at the place on websites etc the more I love it and think it would suit us (we love camping). Thanks! Looking forward too to Explorers - glad to hear you loved it there.

pyebibby, that's so helpful to know there's a Hertz place at Disneyland. It would certainly make it less stressful for us (well, really it's just me that's worried!) not driving from the airport. Thanks!!!

Ware Bears, yes the EMH option is certainly tempting - I'm guessing that even to get to the park at 9am (instead of 8am) would be beneficial? Not sure we'd make it for 8am!

 

[Cyrano]

I assume the village is signposted from the park

When you come out of the park head through Fantasia gardens and passing the rail station on your left-hand side you'll spot the entrance to the village. Have a look here