Driving to Disney from the UK

[Welshgal]

We are toying with the idea of driving to DLP in November, is it easy and would you recommend it with a 3 year old?
Prices for Eurostar are not available yet, so just workinf out all our options.

 

[markpsych]

It's an easy drive

The tunnel is brilliant, as you stay in your car, and the kids don't need to be disturbed.

Nice having the car when you're there, and you can also stock up with goodies from the local supermarket.

Some good info here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2802801

 

[LunaMini]

I've driven it twice now, both times in a classic car and the first time I did it alone having never driven on the continent before! It's fairly straightforward and mostly 'motorways'. I used the ferry so I could have a leg stretch and chill out but am highly tempted with the tunnel next time to save time and hassle.

 

[MickeysFavouriteGirl]

We're driving for the first time in a few weeks, going by ferry - travelling overnight should arrive at DLP by 8.30am. It just seems easier with a baby and child, plus for us its cheaper - £178 for fuel and return ferry.

Nearly 900 miles all together eeekkk!!

Sent from my DISBoards app

 

[Welshgal]

Where are you driving from MickeysFavouriteGirl?

We are in Cardiff, so were thinking of driving to Ashford or Dover the day before, staying overnight and then getting the tunnel or ferry across.

We were thinking about the Eurostar but just wondered if this may be easier?
It's quite a scary thought!

 

[MickeysFavouriteGirl]

Where are you driving from MickeysFavouriteGirl?

We are in Cardiff, so were thinking of driving to Ashford or Dover the day before, staying overnight and then getting the tunnel or ferry across.

We were thinking about the Eurostar but just wondered if this may be easier?
It's quite a scary thought!

The North Midlands. We did the eurostar on our last trip and it was brilliant, but we didn't have a baby then only ds, no chance of us getting on the eurostar at the moment with all the things we need to take!

Sent from my DISBoards app

 

[Welshgal]

We have done the Eurostar and it was good, but that was long before DD!

Thanks for the tips though, will do a pros & cons list methinks to weight it all up!

 

[ManCityMickey]

We drove from Manchester for the first time last year. It was that easy we are doing it again this year! Tunnel is brilliant, just over 30 mins and you drive off, straight onto the motorway.

We drove to Ashford, stayed in Premier Inn, then set off early the next day. We also stayed in Ashford on the way back, giving almost another full day in the parks before we had to leave.

 

[Gertie100]

Welsh gal we are in Newport so obv same drive!!

The first time we did it we stopped so often "for the kids". Turns out the kids would prefer to drive and drive to get there quicker!
After 2 drives to DLRP we then drove to the south of France and were shocked at how quickly we went past DLRP without stopping. I think because we were having to drive another 900 miles after DLRP we pushed on through.

Next month we are booked on 7.30 am tunnel and plan up be in resort by lunchtime.

 

[tracy021083]

Our first trip to dlp is June and I seriously considered driving and looked at costs etc. but for us in Manchester I decided it was too far really, and by the time we have paid fuel and stop overs both ways including food on the stop overs, and tunnel costs that it was just too much hassle for not much of a saving.
I've now booked return flights from Manchester - Paris CDG and they were £110 each (4 of us) which I'm pleased with as they've now shot up in price.
We do a lot of driving daily really so wanted a break and our kids love airports and he holiday feeling you get being there.

 

[bpeacock]

I have driven twice now and am driving again at Christmas, the journey is as easy or difficult as you want it to be. Our itinary is:

5am leave home in hull over the humber bridge, stop half way at peterbrough service station and arrive in dover around lunchtime, we book the premier inn for a stop off then get the ferry at 3.20amthen at the other side drive straight through to Disney.

We make a pack up the night before for breakfast/dinner for the journey. Have tea at the premier inn, eat whatever is left of the pack up on the ferry early the next morning.

The Cost is around £50.00 for night in hotel. Tolls for the bridges £4.50, up to £100 for tea, £100.00 ferry return (last october price), and we were staying at Davy Crockett so budgeted for £250 for petrol for driving from hull to dover, then calais to disney, and driving to and from the park each day and then return. oh and 40 euros for the tolls both way

I love the freedom of being able to stop when and where I like.

Hope this helps

 

[stargatebarbie]

we are doing hull to london at teatime on the train then megabus from london overnight

 

[Happy Tappy]

I've driven a couple of times from Cheshire.

It's much easier for us as we have 2 kids (3 & 1).

The first time I did it I drove non-stop to Dover, got straight on a ferry and then drove non-stop to Disney. I did the same on the way back. I'm still not entirely sure how I managed it!

Last time we stayed at the Travelodge in Ashford and then got the eurotunnel early in the morning. We stayed there again on the way back. It was much easier.

Flights would have cost us £400 for our party + £100 transfers + £25 airport parking.

Driving was £80 eurotunnel + £120 Diesel + £45 hotel (£20 + £25) + £35 tolls.

So driving was nearly half the price of flying for us.

 

[gracieclaire]

Hi weve driven twice from newport straight to dover on to the tunnel then to the park, lovely journey and our youngest who had just turned two was excellent

 

[Gertie100]

We are 5. It is always going to be cheaper to drive than fly.

 

[thephoo]

I drove from North Yorkshire when my little girl was 3 and to be honest she was the perfect age - now she's nrealy 7 and I imagine it'd be far harder work!!

She had her DS and snacks and was happy to sit in the back and enjoy the journey, we were getting the night ferry and she made friends with a little French girl on the boat and they played and I think I might have put DD in her pjs then too. Then as soon as we got in the car to get off the ferry she fell asleep and slept literally all the way to Disneyland but woke up as we were parking in the Cheyenne carpark at 3am and of course was demanding to see Mickey Mouse. I haven't driven since because I'm put off a bit with fuel costs and toll fees but I absolutely loved driving there and it's so much easier being able to take what you want and being able to chuck it in your car. Also being able to drive to the shops at your will was really nice. I hope we can drive again some day

 

[nl's mummy]

We drove all the way from the highlands last year with a 6,4 yearold and 8 week old! Is no bother! DVDs in car. Games etc happy kids

 

[Welshgal]

Thanks to everyone for their replies, you have convinced us to take the plunge and we are going to drive! By driving we may extend our stay so instead of Mon - Thurs, we are going to go Sunday - Thursday.

Next thing, do I book the eurotunnel now? Works out at about £90 return, also what about DLP - should I book that now or wait for an offer?

 

[markpsych]

Next thing, do I book the eurotunnel now?

You don't need to book too far in advance, but If you're sure about the dates, then yes you could go ahead and book the tunnel.

Another great thing about the tunnel is they're very flexible with boarding times. We've always booked the cheapest slots, and rarely arrived for our booking time. They simply offer you the next available crossing, and in 8 years I think we've only been charged extra once (approx. £5).

 

[cherrymarzipan]

If you collect Tesco tokens you can use these for Eurotunnel and at the moment they are giving 4X tokens.

I think it is free to go two hours either side of your booking slot.