Last minute trip booked - panic mode now sets in

[diamond57]

We have just booked a last minute trip for half term next week, and this is not enough time for me to organise things so I am in a panic. I have never driven outside of Calais before (about 15 years ago) and we are going by Eurotunnel - normally go Eurostar but much too expensive and not much availability going last minute. Now come the questions:-
1. Is it best to fill up with petrol in Dover or Calais? - we are going at about 4am on Sunday morning.
2. Are there places enroute to stop for a break, including 30 mins nap in car?
3. How clear are the sign posts coming out of the Eurotunnel to find the main roads to leave Calais?
4. Is car parking free at Val de Europe? If not how much approximately?
5. Car parking at Disney, how far away is the car park from the park entrances? My mother cannot walk long distances and/or stand for long periods of time and has the wheelchair symbol on her AP, would we be able to use the disabled car park? If not how early does the car park fill up?
6. Any other hints about taking the car gratefully received?
7. If we get there in time and want to do the Stakehouse brunch are we likely to get in without booking in advance?

 

[chrismoo]

Hi!

1. Is it best to fill up with petrol in Dover or Calais? - we are going at about 4am on Sunday morning.

Dover would probably be safer as sometimes there are issues with UK cards in the automatic machines at night.

2. Are there places enroute to stop for a break, including 30 mins nap in car?

Plenty of nice places, the services are good value unlike the UK

3. How clear are the sign posts coming out of the Eurotunnel to find the main roads to leave Calais?

Your just about on it, you don't really have to find it, its harder to stop for Calais then it is to go to Paris.

4. Is car parking free at Val de Europe? If not how much approximately?

Free, stacks of it too.

5. Car parking at Disney, how far away is the car park from the park entrances? My mother cannot walk long distances and/or stand for long periods of time and has the wheelchair symbol on her AP, would we be able to use the disabled car park? If not how early does the car park fill up?

The car parks are quite a walk, they have a "Travelator" which is like a flat escolator, but this is not allways on.

I expect you should be able to use disabled car, but I personaly don't know where this is, so hopefully someone else can help.

6. Any other hints about taking the car gratefully received?

Make sure you have European breakdown and car insurance sorted. Then enjoy the trip, its a very easy drive.

7. If we get there in time and want to do the Stakehouse brunch are we likely to get in without booking in advance?

Sorry can't help with this one

 

[Sav]

Leaving Calais is the easy bit - Coming off the A1 towards Disney is the awkward bit.

I'd make sure you know exactly which turning you are coming off. The best route I find is to come off onto the A104 (make sure you head eastbound towards Marne la Vallee). This is not much after CDG airport. The important thing is to make sure you are heading in the right direction towards Marne la Vallee. First time I drove I ended up getting confused with the slip roads and ended up heading westbound in the opposite direction. Had a nightmare couple of hours trying to get back on track. So above all make sure you are careful around that turning.

Then stay on the A104 for about 18 miles and then turn onto the A4 - again eastwards. Stay on the A4 for about 7 miles before the turn off towards Disney. It's well signposted around this stage.

And have fun

 

[Ware Bears]

If we get there in time and want to do the Stakehouse brunch are we likely to get in without booking in advance?

Both times we have been (in August so very busy time) it has only been half full. I don't think you will have any problem with a walk-up.

How exciting to be going back again!!

 

[Cyrano]

5. Car parking at Disney, how far away is the car park from the park entrances? My mother cannot walk long distances and/or stand for long periods of time and has the wheelchair symbol on her AP, would we be able to use the disabled car park?

Seems that you have most of the answers you need and sound most organised

Not sure what AP your mum has but Dream passport allows you to part in the hotel carparks. We prefer the Hotel New York as you are closer to the parks and it is easier to get out again

 

[diamond57]

Thank-you very much for all the advice, I suspect I will get lost - normally dd picks the time to distract me and I miss a turn off. We have got dream passes (dd and I) and fantasy (mum and dad), so may try the suggestion of parking at the New York hotel.

I cannot seem to find the price for the Sunday brunch, only for the main meals. Does anyone know the approximate price for an adult and for a six year old? Also, between what hours it is open?

 

[Cyrano]

As we are thinking about using Tesco vouchers to go on Eurotunnel I'd love to hear of your experience

 

[chrismoo]

As we are thinking about using Tesco vouchers to go on Eurotunnel I'd love to hear of your experience

Eurotunnel is easy via Tesco, have done it 2 or 3 times before.

Prices are exactly the same as the Eurotunnel website, so you can have any type of ticket.

Vouchers from Tesco Clubcard take about 2 days to arrive, then you can phone Eurotunnel and make a provisional booking.

You can topup the value with a credit / debit card, or pay in full with vouchers.

They give you a booking reference, that you write onto the form Tesco send with the deal vouchers.

Post it to Eurotuunel with a SAE, with the vouchers (recorded or special delivery to be safe)

Then about 2 days later you get a letter back from Eurotunnel confirming everything.

Easy!

 

[Cyrano]

Eurotunnel is easy via Tesco, have done it 2 or 3 times before.

Easy!

Just what I wanted to hear, thanks

 

[Ware Bears]

I cannot seem to find the price for the Sunday brunch, only for the main meals. Does anyone know the approximate price for an adult and for a six year old? Also, between what hours it is open?

Last summer it was 32 euros adult and 10 euros children. The Sunday brunch hours are 12noon - 3pm.