Davy Crockett Ranch
We have stayed at the Davy Crockett Ranch four times. Located a couple of miles drive from the parks, its a fantastic collection of around 600 wooden chalets located in a quiet wooded area. Think of a Centre Parks type set – up. A car is necessary as there is not a shuttle service from the ranch to the parks.
What is at the Davy Crockett Ranch?
There is a village offering an indoor pool with a slide and rapids, a well equipped shop, a bar , a BBQ style restaurant (which always gets booked up really quickly – early booking essential!), a small farm , a playground and a mini golf area. These facilities are exclusively for the use of the Davy Crockett residents.
On arrival at the Davy Crockett Ranch ( directions available here ) you follow the signs to the reception car park. On our latest visit, there was a new reception centre which made checking in much easier. After a short queue you are given all your relevant information, checked – in and sent off in the direction of your cabin.
If you want to eat at the Davy Crockett Tavern during your stay early booking is recommended. Its a relaxed all you can eat BBQ/ buffet type restaurant – perfect after a busy day in the parks.
The cabins are basic but perfectly adequate. Now here comes the best bit ….
When travelling with younger children the Davy Crockett Ranch is great for many reasons and here is my favourite. The chalets have two bedrooms. So, you can keep your usual bedtime regime, shut the door and the grown ups can relax on the decking area with a glass of wine whilst the children are safely snoozing. A good nights sleep is essential to ensure you are going to enjoy your day in the park so this set up is perfect.
If your stay is planned during the warmer months then consider packing a fan – there is an air conditioning system in the main living area but the bedrooms can get very warm. Reception do provide a limited number of fans but we have never been lucky enough to secure one.
The kitchen area has everything you need to prepare family meals, and there are two wash rooms – one en suite in the parents room. Outside is a lovely decking area and BBQ.
We have always opted for the half board offers. You collect your dining tokens at reception at check in.
Breakfast at the Davy Crockett Ranch
At the entrance of each cul-de-sac of chalets in a wooden breakfast hut. You can pop along there from 7.30 am to collect you breakfast bag. This contains fresh orange juice, baguette, brioche, Nutella, jam, butter, milk (UHT) coffee, hot chocolate , sugar etc.
Early Magic Hours
I am always adamant that we will get up early and get to the parks for the EMH’s (EARLY MAGIC HOURS !! – the parks are open 9am – 10am exclusively for the use of Disney Hotel and Davy Crockett guests). On arrival at the parks you drive straight through – no traffic – you can park at the very front of the car park and there are no queues through security. Its bliss. We then make a bee- line for the rides! Not all of the rides are available during this time, but we make the most of the ones that are. There are also meet and greets during this time. You can also get in the queue for any of the rides that don’t open until 10am. Its a no brainer really! We always choose to get there early, use the EMH’s and then leave early ( ish ) to make use of the Davy Crockett Pool and Tavern. It works for us. This does, of course affect breakfast. I pack the kids into the car for the day and drive around to park and join the breakfast queue for 7.15am. A small line has usually started to form at this time. When back in the car we make our way to the parks while one of the adults makes sandwiches with our supplies. We either eat them or pack them in our bag for later. Some may prefer to miss the EMH’s and enjoy a relaxing breakfast back at the chalet.
Read our experiences with Disneyland Half Board Dining here.
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