Why this accommodation is a “secret weapon” FOR NEURODIVERGENT FAMILIES
As a family with two neurodivergent children, both with very different needs, we know that finding the right accommodation for your family holiday can sometimes be the most stressful part of the planning process. At CWJ Travel, we have tried and tested all the different on-site accommodations available at Disneyland Paris and for us, Disney Davy Crockett Ranch is a firm favourite.
Here’s why this forest retreat is a game-changer:
The power of your own front door
Unlike the standard hotels where you share hallways and thin walls with hundreds of other guests, here you have you own standalone cabin. This means no hallway noise, slamming doors, muffled voices that can trigger a meltdown. It’s a literal sanctuary of quiet. With it’s unique design and newer cabins themed to Donald, Daisy and the Junior Woodchucks, children (and adults!) love to explore all the quirky features these cabins have to offer.
A Sensory-Safe food zone
Buffets and busy restaurants can be overwhelming, and Disney restaurants are certainly no different! Every cabin has a fully equipped kitchen. This means if your child has specific “safe foods” or needs a predictable mealtime routine away from the crowds, you can cook exactly what they need. Plus there’s also a private deck for calm outdoor dining. All cabins come with a fridge and freezer so you will be able to buy food from the nearby supermarket or on-site convenience store and store it just like you would at home.
Nature is a natural “reset”
Disney Davy Crockett Ranch is nestled in a peaceful forest, spanning approximately 140 acres. After a day of bright lights and loud music at the parks, the drive back (in just 10 minutes!) acts as a sensory transition. The sound of the wind in the trees, the birds tweeting and the lack of crowds helps the nervous system to reset before bed.
Separate bedrooms
The cabins at Disney Davy Crockett Ranch have two separate bedrooms. The main bedroom has a double bed, clothing storage and an en-suite shower room with separate toilet. The second bedroom has two single beds and a third pull out trundle bed. A fourth single bed is available as a sofa bed in the main living area. It’s worth noting that this sleeping configuration is for the newly updated Standard Cabins. For the older Trapper Cabins, the main bedroom has the shower and toilet combined into one en-suite room and there are 4 single beds in the second bedroom. Parents can have the lights on and watch TV while children sleep in a dark, quiet familiar-feeling space. No more whispering and walking around in the dark at 7:30pm!
space to move
If your child needs to burn off some extra energy to help them regulate, the ranch has lots of wide-open spaces, a great playground and even it’s own indoor pool that feels much more relaxed than the busier hotel pools. There is also an on-site games room and a small convenience shop for all your daily needs.
top tips
Disney Davy Crockett Ranch is a self drive accommodation and does not offer a shuttle service to the parks. Having your own vehicle is a plus for neurodivergent families. Whilst the journey time from Calais may be slightly longer, you have the freedom to bring as many items from home as you can fit in your car. If your child has a certain blanket or teddy that they need to help them settle, you don’t have to worry about luggage allowances or carrying everything through train or airport terminals. This also means that you have a private, controlled environment for your escape should you need it. Driving to the parks takes around 10 minutes and car parking at the Disney parks is included in your accommodation costs. If you have a blue badge, remember to show this to the parking attendant at arrival to the parks and they will guide you to the accessible parking area.
Less than a 15 minute drive away is the Val d’Europe Shopping Centre which contains the Auchan Hypermarché. A huge supermarket where you can buy a range of food items to cook back at your cabin during your stay. Val d’Europe is also home to 100’s of different shops and stores, including a Primark! So if you are ever in an emergency situation and need to buy replacement clothing, you don’t have to just buy the expensive Disney merchandise in the parks. Primark also sell a range of ears at a fraction of the cost to the ones in the park.
Message us today to discuss your next Disneyland Paris trip!
