Ponyland: Pony Rides, Camping and More!
Ponyland Ebentaler Hof is a happy oasis nestled above the hills of Rüdesheim! With animals, camping and a café it is a perfect escape in the beautiful forest.
One of the great aspects of Ponyland Ebentaler Hof is that it can be a fun day trip or it can transform to a weekend away. Ponyland has guest rooms available and also a lovely campground.
We bought our tickets for the pony ride at the shops window then explored the area. We first had to say hello to all of the other animals. We even fed some hungry goats!
Next to the pony area there is a fun vintage playground which looks like it has been entertaining children for many years.
Every child loves to be able to climb up on a real bright-green tractor!
Also which turned out to be tons of fun, was the vintage merry-go-round that costs one euro. I was sure that it was only for show because it was from the 70s but it actually still worked really well!
The park was a great time but now it was time to get our pony! Here is how it works: After buying your ticket you go into the pony area and give it to the woman in charge. The cost is 8 euro and the walk lasts for about 20-30 mins because you are on your own pace. Then they find a pony that is the right size for your child. We had our eyes on this little guy! How adorable!
The pony attendant gets your mighty steed ready for the journey and ensures that he is the right size.
You are given some instructions, such as where to hold the brace around the pony to pull him along and to not let your pony eat any grass along the way. I learned the hard way, that if you let them eat once they sense your weakness and will keep trying to eat more the entire ride! So you must be firm right off the bat.
So we were ready to go!!
The path is gorgeous and it travels through their animal fields then through the enchanting woods.
We had a fantastic time on the walk and our horse was so well behaved. We worked up quite an appetite and thirst. Located in the main building is a picturesque cozy café with seating outdoors.
Cake and coffee was in order and it was delicious. The apples in the cake were local apples, very fresh and so scrumptious.
Be sure to check out Ponyland the next time you are sightseeing around the Rheingau!
Address: Hof Ebental, 65385 Rüdesheim am Rhein
Hours: Mon-Sun: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ebentalerhof?fref=ts
About the author: Gemma is a mom, a veteran and an Army civilian living in Wiesbaden, Germany. With New Jersey roots, she is enjoying her extended European vacation.
Affordable Weekend Trip to Disneyland Paris
Affordable Weekend Trip to Disneyland Paris…yes it is possible! A trip to the happiest place in Europe that won’t break the bank is attainable with prior planning.
Save money at the gate: Buy your park tickets online! Here you can find tickets for one day or two.
http://www.disneylandparis.com/en-us/
Top up: When leaving home, leave with a full tank of fuel and add money for 2 tanks of fuel on your fuel card.
First fuel stop: Stop here before you cross the border and top up your tank. Even if you fill up a quarter of a tank, it is worth it. Address:
Esso Station
Hochstr 34
66450 Bexbach
Deutschland
Instead of a turn and burn trip, to be safe and also to enjoy yourself more it is better to stay in a hotel. I suggest to either stay the night before and then an optional night after if you feel like staying late at Disneyland.
Where to stay for the first stop:
Qualys Hotel Reims Tinqueux
1 Avenue D'Afn - Tinqueux
51430 Reims, France
It is a great place to stop for many reasons. The location is right off the autobahn, so you don’t waste any time or gas traveling to the hotel. There is free, safe parking right in front of the hotel and you can see your car from the window. They have strong WiFi in the rooms. It is an hour away from Disneyland so when you wake up the next morning, have their great breakfast with amazing French coffee (oh yes!!) then you feel refreshed and ready for the day at the park.
Getting to the park:
Parking cost 15 euro. But Hooray! You made it!! The excitement level in the car at is about at a 10 right now!
Saving in the park:
It is possible to not spend any money when you get into the park. First way to save big is to bring in your own drinks and snacks. They tell you that picnicking is not allowed in the park, but you can bring small snacks and sandwiches. Everyone can carry a backpack, or if you have young kids, it is a great idea to bring in a stroller, if not for the kids than for your bag of snacks! Bring a big water bottle so you aren’t needing to buy the expensive gifts in the park.
Another way to save is with the gift shops. There are so many shops and your kids will see everyone with princess dresses and Mickey ears. The items cost much more than what we are used to. A good idea is to bring dresses, ears and even new toys that you bought before and give it to them in the park!
Where to stay the second stop:
This stop is good for if you stay late at the park and you feel like you can’t drive home. If you are trying to save some money, it is better to leave the park after the last parade at 6:30pm and just drive home.
This is a FUN and awesome hotel for kids. It is an Explorer themed hotel, with a huge ship in the middle and also a very cool pool with slides. We felt like pirates!! Argh matey!!
Explorers Hotel
50 Avenue de la Fossé des Pressoirs,
77700 Magny-le-Hongre, France
Fuel in France: Check your GPS to see how far it is to Homburg, Germany. My car needed about 25-30 Euros of Fuel in France. There are many along the highway and I stopped at one where you are able to pay at the pump. This saved a lot of time!
The tolls: The tolls are very easy and contrary to rumors they are not that expensive. It was perhaps 30 euro each way. Being a frequent traveler of the New Jersey Turnpike I am familiar with tolls…but perhaps not everyone is. Don’t be intimated by them! I first I was reluctant to go to the credit card lane because I thought it was only for a European chip card but there was a huge line in the cash lane, so being the daredevil I am I went to the credit card lane. Luckily they take any credit card. I took some photos of the different types of the tolls. Either you will come to a toll where you have to take a ticket or one where you pay with your card/ cash. They have an option for English.
Last fuel stop: Stop here to fill up with your fuel card to get you back home!
Holger Doetsch
Autobahn
66424 Homburg/ Saar
Deutschland
Need for speed?: Follow the speed limit in France. They definitely don't want to hear the excuse of oh sorry I'm used to Autobahn like you think you can pull when you go and leave in the States. Admit it: You thought of that! I don't think I have to go into detail about it, but I would definitely eliminate all possibilities of getting pulled over as an American with German license plates driving too fast in France! Set that cruise control and tame your heavy foot.
Well you are all set to go enjoy the magic of Disneyland Paris!!
Author’s Profile: Gemma is a mom, a veteran and an Army civilian living in Wiesbaden, Germany. With New Jersey roots, she is enjoying her extended European vacation.
