First time going to France - all advice needed!

Ferry port very much depends on where you want to go. Dover is a long way from you and Brittany is a long way (320 miles to St Malo) from Calais. If wanting to visit Brittany you could sail to St Malo (although expensive) or Caen from Portsmouth  which would be less expensive and 200 miles closer than Calais. Of course for Normandy which you also mention you are already there.

As to whether to book a night close to the ferry, that would depend on your crossing time. Although more expensive (as it would involve cabins) a night one from Portsmouth might work well, giving you time to get to the port from home and travel directly to your site on arrival the next day.

Pembrokeshire to Brittany via Calais involves many needless miles of driving.    I suggest an overnight sailing with a cabin from Portsmouth to Cherbourg or St Malo - and choose a seaside site within half a day of either of those arrival ports. There’s a big choice.   I hope it goes well.

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Hi Marc

Assuming you're around Swansea (or west of it) I personally wouldn't want to tow all the way to Dover, just to cross the Channel, arrive at Calais and then drive all the way back to Normandy. I would be looking at the crossings from Poole or Portsmouth, especially in August and with a couple of youngsters! I understand the costs of doing so may be prohibitive but it will be less stressful. That said, I have crossed from Dover to Calais on numerous occasions and have found both easy (especially EuroTunnel) but have always "turned left" and headed in the opposite direction to where you're going! We always booked an early morning crossing and booked a ferry pitch at the Club's Folkestone site, whichever way we crossed.

I can't help you with Disney sites, as I've never been. However, we have friends who used the Caravan of 4 winds site, near the N36 when they visited Disneyland Paris and was less than 30 minutes away. They said it was fine.

I used the Club's travel and booking service and read extensively on here and the information freely given in the travel section. I found it invaluable, as well as the Club's European travel guide. The information in there was worth the price a dozen times over.

Do your research, read lots, make lists, buy a good map AND have a wonderful trip!                 

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If you are considering Brittany then why not look at Plymouth-Roscoff. Probably about 2 hrs longer travelling this side than using Portsmouth, but much less travelling in France. You can sail over night and arrive fresh early morning. What a pity that no ferry service runs from Pembrokeshire/Swansea over the Bristol Channel to SW England.

Two tips.

The Poole - Cherbourg ferry is useful for visiting Normandy and Brittany.

Avoid France between Bastille Day (14th July) and the beginning of September.  That's when the bulk of the French will be on holiday, everything will be open, prices will be at their peak, campsites will be rammed and booking is essential.

Those dates to avoid are OK for you and me, but the questioner has two school age children and will be going to France in their school summer holiday. No other choice.

I guessed that but the OP did ask for all advice and forewarned is forearmed as they say 😉👍.

Agree with WTG in that Jablines is great for Disney, shuttle bus on the door step.

for a first timer to Normandy, try Camping Haliotis at Pontorson. Great site, great cycling and easy access to Mont St Michel.