July 30, 2010 Mickey's Adventures England to Espana Cruise

[scottishwee35]

Looks like we will miss the chance to tour Buckingham Palace as of the just released dates.

Opening hours

The Summer Opening of the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace will be 1 August - 28 September 2010. Further dates may be added.

http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/default.asp?action=article&ID=30

Oh dear that is a shame

what about London's Eye and tower?

I am sure plenty things to see in London...

Scottishwee35

 

[scottishwee35]

They may add a few more dates. It all depends when the Royal Family are in Balmoral. I notice there is no picture of HM tea tray! Apparantly made of plastic! Here is a link
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12...-mismatched-crockery-Royal-breakfast-bed.html

Viccie

that is near my home Aberdeen

My late grandfather was painting in Royal Family at Balmoral and met the Queen's late mum and he was saying that she was so lovely/nice woman...

Scottishwee35

 

[scottishwee35]

Mkmummy

I copy it from the Baltic Cruise and thought maybe this might help?

Originally Posted by nzdisneymom
Thought I'd post what we have here since I couldn't figure out how to attach it at this point. I hope to get a lot more info together in the next week or so and clean it up a bit to make available.

Lodging:
Renaissance Chancery Court London
252 High Holborn
London, WC1V 7EN United Kingdom

The Tube:

The Holburn tube stop is within a block’s walk of the hotel.
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/modalpages/2625.aspx
Children aged 11 to 15 years can get an 11-15 Oyster photocard to travel free on buses and trams and at child-rate on Tube, DLR and London Overground services. (From TripAdvisor) The Oyster card can also be used for buses. Best to ask at the underground ticket agent for a bus map as well, since this will come in handy. While the underground is exceedingly easy to navigate (find where you are, find the stop you want to exit and see what line will take you there), the bus system is a little harder. You will need a good map to find where you want to go, and an eagle eye to see when you get there. Read the bus stop information carefully to know which direction it is going and how many stops until you need to get off. Remember that some stops are "request only" and the bus will only stop if you signal. Just raise your hand as he approaches. These are marked on the upper sign with "Request Stop Only".

Our friends on our cruise last week got these cards for their daughters and said they worked out well for use with public transportation.

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloa...rd-leaflet.pdf

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloa...rams_11-15.pdf

Theatre:
http://www.officiallondontheatre.co....andmap0908.pdf

I'm interested in seeing a theatre performance -- so I was thinking about seeing Wicked: the Hit Musical at Apollo Victoria Theatre


Grocery store across from the hotel.
Lots of restaurants (fast food and other) within easy walking distance of the hotel. There is a McDonalds across the street

Tower of London
Address: Tower Hill Tower Hill tube London EC3N 4AB England
Tel: 44 870 756 6060
http://www.hrp.org.uk/ (Historic Royal Palaces)
Tues – Sat: 9:00 – 17:30
Sun – Mon: 10:00 – 17:30
Last admission: 17:00
http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/...t/default.aspx
By London Underground
Nearest station: Tower Hill underground station
Directions: Use District or Circle lines to Tower Hill station. Follow directional signage to the Tower. The main entrance is a five minute walk from the station.
By bus
Bus routes: 15, 42, 78, 100, RV1
The Tower is also served by all major sightseeing bus tours.
We recommend visitors allow at least 2-3 hours to see everything.
The last Yeoman Warden tour starts at 14.30 (winter), 15.30 (summer).
Book up to 6 months in advance online
1 Mar '09 - 28 Feb '10 incl.
Individual rate*
Individual online rate+
Group rate (min. 15 visitors)
Adult £17.00
£16.00
£15.30
Child (under 16) Under 5s are free of charge. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
£9.50
£9.00
£8.55
Concessions Full-time student, over 60 with ID
£14.50
£13.50
£13.05
Family Up to 2 adults and 3 children
£47.00
£44.00

(looks like a lot of the attractions have a family pass that ends up saving a bit, and if you book online, you often save another bit. Our friends suggested waiting to book the London Eye until a few days before we get there so as to check the weather - or after we get there since we'll be there a couple of days. They said the concierge at the hotel could likely help us book them.)

London Eye
http://www.londoneye.com/Book up to four months out.
10% discount online. 47.20 pounds for two adults, two children (ages 4 – 16)
Please select a flight time from the times shown below. Your flight will take 30 minutes and you are required to start boarding for your flight 30 minutes before your flight time.
Please allow 10 minutes for ticket collection from our ticket collection machines.


Big Bus Tours
http://www.bigbustours.com/eng/london/default.aspxFamily (2 adults, 2 children – ages 5 – 15): 60 pounds
Adults: 25 pounds
Children: 10 pounds
If you have selected to book a "fixed day" ticket you must travel on that day.
If you have selected to book an "open day" ticket you can travel on any day.
Your ticket is valid for 24hrs from the time you first board the service. (During the winter months we may extend this to 48hrs. Please check on the website or ask a member of staff for further information).
From their FAQ: What time are your first and last buses?
Generally, our first buses depart at 08:30 in the morning. Last bus times vary depending on the time of year. They are usually 16:30 in January, February, November and December, 17:00 in March and October, 18:00 April to September.

British Museum
http://www.britishmuseum.org/The Museum is open daily, 10.00–17.30
Free admission
Address: Great Russell Street Near Tottenham Court Tube Station London WC1B 3DG England
Museum address
British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DG There is an alternative entrance on Montague Place

Buckingham Palace
Changing the Guard takes place at 11:30 daily from May until the end of July and on alternate days for the rest of the year, weather permitting.
Provisional Schedule for 2009 (please note that this schedule is set by the British Army and is subject to change. Please check this site prior to a visit)
October - even numbered dates (2, 4, 6, etc) November - odd numbered dates (1, 3, 5, etc) December - odd numbered dates (1, 3, 5, etc) until 23 December, then ceremony takes place on 26, 28 and 30 December. No ceremony on 3 December, ceremony takes place on 4 December
For more information about Changing the Guard visit the British Army website
The new guards arrive at the forecourt of the Palace at 11:30 from Wellington Barracks. The journey takes about 5 minutes and the soldiers are accompanied by a band. The ceremony is conducted on the Palace forecourt and takes approximately forty minutes to complete.
http://www.army.mod.uk/events/ceremonial/1068.aspx
How to get there
By train: London Victoria. (National Rail Enquiries Service 08457 484950 (UK)).
By underground: Victoria, Green Park and Hyde Park Corner.
By bus: Numbers 11, 211, C1 and C10 stop on Buckingham Palace Road.
By road: Buckingham Palace is situated within the London Congestion Charge zone. Please see www.cclondon.com for further details.
By coach: Victoria Coach Station is a ten minute walk from the Palace. Visit the Transport for London website for maps and information about London Underground and bus routes.
Address: Buckingham Palace, SW1A 1AA

Scottishwee35

 

[scottishwee35]

and let you know London's eye take one hour as it is slow moving...

My friend told me mmm

I would love to do it but Keith beg me not to *** he is scare of height... oh well

Scottishwee35

 

[mkmommy]

Oh dear that is a shame

what about London's Eye and tower?

I am sure plenty things to see in London...

Scottishwee35

No London Eye for us, I am terrified of heights.

 

[scottishwee35]

No London Eye for us, I am terrified of heights.

Oh I didn't realise that but I am sure there is plenty things to see like Tower??

Scottishwee35

 

[mkmommy]

Oh I didn't realise that but I am sure there is plenty things to see like Tower??

Scottishwee35

Actually I am getting better I did go on a ferris wheel this summer. My dad was reminding me that when I was little I was terrified to go on the ferry boat from Vancouver to Vancouver Island and I would not go near the rails of the ferry so he was surprised that I can go a cruise ship.

The way things are planned right now I do not think we will spend much time in London, our flight gets in a 11:00 AM on wed. so we will have that afternoon but I am not sure how wide awake we will be. The plan is to head to Dover the next morning and do Dover Castle thurs. afternoon. I have been to London several times and I am sure we will be back when the girls are older.

 

[scottishwee35]

Actually I am getting better I did go on a ferris wheel this summer. My dad was reminding me that when I was little I was terrified to go on the ferry boat from Vancouver to Vancouver Island and I would not go near the rails of the ferry so he was surprised that I can go a cruise ship.

The way things are planned right now I do not think we will spend much time in London, our flight gets in a 11:00 AM on wed. so we will have that afternoon but I am not sure how wide awake we will be. The plan is to head to Dover the next morning and do Dover Castle thurs. afternoon. I have been to London several times and I am sure we will be back when the girls are older.

Yes, think about girls too as they might be tired after long flight or exciting??

I start to worry about my work as they have not hand out new holiday sheet yet... usual end of Oct and hand back first week of Nov.

I spoked to my boss today and he told me that new holiday form start soon and hand back by 23 Oct phew Ii am on holiday that day as I will be flight out by 24th Nov for New York, so I can pop in and hand it as first serve, first come.. I prepare to be early for it as booked this cruise which is not allowed should wait first but I am not only one anyway...

I hope it go smooth... I told my boss about this cruise and he smile and oh better hand the holiday form asap...

I think my kids will be tired after long day travel down by train on Thursday day before the cruise... We will be arrive Dover around early tea or night..

Anyone book the Dream???

Scottishwee35

 

[mkmommy]

Yes, think about girls too as they might be tired after long flight or exciting??

I start to worry about my work as they have not hand out new holiday sheet yet... usual end of Oct and hand back first week of Nov.

I spoked to my boss today and he told me that new holiday form start soon and hand back by 23 Oct phew Ii am on holiday that day as I will be flight out by 24th Nov for New York, so I can pop in and hand it as first serve, first come.. I prepare to be early for it as booked this cruise which is not allowed should wait first but I am not only one anyway...

I hope it go smooth... I told my boss about this cruise and he smile and oh better hand the holiday form asap...

I think my kids will be tired after long day travel down by train on Thursday day before the cruise... We will be arrive Dover around early tea or night..

Anyone book the Dream???

Scottishwee35

I will keep my fingers crossed that you get your vacation approved.

How long of a train ride will it be for you to get to Dover, will it be a direct train ride or do you have to transfer along the way? My girls want to take the train over the bus to Dover so I think we will do that. Train service in Canada is very limited and very expensive so this will be something that we cannot do at home.

I may transfer a reservation I have on the Magic for March 2011 to the Dream but it depends on the price, does not look like the rates are that terribly high.

Lisa

 

[Piggy and Bear]

=scottishwee35

I spoked to my boss today and he told me that new holiday form start soon and hand back by 23 Oct phew Ii am on holiday that day as I will be flight out by 24th Nov for New York, so I can pop in and hand it as first serve, first come.. I prepare to be early for it as booked this cruise which is not allowed should wait first but I am not only one anyway...

I hope it go smooth... I told my boss about this cruise and he smile and oh better hand the holiday form asap...

I think my kids will be tired after long day travel down by train on Thursday day before the cruise... We will be arrive Dover around early tea or night..

Anyone book the Dream???

Scottishwee35

Sounds like your boss will let you have your request. I've got my fingers and toes crossed for you anyway.

If you've only got the afternoon in London then I would recommend the London Eye and team it up with a river cruise. Its quite relaxing.
I know you siad you are of heights.(Me too!). The cxentre of the capsul has a bench. I spent the whole loop sat on the bnch but I would not have missed theview for anything. The curved sides are glass which I found a little disconcerting to begin with but this was useful to see out of from the bench. The views are fantastic and you can book a specific time slot and avoid the queues. It is not like a ferris wheel as it moves very slowly and there are guides which tell you what places you can see. After the initial 5 minutes or so I was OK even if I wouldn't get up off the bench.

You can also use the same site to book a combined ticket to include the river cruise. There is commentary and it points out things like the reconstructed Shakespeare's Globe theatre, the Bullet ( a funny shaped glass building), Cleopatras needle etc. You also ge a view up from the river to ST Pauls. It is very leisurely and just the ticket after a flight.

The Eye is just over the bridge from the houses of Parliament and Big Ben. So you can stroll over the bidge and takes some photos in Parliament square??

DD recomends Madame Tusauds but I think this is pricey and had a very long queue. There ae wax figures of Kings and Queens, famous people and film stars. I've included a link to thier site.
www.madametussauds.com/London/
It is a bit Eurocentric especially for TV stars but you can get your photo with some of the figures. Brad Pitt was the new one last time we went! DH was sooo thrilled! Their website says that you can pre book time slots now.
It is a little way out but you could get the Underground from there to Green Park and walk through it to Buckingham Palace, or stay on to Houses of Parilament. There is a map on the site too. So have a look!

Hope any of this helps!!!!

Viccie

 

[mkmommy]

Thanks for all the information on London, I don't know if you have sold me on the London Eye yet. I do know that I wish I had more time there, but I do not want to arrive in Dover on the day of the cruise.

I am thinking if the kids are up to it on the day we arrive we may do the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace and then just look for Big Ben and the London Bridge. I also love shopping in London and I know my girls are always up for that.

Lisa

 

[Piggy and Bear]

How long of a train ride will it be for you to get to Dover, will it be a direct train ride or do you have to transfer along the way? My girls want to take the train over the bus to Dover so I think we will do that. Train service in Canada is very limited and very expensive so this will be something that we cannot do at home.

Lisa

I dread to think how long Scottishwee35 journey will be! Ours will be a 5 1/2 hour journey with 2 changes! we're about 250 miles north of London. The journey to London is 2 hrs 30mins then its across London via the underground berfore another 1hr 15 mins ??? to Dover. Having travelled by coaches the train is fatastic!
We caught the train back from Birmingham on 26 Oct. I booked about a month in advance and got a First Class ticket for me and DD for about £10 more than economy. (2hr journey). We travelled at lunch time but the same offer was on and better for 6pm + travel! By the time we had a drink and a bacon bap it covered the difference in ticket price! I would recomend checking the website on a regular basis from about 2 months out! You can pre book seats which is a plus on busy trains! Luggage storage is a bit of a problem but with seating plans you can pick seats near luggage compartments or either side of a table. Then sit back and watch the country go by!

My vote is train!

 

[Piggy and Bear]

Thanks for all the information on London, I don't know if you have sold me on the London Eye yet. I do know that I wish I had more time there, but I do not want to arrive in Dover on the day of the cruise.

I am thinking if the kids are up to it on the day we arrive we may do the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace and then just look for Big Ben and the London Bridge. I also love shopping in London and I know my girls are always up for that.

Lisa

That sounds good to me!!!!! I didn't dare suggest the shopping thing! The exchange rate is in your favour at the moment though. Buckingham palace and the Parks opposite it are beautiful. www.royalparks.org.uk/parks
If you walk down the Mall you pass Clarence house where Diana, Princess of Wales lived after her divorce. Also living there were the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret.

Be aware it is quite a walk from Buckingham Palace to the Houses of Parliament. A walk through Green Park and then catching the underground might be preferable but I would judge it on the day. The google maps with the underground on are good but they are misleading about distance! We walked it but in the opposite direction and then from Buck Palace to Regent Street for shopping. All I can say is bring comfy shoes and blister plasters!

Oh there just too much planning to do!!! Boy do I love it!!
Viccie

 

[mkmommy]

That sounds good to me!!!!! I didn't dare suggest the shopping thing! The exchange rate is in your favour at the moment though. Buckingham palace and the Parks opposite it are beautiful. www.royalparks.org.uk/parks
If you walk down the Mall you pass Clarence house where Diana, Princess of Wales lived after her divorce. Also living there were the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret.

Be aware it is quite a walk from Buckingham Palace to the Houses of Parliament. A walk through Green Park and then catching the underground might be preferable but I would judge it on the day. The google maps with the underground on are good but they are misleading about distance! We walked it but in the opposite direction and then from Buck Palace to Regent Street for shopping. All I can say is bring comfy shoes and blister plasters!

Oh there just too much planning to do!!! Boy do I love it!!


Viccie

Yes planning is so much fun, London seems easy as it is easy to find maps and information, Barcelona on the other hand seems so much harder. My big problem is finding a map that shows all the areas, all the maps I have been looking are are in sections and I cannot visualize them all together, oh well there is lots of time still, I have a couple of books I just need to find time to read them

Lisa

 

[ScubaMickey]

Just returned from a visit to EPCOT Food and Wine. We were surprised at how many people were at the Park in the middle of the week, especially with children. The food we tasted was great and the beers were tasty. Used the fast pass for several rides, but we walked on to most. This was our first stay at Pop Century. I enjoyed wondering around looking at the icons. Weather was overcast, so not too hot.

It was fun to have a day at Disney during the week away from work.

ScubaMickey

 

[Piggy and Bear]

Just returned from a visit to EPCOT Food and Wine. We were surprised at how many people were at the Park in the middle of the week, especially with children. The food we tasted was great and the beers were tasty. Used the fast pass for several rides, but we walked on to most. This was our first stay at Pop Century. I enjoyed wondering around looking at the icons. Weather was overcast, so not too hot.

It was fun to have a day at Disney during the week away from work.

ScubaMickey

The first time I visited WDW was during the Food and Wine festival. It was great! Last week was half term in the UK. Many families choose to add onto the week and travel to the US at this time. The flights and accomodation are cheaper ad the weather is cooler than July and August when Summer holidays are.

I am so glad you had agood time. I just wish I had been there to enjoy it too!

Viccie

 

[mkmommy]

Just returned from a visit to EPCOT Food and Wine. We were surprised at how many people were at the Park in the middle of the week, especially with children. The food we tasted was great and the beers were tasty. Used the fast pass for several rides, but we walked on to most. This was our first stay at Pop Century. I enjoyed wondering around looking at the icons. Weather was overcast, so not too hot.

It was fun to have a day at Disney during the week away from work.

ScubaMickey

Sounds like fun, I think Pop Century is the girls favorite resort at WDW, they could spend all day at the pools and playing twister.

Less than 48 hours and I will be in Miami getting ready for my RCCL cruise on Monday. I feel very disorganized for this trip. The price has gone done a huge amount but it is an OBC, and with RCCL you have to prepay excursions, so to use the OBC towards excursions I have to wait till I board. I have nothing book as of now, we go to Nassau, Coco Cay and Key West so I have a basic idea what I would like to do but have no idea what will be available when I board on Monday. The forecast is for warm so that is all I really need to know, as we had snow last night.

Have a nice weekend.

Lisa

 

[Piggy and Bear]

Less than 48 hours and I will be in Miami getting ready for my RCCL cruise on Monday. I feel very disorganized for this trip. The price has gone done a huge amount but it is an OBC, and with RCCL you have to prepay excursions, so to use the OBC towards excursions I have to wait till I board. I have nothing book as of now, we go to Nassau, Coco Cay and Key West so I have a basic idea what I would like to do but have no idea what will be available when I board on Monday. The forecast is for warm so that is all I really need to know, as we had snow last night.
Lisa

Have a great time and tell us all about it afterwards. I haven't heard of Coco Cay so I'm interested in information about it. Hope it is nice and warm for you !

Wow snow already!! Had to check to see where you are! We've had rain,rain,rain rain and more rain, but this morning the sun is shining.

Have a good time
Viccie

 

[scottishwee35]

Just returned from a visit to EPCOT Food and Wine. We were surprised at how many people were at the Park in the middle of the week, especially with children. The food we tasted was great and the beers were tasty. Used the fast pass for several rides, but we walked on to most. This was our first stay at Pop Century. I enjoyed wondering around looking at the icons. Weather was overcast, so not too hot.

It was fun to have a day at Disney during the week away from work.

ScubaMickey

Yes, it was fun to have a day at Disney long way for us as we love it... cannot wait go back in April 2011!!

Sounds like fun, I think Pop Century is the girls favorite resort at WDW, they could spend all day at the pools and playing twister.

Less than 48 hours and I will be in Miami getting ready for my RCCL cruise on Monday. I feel very disorganized for this trip. The price has gone done a huge amount but it is an OBC, and with RCCL you have to prepay excursions, so to use the OBC towards excursions I have to wait till I board. I have nothing book as of now, we go to Nassau, Coco Cay and Key West so I have a basic idea what I would like to do but have no idea what will be available when I board on Monday. The forecast is for warm so that is all I really need to know, as we had snow last night.

Have a nice weekend.

Lisa

Lisa

Have a great times and let me know what Coco Cay like... Key West should be beautiful too...

I forgot ask you what name of ship of RCI?

I bought a beautiful watch from Nassau in 06 then my watch is not working so I handed it to my father in law and he went to shop to get new battery... But unfortunately it was not battery as it was different as UK don't have it It is a beautiful watch and expensive too (cheaper in USA) than here...

I am trying take it with me to NY and hopeful can fix it??

Viccie

Weather is sunny now as had heavy raining last night...

I am having a quiet weekend and maybe go out to the picture(cinema) tom afternoon...

Scottishwee35

 

[scottishwee35]

Just returned from a visit to EPCOT Food and Wine. We were surprised at how many people were at the Park in the middle of the week, especially with children. The food we tasted was great and the beers were tasty. Used the fast pass for several rides, but we walked on to most. This was our first stay at Pop Century. I enjoyed wondering around looking at the icons. Weather was overcast, so not too hot.

It was fun to have a day at Disney during the week away from work.

ScubaMickey

What Pop Century like? as I am looking around for one night before the cruise in April 2011 and wonder if I book Pop Century or sports for the kids as I think Magic Disney Bus pick up from there? Is that right?

Scottishwee35