Southampton to London timing

[Chrislovesdisney]

Any insight/experience on expected arrival time into London from our debarkation off the Dream at Southampton? We have early seating (so early breakfast), NOT using express walkoff, and using Disney transportation to our London hotel. Trying to book some things later that afternoon and trying to judge the best start time for it all! Tia!
Edited: not sure if it matters to the question but we are a party of 8 - not sure if this means we will be on a bus or smaller private transportation.

 

[Geomom]

We did Disney transport to Heathrow, early breakfast and still had to wait for our luggage tag to be called. By the time we got outside around 9am, we had just missed a bus, so had to sit on the next one until it filled up before the bus would leave. Was at the airport by 11am? Id say anything after Noon would be safe?

 

[Chrislovesdisney]

We did Disney transport to Heathrow, early breakfast and still had to wait for our luggage tag to be called. By the time we got outside around 9am, we had just missed a bus, so had to sit on the next one until it filled up before the bus would leave. Was at the airport by 11am? Id say anything after Noon would be safe?

Thank you, this is very helpful. We will be a party of 8 going to a hotel, so I have no idea if it’s a bus or a private van.

 

[Girl of the South]

Did you book the hotel through Disney? So it’s sort of a package deal? What time is Check In at the hotel? You might not be able to get into your room(s) upon arrival.

 

[Chrislovesdisney]

Did you book the hotel through Disney? So it’s sort of a package deal? What time is Check In at the hotel? You might not be able to get into your room(s) upon arrival.

Yes the hotel is through Disney. The rooms likely won’t be ready so we were going to store our bags there, grab lunch, amd hit some sights. I was just trying to figure out what time to book the admission tickets for, as we will want to get back early enough to the hotel in early evening to set up the rooms!

 

[Girl of the South]

Cool! How long do you have there? Is it a Saturday? I have found that the timed tickets have a bit of leeway . . . for what that is worth. I checked Google maps and from Southampton to Heathrow is 1 hr 10 min drive. To Buckingham Palace (although you can put in the actual name of the hotel) is 1 hour and 50 minutes, so a bit further and more inner city traffic. But you're right, there may not be a bus full of DCL folks going to that hotel. BUT 8 with luggage is a lot for a small van (cars/vans in Europe tend to be smaller than their US equivalents). I would guess that the latest you would leave Southampton would be 10. And then 2 hours to the hotel. Then you need to check in and hand over your bags to store (and you can organize them the night before so you're not stuffing rearranging in the hotel lobby). But then you have to GET to the museum or wherever you are going (which you can also check via Google maps by checking the bus or train option at the top). So you get to the hotel (at the latest) at noon . . . . half an hour to get to the "museum" . . . I'd pick 1:30. That gives you time to get some lunch and just walk around a little near the "museum" or - try to get in early with your timed ticket??? Just guesses. In a perfect world I am an hour off but . . you're in LONDON! The timed tickets annoy me. The last time I was there I entered an empty Banksy 'musuem' (a huge miss) and then an overly packed exhibit of Paul McCartney's photos - so the timed tickets . . . I guess they are just trying to spread visitors out but they don't seem to work all that well.

 

[bcwife76]

We disembarked the Dream last August in Southampton on a Saturday. Hopefully our experience was not the norm but it was awful. We were late breakfast and getting off the ship took a while. Luggage was easy but then it went downhill as we had DCL transport arranged for Gatwick (flew out the next morning but we had a hotel booked near there). The staff were extremely unhelpful when asking where do we get the bus. Get over to the buses to find no signs or directions as to which bus. Found another employee who pointed us to the correct bus only to find out it was NOT the correct bus. But the driver of that bus was amazing!! He called his supervisor see if he could take us and one other family (the bus was going to Gatwick but not to our hotels) and they took us directly to our hotel. We didn't leave the terminal til gone 10am and Saturday traffic was steady. We were not the first drop off so it was about 12:30 when we got to our hotel. We tipped our driver well because he was so wonderful and he was so very grateful for that. Honestly he was such a sweetheart. Sorry for the novel but just wanted to throw in our experience

 

[Chrislovesdisney]

Cool! How long do you have there? Is it a Saturday? I have found that the timed tickets have a bit of leeway . . . for what that is worth. I checked Google maps and from Southampton to Heathrow is 1 hr 10 min drive. To Buckingham Palace (although you can put in the actual name of the hotel) is 1 hour and 50 minutes, so a bit further and more inner city traffic. But you're right, there may not be a bus full of DCL folks going to that hotel. BUT 8 with luggage is a lot for a small van (cars/vans in Europe tend to be smaller than their US equivalents). I would guess that the latest you would leave Southampton would be 10. And then 2 hours to the hotel. Then you need to check in and hand over your bags to store (and you can organize them the night before so you're not stuffing rearranging in the hotel lobby). But then you have to GET to the museum or wherever you are going (which you can also check via Google maps by checking the bus or train option at the top). So you get to the hotel (at the latest) at noon . . . . half an hour to get to the "museum" . . . I'd pick 1:30. That gives you time to get some lunch and just walk around a little near the "museum" or - try to get in early with your timed ticket??? Just guesses. In a perfect world I am an hour off but . . you're in LONDON! The timed tickets annoy me. The last time I was there I entered an empty Banksy 'musuem' (a huge miss) and then an overly packed exhibit of Paul McCartney's photos - so the timed tickets . . . I guess they are just trying to spread visitors out but they don't seem to work all that well.

Thank you for all of this information. We’ll be there for 2.5 days (the half day being debarkation day!). Your rundown seems to be close to what I was surmising in my mind. I think I’ll book 2pm tickets - all the places recommend “first thing in the morning” but we only have 2 mornings, so something has to shift to the afternoon, haha.

 

[Chrislovesdisney]

We disembarked the Dream last August in Southampton on a Saturday. Hopefully our experience was not the norm but it was awful. We were late breakfast and getting off the ship took a while. Luggage was easy but then it went downhill as we had DCL transport arranged for Gatwick (flew out the next morning but we had a hotel booked near there). The staff were extremely unhelpful when asking where do we get the bus. Get over to the buses to find no signs or directions as to which bus. Found another employee who pointed us to the correct bus only to find out it was NOT the correct bus. But the driver of that bus was amazing!! He called his supervisor see if he could take us and one other family (the bus was going to Gatwick but not to our hotels) and they took us directly to our hotel. We didn't leave the terminal til gone 10am and Saturday traffic was steady. We were not the first drop off so it was about 12:30 when we got to our hotel. We tipped our driver well because he was so wonderful and he was so very grateful for that. Honestly he was such a sweetheart. Sorry for the novel but just wanted to throw in our experience

I’m sorry about your experience. DCL definitely needs to work on their debarkation when it’s not in their own FL facilities. We got confused with Vancouver debarkation as well. Knowing I may experience chaos and delays is helpful to know for planning. Thank you.

 

[Girl of the South]

Just wanted to mention that when I was in London in September 2022 . . . it was hard enough for me to eventually find a seat for just me, let alone for EIGHT people. If you are considering using the Tube, I would appoint two of your loudest people to each be in charge of 3 others in your group as you may need to split into two separate cars.

Also, there are frequent rail/Tube strikes in London. There was one when I was there. Here is a link to the London Transport Page which will list closed lines - due to strike or 'track works'. Best to keep ahead of it.

London Transport Info

 

[Chrislovesdisney]

Just wanted to mention that when I was in London in September 2022 . . . it was hard enough for me to eventually find a seat for just me, let alone for EIGHT people. If you are considering using the Tube, I would appoint two of your loudest people to each be in charge of 3 others in your group as you may need to split into two separate cars.

Also, there are frequent rail/Tube strikes in London. There was one when I was there. Here is a link to the London Transport Page which will list closed lines - due to strike or 'track works'. Best to keep ahead of it.

London Transport Info

Good to know! Thank you!! My mother is in a wheelchair so we will likely call cabs and/or walk a lot - but I will be sure to bring out my native NYC subway-riding skills if needed

 

[Girl of the South]

Very few underground stations are wheelchair accessible (elevators). It's pretty pathetic. I remember in Heathrow having to drag my wheely bag up and down steep staircases (to catch the Underground) because the "Lift" was out of order. It was started in 1863 so maybe it's just way too old to retrofit? I was in Boston recently and it's decent. Haven't been to NYC in a long time . . . Will she need a handicapped accessible van from DCL to get to your hotel? I would drive that point 'home' to them multiple times if that's the case. I have friends who are also a family of 8 and they are going to do a lot of van trips in London in July . . .not sure who they are going through - want me to check? Too hard to keep that many people together. Two are kids. Two are the grandparents. ALSO - it's nice to have a little cash but most places take 'cards' gladly. Oh, and you mentioned "grabbing" lunch??? I tried to do that, just me, before a timed museum ticket. Ended up at McDonalds which was packed - took half an hour.

Do you know Marks & Spencers? (M&S) They usually have a food hall in the basement with pre-made sandwiches and salads . . . I usually get some things for dinner there rather than brave the crowds. As a New Yorker, I'm sure you know to pack a lot of patience! Hope you have an awesome trip!

 

[auntlynne]

Seems like The British Museum or other Free activity would be less stressful when arrival time is unknown. You book a time, but they also accept walk-ins, space permitting.

There’s the Sky Garden, too, also free. That’s more recent than my last visit.

I think it was a highlight for our geeky family.

No money wasted if you can’t get to a prepaid event / attraction.

 

[Girl of the South]

Doesn’t the Sky Garden require a timed entry? People also like the London Eye - not on MY list but friends prefer it to the Sky Garden. My favorite museums are the Tate Modern and the Victoria & Albert. Both probably packed in the summer . .

I’ll be there in October before the TransAtlantic on the Dream.

 

[auntlynne]

Doesn’t the Sky Garden require a timed entry? People also like the London Eye - not on MY list but friends prefer it to the Sky Garden. My favorite museums are the Tate Modern and the Victoria & Albert. Both probably packed in the summer . .

I’ll be there in October before the TransAtlantic on the Dream.

A little if this is to answer your question. The rest is targeted at the OP and anyone in a similar situation.

Sky Garden does have timed entry, too. But it’s free; so, again no $ loss if your travel is delayed.

I wouldn’t pick anything that requires pre-payment.

Another option is a double-decker Hop On Hop Off tour. Usually those can be purchased in line while waiting or perhaps online once arriving in London. Of course, you will have been riding for a while by now.

Tate Modern is not ticketed, free, to the main area (special exhibits carry a fee). Currently (June), it is open until 6 pm.

Giant display of sunflowers (ceramic) at the Tate Modern in 2010. This is modern art.




Afterwards (or before) cross the Thames on the Millenium Bridge, photographing your best album cover pose. Get some walking in. If you continue straight from the bridge, you are at St Paul’s Cathedral.

Statues outside St Paul’s:




Don’t forget Trafalgar Square and its lions (that made a nifty photo).

So much to see, just being in London. A quick internet search says London is the most wheelchair friendly city in Europe, with curb cuts and well-maintained sidewalks. Now, in reality, how an individual’s experience goes could depend on the chosen path.

Seems the recommendation is the bus over the Tube (subway), which may have broken lifts (elevators). Looks like buses are fitted with a ramp.

If you are staying near Kensington, the Victoria & Albert is also free, unticketed.

 

[Chrislovesdisney]

Very few underground stations are wheelchair accessible (elevators). It's pretty pathetic. I remember in Heathrow having to drag my wheely bag up and down steep staircases (to catch the Underground) because the "Lift" was out of order. It was started in 1863 so maybe it's just way too old to retrofit? I was in Boston recently and it's decent. Haven't been to NYC in a long time . . . Will she need a handicapped accessible van from DCL to get to your hotel? I would drive that point 'home' to them multiple times if that's the case. I have friends who are also a family of 8 and they are going to do a lot of van trips in London in July . . .not sure who they are going through - want me to check? Too hard to keep that many people together. Two are kids. Two are the grandparents. ALSO - it's nice to have a little cash but most places take 'cards' gladly. Oh, and you mentioned "grabbing" lunch??? I tried to do that, just me, before a timed museum ticket. Ended up at McDonalds which was packed - took half an hour.

Do you know Marks & Spencers? (M&S) They usually have a food hall in the basement with pre-made sandwiches and salads . . . I usually get some things for dinner there rather than brave the crowds. As a New Yorker, I'm sure you know to pack a lot of patience! Hope you have an awesome trip!

Thank you again for the tips! My mother is mobile with a walker for short distances so she can board without the wheelchair. We’re just in London for 2.5 days and private transportation was a fortune so we figured we’d call cabs and build in waiting time. We didn’t pack in the sights so I’m thinking it will work out.

 

[Chrislovesdisney]

Seems like The British Museum or other Free activity would be less stressful when arrival time is unknown. You book a time, but they also accept walk-ins, space permitting.

There’s the Sky Garden, too, also free. That’s more recent than my last visit.

I think it was a highlight for our geeky family.

No money wasted if you can’t get to a prepaid event / attraction.

Thank you. I have 2 young girls who really want to see the Tower of London so that will be one day. And then Westminster Abbey and Churchill War Rooms (WWII buffs with us too) another day. We are going to do V&A and maybe Natural History Museum if there’s time, not needing to purchase ahead

 

[tennisfan]

Thank you again for the tips! My mother is mobile with a walker for short distances so she can board without the wheelchair. We’re just in London for 2.5 days and private transportation was a fortune so we figured we’d call cabs and build in waiting time. We didn’t pack in the sights so I’m thinking it will work out.

There are plenty of "black" (may vary in colour but Black in the most popular) cabs in London, you can just hail them the street, although you would need more than one for your group of 8.

Would also recommend a walk up the Mall to see Buckingham Palace, its just off Trafalgar square. You may also see the changing of the guard, if the timings work out

 

[jujubiee4]

We disembarked the Dream last August in Southampton on a Saturday. Hopefully our experience was not the norm but it was awful. We were late breakfast and getting off the ship took a while. Luggage was easy but then it went downhill as we had DCL transport arranged for Gatwick (flew out the next morning but we had a hotel booked near there). The staff were extremely unhelpful when asking where do we get the bus. Get over to the buses to find no signs or directions as to which bus. Found another employee who pointed us to the correct bus only to find out it was NOT the correct bus. But the driver of that bus was amazing!! He called his supervisor see if he could take us and one other family (the bus was going to Gatwick but not to our hotels) and they took us directly to our hotel. We didn't leave the terminal til gone 10am and Saturday traffic was steady. We were not the first drop off so it was about 12:30 when we got to our hotel. We tipped our driver well because he was so wonderful and he was so very grateful for that. Honestly he was such a sweetheart. Sorry for the novel but just wanted to throw in our experience

Are you in the states? We are looking to book cruise out of Southampton next year and pleasantly surprised
to see similar fares to Gatwick and Heathrow. Did you find Gatwick better to depart in and out of? We have
vacationed in London twice so not looking to visit there.

 

[bcwife76]

Are you in the states? We are looking to book cruise out of Southampton next year and pleasantly surprised
to see similar fares to Gatwick and Heathrow. Did you find Gatwick better to depart in and out of? We have
vacationed in London twice so not looking to visit there.

We are in Vancouver so we have daily flights to London via Heathrow and seasonal flights (basically April to October) for direct flights to Gatwick. I really wanted to avoid Heathrow (flown there before but many years ago) and the Vancouver to Gatwick flight with BA was cheaper so that worked out well. We found Gatwick very easy to navigate. 100% we would choose Gatwick again over Heathrow. We did some sightseeing in London the first couple days we arrived and it was a quick train journey into the city.