Hi there, Mary Ann!
I'm so glad to see you again here at planDisney! You must be looking forward to your Disney Cruise Line holiday next year; I would be, too.
I reached out to a Disney Cruise Line Cast Member about your question since I know you would like to check booking your
Ground Transfer off your to-do list. Since the first
cruise out of Southampton departs on July 31, 2025, transfer bookings should open after the first of the year. So, unfortunately, rather than offering you a specific date, I suggest you continue checking the
Disney Cruise Line Navigator App or the Disney Cruise Line website. I wish I had a more precise answer for you, but the Cast Member could not provide that information for us yet.
I do have some tips for you as you prepare for the big day! On departure day, Guests should have their luggage ready for pick-up at 8:00 a.m. The first bus leaves the
Sofitel London Heathrow Hotel at 9:00 a.m. and buses will depart every 15 minutes, as needed. For your departure date, there will be a Disney Cruise Line representative in the hotel lobby the day prior to sailing from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on departure day. The Port of Southampton is about 66 miles from the hotel, so you will have plenty of time to think about all the fun you will have once you board the ship!
Mary Ann, don't worry, Disney Cruise Line will get you from the hotel to the port, and before you know it, you will embark on a glorious adventure aboard Disney Fantasy! Please stop by planDisney again with other questions.
Wishing you many magical memories,
Shannon