A few quick questions. We're thinking about getting new luggage. Do you have any luggage advice? Big wheels? Is the London Eye's best view at night or during the day? Ron thinks the seats will be the same as the open air bench seats for 2 or 3 people that we have here on our regular ferries wheels? I'm thinking it will be enclosed like a gondola and perhaps hold a dozen people either standing or seated. How is it? About how long does it take to ride it? Should we allow an hour or two for the wait and the ride or all day?
Thank you, k
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23267 posts
If you are going to get wheeled luggage get a 20" bag with big wheels. Personally I prefer the carryon style back pack. Lighter and easier to use. Night and day are two different experience. Not sure if one is better than the other. You can see more during the day. It is a pod holding 20 to 30 people. You are free to move around. I think it makes one loop in about 15 minutes. You can prepurchase ticket for a certain time. Like Disneyworld.
Posted by
Truro, NS, Canada
3941 posts
We were lucky to hit the eye just before dusk (this was early Oct, so prob around 6pm-ish (this was in 2008) so we had a good view of the city, but also the sunset and the lights coming on at the Parliament Buildings/Big Ben about 3/4s of the way thru. You get the advantage of seeing the city lit up if you go at night, but it's harder to see landmarks...I liked going at dusk...gun to my head, would prob go thru the day if it could only be one or the other. And because we were there in the shoulder season, we barely had a wait, maybe 20 min...can't speak for lines in summer. The ride is about 40 min, expensive, but for us, worth doing.
Posted by
St. Louis, MO USA
1976 posts
I rode the Eye at dusk - got on when it was just sunset, and by the time I got off it was dark. Perfect timing to see the city in several different lights. They don't stop the wheel when you get on. They slow it down and the attendants tell you to jump on! A little nerve-wracking for me but I got used to it. I like my Delsey carry-on size rolling suitcase. The wheels are set at the very outer edges of the suitcase, which helps minimize the bag flipping over backwards.