I am distance learning with London Guildhall. I passes 8/8 in feb, plan to sit the rest in Nov/Dec.
If you have the time and money, which it appears you do, then go for a full time classroom course - if only because it gets it over with quicker.
After a year of DL I can tell you it is bloody hard work. You are both teacher and pupil and that can be very difficult at times. There is a hell of a lot to learn and the last few months have been a real slog and I am tired of the course to be honest - I just want it to end. Have only 1 and a bit subjects to study then revision and exams.
The advantages of DL are however you can study when you want and feel right too. We all have days when the mind isnt there are we just cant be bothered. When I have those I dont study - that is not an option on a full time course. Any instructor said to me on the revision week in Jan that sometimes DL students do better then those on the full time course, because of the above and they can be better motivated.
In your case however, GO TO THE CLASSROOM!! I had the chance, didn't take it, and now wish I had.
Good luck, PM if you want further thoughts.