Installing the license from the disc.

Yeah, the idea of releasing a disc version and then having players download the entire new distribution seems pointless. It would have made more sense to just sell digital keys. It seems like the disc contains a very raw version, and a day-one patch is required, but instead of a delta update, they're releasing a completely new distribution... it feels rushed, and it's unlikely that all the resources needed updating, like textures and music.
Another option is to bring/take your computer to a place with decent internet access. But it's better to wait; they promised a significant update this week, so you can download it then.
And if you switch Uplay settings to offline mode? After activation, the game might work offline; at least Heroes 6 could be played in that mode if there's absolutely no other way to download it.