This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
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The subtitle of this adventure is "Escape from the Furness of Florida" as our stay - whilst very enjoyable and relaxing - was during a Florida heatwave where there was a distinct absence of the 3PM thunderstorms that usually regulate the heat making it cooler at night. My heart goes out to those visiting the Theme Parks as the heat index was showing temperatures in excess of 100 degrees Mrs Buns and I now prefer to spend our time relaxing, shopping and dining (I will leave you to decide where our respective priorities lay ).
Anyway, back to the TR, as I had mentioned in the outbound TR, this trip was booked at the last minute and as a consequence the return sector was on an "I" fare code, thus giving access to a CDC on the return. This being the case, I only booked the rental car until the morning of our return and thought it would be nice for once not to have the challenge of getting from the car rental up to the check in desk for once
As any self respecting V Flyer, there I was at T - 24, checking in on line, and yes SEQ 1 & 2 !!!!! (but more of that later). The following afternoon, we checked out of our hotel at 2pm (having booked an extra day so as not to be kicked out in the morning) and our Mears Car was waiting for us. A gleaming Lincoln MKX, making a distinct difference from Lincoln Town Cars you may encounter in Orlando.
As we left the hotel, the rain started to fall and before too long, the much needed deluge came down. About 10 minutes out from the Airport, the driver apologised and said he would have to make a phone call and I thought "Here we go, he wants to pick up some shopping along the way" - nothing could be further from the truth; he was in fact contact VS to tell them how many bags we were checking in and sure enough, when we arrived at the kerbside of Terminal A there was a member of the VS Check In team waiting for us with a bag hop man and trolley As it was still very hot, he invited inside where he presented us with our boarding cards, Lounge invitation and this when we realised we were SEQ 1&2 and it was at this point that Mrs Buns remarked these sould be kept (so she is learning after all these years ). Our bags were taken care of and I once again reiterated my admiration for the VS team who daily deal with up to 5 747s which such professionalism.
Armed with boarding cards and Invitation, we made our way to the TSA Security area. Using the specified entrance (next to the escalator up to the Hyatt and used also by TSA Pre Check) we then joined the line for the scanners. Fortunately as we were on the early flight, queues were fairly light, but the absence of a dedicated line is something TSA really ought to address. Fuzzy 14 was right in his recent report; the placing of a screen wall does steer you towards the wrong gates if you are not used to the layout. However, we were on the right monorail in no time and there was a member of VS staff in our carriage, who seeing we were flying VS asked if we needed directions - so again top marks.
Once in the Satellite, we thought we would check out Gate 94 as the flight in Manchester would be moved there later as there were too many aircraft at the normal gates. As this took us past the MCO Club, we thought we would give it a quick look and armed with our Priority Pass Cards we took the lift up and were welcomed in. A smaller lounge than Delta, it nevertheless has a fair section of sandwiches and salads together with coffee and soft drink machines. There is a serve bar (like Delta) and Mrs Buns was well pleased with the Tanqueray Gin on offer as well as packets of Lays Crips (her favourite!). The Club is used by a number of airlines - including BA and I suspect can get rather crowded at peak times. That said, it does offer a little respite from the main Terminal if you have Priority Pass or the like.
After the briefest of visits, we then went to Outback for our last US Meal before doing battle with the Duty Free (I got myself a bottle of Gentlemen Jack, which they really ought to make make of the on board duty Free offerings ) and thence to the Delta Sky Club.
The Delta Lounge remains unchanged and as it was a Friday afternoon, it was quite full of businessmen flying back for the weekend, although the absence of BA and Lufthansa passengers is noticeable. A few families arrived who were flying VS, but Mrs Buns and i managed to catch up with on line type stuff before the flight was called at 4:30. As is usual, a VS Representative is waiting at the door to escort you to the Gate and this is a really nice touch as the Gates a MCO become extremely congested as flight departure time gets closer. We were escorted through the crowds and I once again thanked the VS Ground Crew for the slick operation (which in my opinion far exceeds the Gatwick experience).
Welcomed on board Barbarella (G-VROM) and directed to the front of the aircraft - PE had already boarded as well as some of the UC passengers. As soon as we arrived at our seats Mrs Buns and I were welcomed by name by both the crew member looking after us and the FSM!! Shortly after accepting the glass of fizz, the FSM appeared with my Duty Free Pre Order (which for those of you are thinking "hang on, he is over the limit", it was a bottle of Bulldog Gin for Mrs Buns - one she has been longing to try).
From here on in it was clear it was going to be a good flight The UC Cabin had one seat free and one of the families who had been in the Clubhouse occupied the majority of the seats as well as some first timers. As on our outbound, all the passengers were well looked after and sleep suits as well as post departure drinks orders taken.
Slight delay of departure but the assurance that anticipated flight time would get us in early. Once airborne, the crew, led by the FSM, leapt into action and thereafter the service was impeccable.
The June cycle UC Return Menu:
Starters
Asparagus soup
Tomato and mozzarella salad
Smoked salmon rolls
Mains
Grilled beef fillet
Grilled salmon
Vegetable korma (v)
Sumac spiced chicken salad
Pudding
Orange brioche pudding
Chocolate cake
Cheese
Mustard and Ale Cheddar
President Camembert
Goat Hommage Bleu
I went for the salmon rolls (exceedingly nice) and the steak, and Mrs Buns the salad and the steak. A nice touch was that we requested the chimichuri sauce for the steak was put on the side and I have to say that whilst the steaks on board will always be on the well side when cooked on the ground, they are perfectly editable.
Again I witnessed the crew working hard, using the trolley for the table laying process which of course works well on the A Cabin of a 747.
After the meal the blinds were pulled down and the cabin lights dimmed for the night. Both Mrs Buns and I no longer convert our seats into beds as we both find sleeping in the recline mode far more comfortable. We must look out of place and everyone else had their seats converted by the crew. I got a good three and a half hours and stirred as breakfast was being served up.
A wonderful sunrise was to be seen as the blinds were raised and I had some coffee and some eggs and bacon. All too quickly, the cabin was being closed down for landing and we touched down at Gatwick 20 minutes ahead of schedule. We did have to wait for a Thomas Cook aircraft to leave stand 17 before we could go on stand, but being so close to the Terminal it was, for once, a short walk to the UK Boarder.
All Electronic gates were not in use but being so early in the morning, there was no real queues for the desks and Mrs Buns was pleased not to have to use the electronic machines as they seem to dislike her
As we got to a carousel, bags were coming off and i had to run to catch up with our first bag!! The VS provided Tristar Driver was waiting for us and we made our way home.
All in all, another excellent flight made all the better by a crew that performed exceptionally - I will of course be writing about the return as much as the outbound as in both cases, a good FSM made the flying experience all the more special, not only for Mrs Buns and myself, but all the passengers.
I have a few learning points:
1. Take the earlier flight back in future if available - less crowded and more chance to get off on time
2. Order Hollister stuff on line as soon as we arrive and pick up in store as this saves shedloads
(I know the latter has nothing to do with VS, but I have learnt my lesson )
Thanks for reading
buns