This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
After a refreshing night stay in the Renaissance (highly recommended)we arrived 3 1/2 hours before departure to find a huge queue in EC. Luckily we found the UC check in which had 2 or 3 parties already in line, but we were soon seen to after we were vetted for UCS tickets. We had a mediocre check in lady who was courteous, but not full of the joys of Disney. She advised us that Fastrack was probably closed because of the huge amount of passengers being half term weekend and because of the extra security in today's climate.
In trepidation we made our way to security to see hundreds of people queueing. I asked in hope where the Fastrack was and after some thought he pointed down the other end on the area which to our delight was open, with only about a dozen or so people in line. Despite what was said at check-in, we were releieved to go through quite quick and make our way through the melee of screams, shouts, and of all things, PEOPLE everywhere, to the sanctity of the lounge.
We were greeted with a cheery Hello, asked if we had been here before (we had) and was directed to a seat on the advice that someone would be with us soon. They weren't, so that very same lady took our order from a slightly different menu (as already mentioned). We had the back bacon brioche, with sausage, mushrooms and scrambled egg with some exceptionally nice coffee and of course the Champagne.
I asked the person at check in whether duty free was allowed, and he advised it was not still, but it was available on board where he thoughtfully handed me a duty free guide advising we could also pre-order for the way back. After seeing 1 or 2 fellow passengers with duty free bags, I decided to brave the big bad airport and see for myself. To my delight, there were no restrictions and I could purchase my XO Cognac (Remy, much to the obvious and verbal disgust to the sales floor lady who was hard selling the Hennessey - 'I would never buy Remy, well, it's up to you, you buy what you want' and she walked off idignantly). Happy with my purchase I made way back to the lounge for my Sensational Shave, and sensational it was. I advised her it was off the recommendation of this site that I chose it, and although she had never heard of it (amazing, I know), she was very pleased that people liked it.
Back to the main sitting area, while my wife had her nails done, I nursed another champagne or 2 before her return where she was disappointed in that only a girl covering took care of her(she normally works on board for the IFBT, not on the nails) and they were not up to the usual standard. Oh dear. I sympathised accordingly.
The hours flew by before we boarded, and we made our way not far to the usual expected scrum. We fought to the front embarrassingly where someone checked our ticket and squeezed us in to more security. Quite a long queue to get on, but once we did, we were the 2nd and 3rd in the UCS, where our name was used to direct us. I was expecting some shoddy pick and mix, but was delighted (I guess after all the feedback) to see the old Oswald Boetang was back with cufflinks, which I had needed. The menu looked good as did the film selection. Soon we were filling up, but not too long before we were offered the glass of champers to start the flight off proper. A couple of people had asked for flight suits and these were handed out.
It was a full flight with only 1 child in UCS, very well behaved too. The IFM came over to introduce herself to everyone, engaging in a little light banter ensuring we all knew how everything worked, and if we wanted anything then she or her colleagues would only be too happy to assist. This is more like it I thought.
We took off half an hour late but no matter. Drinks were soon brought round and I tried a Bellinni, before acknowledging that a G&T was more to my taste, so I had one of those too! The food was far better than I had expected and the meditteranean feel was a nice touch. Not mad on European wines, I was a bit disappointed in the selection, but not a huge deal. The minestrone soup was excellent, as were the warm rolls. The steak was one of the best I have had in air for a long time(some of the VA and BA previous attempts have been either cold, tough or stringy - this was warm, tender and tasty). I had cheese and biscuits (good selection) and a brandy to end on.
Soon I had settled down to watch Devil Wears Prada - very funny indeed and an excellent Merly Streep. There was a hat competition for the kids and a rhyme competition for the adults. None of these were announced in the UCS cabin for some reason (are we above the EC/PE banter and fun and games??), but the young girl was asked to participate and came up with a good little number. She like all the other kids in other cabins had to parade up and down the plane for the pax to choose the winner. No parade was done in our cabin, but to everyones delight, 'our' girl won. It was a nice touch and brought some fun to our cabin, even though perhaps it was assumed we don't like fun. The FA's were excellent and fussed over the girl (and us) throughout the flight and made it special for her, and me/us.
Ice cream was brought round midway, followed soon by tea. No BA prepacked nonsence, but to my huge upset, no fresh scone and clotted cream!! Even so, a nice sandwich, beef (lots of it) and mustard, and I think a cheese and something version too, with a sweet. Good taste and nice tea, save the missing scone.
Soon we were approaching sunny MCO and I was feeling pretty good about the whole experience. After over a year missing VA and reading about and previously experiencing mixed levels of service, food and those little extras, I was very pleased indeed with everything.
Food was miles better than expected, though wine slightly small choice. Service was exceptional to me and my fellow passengers - laughter, banter and a good atmosphere throughout the whole cabin. The seats were good, though I wish they would recline slightly more than they do without having to turn it over, so you could get a more relaxing position to watch a movie. A small point when taking into account the overall experience.
I have been used to BA this past 18 months and have enjoyed it alot. After this experience and assuming it continues, BA had better bring out a good Club revitalisation (and indeed First) to compete, because now I have been reminded of how good VA is (or as used to be) I will be thinking long and hard about who I would go with next, and at the moment Virgin are winning.
Well done Virgin for a great start to a fun time at Disney!!
