This is a Trip Report from the Upper Class cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
We'd been given vouchers for the Downtown Disney check-in but decided against it since we had no car and you're not allowed to carry luggage on the Disney buses. It turned out to be a good decision since we met another family on our flight the next morning who had paid for a taxi to take their baggage to Downtown Disney only to find that they couldn't check-in due to system problems. They had to lug their bags back to the hotel. They were not happy...particularly as they'd turned up at Gatwick two weeks ago to find their chosen row of seats actually didn't exist! We just left our bags at the hotel after check-out and were picked up later that day by taxi.
At Orlando International we had obviously arrived after the Virgin Holidays buses since the check-in was heaving. On finding the UC desk there was only one other party in front of us. The check-in staff were nice and chatty, asked us whether we'd used the lounge before (we hadn't) and gave us directions. Our bags were whisked away by somebody. All very easy. On to security and it was the usual shoes-off scenario but not much of a queue at all. We jumped on the monorail and arrived in Departures. Now that departure area is quite bizarre. It appears to have a distinct lack of seating, which results in people just sitting on the floor in some sort of picnic fashion. It reminded me of the scenes at UK airports during industrial action. However, in this case, there was no mistaking this was Orlando judging by the number of Disney soft toys and roaming princesses and Power Rangers. And why are there so few shops in that area ? I'm sure they would make a killing with all those Brits with cash to spend just sitting on the carpets. All I bought was a digital camera magazine (I really wanted to buy 'Guns and Ammo'...but thought better of it) and then it was off in search of the Delta Lounge.
We followed a group of business men and women into the lifts and ascended. On reaching the lounge floor, the doors opened about 5 inches and stopped. A few mutterings later we'd descended for a re-run. Same thing happened. I started to think we were jinxed since a few days earlier we'd been stuck in the cold chamber of the Test Track ride at Epcot following 'technical difficulties'. After the second descent we decided to take the stairs and leave the Twilight Zone to the others.
I'd heard some comments about the Delta Lounge before our trip so I wasn't expecting too much. I was pleasantly surprised. Sure, there's no hot food or treatments but I knew I'd be getting some of that on the flight. It was quiet, spacious and relaxing. I think it rounded-off our hectic trip nicely. The children were content to make regular visits to the bar for snacks and drinks.
Our flight was delayed about an hour but at least we were in time to experience priority boarding with UC and PE being called first. As before we were told to make our way to the front of the plane and took up residence in rows 6 and 7. The captain apologised for the late take-off but the incoming flight had had a medical issue. Two glasses of champagne later (yes - this time I finished both in time!) and we were on our way. Our first disappointment was that the film schedule didn't match the system. The children were hoping to watch 'Pirates of the Caribbean 2' but alas the 'technical boys' had got it wrong. So then it became a bit of a panic to flick through the channels trying to recognise the films. There were no games on this flight...which explained why the children could not wrench that control out. I wasn't really fussed about that since I knew they'd be asleep shortly.
Dinner was served and we both had the poached salmon. I had the tomato bisque for starters. Once again, no complaints about the food. After dinner the mood then changed as everybody started to get the sleep suits out for bedtime. By now the children knew the routine. Press the big blue button and stand back. With them safely tucked up and belted in we placed our orders for breakfast and sorted ourselves out. I never sleep very well on planes but I can tell you that I slept right through that night. Being able to lie flat is a huge advantage. I can remember that the flight was quite turbulent but it didn't spoil my sleep.
The next thing I was aware of was the clanking of breakfast preparation (I'm sure they do that to wake you up) and I was soon tucking into my bacon roll. I chose to sit up at my table for breakfast but you can opt for breakfast-in-bed which means it comes on a tray. The children were slowly coming round and had obviously had no problems sleeping - well they never do anyway really. And so the flight was coming to an end and we changed out of the sleep suits and back into civvies to prepare for landing. We were off the plane first and began our long hike to passport control. At the reclaim our bags were one of the first to appear so we were out in probably the fastest time ever for us.
Again I cannot find fault with anything really. The biggest bonus for me was the fact that I could lie down to sleep. It's a great way to start and end your holiday. I only wish I could fly that way all the time.
