V-Flyer

Arrived at Gatwick at 7.00am for our 11.15 flight,the airport was heaving as this was the last 2 weeks of the school holidays. Had already done OLCI so only had to do the bag drop and though they opened a new desk for us the check in took longer then I thought it would - around 15 mins,was then told there was a 1 hour delay on our flight,nothing new there then! Fasttrack seemed to be non-existent,but not to many people around. Son in law went through with my laptop as hand luggage which he put on the belt but got searched as he had set the alarm of,then panic stations no laptop! He asked where it was and was told it had not gone throught yet[V] however this couldn't be true as it must have gone through as he was being searched. After a few words it come to light that someone had put another tray on it and it was in amongst the stack of empty trays!!! Did some duty free shopping and then to the clubhouse,we had already pre booked shaves for the men and cute boots (30 mins) for the girls,only to be told that they only had one person who could do the shaves so only time for the girls to have a dust & polish (15 mins). I had not shaved for 3 days so shave was nice. Had the breakfast in the clubhouse and the portions seemed to be the same as last year - plenty enough to eat and drink with good service. Around 11.50 got a bit restless and took a wander up to gate 17 where they were boarding,but no priority boarding and after queing with the hoards on plane 10 minutes later. SFM welcomed us aboard and she and the rest of the crew were excellent the whole flight, very attentive.
Lunch starters choice was Seasonal leaf salad with smoked salmon spelt,and balsamic dressing or pea,mint and fennel soup with a choice of warm bread. Main course was chicken breast on pea and broad bean broth with new potatoes,steak and mushroom pie with champ potatoes and sauteed savoy cabbage,creamy asparagus or creamy asparagus risotto. Cheese and biscuits optional and baked sussex honey cheesecake with fruit compote or strawberry and cream roulade. Between us we covered most of the choices aloing with a vegetable curry for the veggie - all food enjoyed. Landed 1 1/2 hours late with a quick departure off plane and straight through immigration with no problems. Up to the dollar desk to collect the car, again no queues but used dollar express card for no waiting. As per previous experience we have got a 2009 car however very basic model. Upgrade offered at half price of $15 per day but declined as thought not necessary. For peace of mind we purchased when offered a Sun Pass for $19 per week which allows you through all tolls. Although sounds expensive this saves having to ensure you've got money in the car but also queuing at the tolls as we witnessed on the drive to the villa. This is my first trip report - more to follow on my return flight.

Thanks for the debut TR, jodash. Masterfully handled.

Food sounds interesting - we're on the MAN-MCO flight next month, so I'm assuming the menu will still be the same. Meat pie and mash. Mmmm...

Thank you for your first TR![y]

Thank you for the TR good to hear the portions in the CH were up to scratch.

quote:Originally posted by mdvipond


Food sounds interesting - we're on the MAN-MCO flight next month, so I'm assuming the menu will still be the same. Meat pie and mash. Mmmm...

I think the UC menu is due to change at the beginning of September and as I'm flying then I'm all agog to find out what it will be. Personally, I'd be happy to keep on that menu as the asparagus risotto was gorgeous.

Nice TR, jodash. Thanks. I'm looking forward to the return

quote:Originally posted by honey lamb
quote:Originally posted by mdvipond


Food sounds interesting - we're on the MAN-MCO flight next month, so I'm assuming the menu will still be the same. Meat pie and mash. Mmmm...

I think the UC menu is due to change at the beginning of September and as I'm flying then I'm all agog to find out what it will be. Personally, I'd be happy to keep on that menu as the asparagus risotto was gorgeous.

Nice TR, jodash. Thanks. I'm looking forward to the return

Well, isn't that just the story of my life? First time in an age that the UC menu looks half decent and they're going to change it. Really had my heart set on that meat pie as well.

Never mind, maybe they'll replace it with something everyone loves - pumpkin ravioli anyone? Or maybe that salmon and hake abomination from a few years back?

Don't give them ideas - they really don't need any encouragement!

Thanks for the TR, glad you had a good flight.

Dominic

Thanks for an excellent inaugural TR

For many who visit the Site to gain the knowledge for their trips out to Orlando your TR will give great comfort that service levels are not always as bad as some would portray

Enjoy Florida and I hope the seasonal weather stays away

buns

Nice one great TR the food on the current menu is indeed very nice and the meat pie is delicious too bad i wont get it again at end of september, have a great time in florida let us know if there is anything new and fun to do!

cheers

alex

quote:Originally posted by honey lamb
Personally, I'd be happy to keep on that menu as the asparagus risotto was gorgeous.



I'll agree with you that the risotto is gorgeous. It is also one of the most popular vegetarian options that I can remember - we run out nearly every flight! [:)]

quote:Originally posted by Tinkerbelle
quote:Originally posted by honey lamb
Personally, I'd be happy to keep on that menu as the asparagus risotto was gorgeous.



I'll agree with you that the risotto is gorgeous. It is also one of the most popular vegetarian options that I can remember - we run out nearly every flight! [:)]


I'll third that - the best VS Veggie option for along time [y]

So, what do we have to look forward to food-wise come the end of September...?

quote:Originally posted by mdvipond
So, what do we have to look forward to food-wise come the end of September...?



I think you'll have to wait till the beginning of September to find out. Isn't it around the 6th that the changeover occurs?

thats the day we fly back,will try and find out

It's usually on a Wednesday/Thursday that the new menu cycles start so I'll guess the new menu will start on the 2/3 or 9/10.

[:X]

quote:Originally posted by Tinkerbelle
It's usually on a Wednesday/Thursday that the new menu cycles start so I'll guess the new menu will start on the 2/3 or 9/10.

[:X]

Well I hope it's on the 10th if the asparagus risotto is still on the menu for the 9th [^]

Great TR! Thanks for posting!

GJ

Thanks for a very good read.
[y]

quote:Originally posted by honey lamb
quote:Originally posted by Tinkerbelle
It's usually on a Wednesday/Thursday that the new menu cycles start so I'll guess the new menu will start on the 2/3 or 9/10.

[:X]

Well I hope it's on the 10th if the asparagus risotto is still on the menu for the 9th [^]


Word is the 3rd HL so let's hope it's good

We'll just have to wait and see [:D]