V-Flyer

We were driven to LGW Hilton the night before our flight and were stunned to find all the terminal restaurants closed due to refurbishment. How could I have missed this vital piece of info! So we made it into an adventure ( I lead a quiet life !)and took the shuttle to North Terminal instead of giving in and dining at the Hilton. Next morning we had to endure the freezing trek thru the carpark as the usual route from the Hilton is also being refurbished. We were actually called over to be checked in at PE so no waiting. Fast Track was just that (tho we failed to see why my friend's shoes should have warranted such a close scrutiny ) and we were quickly in the CH. I was delighted that the chef allowed me my preferred scrambled egg with the smoked salmon. A great start.
I always like to give myself lots of time so we left the CH ahead of any flight announcement and found ourselves at Gate 21 first - just as it opened.The Security Staff were on good form - laughing with me as I was made to meander around the barriers all alone. Further to one of the posts today, I was surprised to see copies of Tatler on the stands.
We were called to board at noon and champagne offered as soon as I was seated. We were on Virginia Plain and she seemed in better repair than when we had flown on her in September. There were 275 passengers and 15 crew on board. UC was full - all adults. We were off the stand at 12.50 and actually took off 1.05pm. I was so pleased that mixed nuts accompanied my vodka & tonic. A perfect start.
I felt so happy to be on my way to some warm weather. In fact, as the seat belt sign went off the sun came out. A good omen I felt.I then enjoyed my prawns and Lancashire Hotpot and amazed myself by ordering the Orange & Cranberry bread & butter pudding. It was delicious.
The time to tea passed very quickly - possibly because I had unintentionally fallen asleep. I relished the sandwiches despite having had a pudding and felt ashamed that I actually fancied the scone as well.I started to shed layers of clothing when the Captain announced it would be 71 degrees at Orlando. We averaged 38,000 ft and were due to land 45 minutes early. As we came into land we made an emergency turn and flew off on another loop. The Captain announced, "Sorry about that. A plane got in our way !" which caused some raised eyebrows. We then came round to land again at 4.50pm. As PE behind UC was virtually empty we were quickly off the plane.
Immigration was really crowded - far busier than I've seen it for ages- which surprised me as I thought January would be quieter than September or Easter. Orlando no longer has a quiet season I was informed. At least a fellow V Flyer's TR had warned me of the Brazilians swarming round the Parks and they were still very much in evidence.
So - a super start to my holiday. Thank you VS.

ugh a 'drive thru' is not a pleasant experience, UC and often PE do seem to still be pretty full on the MCo routes whilst econ is the quiet(er) class.wonder if thats why LHR 747s are being used more (though does then make you wonder about the 330s)

anyway glad you are enjoying/enjoyed the weather

ugh a 'drive thru' is not a pleasant experience, UC and often PE do seem to still be pretty full on the MCo routes whilst econ is the quiet(er) class.wonder if thats why LHR 747s are being used more (though does then make you wonder about the 330s)

anyway glad you are enjoying/enjoyed the weather

Thank you for the great TR.

Thanks for another great TR! I do hope the captain was joking ! If not I would be a trembling mess! LOL

Thanks for posting a great TR :-)

Interesting TR I am suprised by the comment on "no quiet season anymore" because we go september to october and walk around the parks with virtually no crowds great time to go btw.
Glad you had a fab time.

cheers

alex

Alex V wrote:Interesting TR I am suprised by the comment on "no quiet season anymore" because we go september to october and walk around the parks with virtually no crowds great time to go btw.
Glad you had a fab time.

cheers

alex

Agree with you there Alex - last Sept was deserted compared to usual crowds.

David