V-Flyer

I had had a great first week in Orlando, but then the Brazilians, mentioned in my outbound TR, became my downfall! At Animal Kingdom, at the end of a performance of the Lion King, I stood to leave the theatre quickly- as urged by Disney staff- only to find both ways blocked by groups of Brazilian students who were being told to stay seated.So I attempted to go forwards, missed my step, and fell into the metal bench below. I broke my radius by the wrist. So the second week was spent at clinics and hospitals and trying to fax info to my insurers. Not a lot of fun.
Thanks to the help and advice from fellow V Flyers I knew I had to get permission to fly from both a doctor and VS and to have a flexible cast.
For once we had to use the services of a porter when we dropped off our hire car and he cheerfully carried our cases to check in. Again we were called over to PE to avoid a wait. She disappeared for ages as she needed to check with Arizona about me flying(?). Permission granted, I was told that I could use a Special Assistance Security line and so made my way there. I couldn't really see where the line differed from the others and I spent an anxious time avoiding fellow passengers and cradling my arm. Just as I was struggling one handed to put items in the bins for x ray a lovely lady official came over to help me. I was then made to wait for ages in a glass booth for someone to do a swab test on me and my cast. I wasn't helped by the sight of my companion trying hard not to dissolve into fits of laughter as I reminded her , apparently, of a hamster in a cage (?!) .
It was a relief to get to the lounge and relax.
We decided to leave early so I could make myself known to the gate staff so I could board without being jostled. Just before boarding was announced a boisterous group arrived (mostly PE)and they went straight to the boarding sign. I stood up and was told to join the queue so any hopes of being allowed on board away from the crush were dashed.
But once on board - what a brilliant crew.They were so kind, thoughtful and helpful.I declined the champagne and the sleep suit and was fastened gently into my seatbelt. We left the stand at 7.55pm on board Ruby Tuesday .There were 230 passengers on board and UC was full. Take off was bumpy (there had been the threat of tornadoes earlier ). I allowed myself a small vodka & orange. (The vicodin I had been given by the specialist in Kissimmee made me feel like "House" everytime I took them !) My beef tenderloin & vegetables arrived neatly cut into beautiful cubes for me with the apology that she couldn't make it look more presentable.It looked wonderful to me and I thoroughly enjoyed it and the Apple Souffle.
My bed was made up and the attendant made sure she tucked me in, particularly my feet. During the night I was aware how often the crew discreetly checked up on me and made sure the duvet stayed on.Of course the seat belt sign came on for turbulence just as I had struggled to take down certain clothes items in the loo but a rap on the door told me to take my time and she would help me back to my seat !
For the first time (for us ) we weren't given a Breakfast form to fill in so we gave our order directly to the attendant. She stayed to open the sugar packets for me on my cornflakes.
We landed 8.16am and were at the gate by 8.24. Again, the next cabin was almost empty so a quick get off and immigration was quiet. Outside the first sunny day at LGW greeted us which was lovely.
So a HUGE thank you to the CC and their kindness. I had been dreading the flight.
VS 10/10 Brazilian Students 0/10 !
P.S By next day I had seen my GP who referred me to the hospital and a day later I had an hour long op to manipulate the arm and put wires in and an overnight stay.... I now have 4 more weeks to go in this heavy cast and before the wires are pulled out (dreading that !). But I have been given the OK for my Easter flight.

What a brilliant TR - thank you very much.

It's really pleasing to hear how well VS looked after you - one for a special letter of praise I think, or perhaps a nomination on their website Virgin Hero or whatever it's called. I'm sure the CC involved would be told of any such letter of complement etc.

Hope the arm mends soon and doesn't cause you too much discomfort.

Yes I wrote to Customer Services to applaud the crew and received an email assuring me that those concerned would read my comments and receive my thanks.

Hi Hiljil,

We probably passed in MCO as we were leaving that night bound for Manchester - good to see that after your injury, you had as good a flight as possible back and a big to the crew.

I think we had the Brazilian students at MGM on the Saturday - there were hundreds of them following their little flag at the RocknRoller Coaster.

roll on the next trip ...

David

Thanks for the trip report! Sorry to hear that you hurt your arm, those metal benches you mentioned are so easy to trip on!

The crew sounded so good on this flight, pleased to hear.

Luke

Hi Hiljil,

Thanks for the 2 excellent Tr's, enjoyed them both. Sorry to read of your incident with your arm and I hope it is well on the way to recovery. I have not yet had the pleasures of the MCO route yet but with my 2 little darlings growing up fast it can only be a matter of time

Iain

Glad you are making a full recovery !

sorry to read of your mishap, hope the travel insurance was in place ! good to hear VS looked after you so well.

Oh my, sorry to hear about your accident, not nice at the best of times and certianly not when on holiday. Glad that VS looked after you soo well. I wish you a speedy recovery and thanks for taking the time to post your TR.

Very glad to hear you were looked after so well during the flight home and are on the mend now.

Great TR, glad the crew were so attentive

Excellent TR, thank you.

I am glad you got home safe and sound and I hope your recovery continues apace.

Thank you for the great TR. Sorry to hear about the accident, I hope you make a complete recovery.

Thank you fellow V-Flyers for all your kind comments and wishes for my speedy recovery.
Best regards
hiljil