V-Flyer

This was a very late booking which was basically done when I realised that I had too many points left in my use year from Disney's Vacation Club and as it had only been a few weeks since we had last been across the pond, I decided to try and make this a very low budget trip and use points for as much as I could

This was, again because of the short notice a solo trip ( and I've got to say the I was looking forward to a few days at the pool with a couple of books and a few beers )

The first hurdle was fitting in reward flights to fit in with my disney points and this proved to be relatively easy with the only glitch being the return in premium.

It was onto the shuttle, and again, with the few air miles I have left, this was achieved. It was nice to see the return shuttle has been brought forward and cuts down on the horrendous wait in Gatwick, although I will be keen to try the new PP lounge at the Sofitel.

Next was the first night at Gatwick's Hilton, which was done with Hilton points and all the was left was a few nights at end at our favourite Hilton on International Drive to pay for and a car from Dollar.

So, Thursday morning at 9.00 am, nothing had been booked, Thursday morning at 10.00 everything had been booked for departure starting Saturday night and for only a few pounds !

Always been a little impulsive, but this ones the biscuit !

Shuttle down to Gatwick was a usual, with another noticeable update to Edinburgh's departure lounge which is very different from 17 years ago when we started going to Orlando.

Checked in at the Hilton and was given an Executive room, which was very nice and not expected. Thought you only got standard rooms when using points.

Check-in next morning was very quick with lounge invite and fast track vouchers given, although it really was slow track, everybody seemed to be going through it and for the first time, or so it seemed.

Anyways, straight up to the Clubhouse for some food and a few glasses of champagne. Portions at Gatwick seem to be getting back to normal and were served on a full size plate, unlike the last time when they appeared on a large saucer.

There was a slight delay, because of the clock change, and it was nice to be able to enjoy the setting even thought it was pretty full. The were plenty of different tails on show, which looked a bit amateurish, but as mentioned before it was nice to see the new red changing colour as the sun burnt through.

It was time to head down to the gate all too soon, and again, after ever announcement, it was stated to go to the front of the queue which ensure priority boarding happened.

My favourite seat 10k and a full upper cabin although I think down the back was pretty empty.

The food was good - had the soup, the pork and chocolate cakey stuff for desert, washed down with another few glasses of bubbles.

Unlike febs trip, there was no strong winds or long diversions and it was soon time for afternoon tea and then securing the cabin for landing.

No love hearts this time, but it was a nice smooth descent into Orlando international.

Customs has slightly changed again since feb. You don't pick you line but play follow the leader through the tends barriers where there are now 4 or 5 people directing you to your line. Very quick and very efficient.

Onwards to Dollar and again using their Express, it is very very quick.

Ended up checking into Disney's Saratoga Springs in less than an hour after landing to a very nice 90 degrees.

Unfortunately the weather didn't last and the next again day, chucked it with rain. That and another two days of rain and storms during the forthcoming week didn't worry me too much, although the worst day was when storms raced across central Florida and caused, wait for it, over 30,000 lightning strikes between Tampa and Cape Canaveral in the space of 15 hours.

Anyway, can't complain, it was all very last minute and very unexpected.

thanks

David

Thank you for the TR.

Hope you had a great time.

Thanks for the TR! Shame about the weather, I recall watching a new story from vegas and they went live to sea world re: the whale that killed 3 people being put back in the shows - the presenter was live under an umbrella at sea world and it was very rainy and windy!!

Sounds like a good trip apart from that and glad you managed to make use of your miles!

I'd love to do a last minute trip like this!!