This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin
Ground Staff
Food & Drink
Entertainment
Seat
Cabin Crew
It was our intention this time to give WDW a fairly wide berth, except for the “not so spooky Halloween” event which we can highly recommend, although much frustration at not being able to attend Universal’s offering due to mini. Something quite funny about being dressed as a zombie on “It’s a small world” with three Dracula’s in the boat in front.. Our main pull this year was to do Universal and Aquatica, given mini was now getting old enough to appreciate what was on offer (more of this shortly).
IOA and Studios was a first for us (well, I went when it was in soft pre-opening some time in the early 80’s which doesn’t count). Very impressed and thoroughly enjoyable, although hate to imagine what it would be like in July/August, especially in the sickly Potterland. Already a hour or so queue for a $45 black chop stick…err no thanks..
Mini was feeling generally brave and had a taste for rollercoaster’s, maybe overly brave given the tears we ended up with a few times, although within half-an-hour shouting “again!” A brief encounter with some Hull residents and another famous V-flyer gave mini some additional Dutch courage to do the Jurassic park ride, and proved to be the limit of her adrenaline exposure..
Fast passes on another day, enabling us to get a proper soaking on the Popeye boat ride going on it 3 times in succession..Gatorland a fun alternative afternoon out, mini also nearly standing on a wild Rat Snake slithering across the path..
First time to Aquatica was also successful, as the layout/ slides do lend themselves to smaller guests. Before long the trip was coming to an end.Our location at Villages was ideal for the final return to MCO on the Thursday at the lower end of ID, avoiding the DTD check-in this time (at $10/each fairly pointless, given we just held our luggage at the accommodation after checking out and would be checking in PE at MCO). Ditched bags and went on a final fling to Seaworld (mini’s favourite)- she had some questions to ask the staff (homework… how long can penguins hold their breath for, etc ). Had never tried the Shark Grill before so booked in for lunch- Its o.k. over priced and food average fare but the setting is impressive, especially when two sharks decided to start fighting, was half expecting a bloodbath to develop…
Called it a day, nipped round the corner to pick bags up and then fill the car up before returning, via south entrance at MCO. Hertz as always provided seamless hand back. Mrs NH had been spending again so we’d ending up travelling back with 2 more bags than we’d arrived with, a porter was more than happy to help the transfer- something we’d normally avoid, but proved a much more fluid trip across to check-in (Superman as he was known, a great character and great interaction with mini! Sorry “Superhelper”). Mrs did quite enjoy the arrival at Check-in with a fully laden cart of luggage and by-passing the fairly long Y queue (simple things!)
Hadn’t been able to chk mini in online again, but still managed to bag row 19, which seemed fine. Bags ditched then off for a well deserved beer at the sports bar, a hideous place, very expensive and surly staff- when will we learn….decided to go through as we’d arrived with limited time on purpose, security was flowing, only held up by US business type in front of us, with all his worldly possessions as hand luggage.
The usual hang around the gate area, waiting on the call for boarding, much confusion as another VS flight was called from adjacent gate, meaning everyone thought the MAN flight was boarding. All eventually resolved, and soon the PE/AU call was made. We wanted on asap to get some locker space, appeared many others also- in fact the whole plane…Ground staff were actually well organised and managed to keep a clear run for PE and boarding was smooth (except the bottleneck in the gantry for duty free pick-up).
Settled in, downed the cava and soon we were trundling down the runway on route to sunny Manc. CC appeared more senior and more efficient, a couple of black shirts knocking around and tending pax needs throughout, service was prompt and organised, the front loos kept free where ever possible. The food was also good, well mine was, the lamb curry was lovely.
Watched Devils Double, which was also great especially on the new IFE and settled in for some sleep as driving at the other end. Mini was in usual mode, frantic colouring, then glued to IFE and soon crashed out for the night.
Stirred about hour & half out of MAN, breakfast was soon served, and was a welcome feed, do like this offering compared to those minging cheese bun things they used to serve.
Immigration was also fairly smooth, the chipped passport route all bottlenecked up as numerous people got confused on what they were supposed to be doing, we however had settled for the traditional route, and a wise choice. Luggage started to arrive and in traditional MAN efficiency, a high proportion of the PE bags came off nearly last, including all ours… Come on VS, MAN handling need a kick up the arse, yet again.
Overall, a thoroughly efficient return trip, in-flight service did appear a few notches higher than the outbound, Manchester’s handling letting the whole experience down.
PS, Penguins can hold their breath on average for 10 to twenty minutes by the way..
NH
NH, Hobbit Land.
