V-Flyer

I only fly long haul occasionally (last one was to MCO five years ago) but I do find the forums handy for tips so trip report is my way of paying back.

This was a peculiar day to fly as it was the first day of BST (DST) in the UK which made flight times difficult. The flight was scheduled for 14.40 which is pretty late for this flight. We had stayed in the Hilton overnight which we booked when the flight was due at 1pm and kept on with as it made for a very relaxed morning with a good breakfast.

Bag drop was swift with a chatty agent and then on to the crowded shopping mall that is the South Terminal departures lounge. I flew with BA last year to Rome and actually prefer the North terminal lounge which should hopefully work in VS favour when they move.

My wife bought some headphones as she does not like hear ear pods and fancied something a little better on the flight - only £25 but an improvement on the standard Y issue.

Flight called on time and boarded straight from the gate without row etc. Seemed to work pretty well and we settled into our seats. Bottle of water on seat appreciated and tiny pillow that we did not quite know what to do with. In the end the pillow seemed more useful for lumbar support than anywhere around the head!

Pushed off on time but congestion on the taxiways meant that it was about 15.20 before we actually took to the air.

It was our first time with the VOD system. We actually found it a little frustrating to use. Whilst I know it is relatively new it manages to feel quite dated, certainly compared to what we have in our pocket. Screen feels quite unresponsive, sometimes needs and extra push and swiping gives very unpredictable results. The basic games actually make it feel old than it actually is. They reminded me of the games that used to come free on cassette with a new computer.
Having said that the content was excellent, the movies play (mostly) smoothly and it is more of a "look and feel" issue.

Food good. Beef nice and the mustard mash was really tasty. Ice lollies were an odd choice, much preferred the old choc ices. I liked the afternoon tea but older children not so keen.

It felt a very long flight and we arrived at sunset to Orlando. Immigration was very good with all of us using a machine. Two older children needed to see an agent for fingerprints as they were too young last time but there was no queue at all for that.

Picked up car easily (although we would later regret agreeing to our son's request for leather seats) but the delays gave a very late arrival to our villa after we had picked up the keys.

All in all a good flight but a very long day!

Thanks for th TR. I know what you mean about the pillow and bottle. Just stares at you from your seat.

Nice TR GavinJ. Goodness that was a late arrival into Orlando.
Glad your flight went okay and without any issues.
I bet you won't experience the same uncomplicated boarding procedure at MCO for your return. The boarding gate there is worse than a rugby scrum with hoardes of tired kids, ratty adults and no order whatsoever. It seems that as soon as any announcement is made majority of the passengers flock to the entrance line. Not what you need after a good time in Orlando.

Great TR - and thanks for the "pay back"!!

That journey certainly seems to go on forever, the last 2 or 3 hours seem to stretch on and on and on....