Best and Worst US, DCL, WDW

[RDP]

Just back from two weeks in Florida. 4 nights at the Portofino Bay in US, 3 nights on the Disney Dream and 7 nights at the CR in WDW.

Best
1. Portofino Bay Hotel - Lovely hotel with large rooms, great housekeeping and a great location. 2. Universal Studios - Great rides and lots of new attractions since our last visit 11 years ago. 3. Disney Cruise Line - Wonderful three night cruise, once again the service was impeccable.The concierge lounge was a great resting spot and we made use of the frequent happy hours. 4. DCL staff - They are the most friendly, helpful staff. 5. Palo on the Dream - Once again great food and great service. 6. Cabana on Castaway Cay - this was a great way to spend the day on CC. 7. The Weather - Very hot with little rain. 8. Memory maker and magic bands - All worked well. 9. Fast Pass plus worked well for us and suited the way we work the parks. 10. VA Premium economy on the return flight - Great crew, very attentive and smiley. 11. Location and convenience of the CR in WDW.

Worst.

1. VA Premium economy on outward flight - Passenger in front of me fully reclined seat for the whole flight bar takeoff and landing, it significantly reduced the space available to me for the flight. Flight was late leaving by two and a half hours, crew did not smile and the service was the bare minimum. Very disappointed with my first experience of premium economy with VA. 2. Miami Airport - NEVER AGAIN - 3 hours to get through immigration! literally a couple of thousands of people boxed into a pre immigration hall area (as the immigration hall was already full to capacity), passengers fainting, no information . Little regard for the passengers. I didn’t get to the hire car until 10pm, then had a 4 hour drive to Orlando. Not the greatest start. 3. Housekeeping in the CR in WDW - Poor housekeeping, one sink was clogged and the safe did not work. Very poor for a "5 star” hotel. 4. AVIS charged me $122 for a tank of gas on returning the car to Miami airport 3/8 full.

Although there were a few lows the holiday
overall was amazing, we plan to book 3 weeks next year which will be on our DVC points. We had a wonderful time!

 

[sandshal]

That's bizarre, we had a very similar experience on our VA flight from LHR to NYC, an A330 ..., flight left on time but crew were very in attentive, one male crew attendant spent a large proportion of the flight talking to an ELR passenger from the jump seat and another oriental stewardess spoke very poor English. No drinks trolley whatsoever just an offer of "wine or juice?" With the meal ... Very tatty plane and generally very poor indeed. By contrast the plane journey home was fabulous! Had it been the same that would have been my last with VA for sure.

Probably the only low point of our holiday so wrote a letter when I got home, to my surprise I got a personal call rather than a standard letter to say they understood the plane was tatty (being replaced by a Dreamliner shortly ) but the crew and service issue would be looked into .... The 12500 reward points we each spent on the flight were refunded so happy with the outcome.

Guy on way home said they'd been trialling this reduced service but due to the number of complaints had now reverted to the old ... At their prices, I should certainly think so.

 

[flortlebap]

I've had four VA PE flights this year and even the refurb 747s seem tatty compared to the new A330s, which are lovely. It's a shame it isn't more consistent, you're paying a lot of money for a huge difference in quality.

How frustrating about a 9 hour flight with no leg room - that's one of the major draws of PE for me!

Anyway, at least the rest of your trip sounds good

 

[wilma-bride]

Glad the highs outweighed the lows DCL will always, for us, be a highlight of any Florida holiday that includes a cruise. It really is amazing, both in terms of experience and service.

Sorry about your problems with Miami airport, although IIRC I (and others) did try and warn you of the problems before you went. As I think I alluded to back then, Miami airport is not an airport I would willingly choose to travel to (even as a cheaper option) as it is just so poor. We are having to fly in there next May, as our cruise departs from Port of Miami but, believe me, I actually considered flying in to Orlando and driving down instead

3 week trip next year sounds great. We are planning the same

 

[thestevied]

How frustrating about a 9 hour flight with no leg room - that's one of the major draws of PE for me!

Flown to wdw 17 times and always gone economy, can never quite afford PE. I'm 6'4 and always cramp my legs into my little area for leg space. It's never ideal or comfortable, but the excitement of where I'm going gets me through it! Harder on the way back though...

 

[maclondon]

arrgh i hate people that drop the seats

It doesn't effect leg room - but it effects your space - ability for people to pass etc. plus its IN YOUR FACE, it makes eating close to impossible and the screen unwatchable - i know you can adjust it but it never seems to be that viewable in that mode.

I was on a flight once to either SF or NYC - we were one row behind the exit seats - the people in them brought on about 3 massive bags each - filling every luggage bin around. immediatly put seats into recline for the whole flight.

now i have kids if that happens I'll swap for a kid and tell them to kick the seat A LOT and turn up their ds

 

[SerpentQueenClaire]

Oh no, really worried now as we are flying into Miami for the first time in 3 weeks. And I'll have my 10 month old with me. Stressed!!

 

[scoobydooby]

arrgh i hate people that drop the seats It doesn't effect leg room - but it effects your space - ability for people to pass etc. plus its IN YOUR FACE, it makes eating close to impossible and the screen unwatchable - i know you can adjust it but it never seems to be that viewable in that mode. I was on a flight once to either SF or NYC - we were one row behind the exit seats - the people in them brought on about 3 massive bags each - filling every luggage bin around. immediatly put seats into recline for the whole flight. now i have kids if that happens I'll swap for a kid and tell them to kick the seat A LOT and turn up their ds

We had idiot seat recliners in front of us for 7 hours of our last return flight. It ruined our PE seats. I politely asked the women to push them back up a bit but seemingly she had the most precious little 7 year old in the entire world who absolutely had to sleep in a fully reclined seat and so did she so he could lean on her. Have you ever travelled with a small child she said? Muppet. Good job I don't believe in aggression. Wish I'd had a toddler to kick her seat

 

[Cyrano]

Good to hear that your highs were the best of the trip

 

[maclondon]

We had idiot seat recliners in front of us for 7 hours of our last return flight. It ruined our PE seats. I politely asked the women to push them back up a bit but seemingly she had the most precious little 7 year old in the entire world who absolutely had to sleep in a fully reclined seat and so did she so he could lean on her. Have you ever travelled with a small child she said? Muppet. Good job I don't believe in aggression. Wish I'd had a toddler to kick her seat

The joke is a 7 year old can sleep standing up

 

[Elise79]

Just back from two weeks in Florida. 4 nights at the Portofino Bay in US, 3 nights on the Disney Dream and 7 nights at the CR in WDW.

Best
1. Portofino Bay Hotel - Lovely hotel with large rooms, great housekeeping and a great location. 2. Universal Studios - Great rides and lots of new attractions since our last visit 11 years ago. 3. Disney Cruise Line - Wonderful three night cruise, once again the service was impeccable.The concierge lounge was a great resting spot and we made use of the frequent happy hours. 4. DCL staff - They are the most friendly, helpful staff. 5. Palo on the Dream - Once again great food and great service. 6. Cabana on Castaway Cay - this was a great way to spend the day on CC. 7. The Weather - Very hot with little rain. 8. Memory maker and magic bands - All worked well. 9. Fast Pass plus worked well for us and suited the way we work the parks. 10. VA Premium economy on the return flight - Great crew, very attentive and smiley. 11. Location and convenience of the CR in WDW.

Worst.

1. VA Premium economy on outward flight - Passenger in front of me fully reclined seat for the whole flight bar takeoff and landing, it significantly reduced the space available to me for the flight. Flight was late leaving by two and a half hours, crew did not smile and the service was the bare minimum. Very disappointed with my first experience of premium economy with VA. 2. Miami Airport - NEVER AGAIN - 3 hours to get through immigration! literally a couple of thousands of people boxed into a pre immigration hall area (as the immigration hall was already full to capacity), passengers fainting, no information . Little regard for the passengers. I didn’t get to the hire car until 10pm, then had a 4 hour drive to Orlando. Not the greatest start. 3. Housekeeping in the CR in WDW - Poor housekeeping, one sinked was clogged and the safe did not work. Very poor for a "5 star” hotel. 4. AVIS charged me $122 for a tank of gas on returning the car to Miami airport 3/8 full.

Although there were a few lows the holiday
overall was amazing, we plan to book 3 weeks next year which will be on our DVC points. We had a wonderful time!

Glad you had lots of highs

Did you speak to anyone at the CR about the housekeeping issues? I only ask as whenever we have raised anything there it has been fixed really quickly.

We had idiot seat recliners in front of us for 7 hours of our last return flight. It ruined our PE seats. I politely asked the women to push them back up a bit but seemingly she had the most precious little 7 year old in the entire world who absolutely had to sleep in a fully reclined seat and so did she so he could lean on her. Have you ever travelled with a small child she said? Muppet. Good job I don't believe in aggression. Wish I'd had a toddler to kick her seat

You see on a return flight I have no issue with people reclining - it is a night flight and you book PE for the extra space/recline to help you get some sleep.

On day flights it annoys me when people recline right back but I have no issue on night flights, although I did have some people behind me on our return flight to MAN last year who got upset when we reclined our seats - after meal service had finished I might add - and I told them that it was night flight and I wanted to sleep. They muttered and moaned for a while but I really find that extra recline makes a difference to my comfort.

The only answer if you don't like recliners is to book business class so UC or CW.

 

[scoobydooby]

Glad you had lots of highs Did you speak to anyone at the CR about the housekeeping issues? I only ask as whenever we have raised anything there it has been fixed really quickly. You see on a return flight I have no issue with people reclining - it is a night flight and you book PE for the extra space/recline to help you get some sleep. On day flights it annoys me when people recline right back but I have no issue on night flights, although I did have some people behind me on our return flight to MAN last year who got upset when we reclined our seats - after meal service had finished I might add - and I told them that it was night flight and I wanted to sleep. They muttered and moaned for a while but I really find that extra recline makes a difference to my comfort. The only answer if you don't like recliners is to book business class so UC or CW.

I don't agree with this. And I don't personally book PE for the extra recline space to get some sleep. That's not an assumption you can make for everyone else and state as fact. I never recline my seat, day or night flight, out of respect for the passengers behind me.

 

[crabbie1]

I had a man in front last year recline as I was drinking my coffee. The air stewardess said he has a right to recline his seat!!!! I said well its a good job It was me that got burnt and not my daughter. I made sure my knees went into his back very hard several times. He got the message in the end. I have no objections on the return but as soon as the get on right through is very inconsiderate.

 

[Elise79]

I don't agree with this. And I don't personally book PE for the extra recline space to get some sleep. That's not an assumption you can make for everyone else and state as fact. I never recline my seat, day or night flight, out of respect for the passengers behind me.

I am guessing you don't have a 3 hour drive home on landing back in the UK then? I need to get as much sleep as I can and that means reclining my seat. I also don't think I have ever sat behind someone who hasn't reclined their seat once the lights have gone out. Like I said before seat reclining is acceptable on a night flight to me without question. Day flights I find it annoying and inconsiderate.

I would think most people book PE for extra space as that is the main thing you pay for. Extra space = more comfort. The other benefits whilst nice have no real value.

 

[sandshal]

I'm sorry but I'm with Elise on this one, we pay for a seat that reclines and intend to use it to its full capacity, after service and only on the return. When we land we have a 3-4 hour journey home so sleep is essential.

Far too much controversy about this right now, I'd pity the family that asks my husband not to put his seat back on the way home, he'd probably ask them if they were prepared to pay for a taxi for us instead!

 

[london75]

I think the real issue is that you're encroaching on someone else's space and therefore it is at least courteous to glance behind first, if they are already reclined or asleep then go for it, if they have a table full of kids drinks and are reaching for a side pocket to find yet another comic for a tired child ( yes I speak from experience) and you recline right into them then that is how bad feeling starts.

We are often mocked for our manners around the world but so many people forget them on a flight. Such a shame as it only takes seconds.

 

[scoobydooby]

I think the real issue is that you're encroaching on someone else's space and therefore it is at least courteous to glance behind first, if they are already reclined or asleep then go for it, if they have a table full of kids drinks and are reaching for a side pocket to find yet another comic for a tired child ( yes I speak from experience) and you recline right into them then that is how bad feeling starts. We are often mocked for our manners around the world but so many people forget them on a flight. Such a shame as it only takes seconds.

I couldn't agree with this more.

 

[scoobydooby]

I am guessing you don't have a 3 hour drive home on landing back in the UK then? I need to get as much sleep as I can and that means reclining my seat. I also don't think I have ever sat behind someone who hasn't reclined their seat once the lights have gone out. Like I said before seat reclining is acceptable on a night flight to me without question. Day flights I find it annoying and inconsiderate. I would think most people book PE for extra space as that is the main thing you pay for. Extra space = more comfort. The other benefits whilst nice have no real value.

No never have a three hour drive. Sometimes have a four hour one depending where we fly from.

 

[disneyholic family]

Just back from two weeks in Florida. 4 nights at the Portofino Bay in US, 3 nights on the Disney Dream and 7 nights at the CR in WDW.

Best
1. Portofino Bay Hotel - Lovely hotel with large rooms, great housekeeping and a great location. 2. Universal Studios - Great rides and lots of new attractions since our last visit 11 years ago. 3. Disney Cruise Line - Wonderful three night cruise, once again the service was impeccable.The concierge lounge was a great resting spot and we made use of the frequent happy hours. 4. DCL staff - They are the most friendly, helpful staff. 5. Palo on the Dream - Once again great food and great service. 6. Cabana on Castaway Cay - this was a great way to spend the day on CC. 7. The Weather - Very hot with little rain. 8. Memory maker and magic bands - All worked well. 9. Fast Pass plus worked well for us and suited the way we work the parks. 10. VA Premium economy on the return flight - Great crew, very attentive and smiley. 11. Location and convenience of the CR in WDW.

Worst.

1. VA Premium economy on outward flight - Passenger in front of me fully reclined seat for the whole flight bar takeoff and landing, it significantly reduced the space available to me for the flight. Flight was late leaving by two and a half hours, crew did not smile and the service was the bare minimum. Very disappointed with my first experience of premium economy with VA. 2. Miami Airport - NEVER AGAIN - 3 hours to get through immigration! literally a couple of thousands of people boxed into a pre immigration hall area (as the immigration hall was already full to capacity), passengers fainting, no information . Little regard for the passengers. I didn’t get to the hire car until 10pm, then had a 4 hour drive to Orlando. Not the greatest start. 3. Housekeeping in the CR in WDW - Poor housekeeping, one sinked was clogged and the safe did not work. Very poor for a "5 star” hotel. 4. AVIS charged me $122 for a tank of gas on returning the car to Miami airport 3/8 full.

Although there were a few lows the holiday
overall was amazing, we plan to book 3 weeks next year which will be on our DVC points. We had a wonderful time!

thanks for the mini-review!!

sounds like a great holiday all in all!!

we also enjoyed our cruise on the Disney Dream and i agree the concierge lounge is a wonderful oasis, far from the madding crowds!!
and i also agree that a cabana is a wonderful way to spend the day on castaway cay!!

and i also agree about that 4 hour drive!!
i had to drive that last august to get us to our royal caribbean cruise out of fort lauderdale! wow...it doesn't seem far...only 4 hours, but i was really exhausted in both directions!!! on our way down, i'd planned on one stop on the turnpike....but i ended up stopping at every single rest stop, drinking yet another cup of coffee and then carrying on.....torture!!!

after doing that i knew that i could never fly into miami....no way would i be able to make that drive after traveling for 24 hours..
in truth, after the flights getting us to orlando, i can barely make it from MCO to disney.....

 

[maclondon]

On the night flights fair enough - if everyone is reclined the effect is minimal
but on a day time flight form the off!! or during meal - fair enough after food - check theres no coffee behind etc.

i personally never recline on a day flight. but consider it a bonus if the one in front doesn't - half expect it to be honest - as the attendant says - they have the right to.