wilma-bride
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- Joined
- Jul 13, 2005
- Messages
- 22,681
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Surely you remember who we all are (if not, see here)
I woke up at 6 am with a somewhat sore head. Aha, this is why we dont drink ourselves into a stupor the night before we fly. The thought of being on a plane for the next 9 hours with a raging hangover does not appeal. A shower improves my mood and demeanour slightly and, by 8:15, Im down in the lobby with Mark and Christine, waiting for Gary to join us. He soon does and were off through to the airport to begin our journey.
As usual, the queues at security were horrendous and, as usual, there is one person who thinks the rest of us are queuing for the good of our health and barges his way through with no explanation or apology. He doesnt get very far, though, as an angry crowd of travellers who, 5 minutes ago were shuffling along, eyes down, not daring to look at each other are now united in shock and disbelief at this rude and arrogant man and, amidst much eyebrow-raising, tutting and muttering of How rude and Honestly, some people! have closed ranks and are refusing to let him through. A little old lady in front of me tells him (and I swear, if shed had a brolly or a walking stick shed have poked him with it) You should say Excuse me young man. Ver I come from vee do not say zis he replies. This prompts more mutterings from the crowd until the old lady responds with In that case, I hope youre going to make my day and p**s off back there
A round of applause breaks out and the guy continues to try and barge his way through, not even having the grace to look ashamed. If I were so inclined, I could do something really childish like put my foot under his wheely-case so that, when he tries to pull it behind him, it wont move as if I would 
With the entertainment for the morning finished, we get through security with no major problems except the look of shock on Marks face when he doesnt set the security sensor off and is not subjected to a full body cavity search. We head for Garfunkels for breakfast but there is quite a queue so we decide to try Est, Est, Est instead. We order 3 teas, an OJ and 4 Est Classic breakfasts in various configurations of extra mushrooms, no tomato, no tomato, no mushrooms, extra toast etc. etc. It comes as little surprise when our order is delivered to our table some 10 minutes later completely wrong. The waitress gives us complimentary tea to compensate for the long wait (hmm, I wouldnt say 10 minutes is long!) The breakfasts were overpriced and barely edible and elicited the following scores:
Mark a generous 4 out of 10 (but only because the tea is nice)
Christine 5 out of 10
Me 2 out of 10 (the bacon was the only edible thing on my plate)
Gary 4 (out of 100!!!)
While the guys finished their tea, we left them to settle the bill and decided to go and do a quick tour of the shops. Mark very generously offered his wallet to Christine and let her choose any note of any colour! Gary gave me a pound coin!! I noted it in my trip report book and Gary scribbled something down afterwards. I was so shocked that he had violated my notebook that I made a spelling mistake. And I had been doing so well, writing in joined up handwriting and everything.
We hit the shops, after arranging to meet Gary and Mark by the escalators at 11:45, ready to head to the gate. Christine and I bought some cigarettes, a couple of books (James Patterson for her and Catherine Alliott for me), batteries for my camera and some crisps. I was really disappointed that you still cant take liquids on flights to the US as I really cant bear the Virgin Cola they serve on VA and wanted some proper diet coke to take with me.
We wandered back to where the guys were waiting, near a Wii demonstration stand, and sat down to wait for our gate to be put up on the screen.
At 12:30, when I am just about to go and find out what is happening with our flight, there is an announcement that the VS015 to Orlando is delayed until 15:20 due to crew shortages. Marvellous!!! Realising weve got at least another 2 hours before were likely to board, Mark and Gary go off for a wander and return with hot chocolate and diet coke from Maccy Ds. We wait and wait and wait. Eventually, just after 2, Christine and I went for a cigarette (yes, I still had one vice at this stage!) and noticed the gate number had come up on the screen. Boarding at gate 17 yippee!!! We fetched Mark and Gary and took a slow stroll down to the gate. The plane was Ladybird (I got told off for taking this picture).
At 2:45, were still sat at the gate and boarding hasnt even begun. No way will we be taking off at 3:20. Theres a designer family nearby, all decked out in their best Bench and Hooch gear (although none of them had a cool Burberry hat Matt
) For some reason, though, the youngest girl has odd socks on a strange combination of one mid calf white sock with pink spots and one plain pink trainer sock. Very strange! She seems completely at ease though so maybe Im missing a new trend or something. And there I was thinking I was the height of fashion in my Crocs
Boarding finally begins shortly before 3 and we are soon in our seats, rows 61 and 62 A and C. I set my watch to Florida time. Its now only 10 am must be time for breakfast then.
We glance through the magazine to see what films are showing and are highly amused by a programme on V Comedy called The Adventures of Old Christine, a joke which we dont tire of through the entire flight. At 3:30 the captain made the usual pre-flight announcement, informing us that the original captain had gone sick, followed quickly by the 2nd officer. Both of our replacements had been called in on short notice and were already over their flying hours for the week. This immediately filled me with complete confidence for the next 9 hours! The captain also told us that 3 toilets were u/s in the centre of the plane. Excellent. I can tell this is going to be a fun flight. With a flight time of 8 hours and 50 minutes, it was looking very likely that we would not be in Orlando before dark. At 3:40 (UK time) the safety video started, we pushed back at 3:45 and were finally in the air at 3:55, 3 hours and 10 minutes late.
From this moment on, my notes have all the times in EST so please add 5 hours to any times published to obtain the comparitive UK time
I was actually feeling quite tired so was hoping I might be able to doze on the way, especially as none of the films particularly appealed to me. Gary, Mark and Christine watched The Prestige and I ended up watching Mischief Night (which was really strange but oddly enthralling). At 11:30, we were given the usual drink and Worcester sauce pretzels. I opted for lemonade, which was actually worse than the coke, so I think Ill stick with water from now on.
A disgusting smell from the back of the plane indicated that dinner was nearly ready the usual offerings of chicken something, beef something or vegetarian something. The meal was fairly inedible so I had a packet of crisps and settled down to watch the film again.
Trays were cleared at 2 oclock and the film had finished so we got up to stretch our legs. Had a chat with Christine and Mark, who were discussing the Prestige. Gary told me it was a good job I hadnt watched it as I probably wouldnt have understood it anyway thanks love! However, it soon became clear, from the conversation, that neither Gary nor Mark had understood it either. Either that or all three of them had been watching different films.
At 4, the flight attendants brought round ice creams well, actually they were chocolate covered frozen strawberry yoghurt so Gary had mine and Marks!!! Sandwiches were served at 6:30, a choice of cream cheese or chicken Caesar salad.
This being the third time travelling with Virgin, I have to admit that I think their service is seriously deteriorating. I seem to remember that the first year we flew with them, we were offered drinks 3 or 4 times during the flight (in addition to the usual tea and coffee after the meals). This time, we had only actually been served cold drinks once, right after we took off, and the one time I had asked for a drink of water, I had waited almost an hour and had to ask twice more before I finally got a cup of water (not even a bottle and no ice!)
That aside, it doesnt necessarily put me off flying with them again if the price is right but I think the service we got in Premiair Gold on MyTravel last year was far superior. Perhaps if we had been travelling PE with Virgin, I may have noticed a difference in the service too. Who knows?
We landed at Orlando International at 8 pm. By 8:30 we had done the tedious pick up, drop off, pick up baggage routine, passed through immigration and customs and were heading to the Dollar desk to pick up our rental car. After a 30 minute delay due to no cars being available, we finally left the airport at 9:15. We had booked a full size and ended up with a Chrysler 300, which was very nice. Now, if I was a fella, there would obviously be several pictures and a full description of the car here but I'm not so there isn't. It was big and it was silver! We left the airport, with Gary driving and Mark in the front with the maps. We headed North (to pick up the 428?) but somehow ended up on the 536. Mark couldnt read the map because it was dark and he kept insisting there wasnt a light in the front. Finally, I found a light in the back, took the map and got us on the right road (I4) to WDW. This misreading of the map and taking wrong turnings became known throughout the week as being navigationally challenged. And, believe me, it happened A LOT!!!
We finally arrived at Boardwalk Villas at 10:45 and we were all very impressed with it. It was absolutely gorgeous and I was so pleased with my choice. Even Christine, who hadnt been too impressed with Orlando thus far, admitted it was lovely. We were soon checked in, welcomed home and, after dropping our bags in our rooms, settled in the Belle Vue lounge with 2 Buds, a Heineken and a Skyy-Berry Martini.
After a couple of drinks (this is the life!) we called it a night and headed off to bed, stopping just long enough to take a couple of quick photos of the room and our towel animal.
Sorry todays report is not very amusing I havent got the energy to inject much humour tonight!
Surely you remember who we all are (if not, see here)
I woke up at 6 am with a somewhat sore head. Aha, this is why we dont drink ourselves into a stupor the night before we fly. The thought of being on a plane for the next 9 hours with a raging hangover does not appeal. A shower improves my mood and demeanour slightly and, by 8:15, Im down in the lobby with Mark and Christine, waiting for Gary to join us. He soon does and were off through to the airport to begin our journey.
As usual, the queues at security were horrendous and, as usual, there is one person who thinks the rest of us are queuing for the good of our health and barges his way through with no explanation or apology. He doesnt get very far, though, as an angry crowd of travellers who, 5 minutes ago were shuffling along, eyes down, not daring to look at each other are now united in shock and disbelief at this rude and arrogant man and, amidst much eyebrow-raising, tutting and muttering of How rude and Honestly, some people! have closed ranks and are refusing to let him through. A little old lady in front of me tells him (and I swear, if shed had a brolly or a walking stick shed have poked him with it) You should say Excuse me young man. Ver I come from vee do not say zis he replies. This prompts more mutterings from the crowd until the old lady responds with In that case, I hope youre going to make my day and p**s off back there
A round of applause breaks out and the guy continues to try and barge his way through, not even having the grace to look ashamed. If I were so inclined, I could do something really childish like put my foot under his wheely-case so that, when he tries to pull it behind him, it wont move as if I would With the entertainment for the morning finished, we get through security with no major problems except the look of shock on Marks face when he doesnt set the security sensor off and is not subjected to a full body cavity search. We head for Garfunkels for breakfast but there is quite a queue so we decide to try Est, Est, Est instead. We order 3 teas, an OJ and 4 Est Classic breakfasts in various configurations of extra mushrooms, no tomato, no tomato, no mushrooms, extra toast etc. etc. It comes as little surprise when our order is delivered to our table some 10 minutes later completely wrong. The waitress gives us complimentary tea to compensate for the long wait (hmm, I wouldnt say 10 minutes is long!) The breakfasts were overpriced and barely edible and elicited the following scores:
Mark a generous 4 out of 10 (but only because the tea is nice)
Christine 5 out of 10
Me 2 out of 10 (the bacon was the only edible thing on my plate)
Gary 4 (out of 100!!!)
While the guys finished their tea, we left them to settle the bill and decided to go and do a quick tour of the shops. Mark very generously offered his wallet to Christine and let her choose any note of any colour! Gary gave me a pound coin!! I noted it in my trip report book and Gary scribbled something down afterwards. I was so shocked that he had violated my notebook that I made a spelling mistake. And I had been doing so well, writing in joined up handwriting and everything.
We hit the shops, after arranging to meet Gary and Mark by the escalators at 11:45, ready to head to the gate. Christine and I bought some cigarettes, a couple of books (James Patterson for her and Catherine Alliott for me), batteries for my camera and some crisps. I was really disappointed that you still cant take liquids on flights to the US as I really cant bear the Virgin Cola they serve on VA and wanted some proper diet coke to take with me.
We wandered back to where the guys were waiting, near a Wii demonstration stand, and sat down to wait for our gate to be put up on the screen.
At 12:30, when I am just about to go and find out what is happening with our flight, there is an announcement that the VS015 to Orlando is delayed until 15:20 due to crew shortages. Marvellous!!! Realising weve got at least another 2 hours before were likely to board, Mark and Gary go off for a wander and return with hot chocolate and diet coke from Maccy Ds. We wait and wait and wait. Eventually, just after 2, Christine and I went for a cigarette (yes, I still had one vice at this stage!) and noticed the gate number had come up on the screen. Boarding at gate 17 yippee!!! We fetched Mark and Gary and took a slow stroll down to the gate. The plane was Ladybird (I got told off for taking this picture).
At 2:45, were still sat at the gate and boarding hasnt even begun. No way will we be taking off at 3:20. Theres a designer family nearby, all decked out in their best Bench and Hooch gear (although none of them had a cool Burberry hat Matt
) For some reason, though, the youngest girl has odd socks on a strange combination of one mid calf white sock with pink spots and one plain pink trainer sock. Very strange! She seems completely at ease though so maybe Im missing a new trend or something. And there I was thinking I was the height of fashion in my Crocs Boarding finally begins shortly before 3 and we are soon in our seats, rows 61 and 62 A and C. I set my watch to Florida time. Its now only 10 am must be time for breakfast then.
We glance through the magazine to see what films are showing and are highly amused by a programme on V Comedy called The Adventures of Old Christine, a joke which we dont tire of through the entire flight. At 3:30 the captain made the usual pre-flight announcement, informing us that the original captain had gone sick, followed quickly by the 2nd officer. Both of our replacements had been called in on short notice and were already over their flying hours for the week. This immediately filled me with complete confidence for the next 9 hours! The captain also told us that 3 toilets were u/s in the centre of the plane. Excellent. I can tell this is going to be a fun flight. With a flight time of 8 hours and 50 minutes, it was looking very likely that we would not be in Orlando before dark. At 3:40 (UK time) the safety video started, we pushed back at 3:45 and were finally in the air at 3:55, 3 hours and 10 minutes late.
From this moment on, my notes have all the times in EST so please add 5 hours to any times published to obtain the comparitive UK time
I was actually feeling quite tired so was hoping I might be able to doze on the way, especially as none of the films particularly appealed to me. Gary, Mark and Christine watched The Prestige and I ended up watching Mischief Night (which was really strange but oddly enthralling). At 11:30, we were given the usual drink and Worcester sauce pretzels. I opted for lemonade, which was actually worse than the coke, so I think Ill stick with water from now on.
A disgusting smell from the back of the plane indicated that dinner was nearly ready the usual offerings of chicken something, beef something or vegetarian something. The meal was fairly inedible so I had a packet of crisps and settled down to watch the film again.
Trays were cleared at 2 oclock and the film had finished so we got up to stretch our legs. Had a chat with Christine and Mark, who were discussing the Prestige. Gary told me it was a good job I hadnt watched it as I probably wouldnt have understood it anyway thanks love! However, it soon became clear, from the conversation, that neither Gary nor Mark had understood it either. Either that or all three of them had been watching different films.
At 4, the flight attendants brought round ice creams well, actually they were chocolate covered frozen strawberry yoghurt so Gary had mine and Marks!!! Sandwiches were served at 6:30, a choice of cream cheese or chicken Caesar salad.
This being the third time travelling with Virgin, I have to admit that I think their service is seriously deteriorating. I seem to remember that the first year we flew with them, we were offered drinks 3 or 4 times during the flight (in addition to the usual tea and coffee after the meals). This time, we had only actually been served cold drinks once, right after we took off, and the one time I had asked for a drink of water, I had waited almost an hour and had to ask twice more before I finally got a cup of water (not even a bottle and no ice!)
That aside, it doesnt necessarily put me off flying with them again if the price is right but I think the service we got in Premiair Gold on MyTravel last year was far superior. Perhaps if we had been travelling PE with Virgin, I may have noticed a difference in the service too. Who knows?
We landed at Orlando International at 8 pm. By 8:30 we had done the tedious pick up, drop off, pick up baggage routine, passed through immigration and customs and were heading to the Dollar desk to pick up our rental car. After a 30 minute delay due to no cars being available, we finally left the airport at 9:15. We had booked a full size and ended up with a Chrysler 300, which was very nice. Now, if I was a fella, there would obviously be several pictures and a full description of the car here but I'm not so there isn't. It was big and it was silver! We left the airport, with Gary driving and Mark in the front with the maps. We headed North (to pick up the 428?) but somehow ended up on the 536. Mark couldnt read the map because it was dark and he kept insisting there wasnt a light in the front. Finally, I found a light in the back, took the map and got us on the right road (I4) to WDW. This misreading of the map and taking wrong turnings became known throughout the week as being navigationally challenged. And, believe me, it happened A LOT!!!
We finally arrived at Boardwalk Villas at 10:45 and we were all very impressed with it. It was absolutely gorgeous and I was so pleased with my choice. Even Christine, who hadnt been too impressed with Orlando thus far, admitted it was lovely. We were soon checked in, welcomed home and, after dropping our bags in our rooms, settled in the Belle Vue lounge with 2 Buds, a Heineken and a Skyy-Berry Martini.
After a couple of drinks (this is the life!) we called it a night and headed off to bed, stopping just long enough to take a couple of quick photos of the room and our towel animal.
Sorry todays report is not very amusing I havent got the energy to inject much humour tonight!
), until I reached the piccy of you in the Belle Vue Lounge. Now that's what it's all about. 
