Just back

[pauldents]

Well last week actually.

Just back from another great trip.

Highlights:

The Virgin Clubhouse at Gatwick-6 glasses of champagne before the flight. Seeing Joe Cole in there (I presume he was off to Vegas for Michael Owens stag do). Great breakfast (Bacon Sandwich).

Virgin's Upper class suites-Great seats, bed and service. Food was great. Had Vegetable soup to start, bangers and mash for my main course, Hot sticky tofee pudding with Vanilla ice cream for dessert topped off by a cheese course. Onboard bar was good too! Off the plane first and straight through immigration and customs. (have to say the immigration officer was very polite and efficient) We had no baggage (UC get 2 bags X 8 kilos), only hand luggage so no baggage drop. Also no queues at security and no queue at the Dollar desk. From leaving the plane to being sat in the car was 16 minutes.

Hard Rock Hotel- had a couple of problems to start, but IMHO this is still the best "holiday hotel" in Orlando. Room was great (king suite). Hotel was quite busy. Noticed they had painted the walls and laid new carpet in the corridors. This hotels best features are it's atmosphere and the pool area/beach club. Noticed the extension to the Beach club has been finished. Another nice touch.

Parks-The parks (USF & IOA) were quite busy, but the FOTL room cards were a godsend. On the day/evening we arrived, we rode the Hulk 3 times in succession, despite it showing a 30 minute wait in the regular line. Everything else was either walk on or a 5 minute wait. Only Duelling Dragons was a 10 minute wait (because the express queue joins the regular queue). Ate at mythos (seated within 5 minutes from walk-up).

CityWalk - Ate at the Hard Rock cafe and Margaritiville. Note: Showing your room card at the HRC will not get you seated immediately-A HR All Access card WILL. At the Hard Rock try a "Jumbo Combo"(share) to start. The "strip" and the fajitas(combo) are good main courses. Drank in all the bars - Had a few "Hurricanes" (highly reccomended) at Pat O'Briens (good Live entertainment). Had a Margarita at (yep, you guessed it!) Margaritiville (also, good live band). If you are into clubbing, "The Groove" is a great nightclub, but only started filling up after 12.30am! When we were walking past the Hard Rock Live, we noticed "Akon" was playing too.

Typhoon lagoon - Place was packed in front of the Lagoon, but it's fantastic over by Crush n Gusher. Plenty of empty sunbeds (felt like we had the place to ourselves). It's quite difficult to find, you have to walk between the locker area. The CnG ride is the best water ride I have experienced.

Pleasure Island-Had a meal at Planet Hollywood. Seated immediately with VIP passes ordered from undercover tourist. Had the Chicken crunch to start, followed by the NY strip (nice). In PI we went to every club apart from the comedy one. Noticed an Irish themed club was being built over by Mannequins. We thought "Motion" was about the best club there. The Adventurers club was quite a laugh too(hard to explain really). "8 trax" and the "Rock n Roll beach club" were good. Felt uncomfortable in Mannequins.

Premium Outlet malls - Great place for shopping. Hopefully when the new Belz outlets are built, they will be as good as this place.

Weather: Better than expected.

Lowlights: NONE

Any questions? Thanks.

 

[KayleeUK]

Sounds like you had a fab time at the HRH

 

[natalielongstaff]

welcome back

 

[kevin harrison]

Paul

Glad you enjoyed it, counting down to my stay at the HRH. As you may remember I am staying in a King Suite also, do they still not have baths?

What were the minor quibbles you had there, at first?

I have a rate of $219 - would you consider that good?

If you have any other tips for me please share...

 

[disneyholic family]

Typhoon lagoon - Place was packed in front of the Lagoon, but it's fantastic over by Crush n Gusher. Plenty of empty sunbeds (felt like we had the place to ourselves). It's quite difficult to find, you have to walk between the locker area. The CnG ride is the best water ride I have experienced.

We can't wait to do Crush N Gusher!!! We've been waiting since the rumors first hit that they were building one of these.......and our wait's almost over!!!!!!

 

[pauldents]

Paul

Glad you enjoyed it, counting down to my stay at the HRH. As you may remember I am staying in a King Suite also, do they still not have baths?

What were the minor quibbles you had there, at first?

I have a rate of $219 - would you consider that good?

If you have any other tips for me please share...

None of the king suites have bath's but the walk in showers are great and my 2 year old loved the shower. Infact, she she would cry if we took her out of there!

Yes, I would consider $219 to be a good rate for a king suite. We paid $269.00 for our stay last week, this included theme park tickets to IOA, USF and City Walk (stay 4 Play Free)and we have a AAA rate of $199.20 (stay 6 play free) for 17 nights there in September/October. This includes theme park tickets to IOA, USF City Walk, Wet N' Wild and Sea World for the duration of our stay.

Dont forget to add the 11.5% resort fee and tax on to that, then, if you have a car, you will pay $7.00 per night for self park or $14.00+tips per night for valet. I think they usually charge a king suite out at a regular price of about $400 pn. It is quite expensive at the HRH , but IMHO definitely worth the extra $$, especially when you get them FOTL cards.

Also, some King Suites have pull out sofa's. Which are nearly as good as any hotel bed I have ever slept in. I can't remember if you said you were going with a child/children but it would be worth putting in a request for one of these before you go.

The only problems I had was a theme park tickets problem I had with concierge. A quick call to a Loews hotels supervisor sorted it out.

As for other tips, you would probably better off asking me specific questions.

Thanks

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Did you get your sleepy suit on the ay home?
What version of the OB kits did you get? (Cufflinks or something else?)
Did they have any copies of "carlos" onboard? (never seem to have them on my flights)
What was the scrum like to board at LGW? Did they call for UC pax at all?
How was the Bangers and mash, a lot of complaints about the quality of UC food seem to be circulating, but I gather there is a new menu from Junly

 

[kevin harrison]

Thanks Paul. I thought the rate was good, it also includes stay 6 Play Free tickets.

I am taking my 3 year old, does she get a park pass also?

I will be using valet parking - how much did you tip each time? Last time we valet parked we tipped $1 each time we used the car - I have a feeling that's a little low though.....

Is it best to stock up on food at the Publix, or do they have a shop there, you know to pick up drink or whatever...

Is it still $25 to have the fridge emptied?

Do they have complimentary newspapers available?

Hows the kitchen for breakfast?

I will buy an access all areas pass to get table reservations at the Hard Rock - normally when we've visited before the queues are massive - is it really a case of first available table?

Thanks

Kev.

 

[Minniespal]

Welcome home ~ Sounds as though you had a fantastic time.

 

[squitty]

Welcome Home Paul

Sounds like you've had a fantastic holiday

 

[Miffy2003]

Wow that sounds like an amazing holiday!

Welcome home

 

[pauldents]

Did you get your sleepy suit on the ay home?
What version of the OB kits did you get? (Cufflinks or something else?)
Did they have any copies of "carlos" onboard? (never seem to have them on my flights)
What was the scrum like to board at LGW? Did they call for UC pax at all?
How was the Bangers and mash, a lot of complaints about the quality of UC food seem to be circulating, but I gather there is a new menu from Junly

We were called from the clubhouse and when we got down to the gate, they had already started boarding. Fortunately there wasn't much of a scrum and it was more or less walk on. No complaints with the food as well.

The OB kit we got had a silver keyring in an OB pouch. Didn't receieve a copy of "Carlos" or the sleep suit. The duvets were very nice. Got 2 pillows - One medium size white one and small red/purple silk one. We were in 6A and K. Great seats if travelling as a couple, but no overhead lockers assigned to our seats. One thing that needs sorting out is the controls to the seat/bed-they are so easy to knock with your right elbow.

 

[pauldents]

Thanks Paul. I thought the rate was good, it also includes stay 6 Play Free tickets.

I am taking my 3 year old, does she get a park pass also?

Not completely sure, but I think the Stay 6, play free is limited to 2 guests per room and the hotel privileges are valid for the number of guests staying in the room.

I will be using valet parking - how much did you tip each time? Last time we valet parked we tipped $1 each time we used the car - I have a feeling that's a little low though.....

I usually tip valet $3, although I have tipped $5.00 when I have had no change. If you tip well they usually park your car under a shaded area and ask if you need any driving directions when collecting it.

Is it best to stock up on food at the Publix, or do they have a shop there, you know to pick up drink or whatever...

We usually go to the "Walgreens" on the corner of Universal Boulevard and I-Drive. Not the best selection of food but they have a great range of toiletries and other holiday essentials. We also get a gallon of water from this place for coffee in the room.

There is a shop in the HRH that sells drinks, milk cereals and other stuff. You have to go down to the ground floor and to your right you will see "Emack And Bolio's" (Ice Creams). It is behind there. There is also a Starbucks next to it.

Is it still $25 to have the fridge emptied?

We have used the fridge in the room for milk and other stuff and have never been charged.

If you need more room to keep stuff cool, I would buy a $10 cooler box from Walgreens then fill it with ice from the machines next to the lifts (a 30 second walk from the King Suites).

Do they have complimentary newspapers available?

If you are a LoewsFirst member they usually ask what complimentary paper you would like at check-in. It is usually the Orlando Sentinel or the USA Today. Copies of the Daily Mail are also available at a charge of $2.25 in the Hard Rock gift shop in the Lobby.

Hows the kitchen for breakfast?

Expensive but good. The last one we had was a buffet. We usually skip breakfast and wait for the Beach club to start serving food (Usually around 11am). Pastamore over at City Walk also do breakfast.

I will buy an access all areas pass to get table reservations at the Hard Rock - normally when we've visited before the queues are massive - is it really a case of first available table?

If you read the back of the All Access card, it says "immediate seating" whereas the room card says "priority seating". We showed our room card one night (forgetting I had my All Access card) and waited ages for our reservation to come up on the monitors located in the cafe. I decided to go back out through the shop and walk back in the main entrance with my All Access card. Straight away the guy on the entrance radioed through "2 for all access" and we were seated immediately.

Thanks

No problem. Have a great trip!

 

[kevin harrison]

I usually tip valet $3, although I have tipped $5.00 when I have had no change. If you tip well they usually park your car under a shaded area and ask if you need any driving directions when collecting it.

Is this $3 dollars each time, each day or only when they bring you your car up front for you? On our last trip we sometimes came and went 3 times a day, you know what it's like with kids and getting tired!!

If you are a LoewsFirst member they usually ask what complimentary paper you would like at check-in. It is usually the Orlando Sentinel or the USA Today. Copies of the Daily Mail are also available at a charge of $2.25 in the Hard Rock gift shop in the Lobby.

I am a LoewsFirst Platinum member. Would rather read the food menu, than read the hate filled Daily Mail...

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

We were called from the clubhouse and when we got down to the gate, they had already started boarding. Fortunately there wasn't much of a scrum and it was more or less walk on. No complaints with the food as well.

The OB kit we got had a silver keyring in an OB pouch. Didn't receieve a copy of "Carlos" or the sleep suit. The duvets were very nice. Got 2 pillows - One medium size white one and small red/purple silk one. We were in 6A and K. Great seats if travelling as a couple, but no overhead lockers assigned to our seats. One thing that needs sorting out is the controls to the seat/bed-they are so easy to knock with your right elbow.

Yes we always go for 6A, 6K and 7A, with our little one in 6A. I like the extra shelf for hiys bits and pieces in front of these seats.
I know what you mean about the seat controls, sitting on the ottoman and leaning over the partition to little one, I have a tendancy to press the seat to bed switch!
Did you not fly back in the UCs? its seems strange forb them not to hand out the sleep suits on the MCO-LGW sector.
I have had a row about the lockers, as far as I am concerned its whoever gets them first, they are for the use of all passengers in UC, and the front seats should not be discriminated against, plus there is now way my camera and laptop are being put out of my sight! (that's why we get on as soon as the doors open

 

[wicket2005]

Pleased you had such a good time.

 

[pauldents]

Yes we always go for 6A, 6K and 7A, with our little one in 6A. I like the extra shelf for hiys bits and pieces in front of these seats.
I know what you mean about the seat controls, sitting on the ottoman and leaning over the partition to little one, I have a tendancy to press the seat to bed switch!
Did you not fly back in the UCs? its seems strange forb them not to hand out the sleep suits on the MCO-LGW sector.
I have had a row about the lockers, as far as I am concerned its whoever gets them first, they are for the use of all passengers in UC, and the front seats should not be discriminated against, plus there is now way my camera and laptop are being put out of my sight! (that's why we get on as soon as the doors open

We did MCO-LGW in PE on the upper deck, because we thought it wouldn't be worth paying for UCS when you fall asleep. On the return leg we have always found the cabin crew want to get the meal sorted as fast as possible, then wack the heating up to put you to sleep! Was this the same in Upper on the return leg? I thought it was good value for for money and a great service on the outbound journey, because of the Clubhouse (free breakfast and drink), the extra hand luggage, quality of the food/drink, being first to clear immigration and overall a great way to start your holiday.

BTW I must have had the same person sat behind me. As soon as we boarded this guy sat in 7k? started ranting and raving about where to put our bags. After having a few drinks this didn't go down to well and I told him he may have paid for his seat but not the locker. For the rest of the flight he kept giving me funny looks! Fortunately the UCS cabin wasn't full (5 empty seats/suites) and we had plenty of locker space further back.

 

[pauldents]

Is this $3 dollars each time, each day or only when they bring you your car up front for you? On our last trip we sometimes came and went 3 times a day, you know what it's like with kids and getting tired!!

At the HRH we found we hardly even used the car because you are in a resort and everything including the parks are within walking distance. A few years back we stayed there for 14 nights and used the car 3 times (Sea World, MK and one night at the California Grill!). Fortunately it was in self park and we complained that there was no mention of the parking costs at the time of booking or check-in, so they comped it! At the time it was $5.00+ tax PN.

We usually tip valet for taking the car and bringing it back.

I am a LoewsFirst Platinum member. Would rather read the food menu, than read the hate filled Daily Mail...

Know what you mean, but unfortunately its the only Brit newspaper available at the hotel.

Because you are platinum dont forget to ring star service and tell them you want an extended check-out (usually 2pm). You will also get a turndown service in a King Suite and some goodies (Plastic Hard Rock luggage tags, beaded bracelets, pens, bouncy balls etc) left on the bed.

 

[kevin harrison]

Because you are platinum dont forget to ring star service and tell them you want an extended check-out (usually 2pm). You will also get a turndown service in a King Suite and some goodies (Plastic Hard Rock luggage tags, beaded bracelets, pens, bouncy balls etc) left on the bed.

"star service"? Do I ring when I check into the hotel?

Do I let the check-in know I am a platinum when I check in?

Did you have a few of the parks or the gardens?

By the way - glad you had a good time.

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

We did MCO-LGW in PE on the upper deck, because we thought it wouldn't be worth paying for UCS when you fall asleep. On the return leg we have always found the cabin crew want to get the meal sorted as fast as possible, then wack the heating up to put you to sleep! Was this the same in Upper on the return leg? I thought it was good value for for money and a great service on the outbound journey, because of the Clubhouse (free breakfast and drink), the extra hand luggage, quality of the food/drink, being first to clear immigration and overall a great way to start your holiday.

I love the UCS on the way back as I actually get a good nights sleep, wheras in a seat that only reclines, I tend to drows. It is for me the ideal way back to the UK as I havea three hour drive back home after leaving gatwick and do not feel drowsy at all. when we used to fly in recline seats, it was a struggle to keep awake.
In UC on the way back, you can have your meal at anytime you want, not at the whim of the flight attendants, plus tyhe breakfast is very nice.
I know that people complain about the heat, but I have found that in the UCS you have the use of two air vents above the suite and they keep me cool.
At Orlando airport you get the use of the Delta Lounge, its OK but not the Virgin Clubhouse. Free drinks, no Internet access and no food allowed in, so we go and eat at Macoy's in the hotel first then go through to the lounge.

BTW I must have had the same person sat behind me. As soon as we boarded this guy sat in 7k? started ranting and raving about where to put our bags. After having a few drinks this didn't go down to well and I told him he may have paid for his seat but not the locker. For the rest of the flight he kept giving me funny looks! Fortunately the UCS cabin wasn't full (5 empty seats/suites) and we had plenty of locker space further back.

yes, sounds like the couple we had. Trying to tell us what was the norm in UC when the suites had only been available for a month. I told him it was his fault for being slow getting on and informed him where the rear lockers were. We had flown more times than he had as in conversation with the FA he told them this was only his second time in UC the outward leg being the first. He came from manchester so that also wound me up as well