Cast Members
Me Janet - 45 (Scaredy cat)
DH Steve 45 (Early bird)
DD1 Maisie 8 (Stars Wars fanatic)
DD2 Brownyn 7 (Donkey Mad!)
October 8th Travel Day
After a fantastic nights sleep we all woke up refreshed and very very excited. We jumped out of bed and watched a few aeroplanes take off and then we all took our time getting showered and watching TV.
Around 9.20am we decided to take the stroll over to the airport via the glass walkway and grab a coffee before it was our turn to bag drop and check into the V Room. As we were walking past the Virgin check in desks it was empty so I asked a member of staff - what was the earliest time we could drop our bags off for the 1.45pm flight? He told me we could do it there and then so we just walked to the first desk and checked in. WOW we hadnt expected that but were so pleased to be rid of the suitcases.
We did a quick duty free shop as Steve wanted some new aftershave and then next it was time to grab a drink before we could check into the V room at 10.45 i.e. 3 hours before departure. We went to suss out where it was and when we found it I said I would ask on the off chance we could go in earlier than 10.45 and when I asked what time we could check in she said we could go in now! Talk about luck - the last of the passengers were just leaving to go to the boarding gates so we had the whole room to ourselves!
The V Room was fantastic! We all had a cooked breakfast and drinks after which the girls played on the lap tops and Steve and I read some of the papers. The time just seemed to fly by. I called my Mum and Dad to say goodbye and when they answered my Mum asked if wed arrived yet? I laughed and said we hadnt even set off! I think they thought we had travelled on the Friday (as we usually do) so there was no need to worry about Dementia just yet!
We had muffins and a hot drink later that morning and then Steve and I had a proper drink when it was a reasonable hour to do so. Reading the last 2 days you would think I had a drink problem but to be honest I very rarely drink as Im a social drinker or special occasion drinker. Drinking in the house just doesnt appeal to me unless its a party, however, going on holiday is a special occasion so that calls for a cocktail and it didnt disappoint!
The interactive 10 pin bowling was a good laugh and as nobody else was interested in it Steve and I had a couple of games. He won both which obviously means we will have to book into the V Room next October for a re-match!
All in all the V room was very relaxing and we will look at booking again next year. It was quiet and there were plenty of seats for everyone with ample food and drinks. Not sure how busy it will be next year when its been open a while so I will keep my eyes on the reviews before booking.
When it was time to board we dawdled as much as we could and had a last trip to the loos then went to find the gate. Once at the gate we realised how spoilt we had been in the V Room! Hoards of people, not enough seats for the number of passengers and queue already forming when they didnt even know which seats were going to be first?
As soon as they started boarding people jumped unto queues and we managed to grab 4 seats together which was just as well as we were among the last of the passengers to be called. Having got the seats we were assigned there were no surprises and we all got settled for take off.
It was an uneventful flight and I watched Bad teacher and Bridesmaids the latter of which had a scene that was soooooo funny it was obvious which people of the plane were watching the film. I had tears streaming down my face and I was trying to laugh into my pillow to keep the noise down but Maisie just kept asking if I was alright as I was crying so much!
We landed 25 minutes early but then had to wait 30 minutes to get a gate and when we eventually left the plane we were greated by rain!!! Immigration went very quickly and the queues were nowhere near as bad as they have been in the past and we all sailed through.
We were using the Magic Express but wanted to take the luggage with us but we still did the 2nd bag drop. Collected the bags on the lower floor and then advised Virgin we would not be using their transfers. The guy seemed genuinely really pleased I had gone to tell him so I got the feeling lots of people book the transfer and then just dont bother turning up?
We made out way over to the other side of the Terminal and checked into the Magic Express. We must have just missed a coach for our resort as we seemed to wait ages for our turn. When a coach eventually turned up we were allowed on but then we had to wait a while for a few others to join us as Im guessing there must be a minimum before they can set off? After about 20 mins the driver seemed fed up and he eventually got the OK to set off.
With the rain teaming down we eventually arrived at Saratoga Springs Resort. We checked in and were told we were in the Paddock area and as it was raining we could go round to Bell Services and they would organise a golf cart to take us to our room. When we got there it was heaving and we were told it would be 20 mins before they could transfer us so in true British Style we put on our Disney macs and walked. The rain was bad enough but the puddles I had my favourite ballet pump style shoes on and they were soaked! The walk was only 5 mins but felt more like 15! When we got to the apartment we were like drowned rats but still super happy to have arrived.
The one bed apartment was fantastic. Before we had time to shake the water off our Macs the girls had bagged the bedroom! As steve is an early riser and likes to make a coffee and read we decided this might not be a bad idea as it would save having to wake the girls up. Me? I could sleep through Gordan Ramsey shouting orders in the kitchen so I laugh in the face of a coffee machine!
We had a quick look round at everything then decided to venture out again (mad I know!) and get something to eat. We ate at the Artist Pallett and then took our drinks back to the room. I quickly unpacked and the girls settled into bed and not long after Steve and I made up the Sofa bed and settled in too it was 11pm local time
Around 3.00am Bronwyn came running into the room saying she didnt feel very well so I quickly shouted to her to run to the toilet and I shook Steve awake. Steve jumped up and the next thing she was being sick! She was sick half a dozen times and at this point I remember listening to the rain and Bronwyn being sick and thinking Right....... happy holidays!!!!
She eventually went back to bed about an hour later and believe it or not we all slept until around 7.30 the next morning.
Me Janet - 45 (Scaredy cat)
DH Steve 45 (Early bird)
DD1 Maisie 8 (Stars Wars fanatic)
DD2 Brownyn 7 (Donkey Mad!)
October 8th Travel Day
After a fantastic nights sleep we all woke up refreshed and very very excited. We jumped out of bed and watched a few aeroplanes take off and then we all took our time getting showered and watching TV.
Around 9.20am we decided to take the stroll over to the airport via the glass walkway and grab a coffee before it was our turn to bag drop and check into the V Room. As we were walking past the Virgin check in desks it was empty so I asked a member of staff - what was the earliest time we could drop our bags off for the 1.45pm flight? He told me we could do it there and then so we just walked to the first desk and checked in. WOW we hadnt expected that but were so pleased to be rid of the suitcases.
We did a quick duty free shop as Steve wanted some new aftershave and then next it was time to grab a drink before we could check into the V room at 10.45 i.e. 3 hours before departure. We went to suss out where it was and when we found it I said I would ask on the off chance we could go in earlier than 10.45 and when I asked what time we could check in she said we could go in now! Talk about luck - the last of the passengers were just leaving to go to the boarding gates so we had the whole room to ourselves!
The V Room was fantastic! We all had a cooked breakfast and drinks after which the girls played on the lap tops and Steve and I read some of the papers. The time just seemed to fly by. I called my Mum and Dad to say goodbye and when they answered my Mum asked if wed arrived yet? I laughed and said we hadnt even set off! I think they thought we had travelled on the Friday (as we usually do) so there was no need to worry about Dementia just yet!
We had muffins and a hot drink later that morning and then Steve and I had a proper drink when it was a reasonable hour to do so. Reading the last 2 days you would think I had a drink problem but to be honest I very rarely drink as Im a social drinker or special occasion drinker. Drinking in the house just doesnt appeal to me unless its a party, however, going on holiday is a special occasion so that calls for a cocktail and it didnt disappoint!
The interactive 10 pin bowling was a good laugh and as nobody else was interested in it Steve and I had a couple of games. He won both which obviously means we will have to book into the V Room next October for a re-match!
All in all the V room was very relaxing and we will look at booking again next year. It was quiet and there were plenty of seats for everyone with ample food and drinks. Not sure how busy it will be next year when its been open a while so I will keep my eyes on the reviews before booking.
When it was time to board we dawdled as much as we could and had a last trip to the loos then went to find the gate. Once at the gate we realised how spoilt we had been in the V Room! Hoards of people, not enough seats for the number of passengers and queue already forming when they didnt even know which seats were going to be first?
As soon as they started boarding people jumped unto queues and we managed to grab 4 seats together which was just as well as we were among the last of the passengers to be called. Having got the seats we were assigned there were no surprises and we all got settled for take off.
It was an uneventful flight and I watched Bad teacher and Bridesmaids the latter of which had a scene that was soooooo funny it was obvious which people of the plane were watching the film. I had tears streaming down my face and I was trying to laugh into my pillow to keep the noise down but Maisie just kept asking if I was alright as I was crying so much!
We landed 25 minutes early but then had to wait 30 minutes to get a gate and when we eventually left the plane we were greated by rain!!! Immigration went very quickly and the queues were nowhere near as bad as they have been in the past and we all sailed through.
We were using the Magic Express but wanted to take the luggage with us but we still did the 2nd bag drop. Collected the bags on the lower floor and then advised Virgin we would not be using their transfers. The guy seemed genuinely really pleased I had gone to tell him so I got the feeling lots of people book the transfer and then just dont bother turning up?
We made out way over to the other side of the Terminal and checked into the Magic Express. We must have just missed a coach for our resort as we seemed to wait ages for our turn. When a coach eventually turned up we were allowed on but then we had to wait a while for a few others to join us as Im guessing there must be a minimum before they can set off? After about 20 mins the driver seemed fed up and he eventually got the OK to set off.
With the rain teaming down we eventually arrived at Saratoga Springs Resort. We checked in and were told we were in the Paddock area and as it was raining we could go round to Bell Services and they would organise a golf cart to take us to our room. When we got there it was heaving and we were told it would be 20 mins before they could transfer us so in true British Style we put on our Disney macs and walked. The rain was bad enough but the puddles I had my favourite ballet pump style shoes on and they were soaked! The walk was only 5 mins but felt more like 15! When we got to the apartment we were like drowned rats but still super happy to have arrived.
The one bed apartment was fantastic. Before we had time to shake the water off our Macs the girls had bagged the bedroom! As steve is an early riser and likes to make a coffee and read we decided this might not be a bad idea as it would save having to wake the girls up. Me? I could sleep through Gordan Ramsey shouting orders in the kitchen so I laugh in the face of a coffee machine!
We had a quick look round at everything then decided to venture out again (mad I know!) and get something to eat. We ate at the Artist Pallett and then took our drinks back to the room. I quickly unpacked and the girls settled into bed and not long after Steve and I made up the Sofa bed and settled in too it was 11pm local time
Around 3.00am Bronwyn came running into the room saying she didnt feel very well so I quickly shouted to her to run to the toilet and I shook Steve awake. Steve jumped up and the next thing she was being sick! She was sick half a dozen times and at this point I remember listening to the rain and Bronwyn being sick and thinking Right....... happy holidays!!!!
She eventually went back to bed about an hour later and believe it or not we all slept until around 7.30 the next morning.
