"MAY INCLUDE RUM"..14 NIGHTS SAPPHIRE FALLS.. MAY `19 TRIP REPORT



I’m planning my family’s first trip this fall and I have devoured your previous trip reports and can’t wait to read this one! I so appreciate your food posts and pics, especially. 😃
 


macraven said:
After reading all your last trip reports, everyone always looks forwards to the next trippie!

So it’s exciting you are taking us on this last journey now
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Thank you mac.....appreciate that....always glad to have folks along....makes me feel I`m not talking to myself.....lol......
 
polarama said:
I’m planning my family’s first trip this fall and I have devoured your previous trip reports and can’t wait to read this one! I so appreciate your food posts and pics, especially. 😃
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A very warm :welcome:along to polarama….

Glad to see you post here..….

First trip to Universal Orlando!!!! How lovely......and so exciting to be planning......you`ve come to the right place....so many here to help you.

Thank you for the lovely comments, I`m glad to hear you`ve enjoyed previous reports....hope you like this one too...….:wave2:
 
Monykalyn said:
Yes love the night before a trip starts!

Ok this made me LOL! I think “stoned” means something different here with so many states legalizing marijuana 🤣. Olives without the pit are the best though!
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lol......means the same thing over here too........:rotfl: you know I did think twice about using that word after I typed it.....but I knew everyone would know what I meant......but it`s how we describe pitted olives....I love our variations on words between our two nations......can cause confusion at times.....lol......

Yep, love the night before!!!
 
WEDNESDAY MAY 8TH

FLIGHT DAY




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So, we slept so well last night......Tom watched the end of a very exciting episode of Midsomer Murders......if you like good old fashioned detective stories set in a beautiful English county, you`ll enjoy this show.....but, I conked out early!!! I had pulled the drapes back so the room was almost black, there`s not much to see out of this side of the building and I think it helped. But, when we are on the other side of the building I love to see the airport swing into life during the early hours....but we slept right till the alarm went off...….few minutes later the alarm call came on the room phone....Tom picked it up and put it straight back down.....I looked at him in shock....he said "what" I told him it`s a real person who gives you the alarm call here and he just slammed the phone down without speaking...….oops!!! It`s usually automated of course, but here, it`s a person.....so we started the day with me admonishing him for being rude......lol.....I`m sure we weren't the first to do that.

I showered first as is usual, and then looked out to see a pretty miserable day outside.....perfect....we love to leave on a dull day. Tom slowly got ready and we felt that overwhelmingly excited feeling as we knew today we would be back in Orlando...…..

The Executive lounge had started to do breakfast in the morning inclusive in the room rate, they used to do only pastries but now they were doing more items and some cooked items too, so we thought we`d wander down and have something before leaving the hotel. Our flight didn't leave till midday so we had plenty of time.

The tables were all set up for breakfast and apart from one man, we were the only ones in. As we entered we saw it was set up nicely and the lady working asked if we wanted any toast as that was not out on display.....we said no thanks, there was plenty to choose from without that......

It did look good, and having no one else around it was a pleasant experience and food hadn't been picked over as can happen at these types of breakfasts...



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We had a little mixture of a few items.....I had smoked salmon and some continental meats with grapes, then had some bacon. Tom tried the sausages but they were very herby and knew I wouldn't like them.....I don't eat cereal so we each had a little pastry too. They were nice. Tea and coffee were made yourself from the everyday machine they have, and that was the only thing I disliked as downstairs in the restaurant they will bring you a boiling hot pot of tea.....much prefer that to a little individual cup that is lukewarm by the time you get to it. But, other than that it was nice.

Back to the room we finished our last minute packing and checked over the room to make sure we hadn't left anything then wandered down to head out. We first stopped by the restaurant to see Ibrahim....he is the restaurant manager and is there most mornings and works till around 4 every day.....long day. We said goodbye and said I`d hopefully see him in June with my mum.

The walk down to the terminal takes around 5 minutes or so, regardless of which side you go to, it`s about the same. T1 is out the doors and turn right...….with Virgin we turn left. The along the Skywalk and down to check in......the skywalk was quite cool this morning and I wished I had a hoodie or something on....but pulling the suitcase was certainly working up a heat!!!! This felt like it weighed a ton!!!

Check in desk looks busy but we head to the Premium area and there is no one there......we hand over passports first to a man who is doing security checks......where did we come from, did we pack ourselves.....usual questions, then along to check in desk.

Tom put his suitcase on and it was only 22kg (we get 32kg each) about 70lbs I believe and mine was 1kg less......despite Tom complaining earlier mine weighed a ton......lol.....he was carrying a whole load of chocolate for staff so I guess his otherwise would have been lighter. The lady was incredibly nice this morning and chatted as she processed us, sometimes they are just efficient with no conversation......we are yappers and enjoy people who chat......surprisingly they even weighed our hand luggage today, something they haven't done before......we get 10kg (22lbs) each for cabin bags over and above the 32kg hold luggage, so it`s a fair amount. Ours were well under.

Just before she finished we heard a huge commotion over to where you head through to security.....as we turned round, the police were there instantly and we believe they removed someone who was causing some mayhem.....never did find out what happened but the check in agent said they are always quick to remove anyone who causes an incident, as it should be of course.

Priority security line was quick, although the general line wasn't too busy either this morning, but we got to the end and didn't have to take shoes off but unbelievably the guy in front of me had liquids above the limit...….the officer went to take them when he snatched one back and lifted his shirt to spray his underarms and top body with this cheap smelling spray!!!!! I had such a look of horror on my face according to Tom and even the officer, who didn't really flinch gave me a little glance of sympathy as I was engulfed in this guy`s expanding perfumed deodorant cloud!!!! He wandered through and the officer whispered sorry about that.....I just said, some people!!!! He nodded. Didn't need to say anything else.....but seriously, who does that!!! Shirt fully lifted up.....don't need to be seeing that!!!!

I did get an extra scan and a frisk as I went through the check......I must look dodgy!!! But, takes seconds and the staff are always so friendly despite the early hour. There was nothing, I`m not quite sure what sets it off with me, but almost every time. Then we retrieved our items from the trays and wandered through to Duty Free.

Bought a small pack of miniature Calvin Klein perfumes and that was it today.....we passed a little time wandering but we eventually headed through to the next area. Usually we can pass some time eating breakfast, but no need for that today. So we visited the bathroom and bought some items for the plane in case food was poor, and extra water. They do give you lots of water, and you can go up anytime and ask, but having a large bottle beside us saves any hassle. And we do like to drink a lot of water on the flights.

We then headed down to where we knew the flight was taking off and just sat down there.....it was so much quieter but so much colder!!!! I put on my cardigan and we waited.

Some of the check in staff appeared and sat down near us so we knew this was the right gate. And time passed quickly......but, as we sat I saw this young man aged around late 20`s wander over to the window and go into his backpack.

I didn't think anything more until Tom nudged me......I looked over and this guy was rolling up his shirt and began strapping this tape around one arm and it was attached to "something"......now this alarmed me.....what was he strapping on to his body!!!! I shot up and got a clearer image of him.....he began putting what looked like a go pro on his body.....I was fully intruiged now and this arm strapping took ages...….then he began praying and nodding his head and body in full prayer. Now I was a little unsettled and spoke to the security officer.....he looked too as after a period of time the man began to unstrap the item and put his shirt on. He also had a jewish cap on his head now...….I guess he was just praying but not sure strapping something to your body is a good idea in an airport!!!! And at that he was gone......he was on the NY flight!!

So, my overactive imagination could simmer down to a panic now.....I`m a worrier and think of almost every type of incident that could occur....



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And so we sat a little longer.....folks were passing by us heading down to the other departure gates, and one woman caught my eye as she looked fabulous.....as she came closer she was wearing thigh high boots and had beautiful tattoos above the boot on each leg....her hair was almost like Farrah Fawcett from the 70`s but she looked gorgeous.....then I noticed at the same time as one of the ground crew ladies that as she had on a very, very short skirt.....you could see her underwear!!! I kind of just looked away but this woman stood up and yelled you can see her knickers.....lol.....she was in no way discreet about it.....everyone then looked!!! But, she looked absolutely amazing!!!

Not long after we noticed they were beginning to get ready to begin boarding...…..always love to see that, and always good to see the plane in place and looking good.…..




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Out of the other window we could see my favourite planes......the Virgin Atlantic 747`s......most impressive planes in the sky......



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The gate all of a sudden sprung to life and quickly began boarding assistance passengers first then they called Premium passengers and we were among the first one in that cabin....no being pulled to the side for another check today....

After a friendly greeting from Cabin Crew who are always so pleasant, we got in our seats which were the second row from front.….comfy seats and plenty of legroom....



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Once we were strapped in I glanced out of the window and saw the rain was now bouncing down......just as we liked.....nothing like leaving a dull dreary and wet United Kingdom knowing we were going to be landing in sunshine and hopefully heat...….




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Once there were a few more folks on board, CC come round with the glass of sparkly or orange juice......we of course took the sparkly 🍾 ......and quite nice it was too. Always a good little start to the flight...….



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They were very good at getting everyone on board and at exactly 11.55am we pulled back from the gate.....right on time...….always good to take off on time.

We slowly taxi to the end of the runway and as there is no one in front of us we take off almost immediately......I love this part.....trundling along and so quickly building up speed for take off.....always feels fabulous......and it is another smooth and flawless take off....although I do get a little nervous still, but it`s mainly excited nervous more than the way I used to be when I first started flying many years ago...…...




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But, once we were up in the air and through the initial clouds, we saw beautiful blue skies and sunshine!!!! It is such a vivid blue up here after all.....

We settled down and put the movies on...….Tom I`m sure watched Thor or Iron Man or something similar as there were loads of those type of movies to choose from......I put on the second Fantastic Beasts movie on....I would try again...…..the second is definitely better than the first, although I cannot watch or at least struggle to watch Eddie Redmayne.....just not keen on him.

There was a guy a few rows behind us who reminded me of this picture.....he had his sunglasses on the back of his head for the whole flight and before we got on the plane....and it was raining.....




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Not my picture at all.....the guy just reminded me of this...….I was laughing so hard as the woman behind him was kind of freaked out a little......we spoke at the bathrooms and she thought it was odd......it does look like this guy is staring at whoever took this picture!!!!

They come round with the first drinks service......again, free with being in the Premium Cabin which is nice.....

I opt for the red wine and Tom chooses prosecco......with a little pack of sour cream pretzels......



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They are decent-ish…...you don't expect much really on planes....

We watch the movies and before we know it they are beginning to serve the main meal of the flight...….the choice is either chicken or beef and we usually get different ones in case one of us (usually me ::yes::) doesn't care for the choice once I`ve got it...….




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The beef which does look dry I have to say was in a red wine sauce with a chimichurri mash and the dreaded green beans......hate them!!! But, everything else was really nice...….




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Tom had the chicken in cider sauce with a potato galette and some roasted veg, he thought it was lovely......you are also served wine or beer with this meal too, so we take the bottle of wine, but don't end up drinking it....but you can certainly enjoy several wines if you so desired. Thankfully we have never once seen anyone have too much to drink on any of the flights we`ve been on. Wouldn't be nice to see that.



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The food tray also contains cheese and crackers with a compote and a little upside down pineapple cake.....it was nice and we did enjoy it.....it also passes some time which is a big help on this flight.

Once the meal tray has been cleared, we use the bathroom and then settle down to either the tv or in my case, have a snooze.

I put the pillow up, blanket on, kick sandals off and put the socks on they give you as part of your amenity along with eye mask, earphones and little mini toothpaste and brush......I put my headphones back in and put on the Whitney Houston album listed on the options to listen to and drift off to sleep. Tom is watching another movie by now......

I do eventually wake up just as we have entered Canadian airspace......takes me a few minutes to wake up, so I guess I was out...…..Tom said I missed the ice cream!!!!

The cabin lights had been dimmed despite it being a day flight which I really like......and everyone was quiet......no little kids in Premium either...it was a nice flight so far.

And love seeing land when we fly over it, and Canada is very impressive......



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So, with 4 hours to go I settle down to watch another movie.....and again, I forget......but it was alright......watched an episode of Two and a Half Men and one of Modern Family.....

Time passes fairly quickly surprisingly enough on the flight, 9 and a half hours sounds forever, but it`s sometimes less and that's always good. Looking out the window and watching tv and movies does help too....

When we had around 90 minutes to go, they serve afternoon tea.....they give you two little sandwiches which Tom said were very nice, I didn't eat them as one had onion in and the other was bread with seeds in and the cake was banana cake...….



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I hate bananas...….hate the smell and texture...…..and don't like banana flavour things either...….so Tom ate most of mine too...….although the sandwiches were tiny so it wasn't a hug amount of food...…...

But, it passes some time and once it`s cleared away we again, visit the bathroom......along with everyone else......thankfully Premium has their own which isn't as bad as it can get at times with almost 400 other people wanting to use the facilities at the same time!!

Back into our seats, we again buckle up and get more and more excited as we soar closer to our destination. Passing over Virginia and Georgia before heading out to sea for a little bit before turning towards Orlando....

The last hour is always the worst for passing.....it feels slower than the other 8 hours altogether....but looking out now is fun.....we are so close!!!!

We begin our descent and really feel our ears pop today....we must be dropping quickly.....we get a little turbulence as we fly through those big fluffy pillow like clouds......and then see we are almost landing....that was quick.....it is such a smooth landing we almost never noticed......and then we slowly taxied to the gate where we saw one of the Virgin jumbo`s already landed......we were a little early too which was nice, I think it was about 40 minutes early......not bad at all.

And as we stopped , seatbelt signs went off, we brought our bags out of the overhead locker and waited for the gangway to be attached......we were so happy to be back..…….



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Coming up...….Sapphire Falls....
 
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