Honeymoon-Florida with Virgin

Scousebird_2

Hi Everyone,

I was wondering, this is my first real flight and I am absolutley petrified. I am going to Disney in Orlando and flying on a package holiday with Virgin in April next year-cost includes Economy Flights and 2wks accommodation in the Quality Inn Plaza International Drive (park tickets not included or Universal tickets either). I have paid £2000 for us as a couple and I was wondering whether it's worth upgrading my flight seat and hotel room. The girl at the travel agents seems to think I should get a nice room in the hotel because she has told them it's our honeymoon in the booking, but I was wondering if I could get a cheaper 'upgrade' of my flight seat-a)because it's my 1st flight in 22 years and b)because it's a special time.

I guess the airlines are sick of people asking but perhaps if I contact reservations a few days before I go then I could see what's available and pay for an upgrade of send a copy of my marriage cert and see if they will be kind and give us the seats for nothing. I don't really want to ask because I feel a bit hardfaced but our mates have said we should ask!!

My mate went to Disney for her 21st and she said they gave her champagne and passes for priority on rides and free food and stuff. Again I don't really feel like I should ask but I suppose it doesn't hurt and they can only say no.

What does everyone think. I would be gutted if I paid out money for flight upgrades and then there's someone else on our flight that gets a free upgrade! Money is so tight at the moment for the Wedding alone and my Bridesmaid had just fallen pregnant-she is 17 and is my younger sister so I will have to pay out more for the dress (lol) and I am setting her up in a flat as she doesn't have a home for her and the baby yet.

It will be a well needed break to be honest so it wouldn't be the end of the world if we went economy for the trip-but a bit of luxury would make it so much more special!! xx

Any bright ideas from any tour reps, call centre staff or travel agents/fellow Disney/Universal visitors, would be much appreciated.

Poppy9

I wouldn't worry about the economy flight seats. I've flown Virgin to Florida and they are fine. Return flight was quiet and we could spread out.

I've also stayed in the Quality Inn Plaza on Int. Drive which was recommended to us by friends. We had 3 rooms before I was happy. First 2 were smoking rooms despite our booking requesting a non smoking room. I don't think there are really posh rooms there unless they've upgraded since we went in 2004. They are quite basic rooms with 2 double beds, a bathroom and a fridge, microwave and coffee machine. No wardrobe or kettle.

We didn't stay there again when we went back to Florida. Instead we booked an apartment on a holiday complex in Kissimee which we preferred.


Int. Drive is nice and near Orlando airport though, so won't be a long drive for you after your flight. You are also near Universal Studios. Plenty of eating places there but beware of leaflets under your hotel room door offering pizza delivery. Very tempting but a con to get your CC number. If you want Pizza go the Pizza hut right by the hotel and either eat in or take out.

Scousebird_2

Hi Poppy,

Thanks for such a quick reply. I have been told by the booking agent that the whole hotel has recently undergone a full renovation and all rooms are now non smoking so hopefully that is a good sign!

Thanks for reassuring me re: the flight. I think I will just have to sleep through it/watch the film on board etc! I am sure my new husband will be pleased lol!

I am grateful for your advice on the the cc issue. I am quite funny like that and I am very careful with money/cards etc. I plan to get travellers cheques if I can for the bulk of our cash, plus I can draw out dollars from my UK account with no charge so it's generally ok on that front.

Many thanks again though-much appreciated!

Poppy9

You don't need to change travellers cheques if you take American Express dollar ones. The shops will treat them as cash but you will need your passport.

Check you do get free cash withdrawls as Nationwide have recently withdrawn this I think. I use my Post Office Credit card.

We didn't eat on site as better places within walking distance. If you are meat lovers you will like the steaks in the Butchers shop restaurant which is opposite and about a 5 min walk up the road.

Don't overbuy park tickets. If you want to do Universal and Disney you don't need to buy a 14 day pass for Disney. Not sure if you can still get Disney tickets that don't expire. These use to be a good buy as you can use them years later.

Lots of deals for Universal usually and they are generally very good value for money IMO. We loved the Universal parks more than Disney. You are also near sea world and Discovery cove. Discover cove is wonderful but expensive (but it is your honeymoon) and you do need to book ahead. We booked direct with them via their website and when we arrived they gave us a partial refund as they had reduced price since we booked. We wouldn't have had that via a third party.

For Disney buy actual tickets not vouchers as you don't then have to queue to exchange them at the park.

There is a whole thread dedicated to Florida on these board. Do a search for it. There is also a Floridian who gives advice on Medical insurance and which companies to avoid etc. as not all cover is the same.

Incapuppy

Scousebird wrote: »

Hi Everyone,
What does everyone think. I would be gutted if I paid out money for flight upgrades and then there's someone else on our flight that gets a free upgrade!

I do realise that this is your honeymoon and that you have never flown before but the simple truth is if you would like an upgrade then the only guaranteed way to get one is to pay for one (if available).

Of course, if you don't ask - you don't get; but if I was airline staff and there were free upgrades to be dished out I would certainly be looking to upgrade frequent flyers to reward them for their loyalty before anyone else.

katieloumatt

My paretnts live in Florida and my family and I travel very regularly to see them, using various airlines.

To be honest, this year I paid to get an upgrade to premium economy with Virgin and it was SO worth it!!!

I think for your honeymoon which is an extra special time if you can afford the extra £££'s I would say do it....

The extra room, baggage allowance, food and special touches were just so nice. You deserve a bit of pampering..

Have a lovely time, however you decide to travel!!

Can't say much about the hotel because we don't need hotels so near to Disney, we just drive there for the day.

ENJOY KLM

thisismoneysaving

I was wondering, this is my first real flight and I am absolutley petrified. I am going to Disney in Orlando and flying on a package holiday with Virgin in April next year-cost includes Economy Flights and 2wks accommodation in the Quality Inn Plaza International Drive (park tickets not included or Universal tickets either). I have paid £2000 for us as a couple and I was wondering whether it's worth upgrading my flight seat and hotel room. The girl at the travel agents seems to think I should get a nice room in the hotel because she has told them it's our honeymoon in the booking, but I was wondering if I could get a cheaper 'upgrade' of my flight seat-a)because it's my 1st flight in 22 years and b)because it's a special time.
While you are away, the staff at your hotels/parks/restaurants etc will make a fuss over you & your new husband. I should imagine it is quite likely they will upgrade your room if they have the space. However, IF you are happy with what you booked and the price you paid, then I would stick with that. IF you are upgraded, then that’s an extra bonus!
Same goes for the flights really. If you can afford to upgrade then, of course, it will be nicer. Maybe weigh up sitting in a bigger seat for a few hours, or going to a lovely posh restaurant or additional park tickets (maybe SeaWorld or Busch Gardens)?

I guess the airlines are sick of people asking but perhaps if I contact reservations a few days before I go then I could see what's available and pay for an upgrade of send a copy of my marriage cert and see if they will be kind and give us the seats for nothing. I don't really want to ask because I feel a bit hardfaced but our mates have said we should ask!!
I think this would be worth a go if you don’t really want to shell out & you aren’t TOO bothered about upgrades.

My mate went to Disney for her 21st and she said they gave her champagne and passes for priority on rides and free food and stuff. Again I don't really feel like I should ask but I suppose it doesn't hurt and they can only say no.
Go to a Guest Services location in the first Disney Park you go to. Tell them you are just married and they will give you a (pin) badge to wear. The Cast Members (all staff at Disney World are members of the cast. It’s a constant show for the guests) will notice your pin & you may be treated to some surprises!! If you go expecting special treatment, and you don’t get any, you will be disappointed. However, if happen receive some magic from the people around you & you weren’t expecting it, it will be a great surprise for you!!

What does everyone think. I would be gutted if I paid out money for flight upgrades and then there's someone else on our flight that gets a free upgrade! Money is so tight at the moment for the Wedding alone and my Bridesmaid had just fallen pregnant-she is 17 and is my younger sister so I will have to pay out more for the dress (lol) and I am setting her up in a flat as she doesn't have a home for her and the baby yet.
At the end of the day you know what you can afford… That’s what you need to keep in mind.

It will be a well needed break to be honest so it wouldn't be the end of the world if we went economy for the trip-but a bit of luxury would make it so much more special!! xx
Any bright ideas from any tour reps, call centre staff or travel agents/fellow Disney/Universal visitors, would be much appreciated.
The best tip I can give you is to PREPARE, PLAN & PREPARE!
Allears.com is a great website for info on Disney & Universal. Once you have done some basic research a forum called the Disboards will have a million people willing to help you.
If you can have a plan you will get everything you want to do, done!
The worst thing would be to come home and realised you missed so much. Disney World, Universal etc are HUGE. Bigger than you could imagine.
You are going to have a great trip & a wonderful wedding. Let me know if I can help anymore. I would love to.

terryya

I think I must have misinterpreted the title as I was just about to post saying that it is unusual for people to wait until they are married these days. :rotfl:

Scousebird_2

terryya wrote: »

I think I must have misinterpreted the title as I was just about to post saying that it is unusual for people to wait until they are married these days. :rotfl:

LMAO-that made me chuckle-thanks xx

rosatoso_2

I've seen newlyweds at Disneyworld wearing the Mickey Mouse ears. The bride one has a veil and the groom one has a top hat, you can buy them in many of the Disneyworld shops! They always get noticed and made a fuss of wearing those (depends how low key you want to be! - LOL!)

Aidenr

Hi there, I would definatly speak to Virgin customers services and see what they say. As Crew for them it is a very popular route for first timers and honeymooners so upgrading onboard is not really possible.
Must admit though, I do love making a fuss of newly weds, they are always so excited and its fun to have a laugh with them.

Im sure if the crew on the day are aware you newly weds, they will make sure you have a fab flight!

A