Honeymoon-Florida with Virgin

A question about : Honeymoon-Florida with Virgin

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 Ј2000 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.

Best answers:

• 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.
• 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!
• 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.
• 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 ЈЈЈ'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
• 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 Ј2000 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.
• 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.
• 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!)
• 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
• I was in EXACTLY the same position as you re honeymoon and flying nerves and we also went to Florida ! We have been there 6 times now and it has got better even though I still don't like flying -it's a means to an end.
  Personally, don't take offence I think you have paid far too much for this - I would expect to get a disney hotel such as port orleans or carribean beach for this kind of money. Have you had a look at vrigins website to look at prices?
  As for the flights if you get to the airport early - in gatwick you can actually check in the night before you can pay Ј100 and have an exit row seat - loads of room
• Hello!
  We flew Virgin to Africa for our honeymoon.. and I would definitly recommend shelling out for at least premium economy..! (I'm assuming the planes would be similar!)
  On the way out we got "upgraded" to the emergency exit seats.. which were right next to the galley, so people walking past all the time! And staff having gossips meant no sleep!
  On the way back we had no leg room what so ever! I don't know how long the flight is to Florida.. but it's really nice to stretch out on a long flight, and you get bigger seats!! Plus I think in premium economy you get free drinks and better food!
  We signed up for the virgin credit card, in the hope we'd get enough air miles with it for an upgrade, but as it's american express we could hardly use it!
  You can also buy air miles, which is cheaper than buying the upgrade, but you can only buy so many!
  Maybe this could work for you?
  Definitly don't bank on upgrades because its your honeymoon.. the seats above is the only one we got.. nothing special at the hotels or anything!
  It may be different in florida.. but don't expect stuff to happen as you will only be disappointed if it doesnt like we were!
  Another suggestion.. Virgin mucked us around big time when we were booking... and we blagged free passes to the Virgin Lounge at Heathrow! If they have mucked you around at all and you're flying from heathrow.. ask them about the lounge and see if you can blag them too!
  I wouldn't pay for it, but you get free good food, free massages and a nice sofa to curl up on whilst waiting for the flight!
  Our flight was 8:30pm, and we got there at midday to take advantage of it! Loads nicer than treking around the packed airport for 3 hours!
  Anyway.. hope this is of some help!
  Bex
• I would highly recommend upgrading your flight to Premium Economy, you benefit from so much and it is worth making your honeymoon that extra bit special.
  Not only do you get your own check in desk (no queues like economy), but you get to board first (no queues), priority disembarkation (which is great at US immigration as you tend to get their first before the other 400 or so passengers), your bags come of quicker and the service on board is superb. The seats are bigger and on the Orlando flights from Gatwick, they are mainly on the upper deck and the configuration is 2 and 2 (so no strangers sitting with you) and there are only 14 rows up there, so it is like your own little cabin.
  Unfortunately, upgrades to Orlando are so rare as most people book and pay for these seats in advance. I have worked for the airline and it is very rare to be upgraded and they will give priority to frequent flyer card holders.
  You can sometimes pay at the airport a supplement (no cheaper though than booking in advance) if there are seats free, but by this stage you may not get seats together.
  Ring Virgin direct and ask them what the supplement will be and then decide if you can afford it.
  But in my opinion, I never dread the long haul flight now, I look forward to being spoilt from checkin to arrival.
  Go for it and have a fantastic start to your honeymoon!
• Hi,
  I would be quite surprised if you just pay a bit extra to upgrade ... I suspect you have bought non-refundable tickets, so they won't allow you to just pay a bit extra to upgrade.
  You might be able to ask as you in checkin .... but I still think you will struggle.
  When you are there .... look out for the booklets, which often have coupons in - discounts, etc.
  Mark
• I have stayed at that hotel it is fine, nearly all the hotels on I drive are. Here's a tip when you go to Disney when you walk down Main street when you reach the end go left, every one goes right, so there are much shorter lines if you go left
• If you are both meat eaters make sure you get a reservation at texas de brazil and make sure you register on their site beforehand for 25% off the bill
  You might not find the flights as quiet as some have said, We flew this april and both flights were heaving. Virgin at checkin in orlando were currently doing premium economy upgrades for Ј149 pp
  I cannot fly the virgin orlando/vegas routes in economy without at least upgrading to extra legroom or isle seats as its just far too tight