The day was finally here. After 858 days since we were last in the US. It didn’t seem possible that we were actually going. After getting out negative test results and making sure we uploaded all the other bits and pieces that Virgin had asked for, we felt we were as prepared as we could be.

We slept so well in the Hilton Garden Inn hotel. We have spent the night before a trip at the Premier Inn. No complaints with Premier Inn, but the room at the Hilton was so lovely, comfortable bed, pillows and not too warm or cold in the room. We did not hear a thing. Bearing in mind that the Hotel is literally on/in Heathrow Airport! A big thumbs up from us on the room. We may even like to stay there for a couple nights getaway (as long as we can get a runway view!!)

We had arranged to meet our friends at about 7.30am in the hotel lobby. I think just before 7am we were ready. We just needed to record an intro for our YouTube channel Travel Day Vlog, and then we’d be on our way.

After a relatively easy walk to check in (really must look for some new cases…. any recommendations please?) it seemed quite quiet, especially for a Saturday morning. We made it to the Virgin desks and there were two ways to go. One for Fly Ready, the other non Fly Ready. Being Fly Ready basically meant that you had uploaded all the necessary documents prior to check in. We had done this, and our boarding pass, even had ‘FLYRDY’ written on it.

A little tip (and please bear in mind could be different when you travel) make sure you follow the instructions from your airline about what is needed prior to travelling. Doing what we did before hand definitely seemed to make our check in very smooth. In addition, and something we have always done (long before COVID) is making sure we have a printed copy of everything we need. Nine time out of ten, we can use our phones OK, but there will be that one time you will be thankful of having a paper copy as well. I always remember the time by boarding pass would not scan when trying to go through security!!

After check in was security. Again, no problems here. One of the fastest times through security.

We were checked in and cleared security by just after 8am. It really didn’t take us long. Our flight was not until 1200, but had no idea how busy it would be, or how long it would take us. Always give yourself plenty of time is our motto!. We had the No1 Lounge booked (something we get through Barclays Bank). We grabbed a latte from Cafe Nero to share before heading to the Lounge, and think for the first time actually loads of places to sit in the terminal! We had a wander around Duty Free, but don’t know about you, don’t seem to buy anything at the airport anymore. We do grab a bottle of Coke for the flight.

It was now time to head to the No1 Lounge. We got seats in the Library. It’s nice and cosy in there. The Lounge is a lovely way to spend a couple of hours before time to board. A selection of hot breakfast food and croissants, pain au chocolate, rolls etc. Full bar and hot and cold drinks. Unfortunately for Lisa there was not cheese and biscuits this time! We all enjoyed a Mimosa, time flew by and in no time, we had a Gate for our flight. Had to get a bus from our Gate to the plane. It seemed to take forever, and for a moment, wondered if we were driving to Orlando!!

Off the bus and up the steps of the plane, onboard and to our seats. It is actually happening!!

Flight was about 2 hours longer than it usually is, and did seem a long flight, but comfortable. The Virgin Cabin Crew were wonderful as ever, and constant supply of food and drink and in-flight entertainment to pass the time.

After we landed, we were off the plane, through security, bags picked up and at the Car within about 20 minutes. Off to Bay Lake Tower to check in.

We arrived at Bay Lake Tower and loved the fact we could now go straight to our room. No need to check in in the lobby. This is a really nice addition to the last time were were on site. This first night we added quite short notice and as we have Disney Vacation Points to use up, we booked the 3 Bedroom Grand Villa with Theme Park View at Bay Lake Tower. Wow, what a room. Well, we say a room, more like a lovely apartment! We’ve shared some photos here, but pictures really don’t do it justice.

We got to our room about an hour before the fireworks at Magic Kingdom. Had a quick shower, enjoyed some bubbly, and doughnuts, kindly provided by our friends Leigh and Nick who were also staying with us. It was so special being able to enjoy this experience with like minded Disney lovers. Time to get some food, so a quick walk to the Contemporary to get something. We settled for a Ceasar Salad, which was so lovely!! Had a quick walk around the shops (you have to at Disney don’t you!!) and time to get back to the room. At 2245 Florida time it was time for bed, looking out at Cinderella Castle and Space Mountain. Could it get any better….