20 September – Journey Home

Unfortunately, we both suffer really bad nights – not much sleep at all – I would like to blame the film – but even I can't be that evil. As we start to gather ourselves together, we also do the final part of packing. We also sort out the room and fill up the dishwasher. After showers and dressing in clothes that we will discard once we have finished down by the pool, it takes two trips to take the suitcases to the car, which took quite some time remembering where we had parked the car, after last night's debacle!

One of the great things about travelling with Virgin, is the Downtown Disney check in and bag drop off, where we can get put our bags into their care while enjoying our last day. We set the Sat Nav – for the general area, but can't remember the name of the big building where the check-in is situated just outside of. The last holiday, the whole area was undergoing lots of changes to the parking, but thought we would be OK.

The route is crazy – not well sign-posted, but fortunately we spot the Circ-du-Soleil and head towards it. We see the Virgin sign and manage to park reasonably close. I unload the wheelchair, and the bags to be checked in. Pat pushes herself as I manoeuvre the bags. Pat pushes the button on the key-fob to lock it and we go over, and check in. Again, our luggage is upgraded, and our boarding passes given to us, and we head back to the car to find that a certain idiot had forgotten to shut the boot, yet somehow the car had locked itself!

With everything sorted we head back to the Fountains for a final chill by the pool, although we have no way of showering after the swim and sweating! Our final time here is great, however it is a bit drizzly at times. We head to the car, and both manage to change. It is then time to eat in America for the last time this holiday – but where should we go?

Without needing the Sat Nav or anything else we pull into the car park of the Ponderosa. Well, we had to didn't we? It would mean that we would be nicely fed before we got anywhere near the plane. As we order we are very pleased that our server is Dawn, the lovely lady from my birthday. She is once again very chatty and so personable, and she seems quite sad when we say we are on our way home. As we pay she gives us the 10% off voucher, and informs us that we should use it when we come back as it has no sell by date! Woo hoo – so my mind is made up we will return to the States. Having said that as I complete the diary in early 2017 with the new president making some of his decisions I might not be let in with my British passport!

We go back to the car, feeling a little down, but definitely fuller, and set the Sat Nav for the airport, but I begin to worry over the petrol (sorry gas) situation as it is getting low. The journey is quite good, but there is a long queue to get in to where the hire cars get dropped off. It becomes very frustrating and stressful sitting and waiting, and then we go the wrong way, primarily as another car pushes in forcing us out a touch. We have to drive through an area, and then back on ourselves- stopping to ask for directions on the way, but then we are there! Not sure there will be enough petrol to start the car – but that is not our problem now.

We now go towards the terminal, stopping for a final ciggy or two, and a toilet break, then into departures, being guided to the disabled queue, which also has the kids etc. It takes a while, and we are at the front, but there is no one to check Pat and the wheelchair, so I get through and after a couple of mins she follows. My bag is checked big time, but soon we are through. After a quick trip on the little train, we are in the lounge. We go and get some duty free – well tobacco, but although we pay for it – we cannot take it, it is delivered to the plane, and we collect it as we board.

Pat is feeling a little thirsty, so I try and get her a tea – the only place that serves it is Starbucks, so I queue and manage to get her one, but it is really really hot. I nearly burn myself bringing it back to her, she is sitting at the gate ready for the plane. I head off and grab a beer, and we sit and wait.

We are advised that there will be a delay before we can take off – as there is a bit of a storm occurring!

Virgin Atlantic 747 - Hot lips

Finally, we are called forward, as are the others that require assistance. We stand (well I do) and wait as there a little delay. There are quite a lot of less able people on this flight – but we are in the first few at the front of the queue.

Again, we wait, and then are moving onwards, but I have to stop to get the duty free – only the woman can't find ours – until I point it out to her (there is a big tag with the seat number on it that she couldn't see!) I have to move quickly to catch Pat and the wheelchair driver, but manage as we get to the door of the plane.

Pat is transferred to the aisle chair, and I grab the cushion and set the chair for it to be put in the hold. As we make our way down the plane, we are the first in the area that we are to sit in. There is an issue in trying to get the seat arm up – to allow Pat to slip into the seat, but it will be OK as they tell us they have a specialist, who is called over, and proceeds to fail. Main reason being that some of the seats do not allow for the arm rest to be moved – and ours are in that bracket!

We are chatting with the crew, and they cannot believe we haven't got the back seats but are willing to chat with those they do. The main person looking after us, or rather our area is a lovely guy called Stuart, I would say he is a little light on loafers but guess I should say heavily gay and proud! Again, like the outward journey there is no way the couple behind us will move, so we will have to put up with it. Stuart is fussing over us and makes it clear to let him know if we have issues.

As we take off the views from the plane are really amazing as it is dark and the cities and roads beneath us look sparkling.

Orlando at night

Orlando at night

As usual drinks are served, although Pat requests a tea. The meal is not too bad I have a very succulent beef dish, we begin to settle down but sleep none too easy. I am reading more than using Virgin Atlantic's entertainment. Pat appears quite uncomfortable the lights go out, and we get a little snoozing but not loads.