The Titanic Experience - Dinner Event, Orlando
September 2011
Be aware, the ticket for dinner includes a look at the exhibits, but does not permit you to wander the exhibits yourself before the dinner, or to take a regular tour. This wasn't made clear to us so we arrived early (6pm) to take our own look at the exhibition before dinner which was 7pm for 7.30pm, so, we had to go to a nearby mall for a little shopping to pass the time. The guy on the desk was totally uninterested that we'd been misled and just gave us his bosses card so we could complain. It wasn't his problem, or fault, he said. So, that lost 'em a Ted, regretfully.
We returned at about 7.15pm to check in with the Purser (a new guy - hopefully the other guy had been fired!) We were each given a card with the name and details of a passenger or crew member. We were quite impressed because we had the famous Molly Brown at our table (aka my assistant Kelley) and we kept mocking Paul as he'd been given the identity of Frederick Fleet. We'd heard of him, too, as he was the Lookout on duty when the iceberg hit. We offered him some glasses! At the end of the evening we'd find out if our characters lived or died. It helps give the evening a little poignancy, as it helps you to understand this wasn't just a movie, this really happened (as many Twitter followers have apparently only just realised!)
When it was time, we entered the exhibit. They have some artifacts they have retrieved from the Titanic, such as this deck chair, which was available for rent onboard for $1 per day. This was recovered immediately after the disaster in 1912, picked up by one of the Canadian cable ships sent to collect anything and anyone that remained. They also have a first class stateroom with wood panelling and classy furnishings. There were 350 such staterooms on Titanic, and several even more grand parlor suites. We were also able to take a look at the Verandah Café. This had a European theme which proved popular with the younger first class passengers.
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Soft drinks are provided with your dinner ticket, but alcoholic drinks can be purchased (wine, beer and spirits) or, for $16+ tax (at the time we went) you can have unlimited premium wine or beer. |
While we were all getting our drinks, the invited guests (us) were able to mingle with the cast - the more famous and prominent passengers of the Titanic, including the Astors and their friend, Molly Brown as well as Ship's Captain Edward Smith (who, like me was a Midlander, having been born up the road in Stoke-on-Trent). We also took the opportunity to get our unlimited wine vouchers (and a glass of wine). While mingling, the cast explained a little of life on the Titanic, in all it's opulent splendour.
We were called in to dinner. There were about eight of us to a table, as we attended Captain Smith's retirement party, hosted by the Astors. We were honoured when the Chairman of the White Star Line, Mr Bruce Ismay, even took the time to sit at our table while some of those at our table took the time to dance.
Mr Ismay seemed a little disturbed at my attention, so didn't stay with us long. I don't think he'd had much to do with bears, but then I guess this was 1912. We bears hadn't been around long. During the evening, Margaret "Molly" Brown took the time to sing us a number or two while we ate. She seemed to be having a really good time!
Captain Smith gave a speech, telling us about this great new ship on which we were sailing. How it was a safe ship and that we should not be concerned on this journey to New York. Unlike Mr Ismay, he was more than happy to have his photo taken with me! Paul, in his guise as Frederick Fleet, asked about binoculars, as we'd heard they'd been locked up and weren't available to the watchmen. Captain Smith was quick to assure us, "They don't need binoculars," he said. "My men can smell ice."
The Captain knew we'd like to see more of the ship, so he sent Mr Thomas Andrews, head of the ship's Guarantee Group sent by Harland and Wolff to troubleshoot any issues occurring onboard during the maiden voyage, as he had been involved in the original design. He took us to see the Grand Staircase, which really was grand.
If you want to compare the original, with this replica, check out these photos - the first is from the original Titanic.
While no one was looking, we ditched Mr Andrews and took our own sneaky peak around the ship (okay, so it was really part of the tour!) First, down into Third Class, or Steerage. These gates were drawn across the corridors to stop the peasants entering into the posher areas. It seems these gates were not immediately opened after the iceberg hit on the fateful night, the gates being used to contain the lower class passengers until the First and Second Class passengers were taken care of. We even found our way into the boiler room! Seemed like way too much like hard work for my liking so I got out of there quickly.
We were then able to visit the Bridge. Those of you who know me may know I once Captained a cruise liner on a Norwegian Cruise - well, for a little while anyway - but it was an honour to be on the bridge with the First Officer William Murdoch. He explained about the Watertight Doors that were fitted on Titanic. In case of an incident, they could be closed automatically. Even with four watertight compartments breached, Titanic would be able to remain afloat. It would be a shame, later in the evening that, on scraping along the iceberg that would breach five compartments and Titanic was doomed to sink. We then stepped off the bridge and onto the deck, where we would hear about the lack of places in lifeboats (Mr Andrews had requested more, but been turned down, but even so, the Titanic still had more than regulations of the time required).
Then our interactive experience was over, and we entered a room where the names of the 2200+ passengers (exact numbers are not clear). It was at this point that we could take our identity cards and see if "we" lived or died. Luckily for us, we all made it. We did wonder if they were just being "nice" and only handing out "survived" identity cards, but as we bumped into a few "dead" souls, it seems not. Luck of the draw, I guess.
We then progressed into an anteroom where our hosts for the evening stepped out of character and were available to discuss their character or life on the Titanic, or basically to answer any questions we might have. It was here they had models of the Titanic, both intact and as it now lies at the bottom of the ocean. Around the room were references to the many Titanic-related films. While the most famous is assuredly James Cameron's fairly hideous Titanic, they also had photos of my favourite Titanic movie A Night To Remember. I watched this again on the hundredth anniversary of the sinking, and while it shows it's age, it is still, for my money, a better film that Cameron's tosh. However historically accurate he made the props and sets (and I'm led to understand it was very accurate) his awful little drama and that standing on the prow of the ship was just terrible. Very disappointing movie for me. For others it is the only way they know of the ship. As Twitter has proven recently, some people didn't even know it was a real ship at all!
Here are some of the evening's actors, playing Mr Andrews, Mr Astor and Molly Brown.
Overall, the evening cost about $65 (excluding alcohol) but there are lot of actors involved. As I said in the opening, I wasn't sure if I'd like this or not, especially as someone with an interest in the history of the Titanic, but I think it's a hit, hence my giving it four Teds. Obviously, it's an interactive dinner experience, it's not supposed to be an evening with the Titanic Historic Society, but it was great to get a little tiny experience of life on the Titanic, albeit a compressed version. If I'm honest, dinner wasn't the greatest meal I've ever had - veggie Di got a plate of veggie pasta, but at least she got something! - and the dessert was a little basic, but hey, it wasn't just about the dinner. That's what I'm telling myself anyway, so I didn't drop 'em another Ted. It was close though. Anyway, if the recent centenary events have in any way made you curious, this dinner event is well worth it. Or at least check out the museum, with tours daily.
For me, it certainly was a night to remember.