AKL Construction Update Post-Sept 1

[TheLastPrincess]

I talked to a very helpful CM today (her name was *****) and asked about the construction after Sept 1. She said they are not sure yet how extensive it will be, but that later this month they will probably know and that we might have to be switched, and just to wait for a call because it's a pretty sweet upgrade (as you know pre-Sept 1st'ers know). But she said the construction is pretty heavy right now - lots of bulldozers, drilling, dust, etc, and they're having to relocate the animals. But again, they are releasing information about the construction and further resort-changes bit by bit, so no word on how extensive the construction will be post-Sept 1, but there is a possibility that we could be switched, and to sit tight.

I do feel for your AKL'ers who are (or might be) moved. That SUCKS. However, she did tell me they are not shutting down AKL ENTIRELY....just the rooms that will be effected by the construction the most. So I suggest if you have questions, call AKL directly.

Personally, I chose AKL because it was the cheapest deluxe resort offered with the free DDP. My heart is set on GF, Poly, or WL...even BC. So we're hoping for an upgrade (especially with my DH's tendency to get migraines and allergy flare-ups with dust and so forth). I want my my DH to be completely happy and relaxed on his first WDW vacation, which is also our honeymoon!!!

 

[spiceycat]

did you tell her - you were celebrating a honeymoon - she might have been willing to move you now!!!

sometimes Disney CM like to do special stuff.

I will be there in Sept - but I know I won't be moved - DVC member. I know several of you are mad about the construction. So sorry this is happen to several people favorite resort.

but it is better than Disney closing the resort because of not being able to rent the rooms.

 

[TheLastPrincess]

did you tell her - you were celebrating a honeymoon - she might have been willing to move you now!!!

sometimes Disney CM like to do special stuff.

NO, they have been told they can't move anyone with a checkin after Sept 1. I have called several times to ask if we could be moved, even Guest Services. It makes sense, since giving us a higher-priced room at the rate we paid for AKL would actually cause them to lose money, as opposed to giving it to someone who is willing to pay that higher price.

That's why she told me to wait it out. There is a special (read: top secret and off limits to the general public) team who is handling this issue. They will call or contact you through mail. Or, if your check-in is before Sept 1, you can call them and ask to be moved. But no word on us staying after that, at least for right now, because they haven't released any info.

 

[spiceycat]

do you see if she could tell 'them' - it was your honeymoon?

 

[Lanie]

Just wanted to say thanks for posting that info, as we also have honeymoon ressies after Sept. 1.

I am a little worried, but since we can't do anything about it, I figure I might as well worry about all the OTHER wedding and new first house things that can go wrong and that we might be able to do something about!

 

[kutchyone]

And the team, Outbound, is doing a great job. I was proactive and contaced them for our August 15 - 19th stay and was upgraded to the Poly. I could have had pretty much any location except the CR because it was booked for two of the four days of our stay. We were getting a great deal on our stay at AKL for three adults with a special code that only was available for 48 hours. We were paying around $165.00 a night with tax and that is what we are paying at the Poly now. What a deal, what a county, what a great Disney Team those Outbounders are!

 

[TheLastPrincess]

I just realized they *'d out the name of the CM! Is there some kind of privacy violation there I didn't know about?

 

[TxRabbit]

I just realized they *'d out the name of the CM! Is there some kind of privacy violation there I didn't know about?

Yes, I have seen this on other threads. They ask that you not post names of CMs, although I don't know why.

 

[grannyminnie]

Yes, I have seen this on other threads. They ask that you not post names of CMs, although I don't know why.

...because Disney keeps an eye on these forums and checks on the professionalism (or lack of) of the CMS, so to name one is to possibly get him or her in trouble!

 

[CanadianGuy]

We blank out CM's name in these conversational bits.. because when the CM told you that.. he/she didn't expect it to be posted on an internet message board for thousands and thousands to read --- with his/her name attached.

Disney does monitor these message boards and we would hate to see a CM get in trouble for what they thought was an innocuous comment to one guest.. not thousands.

Knox

 

[kverdon]

We are potential ALK refugees as well. We are coming in on the 3rd so are a little nervous being so close to the cutoff of the 1rst. We love AKL and sitting out on the balcony watching the Animals. It is soooo relaxing and just what we are going to need in Sept. The restaurants there are also very good. However, just to make sure we have our feathers numbered, we have our list of alternates already in to the travel agent.

Congrats on the proposal and the wedding! If you get bumped from AKL consider BW or BC/YC as it is GRAND being so close to Epcot. It makes a nice and romantic evening strolling about the World Showcase at night.

Kevin and Mona
WDW:AKL/BC 9/07 BC/FWL 9/06, POR/BW 12/05, BW 12/04, BW 9/03, AKL 9/02, Ft. Wildernes 5/00, DL 10/97, CBR 10/90

 

[TheLastPrincess]

We blank out CM's name in these conversational bits.. because when the CM told you that.. he/she didn't expect it to be posted on an internet message board for thousands and thousands to read --- with his/her name attached.

Disney does monitor these message boards and we would hate to see a CM get in trouble for what they thought was an innocuous comment to one guest.. not thousands.

Knox

Far be it from me to get a very nice CM in trouble!!!! MY BAD!!!!

 

[Mobly]

And the team, Outbound, is doing a great job. I was proactive and contaced them for our August 15 - 19th stay and was upgraded to the Poly. I could have had pretty much any location except the CR because it was booked for two of the four days of our stay. We were getting a great deal on our stay at AKL for three adults with a special code that only was available for 48 hours. We were paying around $165.00 a night with tax and that is what we are paying at the Poly now. What a deal, what a county, what a great Disney Team those Outbounders are!

I called AKL this morning and was transfered to the general line and told everything is fine, all the savanna's are open and we will be fine. We are going Aug. 11-19th, but they didn't even ask me that. I just want to make sure our stay is wonderful! Thanks much.

 

[goofy for goofy]

We were 2 wks away from our AKL vacation ( July 27-Aug 4) and I was thinking we're in the clear. WRONG! We got the call from our travel agent at Magical Journeys saying they were moving us and offering Saratoga! We said "no way." We've been to WDW many times and we have certain expectations about our trip and it didn't include Saratoga Springs. Our agent went to bat for us playing hard ball telling Disney either we got what we requested (which was the Polynesian or Grand Fl.) or we weren't coming. They "all of a sudden" found us a room at Poly with a lagoon view. We were disappointed b/c of not being able to stay at AKL but even more excited to get the great view at the Poly. We figured it worked out for the best since we have a 2 yr old and a stroller! So if you're in this situation, don't "settle" for what they offer. Make your preference known and I'm sure you'll have a good chance of getting what you want.