AKL Pool View now or wait for check in?

[sharona]

Hi. I have the last 3 nights of our stay booked at AKL standard view using a 40% off PIN. After reading some reviews, I'm leaning toward upgrading to a pool view - more to ensure being closer to pool/lobby/bus stop/food options than anything else. And it would be nice to not look at the parking lot when we're on the balcony! Definitely cannot afford Savanna view. Originally my plan was to book the cheapest room and hope for an upgrade but I'm now thinking I don't want to leave this to chance and the price difference is pretty minimal btwn standard and pool view.

So - questions...

I am basing my upgrade on a map on the DIS that shows where the pool is. I don't see how any pool view room could be far from the main common areas/food options/bus - is this correct?

Where are the standard view rooms? Are they all in the front of the resort?

Can I upgrade to Pool view and keep my 40% discount even though my PIN has already expired?

Should I just wait for check in and see what we get and if it is not close to main area or a free upgrade then ask what upgrades are available (to pay for)? Will I then get stuck paying the difference btwn my 40% off rate and the full pool view rack rate?

Advice please !!!!!

 

[kaffinito]

Advice? Pay for what you want now rather than depending on an upgrade when you get there.

Pool view rooms - my fav btw - are going to be on the first four floors on either Zebra or Giraffe Trail. They do have nice views higher up, and are close to the lobby. If you want to be closer to the Mara, then ask for Zebra. But both areas are close.

 

[sharona]

Can I do that without losing my discount since the PIN has expired?

 

[kaffinito]

I should have read more - sorry.

I don't know about the pin. Ask on the Discount Codes and Rates thread - they know all that kind of stuff on there! http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=93

 

[chocovrdmicears]

You should be able to make the switch BUT it will depend on availability. There may or may not be a Pool View room available for your PIN Code.
But I 100% agree with the pp - if you want a Pool View room with the PIN code discount, your only chance is to call before hand. We stayed in a Pool view room at AKL and it was fabulous. Definately worth the small amount to upgrade from the standard view. Good luck!

 

[sharona]

Thank you both for the input. I'll call and ask about upgrading my existing reservation.

 

[chocovrdmicears]

Thank you both for the input. I'll call and ask about upgrading my existing reservation.

Good luck! And let us know how you make out.

 

[sharona]

Done! And w/ the 40% PIN and this part of our stay only being for 3 nights, it was only $20.40 difference in price. Well worth it for one less thing to worry about!

She never even mentioned the PIN being expired or anything so I guess not an issue.

Thanks!

 

[mickeynut1]

We just stayed at AKL this past December and our pool view room location was fabulous . We were very close to the lobby and getting to Mara took just minutes from our room . I tried booking a savannah view or CL but neither one was available with my pin, so I booked a pool view over standard as the pool view was only $10 more a night.....and with the 40% off, the difference was next to nothing.....so I would definitely call and try to switch now . Good luck .

 

[chocovrdmicears]

Done! And w/ the 40% PIN and this part of our stay only being for 3 nights, it was only $20.40 difference in price. Well worth it for one less thing to worry about!

She never even mentioned the PIN being expired or anything so I guess not an issue.

Thanks!