AKL- Putting your trust in Disney

[Indy's Girl]

Hi all! My DFi and I are leaving on our honeymoon in 2 weeks (yippee! ) for AKL. I, like some of you I am sure, have just recently gotten the call from AKL trying to get us to switch resorts. As completely nervous and worried as I am about construction and the issues that will cause, we are sticking with the AKL. Dfi really really wants to stay there and has had his heart set on it since November, so there is really nothing left to do but trust that Disney will try to make it as magical as possible!

I thought it would be nice to start a "support" thread for those of us who are going to trust in Disney to do right by us and are going to stay with AKL in the next weeks and months. I am sure we could all use some encouragement from time to time that we are making a good decision and our vacations will still be magical. So, post here is you need some support, have pixie dust to offer, or have recently stayed and have positive news to share. Lets try to think positive people!

 

[ortegah]

I don't know what to tell you about your situation, but wanted to say congrats on the marriage!!!

 

[teethrdh]

I am sure Disney is just being overly precautious and is just trying to make sure there are no complaints they have been in this business long enough to know how to do it right. Also just think if they are trying to keep the hotel under capacity how nice the pool will be, and all the other amenities! Also if a little hammering is the worst thing that happens in a day life isn't really all that bad. A house is being built across the street from me and every morning at 7 am they begin, and it really honestly isn't that bad, and there really isn't a better smell than fresh cut wood!

 

[cocowum]

We are checking in on 8/21 for 5 nights and "I trust in Disney"

at least I try to. We still have a little time. We will not switch. We're willing to deal with the construction, noise etc. My only problem is every time I read something on the DIS I panic, rethink our decision and run to DH. He pulls me back from the edge. I tell you though, it going to be a very long 2 months...

 

[PrejeanPrincess]

We will be at ALK Sept. 8-13, and I too have been a little nervous about the construction. I told my DH about it and his response was, "what's the big deal? we will be in the parks all day, they're not going to be doing construction during the night". So I am hoping for the small crowds at the resort and pool (boy won't that be nice), and not fight crowds in the moring for breakfast. I bet it will be the best experience ever.

 

[PrejeanPrincess]

Okay, so I forgot to spread the pixie dust, so here it goes

 

[spiceycat]

you will have noise in the day time. So if you are willing to stay there with the noise don't come back and complaint. They will stop at 5pm or 5:30pm every night. but from 8am to 5pm - just expect some noise. oh if you are going on Sat or Sund - they don't work on those days.

Disney doesn't try to move people with out good cause.

I think I might have moved to the WL, it is close to MK, and has wildlife - Florida wildlife. It is also a beauitful resort much like AKL. same architect did them both.

 

[mcgypsy]

I've been a little nervous about the threads I had seen about people being asked to move. We are staying at AKL July 13-16 club level so we can do the safari.
I called the resort yesterday and was told that the 4th, 5th, and 6th floors would be closed for construction. I explained my concerns and told them that since the package was paid for in full, and we were doing this so that we could do the sunrise safari, I was a little freaked out by the rumors of being asked to move
I was told that some people were being asked to voluntarily change locations, but that they were not overbooked. They said that anyone who had paid for a package would get whatever they had paid for, and that if I hadn't been called, my arrangements were fine, not to worry.
I'm still a little worried, but I have to trust that this is going to work out.
Like I said, we're only staying there to do the safari, and I'm not sure we could get there in time to do it from anywhere else. I did forget to ask where the concierge lounge would be since the 5th floor would be closed. Does anyone know?

 

[Allensfan]

I sure want you to have a wonderful time and here are some good vibes for you

That being said, I gotta say that I agree with the poster before me that said "Disney would not ask you to move with out good reason". They must know you are not going to be able to experience all the magic the hotel has to offer or they would not have made the call in the first place. I would not risk my honeymoon...not a chance. I would call them back and ask what they could do for us and maybe move you to a different hotel. That way you can return to AKL on your one year anniv. and see the hotel in its full glory.

 

[PamNC]

Congratulations to you. I personally wouldn't trust it. It's not worth the risk! Especially for newlyweds, you don't need to deal with loud noises from construction. You need to relax. AKL is a beautiful resort but if it were me, and that's all I'm saying, I would switch. If they are taking the time to call and try to talk you into switching, I would say there is a reason and I would have taken them up on it. You can stay at the AKL for your 1st anniversary - how about that????

anyway, if you decide to stick with it - I wish you the best. Pixie dust is on the way.

PamNC

 

[chasgoose]

Yeah, its not that I wouldn't put that much trust in Disney, its just that I don't know how much they can do to make your stay nice. There is only so much they can do to prevent disruption due to construction (particularly when animals are involved). If they are moving so many people, chances are that they are a little worried about complaints due to the construction and they are proactively offerring a resort switch to cover themselves if people start complaining about construction. Now, they might just be worried about overbooking because they are going to have to close down more rooms than they thought for the construction and if you have a room there it won't be that bothersome, but I wouldn't want to take that chance, particularly on a honeymoon trip when I might be spending more resort time than usual.

I would probably err on the side of caution and ask to be switched. Mention the fact that it is your honeymoon and demand to be moved to a similar (WL) or better deluxe resort. Unfortunately, this is one of those situations where you can be rewarded for being a little bit obnoxious and demanding.

Good luck, and congrats on the wedding!

 

[PrejeanPrincess]

Hi all! My DFi and I are leaving on our honeymoon in 2 weeks (yippee! ) for AKL. I, like some of you I am sure, have just recently gotten the call from AKL trying to get us to switch resorts. As completely nervous and worried as I am about construction and the issues that will cause, we are sticking with the AKL. Dfi really really wants to stay there and has had his heart set on it since November, so there is really nothing left to do but trust that Disney will try to make it as magical as possible!

I thought it would be nice to start a "support" thread for those of us who are going to trust in Disney to do right by us and are going to stay with AKL in the next weeks and months. I am sure we could all use some encouragement from time to time that we are making a good decision and our vacations will still be magical. So, post here is you need some support, have pixie dust to offer, or have recently stayed and have positive news to share. Lets try to think positive people!

I am sorry it doesn't seem that you are getting the support you were asking for. All I can say is that I have read multiple recent reviews on AKL and all of them said the construction was not bad and were glad they stayed at AKL. I hope this helps, as I said before we are staying put for our Sept. trip and I am really excited, despite all the negitive views concerning this. Also, if it was that bad they wouldn't just pick a select few to change, they would require everyone to change resorts and shut it down. Don't ya think? My opinion is they are trying to thin out the resort to make the stay perfect for the people who really want to stay there and give them the best rooms possible. Good luck and best wishes and enjoy your honeymoon.

 

[nosnobunny2006]

It's a real shame to have your plans changed at this point in time. Like others have said, I don't think I'd be willing to risk my honeymoon being ruined by construction. Part of the reason people book this hotel is because of the animals. If there is construction noise, I would think that the animals would stay far away. Without them, what makes this hotel any different from any other deluxe? I'd call them and see what alternatives could be worked out.

All the best to you and your fiance for a great wedding day!

Beth

 

[castleri]

Hi all! My DFi and I are leaving on our honeymoon in 2 weeks (yippee! ) for AKL. I, like some of you I am sure, have just recently gotten the call from AKL trying to get us to switch resorts. As completely nervous and worried as I am about construction and the issues that will cause, we are sticking with the AKL. Dfi really really wants to stay there and has had his heart set on it since November, so there is really nothing left to do but trust that Disney will try to make it as magical as possible!

I thought it would be nice to start a "support" thread for those of us who are going to trust in Disney to do right by us and are going to stay with AKL in the next weeks and months. I am sure we could all use some encouragement from time to time that we are making a good decision and our vacations will still be magical. So, post here is you need some support, have pixie dust to offer, or have recently stayed and have positive news to share. Lets try to think positive people!

Please report back and let us know how things work out. I am glad to read your post with such a positive attitude after reading several other threads that were whiney and demanding given the same situation.

Here's for a beautiful wedding and a wonderful honeymoon.

 

[Allensfan]

Please report back and let us know how things work out. I am glad to read a post with such a positive attitude after reading several that were whiney and demanding given the same situation.

Here's for a beautiful wedding and a wonderful honeymoon.

I don't think that anyone here is not being supoprtive...in fact, I think the people here REALLY care about you having the best honeymoon ever!! If no one cared if your honeymoon was good or bad, then no one would post saying they were concerned for your happiness.

We had the same situation when we honeymooned in Mexico. The hotel was doing some construction and asked us if we would liked to be moved. We choose not to move and it was not as much fun. To this day, we wished we had moved to a different hotel. So when I read your post, I wanted to try and help you avoid any frustration on your big day.

I would be grateful and pleased that so many strangers were so interested in my happiness. This board and these people have a lot of heart and compassion for others.

No matter what you decide, I hope all the honeymooners have a great time.

 

[nutsforgolf]

What resort did they offer to move you to? Was it an upgrade of resort or room type. Personally, I would always take a free upgrade. Especially since it's your honeymoon, I would ask for a better resort and room for your inconvenience to move.

 

[amycishere]

As I just posted in the other thread, I think club level people are receiving priority. When I spoke to Don yesterday, he said people on other levels were being offered upgrades because rooms they had thought before would be unaffected by construction, now currently are. He kept reassuring me that my view would not be affected. He says the animals on the sunset Savannah are being moved because of the construction but the Arusha and the Uzima Savannah will not be affected. He said our room will be overlooking one of those savannahs.

Since my stay isn't until October I will be calling in September before I buy my tickets to make sure about the room and everything ad see if any of the other Savannahs will be affected.

 

[cc1013]

Since it's your honeymoon, I honestly would consider switching resorts. Wilderness Lodge is an amazing resort and was designed by the same architect as AKL. The rooms at WL were all renovated in 2006. It is very romantic too. Perhaps you could ask is there was availability there and also ask to be compensated for the loss of a savannah view room? It may be worth a shot.

Another post mentioned that only SSR was offered, but that person argued and was able to get the Poly (another fabulous resort) at no additional cost. That may be another option.

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

 

[PrejeanPrincess]

I don't think that anyone here is not being supoprtive...in fact, I think the people here REALLY care about you having the best honeymoon ever!! If no one cared if your honeymoon was good or bad, then no one would post saying they were concerned for your happiness.

We had the same situation when we honeymooned in Mexico. The hotel was doing some construction and asked us if we would liked to be moved. We choose not to move and it was not as much fun. To this day, we wished we had moved to a different hotel. So when I read your post, I wanted to try and help you avoid any frustration on your big day.

I would be grateful and pleased that so many strangers were so interested in my happiness. This board and these people have a lot of heart and compassion for others.

No matter what you decide, I hope all the honeymooners have a great time.

I understand where you are coming from, but the OP made it clear that her choice is to stay at AKL and wanted support on her decision. So far it seems, to me, that she is not getting the support she asked for.

 

[CoolPool]

The WL is not the AKL. They have the same core structure but they are very different in theme; indoor and outdoor presentation. I think perhaps the OP booked the AKL because of its amazing African theme and the animals. Its a truly unique hotel and its worth it to stay there with possible noise from 8 to 5. You will enjoy the atmosphere in the lobby and around the grounds. The view from the pool looking back to the hotel is stunning. The displays of African culture and art bring that world to us in a beautiful way. The African CMs add their own unique perspective. I cannot say enough nice things about this hotel and what it accomplishes.

And perhaps the OP and her DFi are not bridezilla types who have to have everything just so or they will burst into a rage or raging tears.

Congratulations on your wedding!