AKL Value - acceptable to ask for different room assignment?

[stacieps]

I am going to AKV next month - have a value studio reserved for 1 night (Sat), then 6 nights in a value 1 bedroom. Since I will be there, I can check in for the 1 bedroom early on Sunday morning. If I am assigned a parking lot view room, would it be acceptable to request a different room assignment? I know its luck of the draw with the value rooms, I just didn't know if the fact that I'll be there early gives me any advantage over those who may be arriving later. Also, I get the impression from these boards that I shouldn't do online check-in as that process discourages requesting a room change - is that correct?

Also - if I go to the front desk at 8am to check-in to the 1 bedroom, will that invalidate my rooms keys for the studio? I'd like to have use of the studio until check out (or until we can get into the 1 bedroom if it happens to be available really early).

 

[chalee94]

If I am assigned a parking lot view room, would it be acceptable to request a different room assignment?

depends on what you mean.

it doesn't hurt to ask, but it is a little cheeky and if they change your room, i would expect that they would charge the change fee.

realistically, none of the value villas will go empty, so a change is awfully unlikely. someone has to get the parking lot view (i've stayed in value villas twice: 1 savanna view and 1 parking lot) - that's just how it goes.

on the bright side, when i got the parking lot view, i still got a cheaper villa at AKV that was reasonably close to the elevators. i still saw the animals a lot while i was at the resort...i just didn't use my balcony...

i have no idea how to improve your odds by checking in early or online or what. IIRC, there are less than a dozen value 1BRs at AKV...so if only one of them is available for check-in for your first day, that's the one you get, regardless of view...

 

[disneynutz]

It's the luck of the draw with any room. You can request and being early can't hurt but there is only so much that they will do.

Changing rooms at check in causes extra work which costs money. Online check in allows Disney to make up the packets and keys the night before when things are slow. Many members just take their packets and go without even checking to see where their room is.

Your keys will overlap.

Here's a recommendation - you might think about getting the deluxe dining plan for the first night. That will give you 3 table service meals and 2 snacks that don't expire until midnight of your check in day for the 1 bedroom and a refillable mug. This is a great value.

Bill

 

[ccgirl]

I am going to AKV next month - have a value studio reserved for 1 night (Sat), then 6 nights in a value 1 bedroom. Since I will be there, I can check in for the 1 bedroom early on Sunday morning. If I am assigned a parking lot view room, would it be acceptable to request a different room assignment? I know its luck of the draw with the value rooms, I just didn't know if the fact that I'll be there early gives me any advantage over those who may be arriving later. Also, I get the impression from these boards that I shouldn't do online check-in as that process discourages requesting a room change - is that correct?

Also - if I go to the front desk at 8am to check-in to the 1 bedroom, will that invalidate my rooms keys for the studio? I'd like to have use of the studio until check out (or until we can get into the 1 bedroom if it happens to be available really early).

If you want a better view....pony up the money for it. I know that sounds harsh... If you are expecting to change anything do not do online check in as those rooms are assigned and it would hold up that line. I did a split stay in October and I believe all meal credit from our first card were moved over to the new card when I checked in.

 

[sleeperclan]

How much time will you really spend in the room? Someone has to get the parking lot views (which has been us), and honestly, it isn't such a big deal. I still enjoyed coffee on the balcony and still enjoyed the atmosphere of AKV as much as I did when we had a pool view! I would take a value 2 bedroom in a heartbeat our next trip if we weren't needing that 3rd bathroom...with 4 women, it is a necessity!!

 

[LindaBabe]

I had a "parking lot" view at AKV (Jambo) a couple times - one on the wing toward the bus stops - we just didn't use the balcony because it had a solid wall (and would now overlook the smoking area). The other one overlooked the handicap parking but was seperated by a little patch of greenery. Sitting on the balcony was fine. Both rooms were VERY convenient. Honestly, I liked them just as well as pool view.

 

[TLPL]

It bugs me whenever I stay at AKV value room I always get the parking lot view. We always arrive late (fly down after work and arrive the resort in the evening). Even we request "non-parking lot view" we always get it. I think it is because people arrive earlier in the day all ask to switch rooms if they got assigned to parking lot view. We will be going down again in a few weeks. I wonder what view I am going to get this time....

 

[marx]

We always arrive late (fly down after work and arrive the resort in the evening). Even we request "non-parking lot view" we always get it. I think it is because people arrive earlier in the day all ask to switch rooms if they got assigned to parking lot view.

I think you are right. I am one who does not check in until the early AM - so if we arrive at night we stay off site. I typically stay in a Value and I always ask (politely) if a Savanah or Pool view is available. In every case I have been accomodated. Sometimes after the CM checks in the back.

 

[disneynutz]

It bugs me whenever I stay at AKV value room I always get the parking lot view. We always arrive late (fly down after work and arrive the resort in the evening). Even we request "non-parking lot view" we always get it. I think it is because people arrive earlier in the day all ask to switch rooms if they got assigned to parking lot view. We will be going down again in a few weeks. I wonder what view I am going to get this time....

Parking lot view.

Bill

 

[TDC Nala]

It's part of the tradeoff for booking a value room for less points. One can guarantee a savanna view room by spending more points and booking one.

There aren't that many value rooms, so you can ask to change, but you can't expect that there will be a room with the view you want available for you to change to.

 

[Sandisw]

I am going to AKV next month - have a value studio reserved for 1 night (Sat), then 6 nights in a value 1 bedroom. Since I will be there, I can check in for the 1 bedroom early on Sunday morning. If I am assigned a parking lot view room, would it be acceptable to request a different room assignment? I know its luck of the draw with the value rooms, I just didn't know if the fact that I'll be there early gives me any advantage over those who may be arriving later. Also, I get the impression from these boards that I shouldn't do online check-in as that process discourages requesting a room change - is that correct?

Also - if I go to the front desk at 8am to check-in to the 1 bedroom, will that invalidate my rooms keys for the studio? I'd like to have use of the studio until check out (or until we can get into the 1 bedroom if it happens to be available really early).

As mentioned, someone is getting the parking lot view and pretty much, values are booked solid all the time.


If you were the late arrival person and found out you are in the parking lot view room because those DVC members checking in before you bumped you out, how would you feel?

I say base your decision on that...some are going to be okay with bumping others and some will not.

Good luck and have fun!