Animal Kingdom Lodge closed?

[ziggylu]

I called the AAA number for Arizona this morning and spoke with an agent. He told me he'd call Disney and call me back. When he did he gave me a rate and indicated Disney was taking bookings at AKL for the days we wanted. He couldn't transfer my actual booking without fees nor cancel it because I am less than 44 days out.

So....I called the office I went into yesterday to make the booking. I wanted to speak with the office manager directly and not deal with the agent but unfortunately she was out today. I do not want the agent from yesterday to earn commission on this sale. I said I'd call back and two minutes later my phone rang and it was the agent from yesterday(they must ahve call waiting as I didn't indicate my name or where my booking was. Just that I wanted to speak with a manger regarding an issue with the trip I'd booked).

So I told him I was unhappy with the service he'd given me. He keeps insisting that everyone that is booked at AKL is being moved to other hotels?!

I told him I didn't believe this as the agent I spoked with on the phone this morning called Disney to confirm availability for the dates.

In the end he cancelled the booking at 100% at my insistence. I've started over with the otehr agent I spoke with this morning. I'm still aggravated to have even dealt with this situation but am getting over it.

I sure hope once we're there we arent' disappointed and wished we'd stayed at one of the other properties after this!

 

[Safari Queen]

I don't blame you for being upset, but the Beach Club really is a wonderful resort. The access to EPCOT and MGM is so convenient, with a boat ride or relatively short walk. There are 15 restaurants in the EPCOT resort area, all an easy walk, with several characters options as well as evening entertainment. The pool is the absolute best on Disney property. We love AKL but BC is our #1 favorite.

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

I found that AAA does try to push certain resorts. I looked up the prices on where we wanted to stay and some of their quotes were higher than rack rate. When I asked the agent why I would use them she said I could park my car for free. Uuuuhhhh we are flying from Delaware and I dont have a car and even if I did rent one parking is always free to resort guests. Beware of AAA sometimes you are better off on your own through Disney. Good Luck I hope you get the lodge it is so pretty. I didnt care for BC but loved the AKL and BW.

 

[septbaby]

Good for you! It is after all your vacation, right?

 

[Minnie&Nana]

What a mess!! Sounds like you have it all straighened out now!

Be sure to request Arusha Savannah - it has the best views of the animals.

We stayed there a few yrs ago (without kids), but I did not want a Savannah room...do not like zoos.....well, at check in we were offered a free upgrade to a Savannah room... I said thanks, but no thanks etc etc. The CM convinced me to give it a try and said she wanted to find us a room with an excellent view - it was fantastic!! I absolutely loved it and could hardly pull myself away to go to a park.

It was a long walk to the elevator, then a long walk to the room, but it was well worth it and would happily do it again. Will definitely pay for a Savannah room should we stay there again.

Have a wonderful trip!