Animal Kingdom Lodge Partial closer till Sept. 1

[BCV23]

I have NOT bothered to read this thread, so the information below may be a repeat....

AllEarsNet.com has a blog by someone at the VAK now... She indicated she inquired of AKL management (who greeted her as the first VAK guest) about the "closure" According to them it is NOT closed, just additional rooms have been taken out of use. (And she did check in on 7/1)

Right, in fact there is even a response from someone at Disney Vacation Club on allears. The resort is not closing....just some parts.

http://www.allearsnet.com/blogs/debwills/2007/07/animal_kingdom_lodge_villas_co_1.html

 

[soccermom17]

My family and I are booked at AKL with a savannah view room for 8/26 through 9/3. I saw the post this past Sunday and called the DIsney reservation number and the hotel directly. Both said if I hadn't gotten a call or letter by now I shouldn't worry. We also didn't book our hotel until 3/31/07 and I was told that the areas of closure were closed done prior to that date. Well to make sure all was well I called my travel agent, she's on vacation, but another agent called and got no more information than I did. So we have our fingers and toes crossed.

 

[clownfish1452]

I am stay AKL 8-4 to 8-12 and I have not heard anything. I plan on calling my TA tomorrow.

Sarah

 

[MUDisneyCouple]

Just FYI - We have been calling all day and numerous times to make sure that our ressies are OK and that there won't be a lot of distraction due to construction. They insisted that things are "ok" and that we would have received a called if we needed to move and "why would you even think to worry about it" and so on. They were more than willing to look up the other resorts (even though they were a little demeaning about where we got the info ) They seemed to think we will be ok where we are...

Here's the REAL info: We also found out that due to our free DDP, we're not able to move to another resort even if we wanted to. BUT they did say that if, when we get there, we are displeased with the construction they would move us. Go figure...every resort has an allotted number of rooms for DDP and every other resort is "sold out" for DDP and therefore we can't move b/c we want to (if we want to keep DDP), but if AKL/Disney wants us moved it won't be a problem...I don't know what to think any more. We didn't know this info until our 4th call, so we were a little upset at the "no more room at WDW" line we were getting and hopefully this will help anyone else from getting to snippy with the CMs even if they get a little snotty with you! Best of luck to everyone...

 

[Snowbrut]

I heard that they are calling everyone that they can all the way through 9/1. When I was at the resort about a week ago. You could tell that they blocked off a lot of the top floors and have security guards everywhere. The sounds of the drilling or what ever they are doing was bad during the day. (fam didn't go to the parks one day) But they told me if anyone wanted to call to switch thier resorts that are booked before 9/1 to have them call while the picking is good. I told them the things that I saw on the disboards and that's what made me call. I got the WL during my stay of 7/29. I am so excited!!!! So if you are really worried... call 407-939-7919. That was the number I was given on my voice mail to call back.

 

[Snowbrut]

Hey now, don't be rapping on Detroit. LOL Where is a cornfield emote when you need one!!

I was reading this thread thanks to a friend of mine since we are to meet in WDW mid July. I was staying in a savannah room and she showed me this so I could stay ahead of the curve on the relocation and get the best choice of room. Well needless to say after talking to my TA at AAA she was offered a 1 bedroom villa at SSA as an even up trade. I told her no way as my daughter needed her own bed and to call them back and twist some arm for a two bedroom villa. When she called me back I was informed that the two bedroom villa was out but they would refund almost half my money if i accepted the 1 bedroom.

Well you can guess who will be sleeping on the pull out. The guy saving the better part of 2 grand, while the 9 year old gets the king size. I guess i could afford to buy a real nice blow up mattress to put on top of it now though.

Anyone got any clue as to how comfortable those pull outs are?


Oh BTW, My TA was informed that it is certain savannah view rooms that are affected and not the whole place as I have read earlier

DaffyPluto

The pull out was great when I stayed there back in May... I had my MIL/FIL take the master and DH and I slept on the couchbed. It was the first time I didn't have to get a massage afterwards!!!! There are no bars like the normal ones and it is so comforatable!!!!

 

[TxRabbit]

We had 8/19 to 8/25 std view room booked. I couldn't stand to wait. I called because I hate NOT KNOWING and hearing all these stories was making me nuts! I was told that we were affected and that "there was not a room for us at AKL." I was offered BW, BC, YC, and WL, all std views. I did ask about Poly, but was told that garden view (the least available at Poly) was not a lateral move for a std view and because there was other availability, and so Poly was not an option for me. It seemed to me that the deal is that if you accept the SSR offer, then you may receive a refund of some sort, but if you opt to move to another comparable, available deluxe resort, you pay your AKL price for the new reservation.

I was told that I was scheduled to be called. The order is based on check in date and prioritized by view. I have read about people being called within a two week window of their check in date. I think everyone just needs to do what they feel they need to do to have their vacation be what they want it to be. Personally, I was happy to have options for moving, and also to find out as early as possible so that I can get to know a little something about the new resort I will be staying at.

WDW vacation is not a one shot deal for us. I love AKL. We stayed there in March and I was looking forward to actually enjoying the resort a little more on our next trip. But we will go on a later date when the construction is out of the AKL. It's all good. It's all Disney.

 

[CanadianGuy]

WDW vacation is not a one shot deal for us. I love AKL. We stayed there in March and I was looking forward to actually enjoying the resort a little more on our next trip. But we will go on a later date when the construction is out of the AKL. It's all good. It's all Disney.

Here here.. What a great positive outlook!

Knox

 

[Pete W.]

We were booked at AKL in a Savannah View standard bunk bed room 7/19 - 7/22. I called today (July 4th) and told them I was concerned after hearing all the stories about the construction and people being moved, and I asked if I could speak with someone in Guest Relations. I was politely transferred to someone who told me that my room category was NOT affected (meaning I was not scheduled to receive a call) but that those of us in 'unaffected' rooms were still being given a choice to relocate if we wanted. I asked what my options were, and I was told we could have a 1-BR villa at SSR for $109 per night (a significant savings from the ~$350 per night at AKL).

We are now booked at SSR and I am very happy I called!

 

[clownfish1452]

I just talked to TA and she said they only moving people that are demanding to be moved. Also they are not going to close any part of the resort, and they do not have any plans to move the animals.

Sarah

 

[kutchyone]

Maybe it is just us standard view room people. I don't know but I'm glad I called when I did, we were able to get a garden view at the Poly. I asked if I could just be moved to another location at AKL and they said no that would not be possible. I really wanted to just stay put but if I had to move I wanted it to be on my terms, or as much on my terms as possible.

They have already begun to move some animals who are not doing well with the noise issue.

 

[TammiMcMan]

I just talked to TA and she said they only moving people that are demanding to be moved. Also they are not going to close any part of the resort, and they do not have any plans to move the animals.

Sorry, but your TA is misinformed. Though, we've also seen it reported that some CM's aren't even aware of any construction going on, so I take anything like that with a grain of salt. This is a part of the Disney official statement, which seems to be in line with what a majority of the people are posting, In an effort to accelerate the construction timeline and potentially complete this effort earlier than planned, portions of the resort will be temporarily closing. As a result of the accelerated timeline, we are working with Guests who have existing Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge reservations to assist them in selecting alternate accommodations for their upcoming visit. This does not affect all Guests staying at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.

The care and safety of the animals at the resort is at the forefront of planning the construction. No animals have been adversely affected by the construction and we are proactively managing their care. If construction fumes and/or noise is bothering the animals, then it's very likely that part of their care does involve moving them to another area. It's certainly a situation that anyone affected needs to monitor closely.

 

[clownfish1452]

Well I have one month intill I leave I guess I will see what happens.

Sarah

 

[TammiMcMan]

Well I have one month intill I leave I guess I will see what happens.

Everyones different and if you don't think that some closure and construction will bother you, then I wouldn't worry about it. On the other hand, a Disney vacation is not a small amount of money and if there are any doubts, then I would strongly suggest being pro-active. You may want to hop on the Disney website and just see what else, if anything is available during your timeframe.

 

[MUDisneyCouple]

That we just got switched to the Poly for our stay! HURRAY!

After talking to 5 more people today, we finally got a hold of a manager at AKL and she was VERY honest about the noise and the probablity of being able to see bulldozers from our savannah view room. She was really understanding and then sent us to talk to someone to change our rooms. We even got to keep our free DDP! The manager's hopes are that by the end of August they would be finished with the closed trails (part of AKL is closed), but she hadn't heard anything. As well, she noted that they were suppose to open back up a part of the trail this past week and it was delayed.

We will absolutely return to AKL - just after the construction.

We knew Disney wouldn't let us down!

 

[clownfish1452]

If I get there and there is no animals. I am not on free dining, I am actually on the premium plan I dont think I will have a problem find a room. I am not real picky just happy to be going to disney. If there is that many problems I will just go to AKL next time.

Sarah

 

[TammiMcMan]

If I get there and there is no animals. I am not on free dining, I am actually on the premium plan I dont think I will have a problem find a room. I am not real picky just happy to be going to disney. If there is that many problems I will just go to AKL next time.

If you're going to stick with the AKL, I think this is the best attitude you could possibly have. Here's hoping that it's a wonderful trip for you .

 

[TheLastPrincess]

If you're going to stick with the AKL, I think this is the best attitude you could possibly have. Here's hoping that it's a wonderful trip for you .

Yes. Agreed.

Even if there is construction, or even if we are asked to move, come on, people...it's Disney. How BAD can it be? My parents would LOVE to go right now, but can't afford it, and I'm sure there are people reading these posts saying, "Oh for crying out loud, at least you're GOING."

If you're like me, you're a beggar, not a chooser. The 2 do not go hand in hand!

DISNEY IS DISNEY!!! Construction or not, there is always Wishes, there is always Jungle Cruise, there is always Mickey. There is also always Small World for those of you who know who you are.

 

[MUDisneyCouple]

I agree that WDW is magical no matter what or where you stay, but when you pay thousands of dollars I think most would agree that you'd rather stare at a zebra than a bulldozer!

We didn't want to move and were told today that we had too...so I am very happy to at least still be going and to still get the deal that we paid for.

 

[clownfish1452]

Yes. Agreed.

Even if there is construction, or even if we are asked to move, come on, people...it's Disney. How BAD can it be? My parents would LOVE to go right now, but can't afford it, and I'm sure there are people reading these posts saying, "Oh for crying out loud, at least you're GOING."

If you're like me, you're a beggar, not a chooser. The 2 do not go hand in hand!

DISNEY IS DISNEY!!! Construction or not, there is always Wishes, there is always Jungle Cruise, there is always Mickey. There is also always Small World for those of you who know who you are.

This is what I am thinking what do you really do at the resort other than sleep and the construction is only during day when we will be at the parks.

Sarah