Animal Kingdom Lodge SHUTDOWN!

[Phu Phu]

My travel agent just called me about the AKL shutting down until September due to the construction. We had been scheduled to go at the end of July and they are re-routing everyone. They offered villas that were downtown and a large monetary credit but I didn't care about that. I wanted to stay there and had planned to do so for a year. It's my 5 year old daughter's first visit and she's crazy for animals. I'm crushed!

We had to decide so I chose the Poly and was very torn between the WL. Now I think I made a mistake. So many like WL with kids. What would you pick between the two? Any advice would be greatly appreciated...thank you.

 

[Rhonda]

I think the Poly is great for kids! You'll love having the monorail right there!

 

[CanadianGuy]

First time -- I'd pick Poly. WL is a great visit too, but I'd pick Poly.

Knox

 

[annie1995]

Oh gosh, I'd sooo pick Poly!!!!!! That is my dream resort!!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I think if they gave you the Poly at the same rate you were payig for AKL, then you got a great deal! I think part of the reason that folks like WL so much is that it's a moderate at a lesser price.
The Poly is very nice looking, but the real plus is the location and transportation options. Truly, it's the best location on property in that regard. You can very quickly get to MK or Epcot. YC/BC and BWK have quick access to both MGM and Epcot, but their access to Epcot is on Epcot's back side. Nice for a dinner at Epcot, but they are farther to MK, and that is everyone's favorite park. In the morning accessing Epcot's back side means you've gotta walk to the far side since the WS isn't open in the morning.

The only downside to the Poly, IMO is it's lack of a hot tub. But the pool is pretty cool there.

 

[mickey2minnie1]

It is my 3 kids first time there and I picked the Poly.

 

[kutchyone]

We also picked the Poly to replace AKL. WL's rooms are much smaller and much darker. I'm a fan of the lobby but not the rooms.

 

[Phu Phu]

Thanks to all the quick responses as I was very panicked. I feel much better hearing everyone's opinions and now I will get re-excited about the Poly. We're staying 4 nights at the POFQ and the last 3 at Poly so I will probably enjoy the resort more having done more of the parks in the beginning. But being so close to MK will make it nice to run over for the last few hurrahhs!

 

[mika911]

I think the title AKL Shutdown is a bit extreme since lots of people are still staying there.

Glad you got a nice room!

 

[sweetpeakaris]

Another vote for Poly, my dream resort!

 

[Cass]

You might want to add 'Lodge' to the title as at first I thought you meant the park was shut down!

 

[Phu Phu]

I was so freaked out, I quickly wrote the post and wasn't thinking!

 

[Phu Phu]

I think the title AKL Shutdown is a bit extreme since lots of people are still staying there.

Glad you got a nice room!

As far as I know, it is somewhat extreme from what my travel agent said. They are completely re-assigning everyone through September. People are there now but not for long. The lobby and grounds are open, and will be but there won't be much to see because the animals will be kept in the barn so the construction doesn't bother them. But, yes, the restaurants will be open so it's not that extreme I guess. When you make plans for so long, looking forward to staying there, it seems extreme also.

 

[CTDis4]

Oh gosh, I'd sooo pick Poly!!!!!! That is my dream resort!!

annie1995 your baby is adorable! Oh and I would pick the Poly also.

 

[mika911]

As far as I know, it is somewhat extreme from what my travel agent said. They are completely re-assigning everyone through September. People are there now but not for long. The lobby and grounds are open, and will be but there won't be much to see because the animals will be kept in the barn so the construction doesn't bother them. But, yes, the restaurants will be open so it's not that extreme I guess. When you make plans for so long, looking forward to staying there, it seems extreme also.

I've seen it confirmed many times and I spoke to the concierge people at AKL a couple days ago, and the hotel will continue to have guests. Only some are being moved.

As far as the disappointment I agree with you completely. It's very frustrating. How long before your stay were you notified? Happy they found a nice resort for you though.

 

[Phu Phu]

I've seen it confirmed many times and I spoke to the concierge people at AKL a couple days ago, and the hotel will continue to have guests. Only some are being moved.

As far as the disappointment I agree with you completely. It's very frustrating. How long before your stay were you notified? Happy they found a nice resort for you though.

Well if that's the case, they're telling my travel agent something different to make it sound drastic so I'll move. We have 12 days before we leave, but 15 days before we stay there.

 

[mika911]

Well if that's the case, they're telling my travel agent something different to make it sound drastic so I'll move. We have 12 days before we leave, but 15 days before we stay there.

Wow. Thats terrible they told you so close to the trip. I'm glad the other hotel still had availability. I wish you a great trip.

I think they may be fibbing a bit, but that is just my opinion. Everyone seems to be told something else. Nevertheless, a *lot* are being moved, so you're not alone.

 

[Kimberle]

Nope, it's not being shut down. Many rooms/area's are closed off due to construction, but lots are still open. It sounds like the construction is moving a bit quicker, hense, the "quicker" closing of some rooms. They are offering many people a relocation. I am staying mid-August and have not been offered a move. I think since I'm staying Concierge, we're the last ones they would move. (Because of the special Safari's and the fewer # of comprable Concierge rooms available at other resorts.)

If you really want AKL, you can say "no thanks". I haven't heard of anyone being forced to move.

 

[CarolA]

As far as I know, it is somewhat extreme from what my travel agent said. They are completely re-assigning everyone through September. People are there now but not for long. The lobby and grounds are open, and will be but there won't be much to see because the animals will be kept in the barn so the construction doesn't bother them. But, yes, the restaurants will be open so it's not that extreme I guess. When you make plans for so long, looking forward to staying there, it seems extreme also.

And once again we have a post on how reliable TAs are. There are folks staying at the "shutdown" hotel right now. As a matter of fact new rooms even opened up last week......

PARTS of the Lodge have been closed.....

 

[mika911]

I've just booked backup reservations cause of the shutdown story. Charges to my credit card for deposits. What a mess this all is.

I just wish we could get the "real" story.