Another AKL refugee

[cocowum]

I got the call yesterday. I was offered SSR and I said sorry that resort really does not appeal to me and I was willing to take my chances with AKL. She then gave me alittle spiel about the construction and noise and asked what I'd be willing to switch to. I said BC or Poly. Sooo she moved us to BC water view and I have to say I'm pretty happy.

Quite a deal as I had a STD room booked at AKL with the 40% off code.

The whole thing took over an hour. She said they are calling people about a month out and I said well my trip almost 2 months out. She said her computer was showing that my vacation was 28 days away. When I log on to WDW.com it says my next vacation is 28 days away but when I retrieve my ressie it has the correct dates. I think that's why I got the call early. She said not to worry, she fixed it. She was such a sweet lady. She kept apologizing and she said that some of the people she was calling were pretty angry about the whole process. I was sweet as can be and we chatted for quite sometime.

Anyway, I'm sad we're not staying at AKL but I'm happy we're getting BC for such a good price. For everyone else staying at AKL don't worry, Disney will make sure you have a magical vacation. Now, I'm off to the BC FAQ thread as I know nothing about the resort.

 

[SB in KY]

You will love the BC...Stormalong Bay is awesome and you will love being so close to Epcot and MGM...I think you traded up very wisely!!

 

[cocowum]

You will love the BC...Stormalong Bay is awesome and you will love being so close to Epcot and MGM...I think you traded up very wisely!!

I'm sure we're going to love it. To be honest I'm kinda glad I can stop stressing about construction at AKL.

 

[maelstrom]

I'd be upset if I got called and offered Saratoga Springs. That's always where they want to move people, and no one wants to stay there. I think they have a problem with that resort.

I'd ask to be moved to the Contemporary (tower, MK view) or Grand Floridian (MK view). But we've never had to move our reservation.

I'm glad you got the Beach Club. I like the resort, but the lack of a real food court makes us not really want to stay there. We're food court kind of people. I have heard of some people not being able to get in anywhere but Saratoga Springs and being very upset about that. AKL and SSR are two very different resorts and you can't expect people to just be a-okay wth switching like that.

 

[cocowum]

I'd be upset if I got called and offered Saratoga Springs. That's always where they want to move people, and no one wants to stay there. I think they have a problem with that resort.

I'd ask to be moved to the Contemporary (tower, MK view) or Grand Floridian (MK view). But we've never had to move our reservation.

I'm glad you got the Beach Club. I like the resort, but the lack of a real food court makes us not really want to stay there. We're food court kind of people. I have heard of some people not being able to get in anywhere but Saratoga Springs and being very upset about that. AKL and SSR are two very different resorts and you can't expect people to just be a-okay wth switching like that.

I told the CM that we would stay at AKL and take our chances instead of moving to SSR. I don't think they are forcing people to move. I think they are just trying to make everyone happy. I definitely didn't get the vibe that I had to move.

 

[maelstrom]

I told the CM that we would stay at AKL and take our chances instead of moving to SSR. I don't think they are forcing people to move. I think they are just trying to make everyone happy. I definitely didn't get the vibe that I had to move.

I know they aren't forcing people to move. But offering SSR in place of AKL is really... not a fair trade. I think they should be offering people a choice of resorts, instead of the person having to ask if they can stay somewhere else instead. And I think that some people feel like they are almost being forced to move. Kind of like, "okay, you can stay at AKL, but there's going to be construction, and it's going to be really noisy. are you sure???". I think they really want people to cooperate and move where they want them to.

 

[DiskneeFan]

We stayed at AKL last year and loved it and wanted to stay again this year but they had no deluxe rooms available. We decided to try BC for the 1st time come September, and we're very excited. After hearing all the transfer stories I'm glad we were'nt able to get a room at the AKL. Although, I'd love to have gotten BC for the AKL price (spending TWICE what we spent last year ) Lucky you

 

[cocowum]

We stayed at AKL last year and loved it and wanted to stay again this year but they had no deluxe rooms available. We decided to try BC for the 1st time come September, and we're very excited. After hearing all the transfer stories I'm glad we were'nt able to get a room at the AKL. Although, I'd love to have gotten BC for the AKL price (spending TWICE what we spent last year ) Lucky you

Yeah, we would not have been able to swing BC at rack rates. So I'm feeling pretty lucky!!! STD view room @ AKL (with a code) was a splurge for us.

 

[KristenHoneymooner]

I got the call yesterday. I was offered SSR and I said sorry that resort really does not appeal to me and I was willing to take my chances with AKL. She then gave me alittle spiel about the construction and noise and asked what I'd be willing to switch to. I said BC or Poly. Sooo she moved us to BC water view and I have to say I'm pretty happy.

Quite a deal as I had a STD room booked at AKL with the 40% off code.

The whole thing took over an hour. She said they are calling people about a month out and I said well my trip almost 2 months out. She said her computer was showing that my vacation was 28 days away. When I log on to WDW.com it says my next vacation is 28 days away but when I retrieve my ressie it has the correct dates. I think that's why I got the call early. She said not to worry, she fixed it. She was such a sweet lady. She kept apologizing and she said that some of the people she was calling were pretty angry about the whole process. I was sweet as can be and we chatted for quite sometime.

Anyway, I'm sad we're not staying at AKL but I'm happy we're getting BC for such a good price. For everyone else staying at AKL don't worry, Disney will make sure you have a magical vacation. Now, I'm off to the BC FAQ thread as I know nothing about the resort.

Would you mind telling me what your dates are for August? My reservation is for the 21st through 28th, and I'd like to know if they're moving people with those dates. Maybe I can call them instead of waiting for them to call us and get a better room swap offer.

Also, if anyone knows: are they only moving people with savannah views (because animals are spooked and not showing themselves) or is everyone getting the call?

Thanks!

 

[Squidrific]

I'm just wondering if any of you who are bashing SSR have actually stayed there? You are right there is a huge difference between a hotel room at AKL and a DVC villa at SSR. I understand, why move to a villa with a full kitchen and living room and separate bedroom when you can stay in a small cramped hotel room. SSR is actually a lovely, peaceful, relaxing resort. Don't get me wrong, I love AKL and I bought points there, but SSR is not as awful as you are all making it out to be. Also, you are wrong about them having a problem with the resort as it is nearly sold-out and most of the people who actually try it actually like it-you can't please everyone.

I think this should be more of kudos to Disney for seeing a potential problem and offering a solution before there is a problem.

My view from my balcony at SSR in January:

 

[cocowum]

I'm just wondering if any of you who are bashing SSR have actually stayed there? You are right there is a huge difference between a hotel room at AKL and a DVC villa at SSR. I understand, why move to a villa with a full kitchen and living room and separate bedroom when you can stay in a small cramped hotel room. SSR is actually a lovely, peaceful, relaxing resort. Don't get me wrong, I love AKL and I bought points there, but SSR is not as awful as you are all making it out to be. Also, you are wrong about them having a problem with the resort as it is nearly sold-out and most of the people who actually try it actually like it-you can't please everyone.

I think this should be more of kudos to Disney for seeing a potential problem and offering a solution before there is a problem.

My view from my balcony at SSR in January:

I'm sorry if you felt like I was bashing SSR. That was not my intention. Yes, I have actually been there. And my personal opinion is I don't like the look of it. I actually live pretty close to the real Saratoga Springs and I'm not really a big fan of that either. What's great about Disney is there is something for everyone.

I agree kudos to Disney for going above and beyond, time and time again, trying to make sure each guest has a fabulous time.

 

[rbl291]

I guess that is why Disney has sooooooo many different themed resorts! There is bound to be something to make it worthwile switching! We think SSR is a beautiful, relaxing laid back resort and it works great for us. BUT, with kids, I can see where BC or BW or one of the closer resorts is more appealing. With all that said, IF I were to get a call from Disney that they wanted to switch and upgrade me... I'd go for the absolute best most deluxe accomodation I could get them to hand over ! Good Luck to all you AKL switherooos! Its actually a shorter bus ride to the MK from SSR than AKL btw

 

[crazy_for_the_dis]

Based on other posts, the people that are being offered SSR are also getting substantial amounts of money back too. Too me, SSR and money back would be a great deal. We don't own DVC (can't convince DH) but stayed at HHI, and to me there is more than just a kitchen and extra bedroom to staying DVC, there are tons of planned activities that are great for kids. It may be different at SSR than HHI, but from what I read it seems very similiar. I hope people don't read the negative posts about SSR and think "I'm not going to settle for that" without really looking more into the resort and total experience.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

BC is very nice
good for you

 

[SB in KY]

I chuckle when I read posts from people saying they refuse to "settle" for a 1BR villa at SSR instead of a standard view room at AKL!! They make it sound like SSR is the Motel 6 or something!! I know people want different things in vacation accomodations and I understand being disappointed if you had your heart set on staying at AKL...but the accommodations (not the atmosphere but the accomodations) at SSR are WAY better. I congratulate folks that made a trade to a deluxe resort that suits them better, (like the OP on this thread), I think she made a great exchange for a chance to stay at a resort she liked, but I do not think people should feel like they are "settling" for some inferior resort if they take the offer (and the cash back) to go to SSR. It is a lovely place with amazing accomodations.

And to the poster that wouldn't stay at SSR because there was no food court, but wanted to stay at the CR or the GF!! Good luck finding the food courts at those places!!

 

[ducklite]

And to the poster that wouldn't stay at SSR because there was no food court, but wanted to stay at the CR or the GF!! Good luck finding the food courts at those places!!

I agree. I think there's a lot more selection--and much better food--at the counter service place at SSR than the GF or CR where the counter service is limited at best.

Anne

 

[MEK]

Love SSR. I would stay there again - no problem!

 

[pilferk]

We stayed at AKL last year and loved it and wanted to stay again this year but they had no deluxe rooms available.

I just wanted to expand on that for a sec:

Just FYI (and maybe you know this already) all the deluxe rooms are being converted to DVC villas. There won't be any more deluxe rooms at AKL once the conversion is complete. There are a few left....those waiting for conversion to get to them...but that's why they're such a tough ticket right now...and even those are dwindling away til they're all converted.