Could there be a soft opening for AoA?

[Singinglizzie]

We are arriving 2 weeks before AoA opens it's non-suite rooms. It's probably wishful thinking, but would love to stay at AoA for our trip. Does anyone have any experience with a soft opening of any other resort before the official opening? Would Disney open up rooms, if they were completed ahead of schedule???

 

[csummerlin55]

We are there the week before and I was wondering the same thing.

 

[Singinglizzie]

We are there the week before and I was wondering the same thing.

You may have better odds, since they may have rooms 1 week ahead verses 2 weeks ahead. Hope you get some luck!

 

[csummerlin55]

I misread your post. We will be there one week before their original opening. I'm hoping we will get a peek of it.

 

[dclfun]

I doubt the rooms will be ready for paying Guests. Usually WDW does a soft opening for the CM's who will be working at the resort as those families test out everything in the room to be sure it's in working order.

 

[Singinglizzie]

I doubt the rooms will be ready for paying Guests. Usually WDW does a soft opening for the CM's who will be working at the resort as those families test out everything in the room to be sure it's in working order.

I'd be happy to volunteer !!!

 

[julluvsdisney]

we will be arriving 22 days before the LM rooms are set to open I would LOVE to stay in one !!

 

[spiceycat]

it does open up the DVC resorts early sometimes.

but don't think heard of any Disney hotels opening early.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Do not look for a "soft opening".
2) There lots of logistics, such as scheduling manpower.
3) Besides, the "soft opening" trials are usually done by CM's.
4) EVERY new resort has a 7-10 day set of trial runs.
5) Even additions (such as new buildings) to existing resorts have trial runs.
. . . selected people get to stay one-night for free
. . . the people are CM's, friends of CM's, or special guests
. . . they get to bring the whole family
. . . the only condition is they complete a survey in the morning
. . . the survey is very comprehensive, with several pages
. . . this is done to test the resort, staff and amenities
6) The survey is meant to discover
. . . equipment and system malfunctions
. . . fit and function of woodwork and structure
. . . bedding, lighting, plumbing, etc
. . . service by maids, front desk, other employees
. . . then, shortcomings can be corrected

NOTE: I have stayed free at several resorts prior to official opening,
such as BLT, THV, POP, SSR (three times, for different buildings).
All one does is sign up and check-in anytime after 1:00pm, or even
earlier. I am looking forward to AoA suites and LM rooms.

 

[dclfun]

My friend who stayed at Kidani prior to the official opening was friends with someone who worked for DVC. The survey was indeed very comprehensive. They had to open and close the sofa sleeper and chair, use the washer/dryer, make sure all the lights were working, use the dishwasher, stove, and microwave, order room service and then fill out what animals they saw on their savannah view during a particular timeframe. There was more but I can't remember all of it. It was fun for the kids involved but Disney is serious about that survey as it's meant to be sure the resort is top-notch for it's first paying Guests. Same with the Disney ships- there are always several voyages with castmembers making up the majority of the Guests. Again, they are responsible for testing out everything in the stateroom and also being practice for the stateroom hosts/hostesses, youth activities crew, and servers. For some of the crew it's the first time they've worked on a ship that is sailing at capacity. I spoke with someone who sailed right before the MV and they had numerous challenges. Seems like the challenges were worked out very quickly though as I didn't read about anyone on the MV having those same issues.

 

[dclfun]

1) Do not look for a "soft opening".
2) There lots of logistics, such as scheduling manpower.
3) Besides, the "soft opening" trials are usually done by CM's.
4) EVERY new resort has a 7-10 day set of trial runs.
5) Even additions (such as new buildings) to existing resorts have trial runs.
. . . selected people get to stay one-night for free
. . . the people are CM's, friends of CM's, or special guests
. . . they get to bring the whole family
. . . the only condition is they complete a survey in the morning
. . . the survey is very comprehensive, with several pages
. . . this is done to test the resort, staff and amenities
6) The survey is meant to discover
. . . equipment and system malfunctions
. . . fit and function of woodwork and structure
. . . bedding, lighting, plumbing, etc
. . . service by maids, front desk, other employees
. . . then, shortcomings can be corrected

NOTE: I have stayed free at several resorts prior to official opening,
such as BLT, THV, POP, SSR (three times, for different buildings).
All one does is sign up and check-in anytime after 1:00pm, or even
earlier. I am looking forward to AoA suites and LM rooms.

I wouldn't necessarily say that all one has to do is sign up. One has to be invited first by their workplace location to participate. Those who I know have been invited to test out new WDW resorts are those CM's working at the reservations center. They need to see and experience the resort first hand to be better able to help Guests who are calling to book and need some help. I would much prefer to call and speak with an agent who has SEEN the resort and knows what they're talking about.