Disney Travel Asking AKL reserv. to Move!!!

[mprewitt]

They said they are moving a TON of people. can you imagine 3 floors of people a week. Have to change luggage tags etc. but I think this worked out for the better in the end! We were set on AKL but I think getting the Poly for a lot less money is great! And vip seating for epcot's fireworks is great! Glad I stuck to my not wanting SSR. I think it is a downgrade from AKL! But soon no one will have a choice in where they can stay it will be SSR or nothing!
Lori

Glad you got the Polynesian. It's great since it's right on the monorail line and that's fantastic for your first trip to WDW.

Other folks being asked to switch may want to consider SSR if they offer you the 1 BR, as your kids are in one room while you get to be in another. Yes, the theming is subdued and it's more condo than hotel, but it's a nice place to retreat to after a day at the parks.

We're looking forward to staying in the AKV this December. It seems like Disney is speeding up construction since AKV is selling better than expected.

 

[byoung]

I agree. Take the $$ and do something special. See if they can help you add a special dining reservation to your vacation if you can. Buy the kids a great keepsake from the trip.

Have you looked at the info on SSR ? http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/faq_ss.htm

I agree here.

 

[extremesoccermom]

I think we did get a great deal. I know we got a better $ eschange as far as where we are staying. If we had settled for the SSR with 3 small kids after the AKL I think we all would have been unhappy! But now I think this is turning out ot be better. called disney dining to see about having a dinner at the hotel at ohana's now that we are staying there and they are all booked while we are there. hopefully when we check in they can do something for us!

Lori

I think you got a great deal. The rooms are bigger and you will have 5 beds. 2 queens and the sofa/day bed.
We really enjoyed our room with a savannah view but we really were not there that much and although the animals are out at night you can't see them unless you borrow the night vision glasses from the guides which you can still do if you decide to have dinner at AKL one night.
Have a great trip you deserve it.

 

[mjalvarez]

We aren't leaving for 3 months, 9/22 to 9/27, but now I'm concerned We are taking newbies with us for the first time and I want it to be magical for them. My 5 year old nephew is so excited and we are taking some newly empty nesters . They released the annual pass codes yesterday and I even tried to see if there were any openings at another resort. I just couldn't sleep after hearing what everyone is going through. I just luuuuuuuuuv AKL! This will be our 5th time to stay there, but I wouldn't have accepted anything but a deluxe either. But this makes me wonder, why are most of the deluxe resorts so booked? Are they holding out to be able to offer other accomidations in the coming months? . Just a thought!

 

[crazy_for_the_dis]

I can't see why everyone is against SSR? I've never stayed there, but have stayed at HHI twice, and there is so much more at a DVC resort. They have constant activities for the kids, and just the idea of alone time in your own bedroom.....priceless. The pools are nicer and less crowded than at the deluxes, you have a kitchen. I can't see a downside. I must be missing something. I read SSR has movies everynight at the pool. At the poly, you are lucky if you can find a seat at the pool. If the only drawback is a lack of a lobby, but there are so many plusses. Glad everything worked out for the poster though. How long is the construction supposedly going to displace people? We have bunks at WL, any we really wanted a different room, but there is currently no availability. If they will still be displacing people in August, I wonder how that will affect the other deluxes?

 

[castleri]

Hope you will take a trip over to SSR and see the models so you can see how well you made out.

Being close to MK didn't seem a problem when staying at AKL but became one if staying at SSR - probably shorter from SSR.

With 3 small children I would have so jumped on a 1 bedroom with the chance to have some quiet time with DH when children are down for the night and having a jacuzzi in the unit is truly a treat. The extra money would have gone to some special activity or to start a fund for my next triip to AKL when the construction in complete. But then I have stayed at AKL in a SV room that was at the very end of the right hand hallway off the lobby. The room was nothing special and with more than two in it would have actually been crowded. The balcony was small so limited it to about 2 people at a time and while I loved seeing the giraffes after the feed had been distributed it was really a very limited amount of savannah you could see. I loved the resort and since I had a fantastic rate for Christmas week it was well worth it. I just thought the room was the equivalent of many holiday inns or ramadas we used to stay in size wise etc. My BIL stayed at Polynesian many years ago and felt the same about the room he had there. I think the rooms are bigger than AKL and the resort is certainly beautiful.


For me it is OKW, SSR and BCV (only when I want to be able to use the pool)
all the way. I am looking forward to a stay in the villas at AK once they are complete -but also would not care to be there while the construction is going on- although on second thought we are never in the room during those hours anyway so it really wouldn't be a problwm.

Am glad that you are happy with what you got and hope you have a great trip - Sharing WDW with children is such a wonderful thing

 

[happymommy]

Just my 2 cents - had a similar situation at a Ritz Carlton. We (DH and me) had a club level room booked and they became overbooked (Saudi royalty, takes half the hotel for lots of the year near us) so we were offered a suite instead, with a free weekend on the club level in the future (duh - nice deal, eh?). You can always negotiate these things. I would have asked for a concierge level room (at any deluxe) for your obvious inconvenience - you had your hearts set on AKL. I have heard the concierge at Poly is nice. I personally wouldn't stay with 3 kids in one room, though, and would have said that a 2br at SSR is good (sorry - hubby - but I have looked into it and yes my DH also said it doesn't float his boat either, but we've stayed at BWV 3x and the villas offer a certain privacy between kids and adults that can't be beat). explains why I booked an exec. suite at royal plaza for our next stay, even tho it's just me and kids. No more staying on one room ever.
Either way, enjoy the magic! Just don't be bullied - you booked something and they screwed up. I'd be more demanding.

 

[Poly Pal]

I don't think anyone has mentioned this yet, but the ability to roll-on and roll-off the monorail at the Polynesian with strollers is a HUGE benefit. No lugging sleeping toddlers onto a bus and then carrying them on a long walk back to the room! OP, be sure to bring your own umbrella strollers from home.

Rooms are much larger at the Polynesian than at the AKL and all were recently refurbished. Google "***********" (oops! try "Disney Polynesian web site") and you will get to an extensive web site devoted to just the Polynesian.

We've stayed both Garden View and Lagoon View. For a first time trip I think a view of the Magic Kingdom would be worth the extra money. However, after that first time, GV is absolutely fine! I would get the kids in their jammies, get the little ones in their strollers and stroll to the beach to watch the Electric Water Pageant and fireworks.

You got a GREAT deal! Have a wonderful vacation

 

[DisneyBee]

Well, this just is totally freaking me out. I just emailed the IPO at AKL to make sure this won't be a situation we're faced with when we arrive for our July 1-7 stay. They usually get back to me quickly, so I'll post any response I get for those who are interested!

 

[chaoscent]

I have stayed at AK, the Poly Concierge (honeymoon), WL Villas & WL. I love WL. However, both Hubby & I agree that given a choice between a 1 BR SS or a garden view Poly (especially with kids) we would have chosen the Poly. Especially since they aren't charging you any extra. The Poly is normally more expensive than AKL.

We stayed at WL last trip in May and we had dinner at Kona and went down to the Poly beach to watch the fireworks. it was great.

Taking two friends with me to the BW villas in Sept. (they won't be going in the parks) and I am taking them to Kona for Dinner and the Poly beach for Fireworks. I think you made a good choice. Now if you could have negotiated concierge or a lagoon view, that would have been just too,too cool.
take care and enjoy your trip, Penny
Chaos Cent

 

[ldo]

I have stayed at Poly many times (actually, since it 1st opened), and have been to AKL for dinners, etc. and I would have taken 1 BR SSR---for the space--after staying in timeshares for 5+ years, we can barely stand to be in 1 hotel room----different strokes for all. But, being on the monorail line is really great with small kids. You'll love Poly--it's a fabulous Disney experience!

 

[mariamard1]

Well, this just is totally freaking me out. I just emailed the IPO at AKL to make sure this won't be a situation we're faced with when we arrive for our July 1-7 stay. They usually get back to me quickly, so I'll post any response I get for those who are interested!

Dod you get a response to your email?? Im wigging out-We are arriving on July 4, pool view. I will be crushed if we have to move. We planned for so long.............

 

[eeyore3847]

I have read everyone's posts.
Everyone has great points! THe SSR would have been a great choice for space and the $600 Money back!
but,
Poly is think will be a better choice! here's why. we have 3 kids, 6yrs, 3rs and a son whom is turning one!
The getting off and on the monorail will be easier with the stroller! The pool area I am told is better!
Quicker trip to the MK!
The rooms are bigger than the AKl. But when we have gone to DL we have never spent time in the room except to sleep. We go from sun up to sun down and only sleep. we were up and out by 7 and home by 9.
oh and we are supposed to meet at the Itialian pavillian and our names are goingto be on a vip list for the fireworks. So not sure exactly what this all intails but it is something.
At check in I will be getting us something I am sure! If not we will be asking for something.
If anyone checks in also with this problem, let me know what they are giving you.
According to the reservation person this week would have been $600 more if booked at the poly instead of the AKL! Still hard having your heart set on something else. but at least we have 16 days to let it sink in!

Lori

 

[mika911]

I think you negotiated something that a lot of us would give up before we got. I mean technically you upgraded, so I think your move is about the only move I wouldn't be mad about. Plus the fireworks from the beach are awesome IMHO.

Read up on the poly to find all its magic spots and foods, etc. and have a most magical trip!

 

[global_mom]

If you do accept to move, and this seems wise as another poster stated you could get moved at check-in which would be a real shock, I would do the GF for the convienence or take the SSR for the amenities (kitchen, W/D). I also have 3 small children so I know that you worry about the disappointment of the experience but they will be OK if they know that you are OK with the change. VWL is most likely full but ask for a jr. suite at WL, with 5 people you cant do a standard WL room. They are asking you to move so dont be shy about asking for an upgrade for your inconvenience.

Good luck!!

 

[dclfun]

I'm glad the OP got the Poly which is an awesome deal and something that I think her family will enjoy a lot more with three little ones. There's much more space, on the monorail line, and thus much more convenience. I'm a bit taken aback by folks who have told her to "be more demanding" and ask for more. How much more do you think people deserve for "their inconvenience"? I guess I just don't get the entitlement mentality....sigh. I'd not be happy either to be moved but I wouldn't expect more than the free upgrade and the VIP fireworks viewing area is a very nice perk for this family. People get "walked" often at resorts that are overbooked and "walked" to something better, so why should anyone keep on demanding more, more, more? I wouldn't want to start my trip by threatening and demanding something from a CM either at the reservations level or at the front desk to give me more than the free upgrade, and either SSR in a one bedroom or the Poly *is* an upgrade. Sounds like besides the floors being closed, the experience at the AKL might not be what someone was expecting to start with, esp. if the animals are spooked by the noise and avoid the savannahs. Just my opinion and not trying to start a flame war.---Kathy

 

[MARY-IN-OH]

At check in I will be getting us something I am sure! If not we will be asking for something.
If anyone checks in also with this problem, let me know what they are giving you.


Lori

Did someone say you would be getting something (more) at check in? Or did someone here tell you to expect something at check in? Would you be upset if you don't get something at check in?

 

[Liz]

I'm glad the OP got the Poly which is an awesome deal and something that I think her family will enjoy a lot more with three little ones. There's much more space, on the monorail line, and thus much more convenience. I'm a bit taken aback by folks who have told her to "be more demanding" and ask for more. How much more do you think people deserve for "their inconvenience"? I guess I just don't get the entitlement mentality....sigh. I'd not be happy either to be moved but I wouldn't expect more than the free upgrade and the VIP fireworks viewing area is a very nice perk for this family. People get "walked" often at resorts that are overbooked and "walked" to something better, so why should anyone keep on demanding more, more, more? I wouldn't want to start my trip by threatening and demanding something from a CM either at the reservations level or at the front desk to give me more than the free upgrade, and either SSR in a one bedroom or the Poly *is* an upgrade. Sounds like besides the floors being closed, the experience at the AKL might not be what someone was expecting to start with, esp. if the animals are spooked by the noise and avoid the savannahs. Just my opinion and not trying to start a flame war.---Kathy

I agree. I would be THRILLED with the upgrade to the Poly (and the special fireworks viewing area) and wouldn't expect them to do even more. Enjoy your vacation!!! You will love the Poly! Its my favorite resort by far but now its out of our price range so I doubt we'll ever be able to stay there again.

 

[castleri]

I have read everyone's posts.
bvThe rooms are bigger than the AKl. But when we have gone to DL we have never spent time in the room except to sleep. We go from sun up to sun down and only sleep. we were up and out by 7 and home by 9.
oh and we are supposed to meet at the Itialian pavillian and our names are goingto be on a vip list for the fireworks. So not sure exactly what this all intails but it is something.
At check in I will be getting us something I am sure! If not we will be asking for something.
If anyone checks in also with this problem, let me know what they are giving you.
According to the reservation person this week would have been $600 more if booked at the poly instead of the AKL! Still hard having your heart set on something else. but at least we have 16 days to let it sink in!

Lori

Now I am confused - if you don't expect to be in the room during the hours that the construction is going on why didn't you just say no I don't want to change and stay at AKL. There haven't been any reports of any less animals to see or interference at the pool. You have gotten a great upgrade at no additional cost I really have to agree with another poster who said how can you really expect more. At least you know in advance and didn't have it hit you when you got to the front desk.

 

[Lewisc]

You already got an upgrade (worth $600), I wouldn't expect anything else. I'm not sure I'd even ask. Maybe say something like I was originally going to have a balcony overlooking the Savanagh. I hope you can give me a decent view. POLY LV rooms sell out but try to get a pool view room and not a view of the monorail.

I have read everyone's posts.
Everyone has great points! THe SSR would have been a great choice for space and the $600 Money back!
but,
Poly is think will be a better choice! here's why. we have 3 kids, 6yrs, 3rs and a son whom is turning one!
The getting off and on the monorail will be easier with the stroller! The pool area I am told is better!
Quicker trip to the MK!
The rooms are bigger than the AKl. But when we have gone to DL we have never spent time in the room except to sleep. We go from sun up to sun down and only sleep. we were up and out by 7 and home by 9.
oh and we are supposed to meet at the Itialian pavillian and our names are goingto be on a vip list for the fireworks. So not sure exactly what this all intails but it is something.
At check in I will be getting us something I am sure! If not we will be asking for something.
If anyone checks in also with this problem, let me know what they are giving you.
According to the reservation person this week would have been $600 more if booked at the poly instead of the AKL! Still hard having your heart set on something else. but at least we have 16 days to let it sink in!

Lori