Just got booted from AKL

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I don't care for the tower rooms because I hate elevators, especially when they cover so many floors.

Everytime my family and I have stayed in the Tower we have found the elevators to be very fast and we never had any long waits. Plus once you are in them they go very fast, even if they stop at a few floors before you arrive at you're floor. I guess we can chalk that up to my familes experience and to you're experience with them.

 

[graygables]

Well, when you get to the resort be sure to stop by the DVC timshare sales stand and thank them for causing you all of this heartache.

ouch.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Well, when you get to the resort be sure to stop by the DVC timshare sales stand and thank them for causing you all of this heartache.

There are actually lots of us that are ecstatic to be able to use our points to stay there soon I'll be sure to stop by the DVC stand to voice my appreciation

 

[Sammie]

Even though we have DVC, I don't blame anyone for being upset with this situation. I think it is an example of Disney not properly planning ahead.

And I am sure if DVC members were the ones being booted, after making plans to stay at a particular location, they would be just as upset.

 

[MiaSRN62]

The way I look at it...is anything can happen at any given time. A hurricane can come through and totally ruin a disney trip (and it has in the past for many !). There were people stranded in their hotels a few years back during the big hurricanes that hit the Orlando area. The parks were all closed....places to eat were closed. I recall reading a specific report where the BW resort ran out of bagged cold sandwiches for the guests. People were literally left hungry for a bit and no parks or anywhere to go to. Now that's really bad in my opinion.

Pipes can burst at resorts--flooding rooms and leaving people refugees with no room for half a day or more (and it has at disney resorts)....favorite rides can be shut down for rehab (and they are from time to time..). One of my favorite will be down during my vacation (the Haunted Mansion). If this were my first ever trip to WDW, sure I'd be disappointed.....but I just felt dhlaw is making it like it's the worst thing ever ?

I thought those being moved were given a choice of either staying or taking an upgrade/move to another resort ? At least that is what I just read a week ago from someone. But to say they are causing heartache just seems too much to me ? There are plenty of really nice resorts in wdw. I heard people have been getting the Poly, BC.....not just SSR or OKW. Disney seems to be doing their best to relocate people to more favorable conditions and atmosphere. I guess I just couldn't see stopping by the DVC desk to express "heartache". It's certainly not the guys fault who stands at the podiums in the parks.

Sammie says :And I am sure if DVC members were the ones being booted, after making plans to stay at a particular location, they would be just as upset.

I know we would not be upset. I can honestly say that---we love all the resorts. If I were moved from one DVC resort to another, I would be fine with it. But I know some would not. So you're right. It would affect some in a negative way.

But I'll rescind my comment.....perhaps some do view it as true heartache. I just see it like that there are so many awesome options at disney for places to stay. So much to do....and it's the moments that you share with loved ones that make a trip truly special. Make the trip/experience magical wherever you stay. But to those that are being moved from AKL, I am sorry if it is really upsetting to you. I hope you have good trips wherever you decide to stay.

 

[Tink-aholic]

I've owned DVC for a decade now, and am well aware of this. "AKL refugees" have been offered a 1BR DVC unit, not a studio.

Anne

As "AKL refugees" (love that term!), we were not only offered the 1BR unit at SSR, we were also given almost $1K back. We were originally booked for a pool view.

Although we had our hearts set on AKL -- and would have LOVED the Poly! -- I jumped at the offer. Now we have money to do a backstage tour or parasailing or thousands of other things. I would rather have the extra room and the money than stick around a resort under construction. Just my HO.

Good luck!

 

[LaurenLC]

As "AKL refugees" (love that term!), we were not only offered the 1BR unit at SSR, we were also given almost $1K back. We were originally booked for a pool view.

Although we had our hearts set on AKL -- and would have LOVED the Poly! -- I jumped at the offer. Now we have money to do a backstage tour or parasailing or thousands of other things. I would rather have the extra room and the money than stick around a resort under construction. Just my HO.

Good luck!

Good for you!:banana:
You have a GREAT attitude about this whole situation, and I'm sure that will help you to have a GREAT vacation!
I hope you like SSR, I do!

 

[Sammie]

The way I look at it...is anything can happen at any given time. A hurricane can come through and totally ruin a disney trip (and it has in the past for many !). There were people stranded in their hotels a few years back during the big hurricanes that hit the Orlando area. The parks were all closed....places to eat were closed. I recall reading a specific report where the BW resort ran out of bagged cold sandwiches for the guests. People were literally left hungry for a bit and no parks or anywhere to go to. Now that's really bad in my opinion.

Pipes can burst at resorts--flooding rooms and leaving people refugees with no room for half a day or more (and it has at disney resorts)....favorite rides can be shut down for rehab (and they are from time to time..). One of my favorite will be down during my vacation (the Haunted Mansion). If this were my first ever trip to WDW, sure I'd be disappointed.....but I just felt dhlaw is making it like it's the worst thing ever ?

I thought those being moved were given a choice of either staying or taking an upgrade/move to another resort ? At least that is what I just read a week ago from someone. But to say they are causing heartache just seems too much to me ? There are plenty of really nice resorts in wdw. I heard people have been getting the Poly, BC.....not just SSR or OKW. Disney seems to be doing their best to relocate people to more favorable conditions and atmosphere. I guess I just couldn't see stopping by the DVC desk to express "heartache". It's certainly not the guys fault who stands at the podiums in the parks.


I know we would not be upset. I can honestly say that---we love all the resorts. If I were moved from one DVC resort to another, I would be fine with it. But I know some would not. So you're right. It would affect some in a negative way.

But I'll rescind my comment.....perhaps some do view it as true heartache. I just see it like that there are so many awesome options at disney for places to stay. So much to do....and it's the moments that you share with loved ones that make a trip truly special. Make the trip/experience magical wherever you stay. But to those that are being moved from AKL, I am sorry if it is really upsetting to you. I hope you have good trips wherever you decide to stay.

Hurricanes are natural diasters, not quite the same as poor planning on Disney's part. If a hurricane or fire or even burst pipes had caused Disney to move these guests, I feel sure they would be more understanding.

However this is a case of catering to DVC over non DVC and it really is not fair; but I am afraid it is the Disney of the future.

But you are right it is not the DVC podium guide's fault, this decision came from much higher up and those upset need to let Disney know.

Those not pleased can contact them at: wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com

 

[MiaSRN62]

Hurricanes are natural diasters, not quite the same as poor planning on Disney's part. If a hurricane or fire or even burst pipes had caused Disney to move these guests, I feel sure they would be more understanding.

I realize this Sammie....my point was.....anything can happen. There are no assurances in life with anything unfortunately.
Even with the hurricanes.....disney knew they were coming. They had been predicting them. They could not have foreseen the need for food for their guests ?

We need to try and make the best of things and that's not too difficult to do at wdw for the most part. Poor planning....maybe. But people book years in advance sometimes. Disney can't keep resorts empty or stop taking reservations until they know for sure what is to be affected. Reservations are an ongoing thing. Construction is an ongoing thing. I feel Disney is trying to make lemonade out of lemons. Disney is offering viable alternatives....some are being offered other deluxe resorts with money back on top of it.

 

[Tinkaroo]

Thanks for all the input from everyone.
You guys are great.

My TA is great and is doing everything she can to help us.

She's going to keep checking on cancellations for me, but there's just not any alternatives right now.

But you know what?
Even though we won't be at AKL, in 2 weeks I'll be in Disneyworld with my wonderful daughter.


I couldn't ask for more than that.
I am truly blessed.

Thanks again for all the advice.
God bless and Happy Independence Day.

What a great attitude. Although this is not turning into the exact trip you had initially planned, I hope you have a wonderful trip with your daughter!

I'm interested to hear where you ultimately end up. I have yet to really be disappointed in any of the resorts Disney has to offer, and I hope you're able to find that special magic in your final resort decision.

Have a magical time!

 

[mprewitt]

As "AKL refugees" (love that term!), we were not only offered the 1BR unit at SSR, we were also given almost $1K back. We were originally booked for a pool view.

Although we had our hearts set on AKL -- and would have LOVED the Poly! -- I jumped at the offer. Now we have money to do a backstage tour or parasailing or thousands of other things. I would rather have the extra room and the money than stick around a resort under construction. Just my HO.

Wow, a 1-BR at SSR and $1K cash back! Disney is bending over backwards to satisfy their guests. Folks are getting Poly, BC, YC, CR, and even GF.

While it is sad that some guests won't get to stay at the resort they had planned on, I can't fault Disney for trying to make things as best they could and still offer folks a magical vacation.

 

[SB in KY]

I have to agree with Mia...if you really think having to stay at another 4* resort qualifies as HEARTACHE you are living in a pretty sheltered place. Disappointment probably, frustration prehaps...but not heartache.

Heartache is losing a child, having your spouse diagnosed with a terminal disease, watching a loved one self destruct...the list of heartaches that many people face is long....having to pick another resort to stay in...not even close!!

 

[DisneyBride'03]

I totally agree......SB in KY!

Heartache.....meaning your heart aches...from something that really hurts....not have to choose another Disney Resort....geez, I love changing resorts!! lol

Sorry to be off topic......

 

[supersuperwendy]

How about asking them if you take the CR Garden View would they throw in a comp to AKL Savannah view for another trip?

 

[Sammie]

Even with the hurricanes.....disney knew they were coming. They had been predicting them. They could not have foreseen the need for food for their guests

Actually they did forsee the need for food for their guests, they did not however plan on the gluttony of some guests.

I was there then, and that time it was not poor planning on Disney's part but greed of the guests.

This is entirely different. But I commend your attitude, but it is always easier to say what we think we would do, when we are not faced with the actual situation.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I was there then, and that time it was not poor planning on Disney's part but greed of the guests.

I was not there, but read many reports. I'm sorry you did experience this Sammie. Haven't heard this before, but even if this was the case (greed of guests), disney couldn't come up with any more food ? We're talking WDW here ? Maybe their plan for handing out the food was not the best then. But if this was the situation, now this would upset me more than having to switch resorts due to construction.

but it is always easier to say what we think we would do, when we are not faced with the actual situation.

Oh...but I have been faced with similar situations in my life. Things are far from perfect in my life and I've had to make adjustments due to bumps along the way (small and large). I'm not referring just to disney-related things, but in life situations in general. Some things have affected my every day life...some my vacation plans......some my educational goals......etc......

I'm pretty certain I know how I would react if faced with the situation of having to move from one resort to another even though I am not actually facing it at this moment. I actually have reservations for the AKL in Dec. If I have to move....so be it. It will not ruin my vacation. I am sure of that.

 

[justjudy]

I have to agree with Mia...if you really think having to stay at another 4* resort qualifies as HEARTACHE you are living in a pretty sheltered place. Disappointment probably, frustration prehaps...but not heartache.

Heartache is losing a child, having your spouse diagnosed with a terminal disease, watching a loved one self destruct...the list of heartaches that many people face is long....having to pick another resort to stay in...not even close!!

Exactly!

 

[heatherlynn444]

What a great attitude. Although this is not turning into the exact trip you had initially planned, I hope you have a wonderful trip with your daughter!

I'm interested to hear where you ultimately end up. I have yet to really be disappointed in any of the resorts Disney has to offer, and I hope you're able to find that special magic in your final resort decision.

Have a magical time!

I agree, I think the attitude here is great. SO many other posters come on the boards witha snotty attitude saying things like "you MUST DEMAND the GF or the Poly!" well...the GF and Poly are a big step up form the AKL...its not excatly an even trade....blah blah blah.

DIsney is Disney, especially with a sweet little girl. I hope the OP has a WONDERFUL trip!

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I agree, I think the attitude here is great. SO many other posters come on the boards witha snotty attitude saying things like "you MUST DEMAND the GF or the Poly!" well...the GF and Poly are a big step up form the AKL...its not excatly an even trade....blah blah blah.

DIsney is Disney, especially with a sweet little girl. I hope the OP has a WONDERFUL trip!

If my company screws up, you know what we do, we go out of our way to make things better. We stap up to the plate, offer something better then what they had and money back.

Everyone has different opinions of what "better" is, and we could go round and round (like we have already about SSR v. other Deluxes) and what I would think is comparable. In short though, if one has made deliberate plans to stay somewhere, there is a reason why they did. So when a company makes an error in their planning and it affects your plans, they need to do right.

So in this case, I agree with those demanding CR, Poly or even GF. But again, everyone has different opinions on what is a fair compromise and what they are willing to sacrafice/except.

 

[kutchyone]

I think Disney is doing a great job on these moves. We were upgraded to the Poly and could have had the GF if we wanted. Originally offered the default resort, SSR one bedroom which really is a great deal too but not what we were looking for this trip. BRAVO Disney, great job done!