Major Disruption To Holiday

[highlander447]

Hi as u all know this time saturday mean't to be at the RPR for 2 weeks just recieved a call from our travel agent saying on rooms at the inn remember this was booked last march paid for in October they offered to put us up at AKL for 2 weeks I say no way as we have planned fully for a Universal HOLIDAY ETC girl on phone was very helpful even called the hotel direct to ensure the holiday company where not lieing to her he found out only the 13th,14th & 15th where a problem so she suggested why not stayed at RPR till the 12th then stay at AKL for 3 nights then back to RPR to finish holiday I told her only if transfers where included incl compensation shes just called back to say they are willing to do that and get £360 in cash for hassle I have agreed what else can I do so shes off to arrange that now and will call back soon with details I have also asked her about an upgrade to premium on the plane by way of sorry I mean less than 48hrs notice don't understand how they can do that its crazy off to have a stiff drink now will update later thanks for listening

 

[Teris]

Aww,, I was thinking about your trip today. I hope it works out,, I love the AKL, it's one of my very favorite places in Orlando. I am sure the kids will be happy,, just take a deep breath, and enjoy Also, make a mental to use a different travel company next trip. At least they are taking responsibility for the problem. Take the days at the AKL as rest days, and have a zebra dome for me It sucks that this happened,, but consider it to be an adventure. Maybe they would upgrade you to concierge, and pay for the Sunrise Safari? Never know, I would ask anyway At least make sure they put you in a Savannah view, on Arusha Savannah. Demand it even

P.S. Two years ago, hubby and I stayed there, at this time of the year, and it was so slow at the AKL, that they offered the Sunrise Safari to us, even tho we weren't staying on concierge. It was the highlight of that trip for us.

 

[Beanie]

While I love AKL, I can understand your frustration! Wow and only a couple of days away from your departure!! I hope it all turns out okay for you!

We stayed at AKL a couple years ago and loved it!! I hope you have a wonderful time!

 

[highlander447]

We are intending to use these days as rest daysnow any way we also have cirque tix which we where intending to use in september but will prob use now just a pain with so little notice we wont get an upgrade pretty sure this eror is human and I will be complaining on our return as for just now need to revise my plan for next week

 

[kdudley3]

I know it's got to maddening!!! But maybe you can look at it as a glass half full vs. a glass half empty.

At least they are willing to do some compensating instead of leaving you high and dry.

I have an idea...try to let go of the anger and frustration and wait to see how your trip turns out. If it turns out to be the best vacation, then great. If it turns out bad, then come back and kick some butt!!!

Have a GREAT time!!

P.S. I hope that stiff drink worked !!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Teris]

I hope they put a bug in the ear of the reservations desk at the AKL, so something magical can happen for you guys, to help with the aggro.

Highlander, have you and your family stayed there before?

 

[highlander447]

No never stayed there before but have wanted too so I agree this will work just annoying to plan for 10 months and have this hassle so short notice but already adjusting plan to compensate for this thanks for the replys full trip report will follow

 

[Teris]

Ahh,, I know what you mean. I would really lose it if I spent 10 months planning,, paid for the trip, and then something like this happen. I would be very unhappy too. But, that said, making lemonaide out of lemons is the thing to do

You probably already know the neat things that the AKL have, but in case you havn't had a chance yet to do any research on it,, I have a few tips.

pop down to Mara, and pick up a couple of the refillable mugs. They really come in handy when you are out by the pool. It may not be too cold there, so lounging by the pool is a possibility. And there's always the hot tub

Have a massage at the health club there. Just sneak off, leave the kids with hubby, and treat yourself. As the family's trip planner, you deserve this

Have breakfast, and dinner, at Boma, at least once, and be sure to try out the zebra domes on the dessert tray. The Frunch drink at breakfast is very scrummy too Both of these are buffet style, so there is a huge variety of things to try.

The pool is nice, and there is a hottub as well.

At night, go out on Arusha rock, around 10:00 I think,, check with the resort to make sure,, I think that is when the guides are out there with the night vision goggles to let you watch the animals at night

Take in the African storyteller that comes out at night where the firepit is. Get there early, and grab a rocking chair.

Explore the resort, and take in the scenery of the three different savannahs.

The gift shop has some really unique African crafts that you can get. I have a collection of the raku pottery animals that I started getting there. I love them They remind me of my visits there.

Also, enjoy La Nouba. It's fabulous!

 

[highlander447]

Thanks for the tips but so u know I am the hubby so its the wife with the kids and me by the watering hole

 

[Teris]

oops! LMAO! For some reason, I always thought you were the 'wife' LOL. Well, alrighty then,, there is a lovely watering hole just by the pool

 

[highlander447]

I'll be sure to try that don't worry DW I ghave already bboked Mandara Spa for her at PBH

 

[bjakmom]

You are handling this really well !!! Just wanted to say have a wonderful trip - DS and I loved AKL - so much so that I'm staying there again at the end of this trip after DH and DS go home and I visit with my Fla friends - hoping to drag them there with me for the weekend. Enjoy !!! If you wake up in the middle of the night, step out onto the balcony and enjoy the view and sounds - magic !!

 

[highlander447]

Thanks to be honest with all thats happened in the world my problem is pretty minor I mean we are still on holidat at two great resorts although let me tell u when I returm I will be seeking recompense for the upset could u please tell me do all the rooms at AKL have a balcony

 

[Teris]

yes, they do,,, just insist that your travel agent book you in Arusha Savannah view. I have had that view both times, and it's really nice. I have only been on the 3rd floor,, but I think any higher and you would be looking at alot of treetops. Altho, the trees are purposely the type that arent' overly leafy. This time of the year is extremely slow there, so they should have alot of empty Savannah view rooms.

You will love the resort,, but it's a disruption in your holiday, that you didnt' bargain for. I can't believe they tried to send you to the AKL for the whole two weeks, sheesh. They must not understand that the AKL, is not exactly convient to Universal.

When you get back,, let me know if the travel company came thru with any compensation or anything.

have a great trip tho, and remember to have a zebra dome or two for me,,,, or three even,, they are addictive,,lol

I'll be sure to try that don't worry DW I ghave already bboked Mandara Spa for her at PBH

I wanted to do that so badly last August when we were there with my girls,, but my British hubby just doesn't understand the need for a girl to get away for a massage when on holiday,,,LOL. He should take a page out of your planning book

 

[Immelman]

AKL is a great resort, it's got the most authentic feeling it of all the disney ones we've been to. too bad your plans were messed up, but we're looking forward to having you in our part of the world for awhile. it's not like they're sending you to wisconsin.

 

[Beanie]

When we stayed at AKL, we had the Arusha Savannah view and it was fabulous! Room #2225 to be exact!

Take lots of pictures, I miss the place now just talking about it! LOL

 

[AlexandNessa]

What a hassle to have to switch mid-vacation for only 3 days! And, then back again to RPR for the rest of the trip. I hope they can get you late check-out/early check-in on transfer days to facilitate the move. You may want to ask your TA if she can request that for you, so you won't be without rooms for several hours each day.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[DaddyDon]

Wow you made me hit the PANIC button :jumping4: :jumping4: I called tonite to make sure i was not going to get walked on that weekend!I hope i dont ,anyways, but uou can never tell......When it comes to those things.But The akl is no slouch!!!!!!!!!Have Fun hope to see you there!

 

[kweaver]

Tough break highlander...you have a great attitude about this problem. Lots of great ideas here, though. I know it will be a great trip. I'd suggest asking for concierge floor...or at the very least access to the concierge lounge.

My cousin and her family got bumped from the Hard Rock Hotel last March...(after getting bumped from their flight and getting into Orlando at 11:30pm!). Didn't find out about the hotel until they arrived at midnight...was sent over to the Peabody for the night (I can think of worse places to stay!) and was then upgraded to a concierge suite at HRH for the rest of the trip! Sure it was a bit of a pain...but they ended up having much nicer accomodations in the long run...and got eight (8!!) free airline tickets to boot.

 

[alisonbestford]

Have a fantastic time ;-)
As you say, there are far too many awful things happening in the world right now to have to worry about changing hotel for a few days - my DD (21) was within days of returning to Thailand this xmas............It doesn't bear thinking about! AKL sounds great.
Have fun (but have your say when you return ;-) )
Alison
22 days and counting.....