NOOOO!!!!!!!!! Closing half of the AKL from now to who knows when

[AKLforever]

I think we all hope that you are grateful that you can still go to Disney. Happy that Disney is such a big thing with so many options that instead of having your money just refunded or being told to reschedule your reservation, you still have the option of taking the vacation that you spent so much time preparing. Yes, your venue has changed. Yes, your bed is in a different room, in a different building, in a different resort, in a different location, but it is still AT DISNEY. You are still able to take the vacation. If you are serious in paying for something you don't like, they you should just not go.

I realize you are underattack here, that you needed to vent, but you are defending your mad, bad, "I am upset and nothing can change the way I feel attitude." There are those of us that are also trying to make the best of being moved from AKL. There are those of us that booked the exact same room as you with a hopeful expectation of an upgrade within AKL. There are those of us that were in your situation that asked for what you were given and were told NO. There are those of us that are trying to make do with something less than what you were given, when what you were given is what would have helped us maintain the "I am so excited, I am looking so looking forward to my vacation" attitude" and yet we are struggling to make do with what we have been given...and your attitude rubs us wrong. And just incase I don't speak for anyone else, I will just say me. It's hard to read what you write because you do sound like you are headed to the vacation from H--L and you should just stay home. I don't understand why, when your feelings are so strong about the importance of the resort that you stay at, you aren't just getting your money back and not spending it on something that you don't like?

I do need to point one thing out. Your making it as if you and maybe others have it worse. Well, as far as going to others resorts, you dont. If you look at the disney web site, and check all the availabilities for rooms/resorts, youll see that the poly still has lagoon/garden views, there for, as long as you ask, Im sure youll get the same as we did.
Now, doesnt that make you feel much better?

As for "at least you still get to go to disney, and thats what its all about" comment, its not only that. For those that truly love AKL, and Im being serious here, theres a magic to it that Is hard to explain. Its more then half the experience.

And, Like I said before, we have friends going, its not just about me and my wife, so canceling is not something we can do with out being rude to them and either making them cancel, or making them go alone, which is something they didnt want to do.

 

[Amy&Dan]

We dont cancel because as you said, it is still Disney and we will still have fun. Also this is the only time we can swing going with our schedules until August next year. We never said it was the vaca from h - e double hockey sticks....we just said we're missing our "magic" component now and were upset over it being taken away from us. Especially after just paying in full yesterday. Its a bit of a burn...We are just a bit shell shocked right now.
Also we didnt say nothing can change the way we feel....we said AKL makes our trip, and I felt slighted by the way I was treated on the phone.

I am sorry if we seem ungrateful. Nobody posting here said they were having the same issue and got lesser accommodations.....so I didnt think anybody would take offence.

Bear in mind, there are two AKL lovers who are posting on this thread. So some of these specific comments are directed to one or the other, not necessarily both.

I always feel really bad with these type threads. Whether its a particular ride, restaurant or hotel thats being rehabbed, its always going to disappoint somebody. Somebody who has spent a lot of money and invested a lot of time in planning that perfect vacation. So often when threads like this get posted people do get nasty and seem amazed somebody would go on a Disney board and post their disappointment that a Disney Disaster has occurred. Thats what the boards are for and we should all be able to come and vent and be sad.

However, with that comes a need to be level headed enough to not jump all over people who are trying to help. Really and truly, for this type of thread, the responses have been overwhelmingly helpful and nice. It was said that it was "obvious" what the problem is. And yet in the end, its also obvious that being upgraded to another resort is at least something. We all feel for anybody that is being messed up by this. But I think we can all agree that getting to go to WDW is something to be grateful about. But I can also see how that sort of Polyanna sentiment would get under your skin! In the end, this is a huge bummer and I really do hope it works out for everyone. Good luck!

 

[KristenHoneymooner]

I can say, on your behalf , that If they didnt contact you some how, either a letter or by phone about this once they knew about it, then I would be more then as mad as I am now, esp with it being a honeymoon. I would flip out, seriously. Did you get moved too?

AKLforever,

They never contacted me about the construction at all! Fortunately things about the closure/partial closure started popping up on the DIS recently, so I found out that being moved was possible, despite the lack of notification from Disney. I took the initiative to call guest services last Friday, and was moved to the GF. It's neat to get a discounted stay at GF, even if it isn't what we had originally planned. We just rebooked Boma with Kona and Jiko with Narcoosees and are hoping for a romantic honeymoon!

I hope others will also be moved to places that they will enjoy. They must be moving about 500 rooms worth of guests every night, and I don't know that everyone can get something nice, especially with all the discounts for August that are encouraging new bookings. You would think they would save spots for the AKL refugees before taking on new customers!

 

[TxRabbit]

I do need to point one thing out. Your making it as if you and maybe others have it worse. Well, as far as going to others resorts, you dont. If you look at the disney web site, and check all the availabilities for rooms/resorts, youll see that the poly still has lagoon/garden views, there for, as long as you ask, Im sure youll get the same as we did.
Now, doesnt that make you feel much better?

Well, no it doesn't, because I asked to be moved to the Poly and I was told No, they could not do that for me.

Bear in mind, there are two AKL lovers who are posting on this thread. So some of these specific comments are directed to one or the other, not necessarily both.

I just realized that two stories are intermingled here. It is hard to follow along.

I always feel really bad with these type threads. Whether its a particular ride, restaurant or hotel thats being rehabbed, its always going to disappoint somebody. Somebody who has spent a lot of money and invested a lot of time in planning that perfect vacation. So often when threads like this get posted people do get nasty and seem amazed somebody would go on a Disney board and post their disappointment that a Disney Disaster has occurred. Thats what the boards are for and we should all be able to come and vent and be sad.

However, with that comes a need to be level headed enough to not jump all over people who are trying to help. Really and truly, for this type of thread, the responses have been overwhelmingly helpful and nice. It was said that it was "obvious" what the problem is. And yet in the end, its also obvious that being upgraded to another resort is at least something. We all feel for anybody that is being messed up by this. But I think we can all agree that getting to go to WDW is something to be grateful about. But I can also see how that sort of Polyanna sentiment would get under your skin! In the end, this is a huge bummer and I really do hope it works out for everyone. Good luck!

You're right. That's what these boards are for...to vent...and then hopefully, to move on, and to gain the support of a community around you that can help you see another side to your story and help you to move on. It just seems that AKL Forever just really doesn't want to get over it I guess, and just wants to vent and thus is angry at anyone who is trying to help them feel better about the situation by offering positives about the situation. Many have the reaction of trying to soothe the upset and make it better, but that isn't what is desired here, so there is a lot of irritation. I think too many of us have been in this boat and are trying to stay as positive as possible and share in the support of trying to be positive and so to read what is happening on this thread is so irritating, and yet, for some reason, we can't stop reading it!

I am having my own personal issues here because I would have enjoyed staying at the Poly. We stayed at AKL in March and loved it, but didn't feel like we really got to enjoy the resort because we spent more time in the parks (our first WDW vacation ever) and we booked AKL again and planned a lot of resort time to spend at the resort that we are no longer staying at! Poly would have been a second choice, but for whatever reason, it was not an option for us. So, flat out, I am jealous that someone else in my same shoes does get to go to at least my second choice and is sooooo unhappy...so please everyone...forgive my own vent...

 

[maciemouse]

Here is another way to look at this mess. The construction has been bad for all of us. First, it is one of their busiest times of the year. (atleast in July and August) Why did the construction have to happen right now? Second, most people save a long time for there "magical trip" which may not not be as magical. Meaning-Resorts are going to be maxed out with guest because so many people are being moved. You hear of these "upgrades" people get during the year of a million dreams that are now not going to happen now because the resorts are going to bo so full. Look at this way, for you it's a bummer because you (AND OTHERS) are not going to get to stay where you want to stay. For others, especially those who chose to go during a slower period (meaning end of August-September) are going to be in yes, there resort choice, but a packed resort.

 

[kutchyone]

I have a nagging suspicion that someone or two are pulling our legs if you know what I mean. Come on, this can't be a serious/real post can it???? I ask this in all earnestness.

 

[johnsonet]

Someone who has a room booked at a rate of < or = $215 + tax per night being offered a room valued at $575 + tax per night does seem a bit far-fetched, especially for Disney...

 

[KristenHoneymooner]

Someone who has a room booked at a rate of < or = $215 + tax per night being offered a room valued at $575 + tax per night does seem a bit far-fetched, especially for Disney...

Incidentally, whose room is worth that much? I'd like to stay there!

 

[johnsonet]

the OP has standard AKL room and has been offered Lagoon View Concierge at Poly - I believe...or is it just Lagoon View? In that case it would be $425 + tax per night...

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I thought she was just getting a lagoon room
if shes getting concierge on top of that
thats an amazing upgrade and I would take it and make the best of it
those lagoon view concierge rooms had a direct view of the castle

 

[johnsonet]

WAIT!! I was wrong

- the OP said "Lagoon View"

SORRY

 

[AKLforever]

Well, no it doesn't, because I asked to be moved to the Poly and I was told No, they could not do that for me.



I just realized that two stories are intermingled here. It is hard to follow along.



You're right. That's what these boards are for...to vent...and then hopefully, to move on, and to gain the support of a community around you that can help you see another side to your story and help you to move on. It just seems that AKL Forever just really doesn't want to get over it I guess, and just wants to vent and thus is angry at anyone who is trying to help them feel better about the situation by offering positives about the situation. Many have the reaction of trying to soothe the upset and make it better, but that isn't what is desired here, so there is a lot of irritation. I think too many of us have been in this boat and are trying to stay as positive as possible and share in the support of trying to be positive and so to read what is happening on this thread is so irritating, and yet, for some reason, we can't stop reading it!

I am having my own personal issues here because I would have enjoyed staying at the Poly. We stayed at AKL in March and loved it, but didn't feel like we really got to enjoy the resort because we spent more time in the parks (our first WDW vacation ever) and we booked AKL again and planned a lot of resort time to spend at the resort that we are no longer staying at! Poly would have been a second choice, but for whatever reason, it was not an option for us. So, flat out, I am jealous that someone else in my same shoes does get to go to at least my second choice and is sooooo unhappy...so please everyone...forgive my own vent...

Well, I just checked on line and called, and they have Garden rooms AND lagoon rooms for aug 31 to sep 5th.
Those are the times I checked for, because thats when im going. I dont know when you are going, but those rooms are available for those dates. And im sorry you didnt read my posts, because if you did, you would have noticed that im not here for support, or to vent. I asked if anyone else had the same issues, thats all. Sorry to make you so upset to have to say im such a bad person.

 

[AKLforever]

Someone who has a room booked at a rate of < or = $215 + tax per night being offered a room valued at $575 + tax per night does seem a bit far-fetched, especially for Disney...

I dont want to fight with you on this, and i dont know why you and the one above you want to say im a lier. One, im not both posters, AKL obessed is my wife. Two, the room we are getting is 425 a night, not 575 a night. Sorry to have upset you, and make you think im a lier, didnt mean to, my bad.

 

[G8r4evr]

Yea but the point is.... we dont like Ohano or Kona really.... our trip is AKL with Boma and Jiko (which we dream about all year). Like I said, sad but true. I mean yes we can still eat at AKL but staying there and the smells makes it for us. Yes, we'll live at Poly, but this just stinks period. I dont care if its a $ upgrade. Id rather stay in my "cheap" AKL room darnit!!! lol
And the girl I talked to irritated me more...when I tried explaining how important AKL was and how it MADE our trip her reply was "well I can cancel your rez and you can rebook when its open". Im sorry.....who's canceling on who?!? YOU called me.... ugh.
Im definitely calling a manager tomorrow. I dont care if "I dont have to pay for the upgrade"....whoop any hotel would not make you pay for an upgrade when its their screw up...I am not happy.

That is a bummer. Personally, I would be doing cartwheels for that upgrade, but if I had my heart set on AKL, I would be very distressed as well. Its too bad Disney didnt blackout AKL way ahead of time, so that those families who really want AKL could have planned their dates accordingly.

If it is mainly the standard views that are being moved, are there no other views or even a suite they could move you to? I mean even if they arent available for your entire stay....2 or 3 nights would probably be better than none.

 

[G8r4evr]

Someone who has a room booked at a rate of < or = $215 + tax per night being offered a room valued at $575 + tax per night does seem a bit far-fetched, especially for Disney...

I dont find it far fetched at all. This is all on Disney and they owe the AKL guests being displaced every courtesy, regardless of price. If they were so worried about having to give free upgrades, they should have blocked off those dates a year ago. Besides, its not like it costs Disney $500 a night to run that room.

 

[G8r4evr]

Well, no it doesn't, because I asked to be moved to the Poly and I was told No, they could not do that for me.



I just realized that two stories are intermingled here. It is hard to follow along.



You're right. That's what these boards are for...to vent...and then hopefully, to move on, and to gain the support of a community around you that can help you see another side to your story and help you to move on. It just seems that AKL Forever just really doesn't want to get over it I guess, and just wants to vent and thus is angry at anyone who is trying to help them feel better about the situation by offering positives about the situation. Many have the reaction of trying to soothe the upset and make it better, but that isn't what is desired here, so there is a lot of irritation. I think too many of us have been in this boat and are trying to stay as positive as possible and share in the support of trying to be positive and so to read what is happening on this thread is so irritating, and yet, for some reason, we can't stop reading it!

I am having my own personal issues here because I would have enjoyed staying at the Poly. We stayed at AKL in March and loved it, but didn't feel like we really got to enjoy the resort because we spent more time in the parks (our first WDW vacation ever) and we booked AKL again and planned a lot of resort time to spend at the resort that we are no longer staying at! Poly would have been a second choice, but for whatever reason, it was not an option for us. So, flat out, I am jealous that someone else in my same shoes does get to go to at least my second choice and is sooooo unhappy...so please everyone...forgive my own vent...

Is Poly available for your dates? If so, I would call back and not hang up until they offered it to me. If they can do it for one, they should be willing to do it for all.

 

[safetymom]

Please keep your posts on topic. There is no need to attack others. Thank you.

 

[robinb]

One, im not both posters, AKL obessed is my wife.

No wonder it appeared that AKLForever and AKL_obsessed were double-teaming the thread!

Although DVC has probably left a bad taste in your mouth, you both seem to be perfect for AKV. I am sorry that my timeshare is ruining your vacation.

 

[kikiq]

I have a nagging suspicion that someone or two are pulling our legs if you know what I mean. Come on, this can't be a serious/real post can it???? I ask this in all earnestness.

And now that we know that AKLover and AKLobsessed are from the same family...it is time to walk away. Let's just say, they are upset, they came to vent, and they just want to vent not our sympathy or empathy...time to spread some magic.

 

[johnsonet]

I dont find it far fetched at all. This is all on Disney and they owe the AKL guests being displaced every courtesy, regardless of price. If they were so worried about having to give free upgrades, they should have blocked off those dates a year ago. Besides, its not like it costs Disney $500 a night to run that room.

First off, I was wrong on the room type, so the number is $425 not $575. I have been reading for weeks/months about people who've been offered SSR and CR Garden Wing as replacements for their AKL standard and Savannah view rooms. Rooms that have equal pricetags. This was the first time I had heard Poly Lagoon view for someone who has AKL standard booked. All I'm saying is that I find it pretty far-fetched for Disney to be giving people rooms worth twice what they've paid. They owe every guest the "courtesy" of alternative accomodations but this person is being offered a great "deal".