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

[cocowum]

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".

I had a STD room ($215) booked at AKL for 5 nights. I was able to use the 40%off code. That's $129 a night plus tax. I was moved to Beach Club water view (rack rate $385 a night) for the same price ($129). My room is worth more than 2x what I paid.

Just an fyi

 

[johnsonet]

That is great cocowum; Sounds like you, too, got a GREAT deal

 

[cocowum]

That is great cocowum; Sounds like you, too, got a GREAT deal

We sure did!!!

We also were upgraded from POP to OKW! I don't know how I'm going to get DH to go back to POP next year.

To the OP I'm sorry you were moved and I hope you end up loving the Poly!!!

 

[TxRabbit]

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.

I apologize. I never meant to imply that you were a bad person. I simply think you are angry and frustrated. And there doesn't seem to be a solution to that emotion. It is a very rough situation to be in, especially because these are the last feelings that anyone would want to have about their longed for vacation. It can be frustrating to those of us that want to try to help you to come to the conclusion that we can't. Again, I don't think you are a bad person. Please forgive me for implying so.

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.

Poly was available for my dates at the time that I changed my reservation, but it was not available to ME because of my view, standard view. I was told that I needed to make a lateral move, if a lateral move was available and I could not move to Poly because the least view available was Garden view which is a step up from Standard view. So we have been moved to another standard room at BC, which is a fine resort. I am totally looking forward to the pool area. Epcot is not our fav park, so that is not a great benefit to me. We can't afford park hoppers, so the dining opportunities are lost on us. I am concerned because there are room configurations at BC that do not measure up to the standard deluxe amentities, like not having full balconies and having some rooms with double sized beds. So, I am not completely thrilled with the resort because we use our balcony every night, so I am simply hoping and praying to get a room with a full sized balcony and queen beds, which is beyond annoying to think that I stay at a deluxe level so that I can have queen beds and a full sized balcony in the first place. Because I have a worry about our upcoming situation, I reacted strongly to these posts here where someone else is expressing their own dissatisfaction with their resort happenings due to the AKL moving around. As I said before, jealousy made me act out and I apologize again. My family is totally looking forward to BC (I am the worry wart) and I anticipate having a great vacation. We were able to change ADRs and things will be a good as they can possibly be. I hope that the OP family can have a wonderful vacation as well.

 

[CanadianGuy]

I'm wondering why YOU are being forced to make a lateral move and lots of other people are pushing for and getting upgrades.

That doesn't make sense.. am I missing something?

Knox

 

[marlower]

I'm wondering why YOU are being forced to make a lateral move and lots of other people are pushing for and getting upgrades.

That doesn't make sense.. am I missing something?

Knox

I was told the same thing today, that it had to be a lateral move. I had pool view AKl so they could give me Poly garden view (didn't want that because we are doing a split stay there this trip) or CR, garden view, or WL, courtyard. GF was not an option so I took WL, I tried to get WL conceirge but they said no, it has to be a lateral move, I tried to explain that I was paying $199 per night at AKL and they were willing to bump me to Poly garden view, which is what, over $300 close to $400 but they just wouldn't give me an upgrade at WL or CR, believe me, I tried!!!

 

[CoolPool]

Jeanie if I were at WDW at the same time as you I'd stand you a round of your favorite beverage. Have a great vacation!

 

[TxRabbit]

I'm wondering why YOU are being forced to make a lateral move and lots of other people are pushing for and getting upgrades.

That doesn't make sense.. am I missing something?

Knox

This is exactly what I myself have been dealing with ever since I have been reading these boards, finding out what about the big AKL move out, what is being offered, what people are getting, etc. It is why I had to respond to the subject of being grateful, because frankly, I am struggling to be grateful myself. Because the fact of the matter is that I also received an upgrade. The standard rooms at BC are more expensive than the standard rooms at AKL. AKL was a stretch for my budget in the first place, so it truly is a blessing to have an opportunity to stay at a more expensive resort. I did want to jump on the deal and milk the situation for all it was worth, as so many others have gotten such a benefit from the situation, but frankly, I can see Disney's side of the issue, so I simply asked, was refused, and I moved on, and I think that I got a fair deal. I think others have gotten amazing deals, and mine is only fair, but still I cannot in good conscience argue the point. I did have a choice between deluxe resorts, Poly wasn't one of them. I am way excited about SAB at BC, and knew nothing about it before. There are just some quirks about BC, for all that is is a more expensive resort, that fall short of AKL IMHO and so I keep going back and forth in my struggle to make lemonade...if you know what I mean. I have been caught on the downside of my struggle in this thread. I am human after all.

I was told the same thing today, that it had to be a lateral move. I had pool view AKl so they could give me Poly garden view (didn't want that because we are doing a split stay there this trip) or CR, garden view, or WL, courtyard. GF was not an option so I took WL, I tried to get WL conceirge but they said no, it has to be a lateral move, I tried to explain that I was paying $199 per night at AKL and they were willing to bump me to Poly garden view, which is what, over $300 close to $400 but they just wouldn't give me an upgrade at WL or CR, believe me, I tried!!!

And I think that there are many more stories that are similar to ours that aren't told on these boards...simply because, what is there to tell? I was grateful that there were deluxe resorts to choose from and that I wasn't forced into SSR, which was completely unacceptable, even with a refund, because I have read about many that were due to lack of availability in other deluxe accomodations. And Marlower, you just never know what happens when rooms are actually assigned... for something wonderful and surprising at check in.

Jeanie if I were at WDW at the same time as you I'd stand you a round of your favorite beverage. Have a great vacation!

Thank you. We're looking forward to our vacation. We're hoping for the best. I hope everyone who has a vacation planned, regardless of the unexpected events that throw our carefully laid plans off track, can continue to look forward with happy anticipation to a break from reality and time with family/friends and the Mouse.

 

[kutchyone]

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.

kikiq,

Good advice.

While everyone else is sharing their deals I wanted to share mine. Originally booked with CSR for 3 Adults. Use a special code, thanks DIS folks, that lasted about 48 hours, you know the one I'm talking about and was able to book the AKL for 3 adults for $27.00 less total then I was paying at CSR. Am now moved to the Poly for the same price. The Poly for 3 Adults for $27.00 less total then I was paying at CSR, the Disney Gods were looking down on me. I backed out dining and tickets and for three adults we are paying $165.84 per night which includes tax for the Poly.

 

[Jen32113]

Kutchyone, I envy you! I hope one day (preferably sooner than later) I can get a deal like that!!!

 

[jhryb]

Poly was available for my dates at the time that I changed my reservation, but it was not available to ME because of my view, standard view. I was told that I needed to make a lateral move, if a lateral move was available and I could not move to Poly because the least view available was Garden view which is a step up from Standard view.

Jeanie - That sounds unfair because a Garden View room at the Poly is the lowest category of room. The Disney Website states "Garden View Rooms offer views of a garden, pool, marina, or PARKING AREA". I believe that it is a lateral move. There have been lots of people who have been moved from a standard view room at the AKL to a Garden View room at the Poly. I realize that you are not complaining, but I believe that you should have been given the Poly as an option. In my situation I was moved from an AKL Pool View room to a Garden View room at the Poly. If I end up with a view of the Parking Area I will certainly complain. I would like to have a view of the pool (the quiet pool would be just fine).

 

[kutchyone]

jhryb is correct. I was moved from a standard view AKL to a garden view Poly. I did not expect nor ask for a lagoon view because to me that would have not been a lateral move. I also could have done the same at GF too.

 

[graygables]

I think the issue w/ AKL is that the people who truly love it feel a deep emotional connection, it's not just a resort. We LOVE it that way, fell in love the moment we first had our "eyes up, jaws down" moment in the lobby. As such, ANY move, whether it is a "deal" or not feels a bit like a betrayal. For some people it's a beautiful resort and a fun place to stay, but a move that involves an economic/location benefit is welcomed (or at least tolerated) and that's fine, but for those who understand the deep, soul-soothing draw of AKL, nothing will make it better. There is some serious grief going on and I absolutely understand that.

That said, we own DVC points at AKV. I have a bracelet that I had made up with it and recently, someone noticed and said VERY hatefully, "It's all YOUR fault the AKL vacations are screwed up!" I thought she was joking, but she was dead serious.

When all's said and done, I honestly believe the DVC move will be in the best interest for ALL AKL adorers, not just DVCers. Historically, AKL has had occupancy issues that are now going to be helped, plus DVCers annual dues are going to be contributing to the common areas as well. I hope when the dust settles (literally) that guests and owners alike can take a deep breath (of that wonderful aroma!) and get back to enjoying our beloved resort.

To the OP, I am deeply sorry that you are being uprooted from AKL. I truly understand the emotions involved. I hope you are able to temporarily "bloom where you are planted" and try to find some upsides of the Poly and have a wonderful time on your vacation.

 

[KristenHoneymooner]

I'm wondering why YOU are being forced to make a lateral move and lots of other people are pushing for and getting upgrades.

That doesn't make sense.. am I missing something?

Knox

I've been reading the boards very carefully because I'm one of the people who has been moved, and I can honestly only recall one instance of a non-lateral move: someone who ended up in a two-bedroom OKW villa. The moves people are bragging about are generally just to BC/YC/BW/Poly/GF/CR with the same view class. They SOUND like upgrades and people are calling them upgrades because they are a move to a more expensive resort.

Also, when you think about it, you can never really make a lateral move from a savannah view -- nothing compares with it. I'm not sure what view is really equivalent in Disney's eyes.

 

[G8r4evr]

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".

I totally agree...that is an amazind deal, but I think it is fair. I can only imagine how disappointed I would be if I booked my family's dream vacation a year ago and then found out we were being moved a month before we fly out.

Definitely an awesome deal, but IMO, Disney should offer the displaced families any room type available, even a suite if thats all they have (regardless of view), if that is what the customer wants. Of course if a certain type isnt available though, there really isnt anything they can do.

 

[G8r4evr]

jhryb is correct. I was moved from a standard view AKL to a garden view Poly. I did not expect nor ask for a lagoon view because to me that would have not been a lateral move. I also could have done the same at GF too.

Agreed. That doesnt make any sense at all. Ist garden view the Poly's equivalent to standard? Can you ask to speak to a Supervisor? Sounds like you are getting the very short end of the stick. If you were completely satisified with where you were moved, it would be one thing, but is sounds like you have several concerns lingering (dining, balconies...). This is Disney's wrong, not yours and it makes me sad to think that they arent doing EVERYTHING in their power to rectify the situation.

 

[Ellegirl]

We too were called yesterday to move from AKL and we are going Aug 5. I feel the same way. We saved and waited for this trip for 5 years. We wanted to "do it right". We are heartbroken. They have moved us to the Boardwalk Inn. My daughter is 6 and I don't think she will appreciate the little details of this property. It's just a lot of money to stay somewhere you do not want to be. To make matters worse, that was the only hotel offered besides the Saratoga Springs. It's the only place there are rooms available. This is not fair. We would not have waited until 2 weeks before our vacation to try to get a room. And now that is essentially what we've done. Anyone have an idea for a moderate resort that has great service that we may enjoy just as well? At least we could get some money back, maybe? and be just as happy. The whole point of the lux resort for us was the Animals. We had the Savannah view room. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[Cmbar]

We too were called yesterday to move from AKL and we are going Aug 5. I feel the same way. We saved and waited for this trip for 5 years. We wanted to "do it right". We are heartbroken. They have moved us to the Boardwalk Inn. My daughter is 6 and I don't think she will appreciate the little details of this property. It's just a lot of money to stay somewhere you do not want to be. To make matters worse, that was the only hotel offered besides the Saratoga Springs. It's the only place there are rooms available. This is not fair. We would not have waited until 2 weeks before our vacation to try to get a room. And now that is essentially what we've done. Anyone have an idea for a moderate resort that has great service that we may enjoy just as well? At least we could get some money back, maybe? and be just as happy. The whole point of the lux resort for us was the Animals. We had the Savannah view room. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!!

At Saratoga were you offered a refund? I saw some people getting a refund for moving to SSR. It would be comparable to a Moderate in location. The BWI has a great location and the Clown pool is a lot of fun. My kids loved it. I am so sorry this happened to you. Will they allow you to switch to a moderate? If so, POFQ is very quaint and has the boat to DTD and a great pool for a 6 year old. I do know that your dates must have something to do with it because Aug 6th is completely booked. There was another thread of someone wanting to get Aug 5-7 and they can't in anywhere.

 

[Ellegirl]

What is POFQ? We were only offered Saratoga or BWI. But we didn't really ask about anything else. Probably booked already too. We would have been pretty happy with the Poly but at this point there are no rooms there either. It is the Aug 6th date that is the problem. I tried calling Disney myself. Saratoga seems so far off the beaten path. I do know the BWI is nice and has a nice pool but I expect most of hour pooling will be done at the waterparks. We are just so disappointed. In the grand scheme of life, this is nothing but it is frustrating. They just act like "it's no big deal". We are giving you a "lateral" move. It's not lateral to us. It's just seems like there should be some compenstation, if not monetarily, maybe a free show or something. Just to make us feel like they are at least sorry. Oh well, we shall see when we get there.

 

[jakenjess]

We too were called yesterday to move from AKL and we are going Aug 5. I feel the same way. We saved and waited for this trip for 5 years. We wanted to "do it right". We are heartbroken. They have moved us to the Boardwalk Inn. My daughter is 6 and I don't think she will appreciate the little details of this property. It's just a lot of money to stay somewhere you do not want to be. To make matters worse, that was the only hotel offered besides the Saratoga Springs. It's the only place there are rooms available. This is not fair. We would not have waited until 2 weeks before our vacation to try to get a room. And now that is essentially what we've done. Anyone have an idea for a moderate resort that has great service that we may enjoy just as well? At least we could get some money back, maybe? and be just as happy. The whole point of the lux resort for us was the Animals. We had the Savannah view room. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!!

I'm so sorry this happened to you. It must be very disappointing to those who planned to stay at AKL. However, I just want to let you know how much we LOVE the BW! We've stayed at the villas a couple of times, and my kids (now 9 and 11, they were 7 and 9 our first stay) adore staying there. The pool is wonderful, with a great slide. The activity around the BW in the evening is so much fun for kids. There are jugglers and magicians and all kinds of fun stuff going on. And you just can't beat that short walk to Epcot, and a very nice, though a little longer, walk to the Studios. I really don't think you'll be disappointed! Have a wonderful vacation!