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

[G8r4evr]

No! You are paying for a (savannah) view at AKL so the only lateral change acceptable would be a view at BWI. Do your homework and see what views are available and call back.

We are due to AKL at the end of August so I've been following all these threads regarding construction/upheaval/etc. It seems to me they've lost some pixie dust and are taking advantage of people's naivete regarding resort knowledge. This really disappoints me.

I also think only the Boardwalk view would be lateral in this case. Above all else, I am disapointed in Disney, as it does seem that they are taking advantage of some of the guests who are being forced to move.

 

[Ellegirl]

We were booked in a savannah view room and moved to boardwalk inn "waterview". Does anyone have an opinion on this? I read somewhere online that it could mean lake view or pool view. Also, is the general thought that it's worth it to stay there or should we go for a moderate and get some $$$ back?? (if that was an option). We were just offered SS or Boardwalk. Are there other rooms available at other resorts? My daughter is 6 and we are heartbroken. Her whole life is animals and this would have been the "most magical" part. This is our 1st experience to Disney. Not feeling that great about it. Although I am positive it will change when we get there! Thanks for the input!

Tracie

 

[robinb]

We're seriously considering selling SSR to buy more AKV, that's how bad it is. I think there is something in the woods they burn in the fire pit that just flips an addiction switch in some people's brains...now I have to go sniff some coriander for my hit.

I just sold my OKW points to pay for AKV. AKL is also very special to us and we bought our points in the first month the DVC there was available. I am afraid that Disney may be alienating AKL lovers from the DVC resort there (like the OPs) with the forced moves. I do hope that people come back to AKL in the future as I think it will be even better than before!

No! You are paying for a (savannah) view at AKL so the only lateral change acceptable would be a view at BWI. Do your homework and see what views are available and call back.

As for "lateral changes" across resorts, I don't think it should be about the view as you're not going to have animals out your window no matter where you go. It should be about price. In that case, a standard view at BWI is the closest is price to the a savannah view room. A savannah view is $285 while a standard view at BWI in $315 while a water view is $390. I think that the idea that one paid for the most expensive view at the cheapest deluxe (Savannah View $285) makes one entitled to the most expensive view at the Boardwalk (Water View $390), or CR (Tower MK $385), or Y&BC (Water View $385), or Polynesian (Lagoon View $425), or a GF (MK View $465) completely ridiculous.

As the happy recipient of some great upgrades due to resorts closing in the past (POFQ -> Poly Garden View for $109 in 2002 and CBR -> AKL Savannah View for $129 in 2005) I know exactly how the AKL refugees feel. BOTH upgrades were offered to me when Disney called. I did not have to ASK for either one. I also paid extra to be in the Deluxes than I would at my original resort. The double-upgrade to savannah view was done at the front desk and also unasked for. FWIW, that trip hooked me on AKL and it recently cost me over $10,000 when we bought into AKV .

I guess I have no problem with AKL Refugees asking for specific resorts or views, but I also feel that they are not entitled to specific resorts or specific views as all other Deluxe resorts (except the WL which is really the most "lateral" resort) are more expensive.

 

[eeyore3847]

Well our vacation was july 7 -14th and we had booked an AKL savannah view. I had a thread about all of it. but we pushed and got the POLY!! What a better choice that was. we loved the AKL but you can not beat the monorail loop with 3 kids under 6!!! We got there and we got Hawaii in Concierge! It was quite an upgrade and we will never stay anywhere else again!!! Maybe the AKL for a night just to check it out that savannah view room we lost, but The POLY was amazing. we got to watch the fireworks everynight from the beach! And even got to see the water parade that the poly puts on. not as grand as some but it was cute!

Lori

now as a side note, we originally were going to book POLY but the reservations person tolds us how wonderful tht AKL is. So we switched. It came out better for us in the end. And I feel for the inconvience of calling us less than 2 weeks from our trip we deserved the deluxe room at POLY! Whew and we loved all the free meals concierge had to offer! Tooo bad we could not use the free liquor! oh well.

lori

 

[mirlow]

Sorry for the rant. I do empathize with those being moved as that puts a damper on a vacation for sure, but please, stop the SSR bashing. It's really a great place if you give it a chance.

We decided to give it a try. We had a Deluxe CL room booked. They asked us if we wanted to move to a 2 bedroom at SSR for $120 a night. We said no that we wanted to stick with CL so he asked where and I said the CR or GF. The GF SL was available so we took it. Then I started thinking when are we ever going to get a chance to stay in a two bedroom at WDW for a $120 a night (including tax)? I knew there would be next time for the GF.

This is also a split stay starting out at the Polynesian in a LVC room. I'm not sure if I would stick with SSR for the entire time? Our reservation is for 4 nights.

I am really sad about not staying at the AKL CL. It is our favorite way of ending our WDW trips. Now our family of five will have to book a DVC room for any upcoming trips. I'm pretty sure it will cost our family more to stay there for now on. It will probably be difficult for us to book as well if there are only so many CL AKV room available?

I know that SSR isn't going to be close to the AKL CL. I do think our family will enjoy the resort. It's a great opportunity for us to give the resort a try.

 

[G8r4evr]

I just sold my OKW points to pay for AKV. AKL is also very special to us and we bought our points in the first month the DVC there was available. I am afraid that Disney may be alienating AKL lovers from the DVC resort there (like the OPs) with the forced moves. I do hope that people come back to AKL in the future as I think it will be even better than before!



As for "lateral changes" across resorts, I don't think it should be about the view as you're not going to have animals out your window no matter where you go. It should be about price. In that case, a standard view at BWI is the closest is price to the a savannah view room. A savannah view is $285 while a standard view at BWI in $315 while a water view is $390. I think that the idea that one paid for the most expensive view at the cheapest deluxe (Savannah View $285) makes one entitled to the most expensive view at the Boardwalk (Water View $390), or CR (Tower MK $385), or Y&BC (Water View $385), or Polynesian (Lagoon View $425), or a GF (MK View $465) completely ridiculous.

As the happy recipient of some great upgrades due to resorts closing in the past (POFQ -> Poly Garden View for $109 in 2002 and CBR -> AKL Savannah View for $129 in 2005) I know exactly how the AKL refugees feel. BOTH upgrades were offered to me when Disney called. I did not have to ASK for either one. I also paid extra to be in the Deluxes than I would at my original resort. The double-upgrade to savannah view was done at the front desk and also unasked for. FWIW, that trip hooked me on AKL and it recently cost me over $10,000 when we bought into AKV .

I guess I have no problem with AKL Refugees asking for specific resorts or views, but I also feel that they are not entitled to specific resorts or specific views as all other Deluxe resorts (except the WL which is really the most "lateral" resort) are more expensive.

I have to disagree. A view is a view. Those who paid for a svannah view at AKL should not be expected to accept a standart (which could mean parking lot view) at another deluxe. Besides, for the inconvenience (some are getting calls only 2 weeks before they depart), Disney should go above and beyond to accomodate.

 

[Marilyn Mc]

FWIW, my decision to refuse SSR was not based on me thinking the resort was "cheap". It looks lovely. I have a thing about not seeing kitchen appliances while on vacation. I realize DVC units can offer more room, I just prefer the traditional hotel. Now, I would have made the exception for Boardwalk or Beach Club based on the proximity to Epcot and MGM. Besides, I fear if I stay in a DVC unit, I'd have to sign up for sure.

 

[Cmbar]

I think everyone definitely has a different idea of what is "luxury" to them. Or what their "soul connecting" resort is. We have never stayed at AKL or SSR so I really can't comment on either. But for US the location of both are more than lacking. We think being close to the parks is luxury. We have stayed at WL and while that lobby is very impressive, to "us" it is just a lobby. Now some absoulutely LOVE WL and can't imagine staying somewhere else. Now we can only get to Disney once a year, so we don't spend major time at the resort. So this makes a difference.

Now I have a few friends who own at SSR and love the resort and I understand why they love it. We don't ever go to DTD because I am not a shopper So SSR to me is equivalent to a moderate in LOCATION, but for me AKL is also the same situation. SO I thought a transfer to a SSR 1-bedroom plus $600.00 was a truely a nice compensation. I never meant to imply that SSR wasn't a lovely resort.

I would say ALL of us on the boards feel terrible for the AKL refugees. I think what isn't fair is that some people are getting really good upgrades... GF, Poly whether, everyone agrees, is the most expensive resorts Disney has. They are the most expensive because of their location to the MK. The Boardwalk resorts have wonderful Location between two parks. So it seems to me that these people are getting nice upgrades. But of course, it can't replace what they orginially wanted and I think that may be the point of the AKL lovers out there.

SO I guess long story short, nothing can replace what you originally had planned for this trip. But just as AKL is special to some, staying at GF, Poly, BWI, or BC/YC is a "Dream" for others, especially at AKL prices. SO the only thing we can base whether someone got an "upgrade" is that room cost vs. room cost. It is the only thing that determines (In' Disney's mind, not necessarily a poster) what is a "more expensive" room.

OK I am done now. Certainly didn't mean to hurt anyone's feeling about their favorite resort. I have learned my lesson!

 

[Marilyn Mc]

For those still awaiting phone calls, I was fortunate enough to have seen the posts on the Dis before I got the call. I was prepared for negotiations. I knew SSR would be offered first, and it was. My response was polite but firm: "If Disney can't fufill their room obligation for the AKL, then my only other preference would be a monorail resort. SSR is not acceptable and I would seriously consider canceling my reservation."

There was a short pause from the CM, then presto ! Polynesian Lagoon view was offered. Don't be afraid to stand your ground if you are not happy with your situation.

 

[robinb]

I have to disagree. A view is a view. Those who paid for a svannah view at AKL should not be expected to accept a standart (which could mean parking lot view) at another deluxe.

Well, we're just going to have to agree to disagree then. IMO, a Savannah View is very specialized and you cannot get that view anywhere else. It just doesn't "translate" to the other resorts.

 

[kutchyone]

and because of that fact then IMO you would then have to base it on money. It always comes down to the mighty dollar! Garden view at any of the Deluxe resorts except WL would probably be a "fair" exchange.

 

[LWcalif]

I got the dreaded phone call yesterday! Our visit to AKL was planned for 8-4 thru 8-9. I had requested a savannah view room.
I was told that they would need to move us due to construction. They wanted us to move to SSR - a one bedroom villa. I did not want to stay at SSR. I asked what other options there were. The CM didn't offer any other options. She asked me if I had a preference. I gave her my first, second and third choices. My first choice was not available. (Beach Club) My second choice was available - Boardwalk - standard view.
After reading what everyone else was moved to - I am beginning to wonder if I should have requested something different.
I did ask the CM if I could just refuse to move. She said I could do that, but that once I checked in - they would then tell me that I would be moving to SSR.
Do you think a standard view at BW is an even swap?

I agree, that nothing compares to a savannah view. However, I am a "balcony" person. I get up early in the morning just so I can spend time on the balcony enjoying my view. And when I return at night, I'm back out there again. So for me, a view is important. I would not want BWI std. and be stuck looking at the parking lot. We fell in love with our boardwalk view last year. Sitting on the balcony at night watching the performers below was a great way to be entertained and relax after a long day. We spend a lot of time at our resort, so room location is really important to me.

 

[Marilyn Mc]

I agree, that nothing compares to a savannah view. However, I am a "balcony" person. I get up early in the morning just so I can spend time on the balcony enjoying my view. And when I return at night, I'm back out there again. So for me, a view is important. I would not want BWI std. and be stuck looking at the parking lot. We fell in love with our boardwalk view last year. Sitting on the balcony at night watching the performers below was a great way to be entertained and relax after a long day. We spend a lot of time at our resort, so room location is really important to me.

BWI standard rooms also face Epcot and the back gardens of the resort. I guess it is the luck of the draw, but my BWI standard room was one of my most favorite views ever.

 

[robinb]

BWI standard rooms also face Epcot and the back gardens of the resort. I guess it is the luck of the draw, but my BWI standard room was one of my most favorite views ever.

Here is a dreaded "Standard View" from the Villas side:

 

[G8r4evr]

Here is a dreaded "Standard View" from the Villas side:

But the problem is, BWI cannot guarantee you will not get a parking lot view when booking a standard. I don't care what the rack rate is ,if I booked a savannah room at AKL and ended up looking at the parking lot at BWI, I would be highly disappointed.

I agree that no other resort offers a view that would translate to AKL's savannah, but IMO, Disney should error on the side of customer satisfaction and give lagoon/boardwalk/theme park view if available.

 

[AKLforever]

I own SSR, too, but have to say that while it is a lovely resort, it is a polar opposite from AKL not only in decor, but in spirit. It really is a deeply emotional thing to feel connected at AKL. Really. I wish I could describe it. There are just no comparisons and even a GV at SSR would not be an "upgrade" to someone whose heart lies at AKL. It's about the experience of the soul there. I don't get that at SSR (and it IS beautiful, but VERY different). We're seriously considering selling SSR to buy more AKV, that's how bad it is. I think there is something in the woods they burn in the fire pit that just flips an addiction switch in some people's brains...now I have to go sniff some coriander for my hit.

Wow, you just took the words out of my mouth. LOve the smell of the fire pits, love it. I think they put a semi rare type of oak in the pits, I would bet. Maybe its cocaine? lol
Would explain a lot, lol

 

[robinb]

Wow, you just took the words out of my mouth. LOve the smell of the fire pits, love it. I think they put a semi rare type of oak in the pits, I would bet. Maybe its cocaine? lol
Would explain a lot, lol

We call it the "Aroma de Boma" .

 

[tidefan]

I own SSR, too, but have to say that while it is a lovely resort, it is a polar opposite from AKL not only in decor, but in spirit. It really is a deeply emotional thing to feel connected at AKL. Really. I wish I could describe it. There are just no comparisons and even a GV at SSR would not be an "upgrade" to someone whose heart lies at AKL. It's about the experience of the soul there. I don't get that at SSR (and it IS beautiful, but VERY different). We're seriously considering selling SSR to buy more AKV, that's how bad it is. I think there is something in the woods they burn in the fire pit that just flips an addiction switch in some people's brains...now I have to go sniff some coriander for my hit.

To each their own. We thought that we would buy at AKV when we went down this past April. We loved SSR more (especially being the avid golfer that I am). AKV/AKL is a beautiful resort, though, and by all means it's a great and unique place to stay. I'm not suggesting that someone who loves AKL choose SSR over AKL. My point was that none of these folks are getting to stay at AKL anyway, so it is a moot point. Give me a choice of a regular BWI hotel room or a 1 Bdrm SSR villa + $700 and I'll take SSR every time. YMMV...

I was just getting a bit tired of all the posts implying how bad SSR is without having ever been there.

 

[fla4fun]

It's all just a matter of personal preference really. I've stayed at AKL, and it was OK, but it's dead last on my list of deluxe resorts. A lot of people think the Contemporary is too cold or too plain, or not Disney enough, but it's one of my favorites. It's nice to have a wide variety of choices. It doesn't make a person good or bad if they prefer one resort over another.

I really think Disney dropped the ball on this one. They should have made a more thorough study of what would be involved in turning the lodge rooms into DVC before they started. In my opinion, they shouldn't have even taken reservations for the construction period. I'm one of those people who decides which resort I want, I book it, and I don't change my mind. So if I were in the OP's shoes, I would have been very upset too. But since I enjoy several of the deluxe resorts, I probably could have found a second choice that I would enjoy. It sounds like the OP is having a hard time letting go and accepting a second choice. At least you found out before you got there - from what I understand, that hasn't been the case with everyone. Some people have found out at check in that they were being moved. Now THAT would be upsetting to me.