Summer's Planning Journal 08/20 Update 08/10/07

Summer - maybe contacting another Going Places like Tiggs suggested would help. That way if you can find a Going Places employee that will tell you that there is construction work going on at AKL, get their name and then phone your own branch back. Even if you could get them to admit that there is construction work going on but not in August - they could be taking a break during the warmer months... xx
 
The thing is I know they aren't taking a break during August, in fact they are stepping it up cause they are hoping to be done by Sep 1st. I was told this by a CM on Sunday. It's why I'm very surprised you have been moved as you don't check in until Dec:confused3
 
Perhaps there are different phases and they are hoping to be finished a particular phase by Sept and maybe starting another one nearer the end of the year. I'm just guessing though as I have no idea (I get the impression that no one really knows what is going on - not even Disney!) :confused3 What type of room do you have booked? xx
 
I have a standard room booked and according to Mousesavers.com I will be affected. Anyway, I've called Disney 5 times now and 3 CM's have told me they are moving everyone with a check in up to Sept 1st, and the others have said the noise isn't that loud. I'm going to sound like a spoiled child now, but I don't care. I have planned very carefully everything about my wedding and honeymoon and I loved the look of AKL, it's why we picked it. However I paid for a certain experience and it doesn't seem like I'm going to get that, plus this is all just added worry. I don't want to take a chance on a 'what if' we paid too much money and for us this is a trip of a lifetime, it may be years before we get to go back again:sad2:
 

Hey, you are more than entitled to not want construction work/noise (however small it may be on your holiday), especially at it is such an important one! Don't think for one minute that you are being spoiled - you want your holiday to be special for you and your DF - that's not spoiled at all.

I've read somewhere that it's only guests who booked Savanah rooms that are being moved so it could be to do with that... (as we booked a Savanah), although I can totally understand that you would still like to be moved even if your room is not directly affected by the work that is going on.

Good luck with phoning Going Places.

Kxx
 
I would suggest asking to speak with a supervisor at the agency. Changing your hotel ressie (at least in the US) does not cost any additional money unless you would be upgrading. And the lowdown is that AKL guests are being transferred at no additional cost to them to other deluxe resorts, but not all guests will be affected. So it's a toss up. I know there are guests who are going to wait it out and see, and others are hoping for that phone call so they can switch. I'm trying to see if the two other agents I work with have had anyone stay at AKL recently and what the construction impact was for them.

Good luck!
 
I feel for you, Summer, I'm in almost the same boat as you are, except my check-in date isn't until Sept 14. I don't want to see any construction or hear its presence at the resort either, and I wish we could be moved. But we are stuck there, as we cannot afford to change resorts and lose our Free Dining. I'm just hoping that it will be confined to another part of the resort by the time we check-in, however it doesn't seem like you'll be receiving that luxury since you're checking in during Aug. Have you visited your TA's office yet? Better yet, you could do a 3-way call with your TA and Disney, that way you can express your wishes to the CM with your TA's cooperation.
 
I agree that a three way call is the best route. Your tour operator sounds like a goofball.
 
Well I have a slight update. I called my TA and she said she had spoken again to the tour operator, they finally admitted that there is construction and apparently it will be going on until Jan 09:eek: While they did say some areas are not affected i.e will not see construction unless they walk around the resort:rolleyes: they agreeed to move me. However they will not move me until they have paperwork from Disney which apparently is on the way. So I have been told they can move me to The Wilderness Lodge, while I love the look of The Wilderness Lodge and the location. DF does not like any of the restaurants, well they don't appeal to him, so when it comes to breakfast we'd be screwed. Unlike AKL we loved the restaurants there and planned on having many meals there.
Another thing is it has been mentioned before that DCL transport only picks up from AKL, GF and Poly, now I don't know if this is correct but I have already paid my transfer to go on DCL, does anyone know if this is correct?
So I am still wanting to hold out for either The Poly or GF, I know it's a huge upgrade but loads of other people have been offered this, so why not us? My TA is going to get back in touch with me tonight apparently.
 
thats good news.

I have been at the all stars before and seend the dcl bus pick up
 
Hi Summer,

I had exactly the same problem but with Virgin when they first announced the construction. I called them as I was concerened and they claimed to not know anything about it. I've now finally received a letter telling me about it but they are not offering to move us at this stage. If I wanted to they would charge more. Hopefully by Nov/Dec most of the main house work will be done, I'll be so disappointed if I'm effected by it and my DF will be disappointed if we don't stay there as he really likes the whole AKL style.
Please keep up updated and fingers crossed for you
 
Hey Summer,

Okay, as a complainer - I mean, solicitor - I can tell you that talking to your local TA is not going to get you very far, or if it does it will be sloooowly and painstakingly frustrating. What I would suggest is to draft a letter, setting out your concerns and the fact that this is your wedding and honeymoon, etc, and that your dreams are being shattered, that your stress levels are already high and how you had entrusted your dreams to this travel company, and really lay it on how disgusted and heartbroken you are that this perfect time is going to be ruined for you, and make sure you write down each time that you have called and tried to get this sorted, and how amazed you are that THEY were not aware of something (the AKL reconstruction) that you, someone NOT in the travel industry, was aware of, despite this being THEIR business, not yours. Emphasise that you are SO close to your departure date and far from being on cloud nine, you are terribly despondent and feeling very, VERY anxious.

Then make three copies. Get the Head Office Address for your Tour Operator, send them one, send Watchdog one and send your branch one with "cc.Head Office, BBC Watchdog" on the bottom of it, so that they are aware of just who you are contacting with your story.

Make sure you send your letters recorded delivery, especially head office, and address this one to the Chief Exec or the MD, whomever it is. You can find this out here on the net, no problems.

I get really annoyed that people in the travel industry here in the UK very often forget just how precious our holidays are to us, let alone our weddings abroad. Our customer service can be dismal and we don't deserve to spend money with people who do not warrant our trust in delivering what they state that they can.

Sorry for ranting, I am just so upset for you. If you need any help, let me know. I would be happy to draft a disgusted letter for you!
 
First of all, your wedding dress is gorgeous! Second, I like the pirate outfit from your first post, the first one on the left.

As to the construction at the AKL, I would contact your travel agent and explain to her that you called Disney direct and they told you of the construction, then ask her/him to call Disney direct to confirm. Then, I would make sure you're moved. From what I'm hearing, it's going to be quite inconvenient to be there during the construction and you don't want to have to deal with that during the honeymoon you're paying a lot for. You will also love the CBR. We just came home from there in June and that's our favorite. If they do move you, the Polynesian is my dream hotel. If only I could get my husband to open his wallet a bit more...LOL. Maybe when we do our vow renewal. Hope it all works out for you with the travel agent. Keep us posted.
 
I would suggest asking to speak with a supervisor at the agency. Changing your hotel ressie (at least in the US) does not cost any additional money unless you would be upgrading. And the lowdown is that AKL guests are being transferred at no additional cost to them to other deluxe resorts, but not all guests will be affected. So it's a toss up. I know there are guests who are going to wait it out and see, and others are hoping for that phone call so they can switch. I'm trying to see if the two other agents I work with have had anyone stay at AKL recently and what the construction impact was for them.

Good luck!

Thanks! Thay are more than willing to change my hotel res to anything I want for a price $1900 for GF and $1600 for Poly. I don't see why I am the only one that should have to pay to move to either of these hotels. Many others have been moved to these hotels, which I know is a huge step up from AKL, at no charge:confused3 .


I feel for you, Summer, I'm in almost the same boat as you are, except my check-in date isn't until Sept 14. I don't want to see any construction or hear its presence at the resort either, and I wish we could be moved. But we are stuck there, as we cannot afford to change resorts and lose our Free Dining. I'm just hoping that it will be confined to another part of the resort by the time we check-in, however it doesn't seem like you'll be receiving that luxury since you're checking in during Aug. Have you visited your TA's office yet? Better yet, you could do a 3-way call with your TA and Disney, that way you can express your wishes to the CM with your TA's cooperation.


I am definately thinking of going in to see my TA tomorrow, sitting with her until this is resolved. She is off today, but I am considering calling the manager and telling her how I feel. I really hope you get some pixidust and aren't disturbed by the construction.:goodvibes


I agree that a three way call is the best route. Your tour operator sounds like a goofball.

I'm beginning to think this myself actually, a 3 way call may be an idea, but I think i'm going to call the manager today, I can't stand not knowing. AND I was supposed to get another call last night, did it come?, did it hell:mad:

thats good news.

I have been at the all stars before and seend the dcl bus pick up

Apparently the DCL transport no longer picks up from All Stars, i asked this question on the cruise forum and I seemed to get mixed messages, I guess I'll just ask my Dreams Unlimited, I hope they know.:confused:


Hi Summer,

I had exactly the same problem but with Virgin when they first announced the construction. I called them as I was concerened and they claimed to not know anything about it. I've now finally received a letter telling me about it but they are not offering to move us at this stage. If I wanted to they would charge more. Hopefully by Nov/Dec most of the main house work will be done, I'll be so disappointed if I'm effected by it and my DF will be disappointed if we don't stay there as he really likes the whole AKL style.
Please keep up updated and fingers crossed for you

My DF is really disappointed, I intended to upgrade to the Savannah as a surprise when we got there, if we didn't get some extra pixie dust and get upgraded anyway. I told my TA this too:sad1: This is why I don't feel The WL is an even trade. Hopefully by the time you get there, you will not be bothered by it, but keep your ears open.


Hey Summer,

Okay, as a complainer - I mean, solicitor - I can tell you that talking to your local TA is not going to get you very far, or if it does it will be sloooowly and painstakingly frustrating. What I would suggest is to draft a letter, setting out your concerns and the fact that this is your wedding and honeymoon, etc, and that your dreams are being shattered, that your stress levels are already high and how you had entrusted your dreams to this travel company, and really lay it on how disgusted and heartbroken you are that this perfect time is going to be ruined for you, and make sure you write down each time that you have called and tried to get this sorted, and how amazed you are that THEY were not aware of something (the AKL reconstruction) that you, someone NOT in the travel industry, was aware of, despite this being THEIR business, not yours. Emphasise that you are SO close to your departure date and far from being on cloud nine, you are terribly despondent and feeling very, VERY anxious.

Then make three copies. Get the Head Office Address for your Tour Operator, send them one, send Watchdog one and send your branch one with "cc.Head Office, BBC Watchdog" on the bottom of it, so that they are aware of just who you are contacting with your story.

Make sure you send your letters recorded delivery, especially head office, and address this one to the Chief Exec or the MD, whomever it is. You can find this out here on the net, no problems.

I get really annoyed that people in the travel industry here in the UK very often forget just how precious our holidays are to us, let alone our weddings abroad. Our customer service can be dismal and we don't deserve to spend money with people who do not warrant our trust in delivering what they state that they can.

Sorry for ranting, I am just so upset for you. If you need any help, let me know. I would be happy to draft a disgusted letter for you!

Thanks so much for the offer and it's nice to hear from someone in the legal field, as a law student I didn't really know where I stood in this. I do feel so let down by my TA, I am 40 days from departure and I am stressing so much about this. We saved for ages for this honeymoon and our total is coming in at £10,000 ($20,000 approx) at least. Going to the AKL was a dream of mine and DF, this is our first trip to WDW and we have never stayed on property before (been to Disneyland several times) so we are so excited about this, or rather were. Now I am stressing about our accomodation when I really shouldn't be. I feel like I am becoming bridezilla, but am I wrong for wanting my wedding/honeymoon to be as perfect as it can be? You are right this is their job, and they should be helping me resolve this issue. I will speak to the manager today.

First of all, your wedding dress is gorgeous! Second, I like the pirate outfit from your first post, the first one on the left.
As to the construction at the AKL, I would contact your travel agent and explain to her that you called Disney direct and they told you of the construction, then ask her/him to call Disney direct to confirm. Then, I would make sure you're moved. From what I'm hearing, it's going to be quite inconvenient to be there during the construction and you don't want to have to deal with that during the honeymoon you're paying a lot for. You will also love the CBR. We just came home from there in June and that's our favorite. If they do move you, the Polynesian is my dream hotel. If only I could get my husband to open his wallet a bit more...LOL. Maybe when we do our vow renewal. Hope it all works out for you with the travel agent. Keep us posted.First of all, your wedding dress is gorgeous! Second, I like the pirate outfit from your first post, the first one on the left.

I am speaking to management today and explaining that Disney are willing to move me to any hotel I request, as they have done for others.
I must admit The Poly was my choice too, I did look into booking that but I couldn't justify the cost, not with everything else we are paying. Glad to hear the CBR is great too. Hmmm, it seems most people prefer the frst costume, but shipping is expensive $50.00.:eek:


To be completely honest I would rather stay at AKL than move completely to WL. Having researched The WL, although it is a beautiful resort, the restaurants don't appeal and the transport seems to be an issue, granted the location is better, but I really did want to stay at AKL. If I take WL I will be already disappointed as I don't really want to stay there for 7 nights. The Poly/GF, well of course I would do 7 nights here, as I looked in to staying here anyway. I'm thinking of refusing the move to WL. I have reservations at Jiko, Boma and were planning on eating at The Mara for 5 breakfasts. I don't really know what to do now, I feel so deflated.
 
summer, I had the same problem as you b/c i was also at AKL for our honeymoon (I love this resort).....They moved me to the beach club resort with a water view room (I was told I would be able to watch illuminations from my room) free of charge....I had a savanah view room at the AKL....I was also offered a room in Poly but it was a room with only a garden view (no disney parks)....Maybe they have some rooms at that resort...there are lots of good restaurants at the boardwalk resorts (which include the BWR, BC, and YC)....hope this helps and good luck
 
summer, I had the same problem as you b/c i was also at AKL for our honeymoon (I love this resort).....They moved me to the beach club resort with a water view room (I was told I would be able to watch illuminations from my room) free of charge....I had a savanah view room at the AKL....I was also offered a room in Poly but it was a room with only a garden view (no disney parks)....Maybe they have some rooms at that resort...there are lots of good restaurants at the boardwalk resorts (which include the BWR, BC, and YC)....hope this helps and good luck

I will definately be looking in to The Boardwalk and The Beach Club, I'm glad you got sorted and got a decent alternative.

Well my TA just got back to me and said that the woman that had been dealing with my query (tour operator) was off today, however they decided to look into it to see what could be done. Apparently The Poly is all sold out:sad2: but The GF has availability. However he has said that the woman that helped him can't authorise to do GF for the same price as AKL, but the original woman who is a manager is in tomorrow morning and she can authorise it. He has said he will call first thing tomorrow and try and get this sorted then let me know straight after. If it's not sorted tomorrow, I am going down to the store!
 
Hi Summer

I had no idea you were a law student! :) Those were the days... no sleep, constant stress, ha ha ha. I don't think I slept during my LPC! Anyway, if you don't get any joy when you go to the TA, then I really would write to their head office. I never bother complaining to store staff anywhere, as they have no financial interest themselves in helping you, whereas at the top of the "food chain" they actually have a reputation at stake and once you've written to "the boss" then it's very hard to be ignored. Seriously, I would be writing my letter today and posting it first thing. You deserve the best possible wedding in the world - don't let what appear to be carefree staff ruin your special time. Big hugs to you anyway, I know how you must be feeling :(
 
Well everyone I have THE UPDATE!!!

We have been moved to The Grand Floridian for the whole 7 nights we were due to stay at AKL:banana: :banana: :banana:

I am ecstatic to say the least. DF and I could never have afforded to stay here for that length of time. It wasn't easy getting a swap at all but in the end I went down to the store this morning and stood my ground.
I spent 30 minutes with the girl that had been dealing with my query and wouldn't you know it the phones were down at their office, they couldn't receive calls nor could they make any.:sad2: Anyway, I explained my concerns regarding their customer service and told them how much I had spent with their company and that I would never return again if this remained unresolved. I think saying I was a Law Student actually helped as she seemed to get more concerned once I dropped that little nugget!
I must admit this girl is very pleasant and she has been the only one that I know has been trying her best, can't say the same for the rest of them though.
Anyway she sat and wrote an email to my tour operator explaining the whole situation and I told her this wasn't good enough I wanted it sorted today, we all know how long some companies take to respond to emails. So she called, from her own mobile, another Going Places and asked them to call my tour operator and swap the booking. She said to me she would give them until 3pm to do this and get back to her. If they didn't get back to her by then she agreed to call them from her mobile. :thumbsup2
So I waited until I got the phone call from her which came 5 minutes ago. She confirmed that my tour operator will swap over the accommodation on Monday as their computers are down today.:mad: But I told her that I want to receive the new paperwork to show this is confirmed. She has agreed to call my tour operator on Monday and get it swapped, they have reserved with Disney today a room for the whole 7 nights, it's only the paperwork outstanding.
So, that's it, drama over, I can get back to enjoying the lead up to our DFTW in 44 days, to which I really feel like in the end we received loads of pixie dust :pixiedust:

Thanks to everyone who has supported me on this, I felt stronger because of it:grouphug:
 
:banana: :banana: :banana: The Grand Floridian!!! How lucky are you?? :) I'm so glad you were able to get that all sorted out.
 
Congrats!!!
I'm glad it all worked out for you! I guess it pays off to not back down.

Maggie
 














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