I posted this on another thread but it seems more appropriate here:
Well, we finally got the call and I was a bit relieved but very unhappy with the process. Our dates are from 8/26 through 9/3 and we WERE staying at the AKL standard view room w/
free dining.
The 1st CM that I spoke with explained to me that the noise and dust, due to construction, will be very distracting to the guests and that the heavy equipment has impacted the animals roaming patterns. I was offered the option of staying at AKL, moving to a SS 1bedroom for $120 a night or moving to any resort of my choice that had availability for my room type. Of course Disney would pick up the tab for any additional incurred costs.
I did not want to make a decision at that point as I wanted to discuss this with my DW.
After a long discussion with my DW (5 minutes)...We decided to go with SS since we would be getting money back
I called back and the 2nd CM informed me that I was mislead...I could get the SS for $120 a night but I would not get the free dining due to a restriction in their system that would not allow them to double up on discounts. After doing some quick calculations we determined that there was no cost savings after all
I quickly went through all of the Luxury resort availabilities with the CM and settled on the Wilderness Lodge Wood View room with Bunk. My first choice was the Polynesian but it was booked (for my room type). I expressed my concern about the miscommunication with the first CM and also expressed that I was not happy with this situation at all. The CM at this point became rude and proceeded to lecture me on how lucky I was the Disney was offering anything at all. At this point I realized that my efforts were going nowhere
I let the CM know that I did not appreciate the lecture and that I hope she has a Disney Day.
Now...I know that my family and I will have a GREAT time, after all we will be in Disney. BUT, somehow this just does not sit right with me. I typically stay in moderate level resorts and this is going to be the first time that we actually splurge to stay in a Luxury Resort. There was no hesitation when we made the choice to go luxury that it would be AKL. My Kids would have loved it!
Given the size of my family, I will probably be staying at the value resorts from this point forward, which means that the AKL will not be an option in the future. I know that technically I received a room and resort upgrade but in my mind I did not. AKL is where I would like to have stayed given ideal circumstances. This is something that Disney does not understand. I asked if I could get a price guarantee for a future trip to the AKL but was refused.
Yes, I could have refused the re-location but I did not want to chance the possibility of being re-located when we got there or even worse being disappointed due to the construction.
I am a little worn down at this point and I do not plan on persuing this any further. Wilderness Lodge....HERE WE COME
Although...my DW is not happy at all and she may decide to give them a call herself. I don't want to be the CM on the end of that call
Happy but Disappointed
