We're back already!

[CJK]

Hi all!

We just walked through the door a few minutes ago and what's the first thing I do??? LOL Check the Dis!! What a wonderful trip! Here's a brief synopsis. The weather was terrific with the exception of our first day and a couple hours of the second day. Otherwise it was hot and sunny. We stayed at the All Star Sports for the first three nights and ran into problems with some of the teens there for grad nights. We got prank calls during the night and lots of noise. The next 3 nights were at Animal Kingdom Lodge which was FANTASTIC. We got a free upgrade to a Savannah view. WOW! Our last night was at the Hyatt Regency right inside the Orlando airport. Very nice hotel and the location can't be beat. Crowds were moderate but MK was busy on both parade/fireworks days. We just used fast pass as much as possible and avoided the big lines. Should go get settled. For some reason dh doesn't want to do all the unpacking! Feel free to ask any questions. I'll be doing a trip report once I get my act together.

 

[sm4987]

Welcome back. Sorry to hear about the noise at the All-Stars, but on the other hand a upgrade at AK. How wonderful!!!

 

[harleymickey]

We are also just back. We received a free savannah view at AKL also. My aunt had reserved a savannah view but we could only afford the standard view. Well what an awesome surprise when we received a savannah view room also. I can't thank them enough for this! My mom loves giraffes and it was such a treat watching her watch them every morning. I know that we enjoyed our view much more than my aunt who paid extra for it.

 

[sci-fi-dreamer!]

CJK and harleymickey - did you "request" a free upgrade to savannah view - or were you just given one without asking?? Was the AKL busy? We are staying at AKL for 3 nights next week and have a standard view, but an upgrade would be GREAT!! Glad to hear you liked AKL - I can't wait!!

 

[CJK]

4 days prior to our trip, I faxed the hotel saying we'd like a room with "best view possible". That was all. When we checked in at the hotel, the CM keyed our confirmation # into the computer and said that we have received a complimentary upgrade. We didn't need to ask. He mentioned that the hotel was very full because of POFQ being closed. I think that had a lot to do with our free upgrade. Hopefully you have the same experience!

The only time we noticed how busy the hotel was, was when we were at the pool. We always managed to get a good lounge chair, but we usually had to keep an eye out for someone leaving. The pool is pretty big though, so we always had room to swim. Have FUN!!!

 

[sci-fi-dreamer!]

Thank you CJK! I can't wait! The only problem I have is we will be at POR as of 5/11 so I will not be able to Fax my AKL request 4 days before? Can I do it before we leave on Sunday (fax on Sat.)? Just asking for "best view possible"? or should I just go and hope for the best!!??

 

[CJK]

I'm sure it wouldn't hurt faxing a little early. Just include in your fax your requests (ie. non-smoking room or "best view possible"). Be very polite and friendly. Don't go expecting an upgrade though. Regardless you'll have a wonderful time!!

 

[lulukiddle]

Sci-fi dreamer,
We got an upgrade last week at AKL also. I never faxed a room request and I never had to ask at the front desk. My mother in law also got an upgrade and didn't have to ask. Good luck!

 

[harleymickey]

We did not ask for an upgrade and the Cm at checkin didn't even mention it.

It was a pleasant surprise when we arrived at our room. We had paid for 1 savannah view already. The other room was a complimentary upgrade.

Do not expect to receive an upgrade. It is no guarantee. Don't want you to be disappointed if you don't receive one.

I have stayed at AKL prior to this and not received an upgrade.

Have a wonderful trip.

 

[Tonyspad]

I would like more feedback on the Hyatt, we are going to stay there the night before our cruise. We have two boys and will be arriving at 8:30pm and they love to swim. Thanks

 

[CJK]

You'll love the Hyatt! I can't tell you about the pool (we didn't have time to swim), but from what I heard, it's very good. The hotel is beautifull decorated and the staff were wonderful. We didn't check in until 10:45pm and the staff were very pleasant. We even had a telephone message that they relayed to us upon checkin. They asked if we wanted a wake-up call and they offered express check-out (without us asking). Rooms are very private as you must use your card to work the elevator. You get a free Orlando Sentinal each day outside your room. Our room was very large and had a king size bed, bathtub and separate shower. Coffeemaker, extra pillows, iron/ironing board were all provided. The room was very spacious and quiet. Have you checked out their website? All in all we had a very good experience. It took us all of 5min. to get to the flight ticket counter from our hotel room! Have a wonderful trip and cruise!

 

[Tonyspad]

Thanks a million! I do not have their web address, could you please post it?

 

[CJK]

http://orlandoairport.hyatt.com/property/index.jhtml

Good luck!

 

[bunnyfoo]

Originally posted by sci-fi-dreamer!
Thank you CJK! I can't wait! The only problem I have is we will be at POR as of 5/11 so I will not be able to Fax my AKL request 4 days before? Can I do it before we leave on Sunday (fax on Sat.)? Just asking for "best view possible"? or should I just go and hope for the best!!??

I'm in the same situation as you sci-fi-dreamer... I'm splitting my stay between two hotels and I'll already be in WDW by the time it's time to fax AKL. I've been reading on the Resorts Board that you can call the hotel and make your requests directly. I've been thinking of bringing my note along with me... maybe I can fax it from Disney *lol*... The only thing I'm really looking for is a non-smoking room (for medical reasons).