Asking for an upgrade... rude?

[outahere]

when booking via CRO my DH and I have often wondered if the standard $20 bill trick upon checkin used in Vegas for room upgrades is ever is employed in WDW.

I seriously doubt it! The front desk CMs are a non-tipped position, and from everything I've read, anyone in a non-tipped position can be immediately fired for accepting a tip.

 

[ThreeBeans]

My family is large enough that I supposed we could say we were celebrating *someone's* birthday or anniversary at almost any time of the year (between the six of us we hit February, March, May, August, September and October)

This year *is* special though. We're celebrating DD2's 1st birthday (she was born on DH's 35th), and it's our ten year wedding anniversary.

Our resort reservations are complicated enough though that I'm afraid asking for an upgrade would just mess them up

 

[keishashadow]

I seriously doubt it! The front desk CMs are a non-tipped position, and from everything I've read, anyone in a non-tipped position can be immediately fired for accepting a tip.

didn't know that, thanks for the info

 

[FirstTripEver]

I just wanted to chime in because we were UPGRADED to a suite when we checked in last night! We are staying at the CSR for a week.

After the check-in process began, I kindly asked the CM, "how much more would it cost for us to upgrade to a larger room?" She was not offended or appalled AT ALL. She politely excused herself and she returned with her manager a few minutes later. They did a few calculations and told me the price difference.

I agreed to the increase and was fully prepared to pay. As I was reaching for my credit card, the manager just smiled and said that there was no need for it!!


It was AMAZING. And the room is BEYOND FANTASTIC.

Personally, I would be prepared to pay for an upgrade if I really wanted one. Perhaps when they realized that I was sincerely willing to pay for it, they decided to throw some major pixie dust our way. Perhaps it is because the CSR is very light this week. Perhaps it is because it is during the slow season.

Who knows?! All I know is that the extra sitting room, living room, closet space and additional full bathroom has made our family vacation extra MAGICAL!

Good luck everyone!

 

[tstidm1]

I had a bad experience with an automatic upgrade last year at Pop century. My mom (75) and I (34) went together. This is an obvious situation where you don't do want to be in the same bed together. They upgraded me to a king Pool view room. I complained about, but they were sold out. I got a free Cot, but it made the trip a little less comfortable for mom and I.

I could've made a stink and been moved to a Moderate, but I didn't. This is why I think it's better to get the room you requested than an upgrade. With me going solo, A king standard would probably be preferred for me (hates wasting beds in solo travel).

 

[Missytara]

I seriously doubt it! The front desk CMs are a non-tipped position, and from everything I've read, anyone in a non-tipped position can be immediately fired for accepting a tip.

That is correct.

A few years ago, my friend's mom passed away during our trip and we went to the concierge desk to get the number for Southwest to change her flight.

Everyone swung into action and helped us tremendously. When we got home, I talked to her and she said all along the way, she tried to tip everyone and they declined. One of the CM's at the desk did say they could not accept tips or they would lose their job.

 

[Lynne M]

After the check-in process began, I kindly asked the CM, "how much more would it cost for us to upgrade to a larger room?" She was not offended or appalled AT ALL. She politely excused herself and she returned with her manager a few minutes later. They did a few calculations and told me the price difference.

I agreed to the increase and was fully prepared to pay. As I was reaching for my credit card, the manager just smiled and said that there was no need for it!!

There's an important point here that I wanted to emphasize. When people talk about cast members being less than happy when they're asked for an upgrade, they're NOT talking about paid upgrades. No CM minds being asked how much it would cost to upgrade to a better room, why would they? It's more money for the hotel.

What doesn't go over quite so well is guests asking for free upgrades. Every hotel company has their own operational procedures, and at Disney hotels, directly asking for a free upgrade isn't going to work like it does at Vegas, or some other chains. Most upgrades are assigned in advance of your arrival. In the (less common) situation where a CM has the ability to grant a complimentary upgrade at check-in, it's the CM's choice who to give it to.

And given that choice, the CM would much rather give some nice, friendly guest a wonderful surprise and make their day, than just hand out the upgrade to someone who walks up and asks for it.

If you really, really want a complimentary upgrade, and you really, really want to ask, I'd strongly suggest phrasing it just like FirstTripEver did: "What would it cost to upgrade to a larger room?" Or club level, or a preferred room, or whatever you're looking for. That's a much pleasanter situation for the CM, and IF there's an upgrade available, gives them the chance to offer it to you.

If there aren't any upgrades available, they'll quote you the price difference, and if it's more than you care to pay, you can just politely decline.

 

[gogo]

There have been many threads about asking for free upgrades, etc. And there always seems to be an undertone that if someone asks for a free upgrade that those people are somehow trying to get over on all the others who pay for specific rooms. I respectfully disagree. Are there some who are greedy, cheap, etc.? Sure, there are extremes in every situation.

I just paid to stay CL at a deluxe resort and if a family asked about being upgraded to CL for free and they receive it, I really don't care. Now, if they did it consistently that may be another story. But after reading many posts and threads on this it seems like free upgrades are in fact given to those who ask occassionally and it appears that it is so random, I don't get upset if someone asks for it for free and they actually get it. I guess it's just being in the right place at the right time.

But, I just don't get that there is anything wrong with asking. Disney is a business and if a guest asks about free upgrades, Disney just may be inclined to make that guest as happy as someone who doesn't ask for it for free. Again, Disney wants to make money and happy guests will return. From a business standpoint, do they really care if one asks for it for free and another one doesn't?

In reality, I'd like to believe that is the case, but I don't think they really put that much concern into it. Yes, I know there will always be exceptions but overall they are getting paid to check you in, handle requests, etc. Judging guests personalities, demeanor, etc. is asking a lot of the cm. If an upgrade is available and someone asks a cm checking them in courteously, that cm would very likely ask her boss (or at least should) and that it may be determined then.

There are so many variables that go into who gets upgrades and who doesn't (as posts here have indicated). Until Disney has a specific rule about not giving free upgrades, those who want to inquire should.

 

[Bob NC]

What doesn't go over quite so well is guests asking for free upgrades. Every hotel company has their own operational procedures, and at Disney hotels, directly asking for a free upgrade isn't going to work like it does at Vegas, or some other chains.

I'm just curious, you state this as fact, are you a front desk CM or is this your opinion?

 

[Missytara]

I'm just curious, you state this as fact, are you a front desk CM or is this your opinion?

This is from a long time poster, who has read posts from other CM's on the boards who have worked the front desk who have specifically said that one way of not getting an "free" upgrade is specifically asking for one.

The CM's have posted specific reasons, both policy and their own experience for people asking for free upgrades at check-in.

 

[Buzz's Buddy]

I don't think there is anything wrong with asking for a free upgrade. I don't think I would do it, but I don't have a problem with someone else asking.

If I was a CM in that position though, I would be more likely to offer pixie dust to someone who doesn't ask, rather than someone who does, but maybe that's just me. I would rather be in control of who I gave pixie dust to.

 

[Bob NC]

I'm just curious, you state this as fact, are you a front desk CM or is this your opinion?

This is from a long time poster, who has read posts from other CM's on the boards who have worked the front desk who have specifically said that one way of not getting an "free" upgrade is specifically asking for one.

The CM's have posted specific reasons, both policy and their own experience for people asking for free upgrades at check-in.

Sorry, once again I am probably showing my stupidity, but, was there a reason Lynne couldn't answer that?


The only reason I'm asking these questions is I know I've seen CM's post that they don't mind being asked, and I've seen CM's post that they won't give an upgrade when asked.

I can see where non-CM's might say they would never give one when asked. I can also see where if I were a CM the whole "Not give an upgrade out of spite for asking" might wear out pretty quickly.

I could picture myself giving out upgrades to fun high energy Dis fans whether they ask or not. (Of course it would depend upon HOW they ask.)

This is why I asked LYNNE whether she was a CM, because the way her post was worded it kinda sounded like she might be.

 

[CuteAsMinnie]

Hi All,
Been lurking the boards for awhile and this is my first post! Been going to Disney yearly since 1988!

This year my brother and I are splurging to take my mother on a trip for her birthday, in early May. Her "bucket list" hotel is the Grand Floridian, so that's where we'll be staying. I want this to be the trip of a lifetime for her - she has had a rough year... breast cancer, lumpectomy, chemotherapy, etc. and she needs something fun to look forward to.

Once, when she and I had stayed at the Boardwalk several years ago, she casually asked if an upgrade was available. We ended up getting a great room on the concierge level, overlooking the Boardwalk (right over Spoodles! Or where Spoodles used to be!)

I'd love to get some kind of upgrade at the GF, if possible. Since the rooms are so pricey, we're doing the basic garden view. I'd like to ask at check in if an upgrade it possible. I don't want to play the cancer card, but if I mentioned it was her birthday, do you think that would help my chances? I don't want to come across as feeling entitled or being rude. It would just be AMAZING if it
would be possible on this trip.

Any tips for increasing my chances of an upgrade? Or is this something I shouldn't even attempt?

Thanks!

I just want to say you and your brother are absolutely, positively, ridiculously amazing and I'm guessing your mom thinks so too!

May I recommend calling CRO with your room requests; they'll ask you what you are celebrating and you can tell them anything! A celebration of your Mom's birthday, a celebration of your Mom's life after a very tough battle.... Whatever you choose, but choose something. You may not receive an upgrade but she'll get a birthday button which to her now has a whole new meaning! An added expense but flowers waiting for her in your room upon your arrival would be sweet

Enjoy this very special trip with your Mom! She is a lucky lady!

 

[*Fantasia*]

What would be a wonderful surprise is if you did ask for an upgrade and the staff gave you the upgrade.. just like that! Wishful thinking! Nope.. I never tried to ask for an upgrade.

 

[tinkermommyof3]

Hi All,
Been lurking the boards for awhile and this is my first post! Been going to Disney yearly since 1988!

This year my brother and I are splurging to take my mother on a trip for her birthday, in early May. Her "bucket list" hotel is the Grand Floridian, so that's where we'll be staying. I want this to be the trip of a lifetime for her - she has had a rough year... breast cancer, lumpectomy, chemotherapy, etc. and she needs something fun to look forward to.

Once, when she and I had stayed at the Boardwalk several years ago, she casually asked if an upgrade was available. We ended up getting a great room on the concierge level, overlooking the Boardwalk (right over Spoodles! Or where Spoodles used to be!)

I'd love to get some kind of upgrade at the GF, if possible. Since the rooms are so pricey, we're doing the basic garden view. I'd like to ask at check in if an upgrade it possible. I don't want to play the cancer card, but if I mentioned it was her birthday, do you think that would help my chances? I don't want to come across as feeling entitled or being rude. It would just be AMAZING if it would be possible on this trip.

Any tips for increasing my chances of an upgrade? Or is this something I shouldn't even attempt?

Thanks!

As a mother myself, I think it so special what you are doing for your mother. Typcially on reservations, you can note whether it is a Birthday, Anniversary, First Visit, etc. This way your mother's birthday will be noted in advance. You seemed to answer your own question about whether to ask for an upgrade and with what tone. Your mother asked casually and it worked. I don't believe you thought your mother was rude for inquiring. Do what you makes you feel comfortable.

 

[stargazertechie]

Its tacky to ask for free stuff.

You miss 100% of the shots that you don't take. It's not tacky at all, it's actually common in the travel industry.

I've been upgraded to first class (no frequent flyer status, no points, no fee) simply by chatting with the gate agent and asking if there was any availability.

 

[Lynne M]

Sorry, once again I am probably showing my stupidity, but, was there a reason Lynne couldn't answer that?


The only reason I'm asking these questions is I know I've seen CM's post that they don't mind being asked, and I've seen CM's post that they won't give an upgrade when asked.

I can see where non-CM's might say they would never give one when asked. I can also see where if I were a CM the whole "Not give an upgrade out of spite for asking" might wear out pretty quickly.

I could picture myself giving out upgrades to fun high energy Dis fans whether they ask or not. (Of course it would depend upon HOW they ask.)

This is why I asked LYNNE whether she was a CM, because the way her post was worded it kinda sounded like she might be.

Lynne couldn't answer that because she hasn't looked at the thread since yesterday.

I'm not a CM, but I've read many, many posts over the years from current and former front desk CMs who've described the upgrade process, the things that increase chances of getting a free upgrade, and the things that decrease a guest's chances of getting one. I'm sure there's variation among CMs, to some extent, and there's no hard and fast corporate rule that "thou shalt not give free stuff to customers who ask for it."

There've also been probably hundreds of posts on this board from guests talking about complimentary upgrades they've received, and the common thread in those posts is "we were SO surprised!", which bears out what the CMs have said about the way the process works.

Hotel companies each have their own policies on upgrades, and the tips and tricks of asking for upgrades varies across the travel industry. In Vegas, if you want an upgrade, slipping some money to the front desk clerk will increase your chances. At some chains, flashing your frequent traveler card will get you into a better room.

At Disney resorts, the experience of CMs and frequent Disney resort guests tells us that that if you want to ask for an upgrade, the best way to do it is to ask how much it would cost.

And personally, I think that makes sense. Given that CMs don't always have upgrades to give out, a guest walking up and asking me for a free upgrade puts me in the position of having to say no to the guest, which makes the encounter a negative one. A guest asking me how much one would cost? I don't have to refuse the guest or disappoint the guest, I just give them the number. Maybe they're happy to pay it, and I get credit for an up-sell. Maybe I can give them an upgrade, and really make their day. The guest is happy, I'm happy, it's a Good Thing.

 

[GaBelle]

I just want to say you and your brother are absolutely, positively, ridiculously amazing and I'm guessing your mom thinks so too!

May I recommend calling CRO with your room requests; they'll ask you what you are celebrating and you can tell them anything! A celebration of your Mom's birthday, a celebration of your Mom's life after a very tough battle.... Whatever you choose, but choose something. You may not receive an upgrade but she'll get a birthday button which to her now has a whole new meaning! An added expense but flowers waiting for her in your room upon your arrival would be sweet

Enjoy this very special trip with your Mom! She is a lucky lady!

I agree! You guys are definitely celebrating your Mom's recovery! I would add that celebration to your reservation. GF service is out of this world! I personally think that if they don't automatically give you an upgrade, it will not hurt to ask. It's all in the way that you go about it.
I hope you guys have an amazing time!

 

[MyPrinceWillCome]

Thank you!

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Hi All,
Been lurking the boards for awhile and this is my first post! Been going to Disney yearly since 1988!

This year my brother and I are splurging to take my mother on a trip for her birthday, in early May. Her "bucket list" hotel is the Grand Floridian, so that's where we'll be staying. I want this to be the trip of a lifetime for her - she has had a rough year... breast cancer, lumpectomy, chemotherapy, etc. and she needs something fun to look forward to.

Once, when she and I had stayed at the Boardwalk several years ago, she casually asked if an upgrade was available. We ended up getting a great room on the concierge level, overlooking the Boardwalk (right over Spoodles! Or where Spoodles used to be!)

I'd love to get some kind of upgrade at the GF, if possible. Since the rooms are so pricey, we're doing the basic garden view. I'd like to ask at check in if an upgrade it possible. I don't want to play the cancer card, but if I mentioned it was her birthday, do you think that would help my chances? I don't want to come across as feeling entitled or being rude. It would just be AMAZING if it would be possible on this trip.

Any tips for increasing my chances of an upgrade? Or is this something I shouldn't even attempt?

Thanks!

I just stayed at GF a few weeks ago..also in a Garden room and our room was facing the main pool but we could see the fireworks every night from our 5th floor balcony! It was very magical without a view of the castle. Both my DBF and I agreed that we'd rather have that view which was a Garden than a Lagoon View (more $$) of Poly..of course MK view is the best! If you'd like to request it, it was Big Pine Key and we were in room 9510. We could hear Wishes perfectly and hear the MK Rope Drop music and Dream Along with Mickey! The other side of the building was a Lagoon view of the Poly and the new DVC of GF. I doubt you could see the fireworks from that side.

Have a great trip