I was asking if Disney followed a common industry practice. No need for the tone.
From what I have seen Disney does not follow typical industry practice.
Many 'serious' Disney fans only go to Disney, they do not travel to other places..they are not experienced with how the rest of the chain hotels do things. Even someone who vacations once a year and stays at hotels does not have the kind of knowledge a business traveler has.
As a light business traveler married to a heavy business traveler, we realize Disney does not operate like chain hotels do - they do not reward you (as far as I can tell) for repeat stays, do not care if you go two times a year or two times in your life. They handle upgrades differently but still use a system to determine if/when you will upgrade you. Pay full price for your category? slightly better chance to get an upgrade. low occupancy in the category above you, but heavy occupancy in the category you are in? better chance.
book a premium or platinum stay? slightly better chance. Short stay? better chance. Going for a special occasion? slightly better chance.
We went twice on the platinum plan, celebration our honeymoon (2003) and our 5th anniversary (2008)
2003: AKL, paid for savannah view, asked for king bed. got savannah view room, double (queen?) size beds. Only other option was one bed and two bunk beds. (Possible Reason: crowded, columbus day, we got a buy 4 nights get 3 free nights deal, not a lot of chances for upgrade)
2008: Poly, paid for Theme Park View, got upgraded to club level HI bulding, MK View. (Possible Reason: went earlier in the month, very low park crowds, paid full price, 5th anniversary, CL was not full, Tahiti building was very full it seems facing the lagoon, which is where many of the MK view rooms are, platinum plan gets IPO and turndown service.)
We just hit a very lucky combination there.
My moto: Book the room you want and be happy when you get it.
When we go for our 10th, we are pretty much doing the same trip we did for our 5th, but one day shorter and one day earlier. While we hope for an upgrade...we will just expect the room we paid for.. MK view, Poly.