AKL upgrade question

[jl3614]

We have a standard room booked at AKL for a week of spring break - April 2 - 9.

I have read a lot of reports on these boards of people getting upgrades, in fact very few people have report that they were not upgraded from their standard.

So I question, is it Disney policy to automatically upgrade at this hotel if it is not at or near capacity?

I have attempted to make reservations for a standard room at WL a couple of times and that level room was sold out both times - more expensive rooms were available. Yet AKL has many fewer standard rooms and I had no problem getting one even during a busy time of the year. Is it possible that disney books more standard rooms than they really have - intending to upgrade a certain percentage of people just as a marketing ploy?

I'm not complaining, and I certainly would enjoy an upgrade if it happens to us. It is just curious to me - so few rooms, no apparent problems getting a reservation, and so many upgrades.

Is anyone privy to disney's marketing strategy for AKL, who would like to share some insight.?

 

[PratersloveDW]

I have heard that the Animal Kingdom Lodge is not filling up as much as they expected (this is just a rumor I have heard, I DO NOT know for sure). I have know idea if it is a marketing ploy (if it is then WHOO RAH to AKL!). When we stayed there, we were upgraded. The rooms are beautiful, as is the resort. Have a magical stay!

 

[roozlilone]

That's a great question, I was wandering the same thing...we stayed at the AKL a year ago, booked a standard room and upon checkin was upgraded twice to a DELUXE savannah room without asking! I was thrilled!!

 

[disneyag]

We were upgraded last summer from standard to Deluxe Savannah. However, DON"T count on it. My SIL went in May expecting to get an upgrade. WHen one wasn't offered, she asked and was quoted rack rate for a move.

 

[CBCit]

Getting upgraded or not is probably a combination of luck and the time of year your there. I would think that the least likely time to get an upgrade would be Xmas break followed by Spring break.They are probably full then.

 

[RPrincess]

We just got back yesterday from there and when I checked in I asked about upgrading and was told that I would have to pay for it. In addition we ended up having to sleep in another room our last night and they had trouble finding a room close by our room at the same level because they were booked up.

So I wouldn't count on being upgraded at AKL, just my opinion.

 

[angey77]

We were very pleasant to the CM checking us in (we had motive). We were booked with the pool view and after chit-chatting, we asked how much an upgrade would cost us. We were so excited when he said "It will break you ... $10 more per night!" Needless to say, we jumped on it. Just be pleasant in asking and maybe you'll luck out! We look back and wish we would have asked how much an upgrade to concierge would have been