Always Get Complimentary Upgrades At AKL?

[Disneyluver4Life]

All I keep reading about is people getting a complimentary upgrade at Akl and I am getting so excited.Also, I hear people saying they only had to pay 10 dollars more a night for a better view. All I was able to book was standard view since its soap weekend and NJ Week. So, my question is what is yor experience with getting an upgrade? Do you ask for one? Or do they give it? I dont want to be let down by expecting more so I keep telling myself hey your staying at a beautiful resort so just enjoy it =)

So lets hear it guys, do you think its a possibilty to get an upgrade?

 

[megrod74]

We stayed there last year, booked a standard view and were upgraded to pool view - without asking. I also noticed that many people get upgraded. We actually paid for a savannah view this year to make sure. Last year we paid $173 for 3 people (they charged for 3rd adult) in a standard view and this year it is $177 for savannah view. Clearly we overpaid last year! I would definitely suggest asking for an upgrade if it is not offered; it can't hurt!

 

[jds]

It sounds like you're going at what might be a busy time, so I would definitely NOT count on getting an upgrade. When we were there over Columbus Day weekend last month we were told the resort was completely full (except for a couple of suites that were out of our price range!), so no upgrades were available. (I did ask at check-in.) But I'm sure you'll enjoy your visit, even with a standard view room--we did! Have a great trip...

 

[Peter Pirate]

I wouldn't count on the upgrade either...But if it comes you'll be happy. If not you'll just have to explore the Resort more frequently - which is definately not a bad thing.

As for the rates megrod74, you didn't overpay last year the rooms were just going for more. Right now they are low because demand has been low at WDW...I'd be willing to bet by next year the 177 will be looking pretty good. As soon as enough people visit this resort it will become one of the favorites I'm sure...

 

[julfre]

ASk for the upgrade, but that week is very busy and if they were all out of the savannah view rooms when you tried to reserve a room, I wouldn't go with the thought that you will get a free upgrade. Also, remember people tend to write only when they get something extra(like an upgrade) so these boards sometimes give a slanted point of view on upgrades etc.

 

[dclfun]

Alot of people were moved from CBR to AKL when CBR closed for renovations. These guests were offered a great deal with a small extra charge to move there, and it sounds like they were offered savannah view rooms. So basically, it may not be possible to get an upgrade, but it never hurts to ask. Just don't have expectations of getting it, then you won't be disappointed. Then if it does happen- hooray! ---Kathy

 

[las3888]

We were upgraded to a pool view complimentary upon checking without asking. In our ressie, the only request for our standard view room was "best view possible".

We did get the $10 upgrade, but only because the CM originally thought we were in a pool view room going to a savannah, which is $10/nite. Once she quoted the $10 and found we actually paid for a standard, she didn't go back and change it, so we got kind of lucky. It is $61/nite going from standard view to savannah.

I know alot of people write about complimentary upgrades, and it really doesn't happen to us often. We checked in on a very slow Tuesday and left Saturday, so we weren't there during the busy weekend time for AKL. I really hate hoping for any kind of upgrade, because if you don't get it, it can make me feel sort of slighted, which is wrong to feel that way.

I looked up a few times when we were going to the parking lot and there were definitely people in standard view rooms overlooking the parking lot - there are certainly many who didn't get any kind of upgrade.

I have read more often that people get upgraded to pool view. Only once in a great while do I read about a full upgrade to savannah...

I hope it happens for you, though, good luck!

 

[jiminyfan]

Over the July 4th holiday we were upgraded from a STANDARD to a Savannah view at NO charge. It was a very pleasant surprise. WE did pay the Savannah view rate the previous October, so I am not sure if this played into it or not.

The resort - AKL - is our favorite hands down and we would be happy anywhere, but having a savannah view is a BIG deal to my 3 year old son. Of course, last trip we stayed at ASMovies and he was thrilled to be in the Toy Story building. and I was happy to see that saved us big $$$$$$.

 

[Carnotaurus]

So, has anyone ever asked for a free upgrade and gotten one?

It seems like people the people who do get free upgrades are just offered them.

We were upgraded last November from a standard to a pool view, which was actually very nice. The time before that, we were upgraded from a standard to a savannah, which was very, VERY nice.

I feel so spoiled, and I'm worried about our Feb. trip. We got standard view rooms for $109/night! A greatd deal, but will I be disappointed by a bad view??

 

[gepetto]

Most of the resorts are full that weekend so I doubt you will see an upgrade. You may try to ask that you don't get one of those rooms on the way to the bus stop with the concrete wall rather than a balcony.

 

[Trekker]

If you are really counting on an upgrade to a better view, and will be disappointed if you do not get it - the only way to gaurantee that view is to book it and pay for it.

As stated by other posters - everyone does not Always Get Complimentary Upgrades At AKL. I would bet it is a very small % of people who get a free upgrade. Most people posting here seem to have paid for thier upgrade....

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Originally posted by Disneyluver4Life
All I was able to book was standard view since its soap weekend and NJ Week.
[...]
So lets hear it guys, do you think its a possibilty to get an upgrade?

From what I hear... we are running at 100% capacity all around property for the Superstar Soap Weekend... Not a room left, so they say. So, unfortunetly, the chances of getting an upgrade will probably be slim to none...

 

[megrod74]

OH, I forgot to mention that when we went last year and got the free upgrade it was Dec. 2001 and the parks were really empty; also we had been bumped from POR. Those things probably made a difference. It is a beautiful resort no matter what the view. There are lots of places to relax and watch the animals.

Thanks, Peter Pirate, I don't feel so bad now!

 

[lillykat]

we were given a complementary upgrade when we checked in we were going to ask but they upgraded us before we could - we were supposed to get a standard view but they moved us up to a savannah - We checked in the day before the marathon in january and were staying for 8 days. The hotel was extremely crowded when we checked in but I think they gave us the upgrade because there were a huge number of people checking out on sunday and monday

 

[d-r]

I think one reason that you see so many upgrade stories from AKL is that there are so few standard rooms in comparison to other views - the odds are just higher.

 

[HM]

I got one once and didn't the next trip. It was mostly a result of how many rooms were booked during the two trips. Early Aug 2001 trip the Lodge was at about 60% ;early Dec 2001 trip it was completely booked until our last night.

Don't go in counting on it. -HM

 

[Carnotaurus]

Hmmm, it seems like the people who get free upgrades don't ask for them.

Here's a question: Does it cost more/less/or the same to get an upgrade at check-in compared to booking it ahead of time??

 

[Tinkerbell2]

I wouldnt ASK for one...It seems that people that ask dont get them or if they do get them they have to pay.

We went memorial weekend last year and we actually checked in a day early and they offered us the reduced rate we had for the rest of our stay for that night as well. Then they also gave us the upgrade. WHich was VERY nice that we got the reduced rate AND the upgrade. But I wouldnt go in and ASK for a free upgrade...thats kinda rude. WHat you COULD do if the upgrade is that important to you is ask "How much would it cost for yus to upgrade to Savanah view?"

 

[Muffy]

I always ask if a complimentary upgrade is available. If you don't ask you may not get offered anything. This has always worked for me. I have received some awesome upgrades including a Jr. suite at the BC. We have a savahanna room booked at AKL but I will still ask for a upgrade to the best view, etc.

 

[antkim]

So if you already have a savannah view booked would the upgrade be to concierge?This will be our first trip staying at AKL so I'm not sure.
I can assure you that asking for an upgrade is NOT rude.I used to work as a travel agent and this was always suggested to clients.If the hotels have availability in better rooms they are usually happy to upgrade you at with no or little extra cost.I'm not sure how many of you have checked out tourguidemike's site(as recommended by Mary at mousesavers)but he even suggests asking for an upgrade at check in.The only thing you shouln't do is expect it as you are only setting yourself up for disappointment.
Hope everyone enjoys their trips!I know we will!!!!
Kim