Any tips on how to get upgrades?

[bhoffman]

We are staying at the Beach club, does anyone have any tips at all on how to have the best chance of getting an upgrade? Do all rooms here accomodate 5 people? If not, what kind of accomodations do they have for 5 people? THANKS!!

 

[mtdevine615]

The best way to get an upgrade is to ask for one. It worked for me at BC and YC. Didn't work at WL. The last time we stayed at the BC there were only two queen beds.

 

[katallo]

Ask at checkin as nicely as possible. They will usually work with you if they can. I've actually been offered upgrades without asking.

 

[ducklite]

Not every room has a daybed, but if you book a room for five guests there will be a daybed that is the size of a twin bed.

Anne

 

[TammiMcMan]

Your best bet is to put a notation on your reservation for what you'd like. At the Beach Club, if a full balcony is a priority, then list it (some rooms have no balconies, while others have standing room only). If you have a standard (garden) view, request lake side to lessen the chance of overlooking the parking lot. As Anne mentioned, rooms for 5 will have 2 queen beds and a daybed. If you have 5 people listed on your reservation, that's what you'll get.

Not sure what you're looking for in an upgrade, but it depends greatly on what time of year you go and obviously what the resort capacity is. Better views seem to be the most common for those that do get upgrades. You could always ask at check-in, but you might lose a balcony to gain a water view. That's why you need to decide what the priorities are for this trip. If you were looking for an upgrade to a suite or concierge level, be prepared to reach into your wallet. Complimentary upgrades to these rooms do happen, but it's not very often.

I would suggest that you not go expecting an upgrade. From reading these boards, it does sound like it happens alot, but it's just that people report when it does happen as opposed to just getting what they booked. Plus, if magic does occur during your trip, that makes it all the more special.

 

[Peter Pirate]

I honestly think the best way to get an upgrade is to do nothing at all. I think most room assignors and FD CM's look at these requests as people looking for freebies (which they are, of course) and are more and more less inclined to fulfill these requests. I'm sure this is true at AKL and I'd bet all the Resorts CM's feel the same with the occasional exception, of course.

 

[Hippychickali]

Here's an idea. Pay for what you want in the first place and then you won't have to worry about tactics for getting a free upgrade.

A thread exactly like this ended badly awhile back. Something about training your small children to be cute and say the right things in order to snag a freebie.

Ali

 

[bhoffman]

Here's an idea. Pay for what you want in the first place and then you won't have to worry about tactics for getting a free upgrade.

A thread exactly like this ended badly awhile back. Something about training your small children to be cute and say the right things in order to snag a freebie.

Ali

Thanks for all the information from all that have responded. It is worth noting that not all upgrades are "free" and that upgrades to one visitor may help the resort out of a jam, like someone wanting to extend their visit for the room you were "booked for" and so on. Upgrades are used by the resorts, it is within their system just like codes are used for great rates. I don't believe anyone is going to be worried about getting an upgrade, especially considering the cost of a Disney vacation. There have been some great ideas here and I am glad that noone suggested nor hinted nor asked how to use their children or anything else as a "ploy".

 

[cra-z-4-dizney]

Here's an idea. Pay for what you want in the first place and then you won't have to worry about tactics for getting a free upgrade.

A thread exactly like this ended badly awhile back. Something about training your small children to be cute and say the right things in order to snag a freebie.

Ali

Who said anything about using small children??? The OP was just wondering if there were tips on getting an upgrade, what is wrong with that??? I paid for what I want but you can better believe that if I get an upgrade I will be happier then a pig in poo!!!!!! Lately people can not post on these boards without someone making a debate out of it...if you do not want to respond to the question asked then kindly skip over the thread.

 

[Hippychickali]

Who said anything about using small children??? The OP was just wondering if there were tips on getting an upgrade, what is wrong with that??? I paid for what I want but you can better believe that if I get an upgrade I will be happier then a pig in poo!!!!!! Lately people can not post on these boards without someone making a debate out of it...if you do not want to respond to the question asked then kindly skip over the thread.

If you go back and read my comment, it is obvious that I was referring to the last thread on this exact same topic.

I did want to respond to the OP's question and that's what I did.

Maybe I could have some clarification. To the OP: Are you asking how you can get a "free" upgrade?

Ali

 

[RachelTori]

If you go back and read my comment, it is obvious that I was referring to the last thread on this exact same topic.

I did want to respond to the OP's question and that's what I did.

Maybe I could have some clarification. To the OP: Are you asking how you can get a "free" upgrade?

Ali

I remember that thread and it *did* get a bit out of control That particular poster was gloating over how her adorable daughter aided in securing upgrades. As I remember, what seemed to upset people was how she was blatantly teaching her daughter the *art* of flaunting it.

 

[cjsmith]

We are staying at the Beach club, does anyone have any tips at all on how to have the best chance of getting an upgrade? Do all rooms here accomodate 5 people? If not, what kind of accomodations do they have for 5 people? THANKS!!

If you have 5 down in your party you'll be put in a room with 2 queen beds and a daybed. Only once in our very numerous stays at the YC or BC did we only get a room with 2 queen beds. They brought a rollaway in and moved us the next day to another room since you couldn't go out on the balcony with the rollaway in the room.

As far as getting an upgrade, it's the luck of the draw most of the time. You can always ask when you arrive,sometimes they'll offer you a paid upgrade and sometimes they'll give you a better view. I always say to book exactly what you'll be happy with and not expect anything. Even with us spending about 25 nights a year over at the YC, we very rarely got any kind of upgrade. With the thousands of people who visit every week at these resorts they can't upgrade everyone!

 

[cra-z-4-dizney]

I did want to respond to the OP's question and that's what I did.

Maybe I could have some clarification. To the OP: Are you asking how you can get a "free" upgrade?

Ali

But you really didn't respnd to the OP's question..she wanted to know if there were any tips on getting an upgrade...you didn't give a tip...you said pay for what you want then you won't have to worry about it.
Whether she(or he) wants a free upgrade or paid one what difference does that make?? She is not asking..."How can I use(or should I say abuse) my child to get an upgrade?"
I am not trying to sound like a *itch, but I think that it is so hard to even post on these borads anymore without someone bashing you. I think if you (meaning the general you not YOU in particular) do not want to answer what the OP is asking then just skip over that thread that's all.

 

[ducklite]

As far as getting an upgrade, my best advice is book what you'd be happy in.

Next, when you arrive, ask if there are any upgrades available.

You'll be told one of three things:

1. "No"
2. "yes for $"X""
3. "How does a king bed/waterview/insert other upgrade sound today?"

Anne

 

[Lewisc]

You're more likely to get an upgrade if you're willing to accept an upgraded view room that people who are paying for that view don't want. For BC/YC that means a long walk from the elevator and possibly a stand up balcony. You might say something like I'd like a nice view, or even say water view, and I don't mind a long walk from the elevator. You might even say something like we never use the balcony.

You can increase your odds if you book during a slow season. If the hotel has high occupancy dont' count on any upgrades.

You need a room with 2 Q beds and a daybed. You'll get an upgrade without asking if that's where the available rooms are. You certainly wouldn't want a view upgrade if it meant getting a rollaway.

Decide what you want, sometimes a room of your choice in the cateogry you reserved may be preferable to a view upgrade that doesn't meet any of your other requests.

 

[Hippychickali]

But you really didn't respnd to the OP's question..she wanted to know if there were any tips on getting an upgrade...you didn't give a tip...you said pay for what you want then you won't have to worry about it.
Whether she(or he) wants a free upgrade or paid one what difference does that make??

Excuse me but that is my tip! The best way to get an upgrade is to pay for it. That's why it makes a big difference if the OP wants to know how to get a free upgrade or a paid one. I'm sorry if you don't think I was entitled to share my opinion.

Ali

 

[kirbsam]

play nice people...

 

[Lewisc]

Excuse me but that is my tip! The best way to get an upgrade is to pay for it. That's why it makes a big difference if the OP wants to know how to get a free upgrade or a paid one. I'm sorry if you don't think I was entitled to share my opinion.

Ali

I think most of us, including you, kind of know OP was asking about getting a free upgrade.

My free upgrades have been minor view upgrades. Quiet pool view and canal view. These views were nice but I'm not sure I would have paid a premium for them. If I paid for a water view at BC I would have been very disappointed if I didn't get a view of Crescent Lake. I decided that booking standard and hoping for a nice room, upgraded or not, is better than paying for a premium view and then being disappointed.

For many guests things like bed configuration (2 Q vs K), floor and proximity to the elevator and lobby is much more important than a view upgrade. Guests should consider what's important before trying to snag a free upgrade.

 

[bhoffman]

I'm really sorry this has gotten turned into a debate. I am new here and assumed everything would be friendly on a DISNEY web site! Anyhow, I was really asking about both a free upgrade or a paid one. We are being sent on this trip so I was curious with 5 people what kind of room they would book for us, and if I would want an upgrade on that room. Like one poster said, I may not want to pay for a say, water view, but it would be nice to have if they have one sitting empty. What difference does it make to the hotel to change those beds instead of a non-water view? It really was an innocent question, just looking for information. I will be happy in any room at the beach club, just trying to figure out all the options.

 

[BamaTigger]

I have always wondered how this works too!!!

I always hear and read on these boards of folks getting "free upgrades" and I am just too chicken to ask at check-in!!!!!!!!

I guess I just dont wanna embarrass myself when they tell me no!

Cause I never have any luck with NOTHING like that and heck, im just happy when I get my courtyard view, AND Im at Disney, and I dont wanna push my luck!!!