Anyone ever get a room upgrade just by asking at the Old Key West Resort

[pjmoore14]

Just wondering if there are any tricks to getting an upgrade from a studio to a 1 bedroom just by asking. Or are there any special codes?

We have reserved a studio at the OKW but would really love to stay in a 1 bedroom. Since we are from Canada and the exchange rate on the dollar is atrocious, we can't really afford the 1 bedroom. Just hoped there might be some tips on being able to talk the resort into a free upgrade. (I guess I'm asking a bit much!!!!!!!!!!) Oh well. It doesn't hurt to dream....... Thanks for any tips you guys have.

 

[ducklite]

I'd like to point out that the exchange rate is not atrocious. You have CD, we have USD. They are NOT the same currency, even though they both are called dollars. If we both used the same currency, and WDW valued your money lower just because you are Canadian, then you can say it's atrocious. But until then, it's no different than converting your currency to the Euro...it's a different currency!

You probably wo'nt get an upgrade at OKW, because 97% of the units are owned by DVC members, which means that in most cases when rooms are available, it's because a member traded out, so their "allotment" was made available for rental.

Anne

 

[JillU-DVC]

pjmoore14

I think it's unlikely that you'll get an upgrade - even if there are empty 1 bedrooms. However, it never hurts to ask - just ask when you're checking in.

If you can't afford the rack rates for a 1 bedroom at OKW, you may want to check out the DVC Rent/Trade board - you may be able to rent DVC points for your OKW stay that may be cheaper than paying the rack rate for a 1 bedroom.

The biggest difference you'll see (between paying the standard rate at OKW and renting from a DVC member) is that you will not get daily maid service when renting points. On the 4th day, you'll get trash and towel service (they will take out the trash and give you fresh towels), and on the 8th day of your stay, you'd get a full cleaning (including fresh towels, make the bed, vacuum, dishes, etc).

The one bedroom has a full sized washer dryer, which makes things a lot easier - we always toss our towels in the dryer after our shower, and always have dry towels when we get back to the room at teh end of the day.

Hope this helps!!

 

[pjmoore14]

Anne,

Point taken. I apologize if I offended you in any way. Atrocious was a poor choice of words.

I do understand that we are different countries with different currencies. I guess as such close friends and neighbours it is hard, at times, not to think of us as sisters.

Also, this is our dream vacation. We have been dreaming of going to Walt Disney World for so long now, that there were days long ago when the Cdn. and the U.S. dollar were quite a bit closer so when you planned on spending $13,000.00 U.S. it didn't cost you over $21,000.00 Cdn.

Again, I apologize if I offended you.

 

[pjmoore14]

JillU,

Your info helps, thanks once again.

 

[ducklite]

No offense taken.

Anne

 

[caverill]

I am also a DVC member and I believe your chances of getting an upgrade are not good. It won't hurt to ask however.

You did mention that this is your "Dream Vacation". I believe you will be very, very happy with your studio if you are not about to be upgraded.

I believe that the studios at OKW are the largest rooms on-site compared to the standard hotel rooms at any of the deluxe hotels (GF, Poly, Comp, WL, YC/BC, BWV). You will have a microwave, refrig, toaster, and coffee pot in your room.

You will not be disappointed with a studio, if that is what you end up with.

 

[hockey mom]

Have you thought about renting points from a DVC member. Thats what we did for our vacation, and it worked out much cheaper. I have to agree with you though, the exchange rate is brutal, and could really jack up the cost of a vacation.

 

[slimplaw]

If you are actually spending an extremely large amount, you might consider buying in DVC before you go on your trip instead of spending a large amount. You may buy into DVC for around $11,000 right now. Even if you only come to WDW every other year, you would have enough points for a 1 or 2 bedroom depending on when you visit.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Buying into DVC might really be a good way to get the best use of your money. You might look into resales at OKW to get the best price for your money. The Boardwalk Villas point sometimes run a little higher since they are fewer in number than the OKW points. We own at OKW and love it there. They are selling the new Beach Club Villa points for $75/point right now with a $5 per point rebate that you can use towards your downpayment. Check out the DVC information on the DVC board.

 

[schwaa]

pjmoore14 -

I don't think you should apologize to ducklite. You were correct in saying the exchange rate is atrocious.

Example:

Minimum wage in Montreal is $7.00; in New York it's $5.15

for a person making minimum wage who lives in NY to pay for one night at the contemporary resort, they would have to work 55 hours.*

for a person making minimum wage in montreal to pay for one night at the contemporary resort, they would have to work for 64 hours.*
*(this is assuming no taxes are taken out of the paychecks).

The exchange rate sucks for Canadians and is wonderful for Americans right now.

I think you were out of line with your comment ducklite. It's a different currency but the fact is their dollar is still worth less than our dollar. They need $1.58 of their money to have $1 of our money. That is an atrocious exchange rate for canadians.

That $7.00 per hour in Montreal is only worth $4.43 in US dollars.

 

[supamaki]

I think Schwaa is right, ducklite was a bit harsh.

 

[Richyams]

The weakness in the Canadian currency is just another benefit of socialism.

All they have to do is get rid of their socialist government and their currency will strengthen.

 

[Gillian]

DVC might be the way to go! For now, points at the beach club villas are $75/point or $11,250 (US) for 150 pts plus maintenance. You could take a really nice trip every other year.

for resales
http://www.dvc-resales.com/

I don't know anything about the exchange rate

 

[pjmoore14]

Hey guys,

I really didn't want to start a political debate here. I just wanted to find out how to get the most out of my dollar. Are we not at a "Disney" site?? Where dreams can come true!

Everyone else, thanks for your advise. I am checking out the DVC board for information.

 

[cottontail]

Hey guys that exchange rate is around $1.60/61 canadian to purchase $1.00 american. It hurts.

Boy that does add ALOT to a vacation.

Every $100 american is $160.00 canadian, every $1000 american is $1600 canadian, plus if you put it on your visa, they add another 2% for their service charge.

I don't understand it, back in l990 it was $1.31 per $1.00 american, who knows what happened between then and now to change the dollar so much.

Our minimum wage may be higher but we have that dreaded tax
l5% on all their purchases here in canada, from clothes to some groceries, and hydro bill, phone bill, gas bill for heat, automobiles,

The canadian government takes alot from its workers.

Deb.

 

[ducklite]

Originally posted by schwaa
pjmoore14 -

I don't think you should apologize to ducklite. You were correct in saying the exchange rate is atrocious.

Example:

Minimum wage in Montreal is $7.00; in New York it's $5.15

for a person making minimum wage who lives in NY to pay for one night at the contemporary resort, they would have to work 55 hours.*

for a person making minimum wage in montreal to pay for one night at the contemporary resort, they would have to work for 64 hours.*
*(this is assuming no taxes are taken out of the paychecks).

The exchange rate sucks for Canadians and is wonderful for Americans right now.

I think you were out of line with your comment ducklite. It's a different currency but the fact is their dollar is still worth less than our dollar. They need $1.58 of their money to have $1 of our money. That is an atrocious exchange rate for canadians.

That $7.00 per hour in Montreal is only worth $4.43 in US dollars.

You aren't comparing apples to apples. Look at their health care system. We pay thousands a year for private health care, they don't. The cost of housing is considerably lower, so they have more disposable income. The cost of many goods and services is much lower. One of my best friends lives in Calgary. Her house is similar in size and type to mine. Mine would cost three times the amount of money to buy, and that's figuring in the exchange rate. Additionally my property taxes are almost six times what hers are after the exchange rate.

Anne (Who thinks it would be beneficial for all of North America to go to a unified currency)

 

[cottontail]

Hi Ducklite:

I watched a magazine show about 6 months ago that said just the opposite, that americans that are considered middleclass by income standards, have alot more disposable income than canadians. Back in the l960's i think they said it used to be the opposite, but all that has changed.

Our health care system is great but it is starting to have problems too, one example a young man died in the ambulance in the toronto area a couple of years ago, cause the emergency rooms turned him away, i think two turned him away. It was sad.

I know I had heard on the radio that some high risk pregnancies are being taken to buffalo from the toronto area cause there are not enough beds or staff.

But our tax system is so high to pay for this. So maybe it all equals out you paying for your health care out of your pocket, and the amount of tax on everything we pay for from gas to who knows what to pay for our health care.

You guys can write off your mortgage interest, which is great. I sure wish we could have done that especially since years ago mine was at 15% yuck, for a couple of years.

I don't think our houses are cheaper in ontario anyways, maybe it is different in calgary, an older three bedroom house in ontario about 40 to 50 years old is around $l50,000 and you pay $3,000 a year in house taxes for this older house that needs updating. Single new houses are over $200,000. Now toronto area is even more expensive.

I just can't figure out why our dollar is so different than the american dollar, there has been talk every once in a while about changing to the american dollar, but it has not happened yet.

But I sure do know that let down feeling when we go to CAA and change money from canadian to american for travellers cheques, we give our $1,000 and only get back $633 american to spend on a trip.

I would like to see all of north america on the same currency.

I only meant this to add to the conversation not to put anyone down in anyway. Have a nice day.

Bye,

Deb.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I doubt that you will get an upgrade at any of the member resorts.
Don't blame you for wanting a one bedroom, they are very nice.
Like others suggested, it might be good to check the DVC rent board, and, you might make out a lot better.