Can we talk upgrades?

[Crystal_27]

Okay, I always read so many wonderful TRs about people who have been "blessed" with complementary upgrades when they check-in. So, I've been dying to ask: is it Pixie Dust or do you ask upon check-in if there are any complementary room upgrades available? How does it work.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Some people aren't comfortable asking and there can be some awkward moments if the upgrade is not quite complimentary. Others who might be a little more hotel savvy, say that asking is fairly standard at many other hotel chains.

For the most part, complimentary upgrades have already been decided when you check in and although it's major pixie dust for the guest receiving it, it's usually done for the benefit of the resort. Simply put, it's the luck of the draw, but if you don't mind asking, it couldn't hurt.

 

[geokeim]

We always make it a point to call and find out the GM's name for the resort we're staying at and drop his/her name in the conversation.
The rest is just common sense. Be polite and use the persons name and ask how there day is going.
You would be surprised how far a little common courtesy and politeness will go.
(because so many people are just focused on themselves when they get to the window)
And above all, ASK!
Don't be timid about asking for upgrades. If they are available, they are glad to try and help you.
This formula does not work every time (sometimes they are truly fully booked)
but we've gotten upgrades at least 50% of the time.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

I've never asked for an upgrade at a Disney Hotel and we go alot, at least twice a year. but lately have stayed at the Swan or Dolphin usually. Well I am going to do a little trip report and a review on here but I sent a fax to the Polynesian since we booked through AA vacations this time and couldnt request anything on the reservation. I had DH sent a little letter saying it was our big anniversary and all we wanted was a 3rd floor balacony, garden view in 1 or 2 longhouse choices. I really didnt ask for much and not for anymore than what we paid/booked for etc. Well when we got there we were upgrade to concierge. I was breathless!!! It was purely magical!! We were also doing a split stay with the Yacht Club and I never even sent them a fax or asked for anything from them. Well when we got there they too told us we were upgrade to concierge and they even had balloons, candy, a towel animal and a signed mickey card for us. O.K. This was beyond magical now, but then again you only celebrate this anniv once in a lifetime. Also I suppose it helped that we didnt have the 3 ds with us this time. Just the 2 of us. We also belong to starwoods at the swan and dolphin and they are suppose to give you a comp upgrade but dh usually books a balcony view room anyway and only once did they upgrade us for free. I am looking into this more, like if we should just book a regular room next time etc. I never expect anything and one year we even stayed at the Polynesian 3 times with the 3 ds. Just got our regular garden view room every time. Just be polite, smile, not demanding etc. and maybe pixie dust will fly your way, also maybe if you check in before the 3 pm crowd which we always do too. if we can.

 

[raven69david]

We've stayed 3 times at AKL and originally booked a standard view room. Each time we've been upgraded to a Savanna view room for free. This is mainly due to staying 2nd week of December during Value season and there's availability. It's MUCH harder trying to do this on peak seasons or during holiday weeks/weekends.

When checking in, I simply ask "are there any free room upgrades available today?" and they always do it without saying anymore than that.

 

[lucywithdiamonds]

Once we had a problem with our room, it smelled like smoke (this was a few years ago). When we switched rooms we were upgraded to a pool view. We loved the room so much that we always request it when we make our reservation - so far we have gotten it almost every time (no additional charge). If you don't ask, you don't get. They have a lot of leeway with what they can do for guests.

 

[Crystal_27]

Woo-Hoo - I'm so glad to read that asking for an upgrade isn't considered a faux pas at Disney. Now I definitely won't feel bad about (politely) asking our check-in CM if an upgrade is available. Thanks, everyone, for the replies!

 

[IlovemythreeC's]

I always ask ~ and they usually always try to accomodate ~ or at least act like they do I usually in a jovial way say something like, you wouldn't have any complimentary upgrades available?

 

[aribelle]

We always make it a point to call and find out the GM's name for the resort we're staying at and drop his/her name in the conversation.
The rest is just common sense. Be polite and use the persons name and ask how there day is going.
You would be surprised how far a little common courtesy and politeness will go.
(because so many people are just focused on themselves when they get to the window)
And above all, ASK!
Don't be timid about asking for upgrades. If they are available, they are glad to try and help you.
This formula does not work every time (sometimes they are truly fully booked)
but we've gotten upgrades at least 50% of the time.

Ok, I'll show my hick tendencies here,.....WHAT exactly do you say? After a little chit chat, which hey, we do anyway, lol.....do I just say "So....can you give me a free upgrade?" Or do you want to know exactly what to ask for....like, is it possible to get a free preferred room....or a free....sheesh, what else is there to ask for, lol? We'll be at CBR if that helps.

I love pixie dust and am not above asking for some, but I guess you gotta know what you're asking for???

 

[Dizneydaz]

I've only asked for an upgrade once, and got it! It was Sept. 2004 at AKL. We had booked a standard room (great rate!) We had stayed there before with Savannah view and loved it! That was the year the hurricanes hit WDW. Luckily our trip was between hurricanes.

When we were checking in, 2 guests walked up (interrupting) and started talking to the CM checking us in. They talked to her for a few minutes while we politely waited. When they left, the CM explained that the guests had been staying there during the hurricane and had become attached to her. She thanked us for being so patient. I had already decided I was going to ask for an upgrade and see what happened. So, I said something like "Is it possible to get an upgrade?" She gave me a wink and said she'd already done it since we were so patient while she helped the other guests. Yippee! That made my day, heck it made our trip!

I've never asked again, but if I was staying at a moderate or a deluxe, I wouldn't have a problem asking.

Give it a try, it can't hurt.

At CBR the upgrade you could get would be to a pool view room. I would (in your nicest voice) say something like "Is there any possibility of being upgraded today? It would make this trip even more magical" Or something along those lines. If you're worried that they may offer it to you for more $$, slip in the word "FREE" I always chat up the CMs while we are checking in (I'm just so happy to be there again!), so I would suggest doing this as well. Don't let asking for an upgrade be the only thing you talk about. Mention how happy you are to be there. Or mention you've been there before and how glad you are to be back. Or it's your favorite resort. Or it's your first visit and you've really been looking forward to staying here. You know, just talk to the CMs like they are regular people.

Good luck!

 

[amaycatbaker]

Has room upgrades happened during free dining?

 

[ElizabethB]

Our best (and only) upgrade was done and in the computer before we checked in. It was a many categories upgrade and the desk clerk checking us in was as surprised and delighted as we were.

 

[RMulieri]

Personally, I find nothing wrong with TACTFULLY inquiring about an upgrade.I have a big problem with people who go with really unrealistic expectations thinking they deserve an upgrade, or their trip is ruined if they don't get one.Fact is the dis boards represnt a very small population of the disney goers.Most people do not get upgrades( heck I never even get requests), i think these boards make it seem like discounts/upgrades are just showered upon the masses..they aren't .So go ahead and ask, but just be realistically prepared.To avoid disappointment ,I usually only ask for an upgrade if I am willing to pay for it , or pay for a certain room category to begin with.

 

[RMulieri]

Has room upgrades happened during free dining?

I know that last year they overbooked the values and upgraded people to SSR and OKW.but that may have been a computer glitch that allowed the overbookings.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

We've gotten upgraded a few times, but usually when there's been a problem of some kind. There have also been times where there were problems with our room and we did not get an upgrade.

I think the values and mods, there's not too much they can offer.

I think the deluxe resorts tend to have something to offer. But then, you pay a premium to stay there. An extra level of service is part of that premium price.

I've never asked for an upgrade outright, but when they give one of those opening remarks asking how my day is going, I am honest. If it's a special occaision I let them know. If we had a long flight delay, or a bad time checking out of another Disney resort, I will let them know. I'm not rude or obnoxious. I certainly don't blame them for things that are not their fault. I don't complain about minor airport hassles, and I don't whine. I will smile and tell them that we spent five hours in the airport waiting for our flight, and that we are glad to finally be there.

If they see it within their power to offer something extra, then I am grateful. I don't abuse the karma, but also, that level or quality is part of why return.

I've done business with plenty of businesses that don't offer good quality service, and I don't return.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

When a guest get's a free upgrade it's a totally random thing and is determined a few days before you check-in when the Resort does room assignments for guests who will be checking-in a few days later. So when you check-in and the Cast Member enters your name into the computer the free upgrade will show up. If you ask about upgrading at check-in you should go with the intent to $ for it because there is no problem doing that, however when you ask about free upgrades chances are it will put the Cast Member in an uncomfortable position because they can not give free upgrades just like that.

 

[burberryplaid]

We've never asked for an upgrade, both times we were upgraded to courtyard views at WL we got "pixie dusted".

 

[ihearttink]

We never asked for an upgrade but we were upgraded twice at the BC. From standard to water view. CM never told us about the upgrades either. What a great surprise when we entered the room. Staying again in Sept. and here's hoping. I don't ask, too timid.

Last visit, 2 years ago, we stayed at the WL. It wasn't an official "upgrade", but I thought it was better! We had requested a king bed and upon checkin the CM said "Sorry, we can't give you a king bed, but how would you like to stay in a new renovated room that was finished yesterday?" You bet! Being the first to stay in the new room was awsome. Didn't have to worry how long ago the comforter had been washed, etc. LOVED IT!