Do upgrades chap your hide?

[Bondfan531]

Does it make me angry that some ask for free upgrades? Not in the least.

Would I ever ask for one? No way.

My thoughts exactly. Why get mad at someone because they simply asked for something and you didn't bother? You have every opportunity to open up and speak just as they did is the way I see it. But sure don't whine and complain about not getting anything (whether you were willing to pay for it or not). Ugh.

 

[BCDisneyFanatic]

I once asked for an upgrade at the Disneyland Hotel without meaning to...I had heard that some of the rooms had a daybed, and asked if any were available (not realizing that they were only in the themepark and poolview rooms, not in any of the standards). When I was told that, I said "no problem", but then the CM said "Let me see what I can do..."

We ended up with a beautiful upper floor view of the theme parks with the daybed. We were able to see the fireworks from our "pseudobalcony"...it was stunning. Although I've always thought views were never worth the money, this experience sure changed my opinion!

I made sure to thank the CM profusely the next time I saw him!

I don't see any problem with asking for an upgrade, as long as you don't "expect" it to be free (but sometimes you do luck out!)

 

[Dicecatt]

I've only asked once, and that was because I had been trying to upgrade to a water view and there were none, so I asked if I could upgrade my room and pay the difference upon check in, they upgraded me for nothing.

But twice we had a bit of magic, once upgraded to Poly concierge for 9 nights (and made us permanent concierge devotees, making their money back many times over), and this past trip I was upgraded to concierge at WL, completely by surprise. I don't care if people ask for it, but I don't think you should book something you won't be happy with and then expect an upgrade. They appear to be completely random...I do know that I always greet the CMs with a great big smile, and I have always been treated well, I have always gotten either my request, or something better.

I think that people expecting their requests be fulfilled and getting mad if they aren't are worse than people that might take a shot for a free upgrade. When I arrived at AKL on Saturday, I asked the CM if my requests were received (I always wonder!) And she replied yes, but they are just requests, not guaranteed, and I said Of course, I know you do your best and whatever I have will be just wonderful, I'm just happy to be here! She stopped what she was doing and gave me a big smile, and thanked me for understanding that, she said many people get very upset about their requests. She then spent 15 minutes trying to find me the best spot possible, that was available right away (9 AM). Then within minutes of me getting to my room, the phone rang...it was that CM, calling to make sure I found my room! Now that is spectacular service, and I told a manager how great she was.

 

[brianm27]

I usually just say something like "pick me one of your favorites" to the cast member at check in. I have got great rooms most of the time. I can't say there were upgrades (except 2 times to preferred at POP), but they were good.

When I asked if they picked me a good one at FW, the CM said we probably wanted to be closer to the bus stop with a little one and moved us up to the cabins in the front of the loop. When I asked my question at POFQ, the CM said "No, I don't like that room at all, I have something better" and ended up with Bldg. 4 near the bus, pool, and foodcourt. Don't know what we had originally, maybe the cast member never even moved us and we had the "good room" all along, but we felt really excited about the location the entire trip.

I have never directly asked for an upgrade, just requested non-smoking, never a specific location or view. By giving the CM the opportunity to to take ownership of the situation, I have always felt that I get a better chance of having something positive happen.

 

[SarahK]

i was upgraded to concierge on my last trip. It was totally unexpected, and a great surprise! I would certainly ask if upgrades were available when I checked in, but I would expect to pay for it if something was available.

 

[bab31]

I book what I am comfortable with and I see nothing wrong asking for a complimentary upgrade. If I am given one many thanks given, if not - oh well - I have the reservation that I am comfortable having made. Sometimes I get it sometimes I dont.

We were upgraded on our trip to CSR - but it had to do with our room type was not available, and I was ending my prescription for a sinus infection that day/ They treated us well and very much appreciated by us.

 

[DISUNC]

I have NO problem with anyone asking for a upgrade & getting one!

I have stopped asking at WDW, cause I never did get one from them! (is that a whine! )

I was NEVER disappointed though!

 

[Nancyg56]

When I first discovered the DIS, it seemed that upgrades were happening to a lot of people. We booked AKL and paid for CL because I read that if you should book what you want to ensure that you get it.

I know now that the upgrades are random, but I confess that as I read post after post detailing upgrade after upgrade, I had some wishful thinking going on. I don't blame people for asking how to get one, we come here for tips and advice and wonder how to make the magic work. If someone gets an upgrade I am happy, there is not a negative impact to me.

 

[Bob NC]

I usually just say something like "pick me one of your favorites" to the cast member at check in.

I have been known to ask the CM to give me the same room they'd give their mother.

 

[roryc]

I have a friend whose mother is a CM at POFQ and she says that people are really expecting room upgrades right now with all the YOAMD commercials going on. She said that people are downright rude.

You have to figure that resort levels are definitely at a high most of the time in WDW anyways and with YOAMD they are especially boosted. Add Free Dining time periods, holiday and seasonal crowd fluctations, special events and it's easy to see why people have this raised magical expectation.

Having said that, I always book what I want. In January we stayed in the Grand Floridian RPC main concierge and it was definitely a chunk of change, but we had a dead on view of the castle and it was worth every cent. I had planned the trip for a year for my hubby and 2 little princesses and I would have been so let down to be counting on an upgrade and not received one---so I just booked what I wanted and no worries---got what I was expecting. (The castle view was definitely pixie dust).

I'm going next month by myself (business trip--no family--just me) and I've booked Grand Floridian Garden View. That's all I'll need. No expectations other than what I'm paying. It's not worth the $700+ (AAA discounted rate) per night for GF RPC concierge for one person...just can't justify it.

Since Disney is so expensive for the most part anyways, my suggestion is book what you envision yourself in when you arrive at the resort. If it's a theme park view...then that's what you need to pay for.

I certainly don't think it would hurt to ask if upgrades are available...expect to hear "Unfortunately not", or be prepared to pay for them. If you get a freebie, then more power to you

 

[Tara8595]

I almost always ask, when I can remember to. What's the harm in asking? Y'all can see my signature for when I've been and I've been upgraded 5 times. Once at Disneyland Hotel (asked), once at Grand Californian (didn't ask - birthday in our group), once at Yacht Club (to concierge! asked - birthday in our group), and once at Pop Century (asked) - oh wait, there was another time - at AKL got upgraded to safari view.

We just usually say "would you happen to have any no-charge upgrades available?" And they either say, 'we're all booked up', or 'let me see what I can do'. Whenever we have gotten an upgrade we're over the top appreciative, because it's great to get one. But when we don't, it's no big deal and we certainly don't complain.

 

[Anything Disney!]

For a special occasion, I just make my ressie at the level that I want. That way I know what I'm getting and there are no disappointments. If location is not important, then I'll go with what I'll be happy with, but I will ask if there are any upgrades available and that I'm willing to pay the difference upon check in. If they give it to me as a comp, then yahoo! If not, thats okay too! To be expecting and demanding would strike me as absurd.

Side note, my family owned condo vacation rentals that I managed for 9 years, and yes, people did asked for upgrades. Sometimes I could help and most of the time they were free if it was a special occasion. I am a sucker for a good story! But there were times when the guest request was not honored, just because of the way they asked. (assumed or yes, demanded, with "do you know who I think I am" attitude.) It was always at my discretion, but I did keep in mind that it was my job to make them happy, have a wonderful time, tell all their friends, most of all, come back!!

 

[ktink]

I've never asked for an upgrade. And it doesn't bother me when others do. I would LOVE to receive an upgrade but I don't go expecting it.

 

[Mom of 3]

I get the feeling the the Disney hotels are going to be pretty full when I visit so I wouldn't ask for a free upgrade. Although on my last trip they did upgrade me to a pool view at the Wilderness Lodge.

However, when I visited a nice hotel in Nov (in VA) I knew they were basically empty and asked if they could do a free upgrade for me, which they did. But then again I believe it is their policy to upgrade you if they have better rooms avail that are going to be sitting empty.

I figure it doesn't hurt to ask - so long as you are nice and don't act like you should be entitled to one.

 

[ksc37]

It doesn't bother me that people ask for or get upgrades. I personally have never asked for one, it's just not my style.

But, I have to confess, in my past 9 trips, I've been upgraded 5 times. For what it's worth, I never go expecting an upgrade, and I always book the type of room I want.

I think Disney knows what they're doing when they hand out the free upgrades, and their strategy has worked on me (and my wallet)...

At AKL in 2003, I was upgraded from standard to pool view, so I booked pool view for my next AKL trip. When I arrived for that trip, I was upgraded to savanna. The next time I go to AKL, I will definitely book savanna view (totally worth the $$, in my mind). When I went to BC I was upgraded to water view, next time, I will book water view. In 2004, we were upgraded to woods view at the WL, with a view of the castle through the trees. I would probably book woods view in the future with hopes of the same view.

At the GF in 2005, I was upgraded to concierge, so what did I book for my upcoming trip to CR? You got it. Concierge.

 

[SharonLowe]

I think people who ask for a "free" upgrade are rude - if I have paid for something, why should others get it for free just for asking? I should then be getting a discount. Asking if there are upgrades available with the expectation of having to pay for it is something else. I also think that more and more people expect to be upgraded at no cost - just look at the Trip Advisor hotel reviews and the number of people who complain they didn't get upgraded when they asked for it. People think they can book the cheapest room available from the cheapest online site and then get a free upgrade to the best room in the resort. It is crazy.

We recently stayed at a very nice resort in Mexico; it had recently expanded so it had what people termed the old section and the new section. People would book the cheapest room in the old section (unrenovated and a room, not a junior suite) and then get mad and yell at staff when they weren't upgraded for free to the new, larger, junior suites. We saw it happen and it was just rude and horrifying. If you want the best room in ther resort, pay for it. If you want a cheap room, pay for that and don't expect or ask for anything more unless you are willing to pay.

 

[Dicecatt]

It doesn't bother me that people ask for or get upgrades. I personally have never asked for one, it's just not my style.

But, I have to confess, in my past 9 trips, I've been upgraded 5 times. For what it's worth, I never go expecting an upgrade, and I always book the type of room I want.

I think Disney knows what they're doing when they hand out the free upgrades, and their strategy has worked on me (and my wallet)...

At AKL in 2003, I was upgraded from standard to pool view, so I booked pool view for my next AKL trip. When I arrived for that trip, I was upgraded to savanna. The next time I go to AKL, I will definitely book savanna view (totally worth the $$, in my mind). When I went to BC I was upgraded to water view, next time, I will book water view. In 2004, we were upgraded to woods view at the WL, with a view of the castle through the trees. I would probably book woods view in the future with hopes of the same view.

At the GF in 2005, I was upgraded to concierge, so what did I book for my upcoming trip to CR? You got it. Concierge.

Funny, same thing for me...Booked Garden View Poly, upgraded to Garden View Concierge. Next Poly trip? Booked GV Concierge! If they put me at MK view, guess what I'll book next? This past trip, I booked Courtyard WL, that is what I wanted. Upgrade concierge...next trip will book concierge! I booked Savannah view at AKL because I knew that is what I wanted, I didn't want to chance not having that view. The only upgrade I've gotten that I wouldn't book is water view at POR, just wasn't worth it. I've never asked for a free upgrade, but Disney certainly gets me when they give me one...I'm a lifer for Poly concierge now...And now WL, lol...

 

[KenG51]

I think people who ask for a "free" upgrade are rude - if I have paid for something, why should others get it for free just for asking? I should then be getting a discount. Asking if there are upgrades available with the expectation of having to pay for it is something else.

To this same point though, some people are lucky enough to get 40% discount codes and others are not. Some are able to go during free dining and other are not. Had I gotten the 40%, I would have had some "magic" left in my pocket to get concierge at the Poly, but I'm still very happy with a garden view room there. While I do agree that whining, complaining and expecting to get a free upgrade is ignorance defined, there is no harm in asking(politely) for a discounted or possibly free upgrade.

 

[bavaria]

I spend up to 300 nights/year in higher end hotel rooms; many times I am upgraded to view rooms, larger rooms, or suites. I don't ask and I don't expect an upgrade. When it does occur, it is a pleasant surprise.

Many here don't seem to realize that an upgrade to concierge level costs the hotel. View upgrades occur only when there is no possiblity of selling the room to someone willing to pay for the extra cost.

There is certainly no harm in asking pleasantly if there are any 'preferable' rooms available, but when people post things like this I shake my head at the attitude. This person seems to think that they deserve an upgrade to something which will cost the hotel, just because they have had a few previous stays

Another time when we had reserved a regular room at the Contemporary and when we were checking in we asked if the Concierge on the 12th floor was available? The Cast Member called and said it was, however if we wanted it we would have had to pay for it. We said no thanks however we thought the Casr Member could have said I will upgrade you there for free, because he said to us you have had a lot of stays at the Contemporary

I compare it to United - I fly over 100,000 miles/year with them, but United only upgrades their elite members if they use miles, certificates, or money to pay for the upgrade. Operational upgrades are very rare, even for those of us who are such loyal guests.

I don't consider a twice a year guest to WDW a 'regular' guest - try staying in a hotel every week for months at a time, and that may be considered regular.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I spend up to 300 nights/year in higher end hotel rooms; many times I am upgraded to view rooms, larger rooms, or suites. I don't ask and I don't expect an upgrade. When it does occur, it is a pleasant surprise.

Many here don't seem to realize that an upgrade to concierge level costs the hotel. View upgrades occur only when there is no possiblity of selling the room to someone willing to pay for the extra cost.

There is certainly no harm in asking pleasantly if there are any 'preferable' rooms available, but when people post things like this I shake my head at the attitude. This person seems to think that they deserve an upgrade to something which will cost the hotel, just because they have had a few previous stays

I compare it to United - I fly over 100,000 miles/year with them, but United only upgrades their elite members if they use miles, certificates, or money to pay for the upgrade. Operational upgrades are very rare, even for those of us who are such loyal guests.

I don't consider a twice a year guest to WDW a 'regular' guest - try staying in a hotel every week for months at a time, and that may be considered regular.

The difference is we never demanded that the Cast Member give my family the upgrade to Concierge, the way others see people complain and make scenes when they don't get what they want. The comment I posted was something which I said to my family after we checked-in so I admit we said it, however don't compare my story to others that complain when they don't get an upgrade at check-in. Also the time in May 2000 when we were upgraded to the 14th floor Tower Club, we were told one critera for getting an upgrade is number of stays at that Resort. When I add up all the nights we have stayed at the Contemporary it's at least 40 - 50 nights total. So when when the Cast Member made that comment about all the stays we had at the Contemporary, we thought in the back of our minds that could get us an upgrade again.

So while we may only go to WDW 2 times a year, they see the stays we had at the Contemporary since our 1st stay starting from May 1998. So in my mind that makes us regular guests there. If you don't agree with me fine because I expect you won't. However that is what I think and I am allowed to express my opinion.