Early check-in affects chances for upgrade?

[Slapster]

Hey ya'll - going to Contemporary 10/5 - 10/10. We have a garden room booked since that was all that was available. I was wondering if doing that online check-in thing in the app or the MDE page affected the possibility of getting an upgrade one way or another? Of course we'd like to stay in the Tower building, but we're just grateful for the opportunity to be in Disney

So, any thoughts? Would doing early check in put us in a better position to get an upgrade if available, or should we wait until we arrive to check in? What are the other benefits of early online check in, if any?

-Slapster

 

[Lynne M]

Complimentary upgrades are assigned days in advance of your arrival and are done for the resort's operational needs. So no, when you arrive doesn't affect your chances, and doing online check-in doesn't make a difference, either. There's not really any way to game the system, it's a matter of the room type and dates you happened to book. In other words, your reservation happens to match the range of dates during which they need to free up some garden wing rooms.

 

[nkereina]

As PP mentions, upgrades happen as a result of the resort's operational needs. While its nice for the guest, its not done for guest satisfaction and really just done to cover the resort's butt when they can't meet a guest's original reservation for whatever reason. It may be assigned in advance if its foreseeable, or it may be done day-of if something happens that changes room assignments. Online check-in won't make a difference.

 

[ColoradoMom12]

We got upgraded to the Tower Club at the Contemporary last year. I had done online check-in so I would say it makes no difference.

 

[ShirikiUtundu]

If garden view was all that was available when you booked, there aren't going to be any tower rooms to upgrade to because they're all booked.

 

[ColoradoMom12]

If garden view was all that was available when you booked, there aren't going to be any tower rooms to upgrade to because they're all booked.

The very pricey Tower Club suites can't be booked online, so it's possible (as happened to me) to be upgraded to one of those if one is available.
Edit: not saying that it's likely, just that it can happen.

 

[VAfamily1998]

The very pricey Tower Club suites can't be booked online, so it's possible (as happened to me) to be upgraded to one of those if one is available.
Edit: not saying that it's likely, just that it can happen.

I think you can book the Tower Club suites online--the 2 bedroom suites are all Tower Club, right? Atrium club is just the standard room? When I was looking to book for a specific date in December (2nd), both 1 bedroom suites and 2 bedroom suites showed as available.

 

[wrighteous]

We booked a garden wing room in September 2016, did online check-in, and were upgraded to a Tower room. When I got the text with our room location, I thought it was a mistake! I actually emailed my travel agent just to double check, and she confirmed I got an upgrade! Just luck I guess, but boy did we get spoiled! Lol

 

[AngiTN]

Hey ya'll - going to Contemporary 10/5 - 10/10. We have a garden room booked since that was all that was available. I was wondering if doing that online check-in thing in the app or the MDE page affected the possibility of getting an upgrade one way or another? Of course we'd like to stay in the Tower building, but we're just grateful for the opportunity to be in Disney

So, any thoughts? Would doing early check in put us in a better position to get an upgrade if available, or should we wait until we arrive to check in? What are the other benefits of early online check in, if any?

-Slapster

Nope

 

[fla4fun]

Have you been keeping an eye on availability so if a tower room opens up you can just book it ahead of time? That would be my first course of action. I have booked rooms at a particular resort, but not the room type I wanted and just kept checking and checking to see if I could change it. People change plans all the time.

You also have the option to visit the front desk when you arrive even if you did online check in and politely ask if any paid upgrades are available. The key is paid upgrade. If you offer to pay and they decide to do it complimentary,that’s great, but I would go into it expecting to pay something.

The best benefit of online check in, so far as I am concerned is having the ability to input your cc yourself. The fewer people around when my cc is out, the better. Also, if you do get the room ready text/email and you are okay with the assigned room, you can go to the parks and show up at the resort when it’s convenient for you.

 

[Dug720]

Related question... I will start by saying that I am 100% fine with where I am staying, so I am not looking for anything.

But.

I know my flight is scheduled in just before midnight. And I know availability has been tight where I am staying. In the (I KNOW) EXTREMELY UNLIKELY event that my resort is oversold and they move me to another, would DME have that info and take me to my new resort directly? Or would they take me to my original one and then I’d have to get to the new one somehow.

Again, I am fully aware that the odds of this happening are VERY small. I am just trying to mentally run through the possibilities.

 

[AngiTN]

Related question... I will start by saying that I am 100% fine with where I am staying, so I am not looking for anything.

But.

I know my flight is scheduled in just before midnight. And I know availability has been tight where I am staying. In the (I KNOW) EXTREMELY UNLIKELY event that my resort is oversold and they move me to another, would DME have that info and take me to my new resort directly? Or would they take me to my original one and then I’d have to get to the new one somehow.

Again, I am fully aware that the odds of this happening are VERY small. I am just trying to mentally run through the possibilities.

ME will take you where you've booked
If the resort had to move you they don't leave you to figure out all out on your on. They'll get you there

 

[Dug720]

ME will take you where you've booked
If the resort had to move you they don't leave you to figure out all out on your on. They'll get you there

Thanks.

Like I said, I know odds are like 99.9% I will be staying where I am. But just in case.

 

[ColoradoMom12]

I think you can book the Tower Club suites online--the 2 bedroom suites are all Tower Club, right? Atrium club is just the standard room? When I was looking to book for a specific date in December (2nd), both 1 bedroom suites and 2 bedroom suites showed as available.

Yes, it’s possible to book Tower Coub suites online. The ones that can be booked are Bay Lake view. The suites (1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, presidential) that are MK view have to be booked by calling. Also it’s possible to book a room (not an entire suite) on the Tower Club level. That can only be done by calling as well.

 

[dmask]

Just came back from Beach Club. Online checkin, received text room was ready @ around noon while driving over - didn’t give it any thought other than great can drop the luggage in the room. Booked standard view at a super low rate - Surprised by concierge standard view!

 

[Slapster]

Thanks for all the replies! Yeah we are not expecting anything, and are thrilled just to be there. Just didn’t want to make a silly blunder that might turn a small chance into zero chance

 

[kappyfamily]

Have stayed at CR 3x and have been upgraded twice. I’ve booked garden wing each time. One upgrade was from standard to garden/lake and the other upgrade was to the tower lake view. All 3x we’ve checked in around 9am (we take red eyes). I always just ask nicely if there is a paid upgrade I might be able to get. They usually talk to a manager, and like I said 2x it’s been a yes with no charge. So some of the above responses don’t necessarily ring true.... doesn’t hurt to ask! By the way I actually prefer the garden wing, highly underated and sometimes gets a bum wrap on these boards. Enjoy either way!

 

[kaytieeldr]

Have you been keeping an eye on availability so if a tower room opens up you can just book it ahead of time?

Right now - literally, starting immediately, the instant you read this - start checking. As often as possible, today and tomorrow. Friday, too, just in case. Today is 30 days - the package cancellation cut-off. Then try again Septmber 30.

 

[Nancyg56]

Right now - literally, starting immediately, the instant you read this - start checking. As often as possible, today and tomorrow. Friday, too, just in case. Today is 30 days - the package cancellation cut-off. Then try again Septmber 30.

THIS! I would either start checking or call. And then keep checking. Good luck!

 

[SharonZ]

I'd keep checking to see if a Tower room becomes available. If you wait until check-in, if available, it would more than likely be at rack rate.