Free upgrade possibly?

[taben]

Hey all,

When checking at the resort, wondered if by chance u asked for a complimentary upgrade (nicer room) if available, they would oblige? We r leaving on Monday and will be staying at POR w/a reservation for a garden view in the Magnolia building second floor. Will be traveling with another couple on their first visit. Didn't know if I could ask for a ......yes, why not... Royal Guest room if avail. And they would bump us up? Granted, is is a much more expensive room but the thought did cross my mind. . What are your thoughts? Anyone tried this? Would they do it stressing my friends first time and like to make their trip a little more special. HMM? Thank U!

 

[taben]

Hey all,

When checking in upon arrival at the resort, wondered if by chance u asked for a complimentary upgrade (nicer room) if available, they would oblige? We r leaving on Monday and will be staying at POR w/a reservation for a garden view in the Magnolia building second floor. Will be traveling with another couple on their first visit. Didn't know if I could ask for a ......yes, why not... Royal Guest room if avail. And they would bump us up? Granted, is is a much more expensive room but the thought did cross my mind. . What are your thoughts? Anyone tried this? Would they do it stressing my friends first time and like to make their trip a little more special. HMM? Thank U!

 

[Lynne M]

If you read all the upgrade stories here, you'll see a common theme: "we were so surprised!". That's because Disney assigns upgrades for their own reasons, usually operational needs, before you even arrive. They need the room you happen to have booked, for the dates that you happen to have it booked, and they need you to put you somewhere else. It's pure luck, a matter of being in the right place at the right time.

Asking outright for a free upgrade is not recommended; it puts the CM in a very uncomfortable position, as they're not often able to give out complimentary upgrades. When they do have the opportunity, they like to surprise guests, rather than give it to someone who walks up and asks for a free upgrade. In fact, several CMs have posted here to say that they would never give a free upgrade to a guest who asked for one, even if they had an upgrade to give out.

If you'd still like to ask, you might want to phrase is as "how much would it cost to upgrade to a Royal room?" If they have any available (slim chance), they'd likely quote you the rack rate price, but you never know.

 

[kaytieeldr]

No. Asking for a complimentary upgrade virtually ensures you won't get one. Asking how much it would cost to upgrade gives you a slight chance of getting one, but far from guaranteed.

See the Resorts Board for more information. Use the Search This Forum feature.

 

[DebbieB]

Hey all,

When checking at the resort, wondered if by chance u asked for a complimentary upgrade (nicer room) if available, they would oblige? We r leaving on Monday and will be staying at POR w/a reservation for a garden view in the Magnolia building second floor. Will be traveling with another couple on their first visit. Didn't know if I could ask for a ......yes, why not... Royal Guest room if avail. And they would bump us up? Granted, is is a much more expensive room but the thought did cross my mind. . What are your thoughts? Anyone tried this? Would they do it stressing my friends first time and like to make their trip a little more special. HMM? Thank U!

Castmembers have posted that asking for a free upgrade lessens your chance of getting one. They like to sprinkle pixie dust on those who are not expecting it.

 

[sndral]

It occurred to me that I've been reading disboards for 4 years now and I have not ever read a post from some one who asked for a free upgrade and in fact got one.
Surprise, pixie dust, out of the blue upgrades, yes, people report this happening to them, as well as the occasional downgrade - but disney has 20,000+ rooms, so problems w/ rooms or overbooking may cause them to have to shuffle people resulting in upgrades/downgrades, but, I've not seen anyone post they asked for and were given a free upgrade. YMMV, so if it works, please let us know.

 

[aubriee]

It occurred to me that I've been reading disboards for 4 years now and I have not ever read a post from some one who asked for a free upgrade and in fact got one.
Surprise, pixie dust, out of the blue upgrades, yes, people report this happening to them, as well as the occasional downgrade - but disney has 20,000+ rooms, so problems w/ rooms or overbooking may cause them to have to shuffle people resulting in upgrades/downgrades, but, I've not seen anyone post they asked for and were given a free upgrade. YMMV, so if it works, please let us know.

You are right! I've been here almost eight years and have seen this question come up so many times. We see the question asked on here alot about asking for a free upgrade, but every single response I've ever seen is where someone is surprised with a free upgrade. Alot of the resort CMs who post on here, say the best way to not get an upgrade is to ask for one. I have personally seen this twice (once at PORS and once at AKL) when someone checking in right next to me, asked for a free upgrade and got a little irritated when told they could have the room, but it would be at rack rate. The lady at AKL rather loudly said, "no I didn't book a Savanna view. This resort is known for upgrading people from standard rooms to Savanna views and I just assumed that since it was slow season that you'd be nice and accommodate us". She started out sounding so sweet, but quickly became obnoxious when she didn't get what she felt her family deserved (a free upgrade to a savanna view).

Now, I go to WDW 4-6 times a year and have been upgraded several times: from a standard view to a lakeview six out of the ten times I've stayed at CSR. I was also upgraded to a water view at both YC and BW, and just a few weeks ago (Sept 1st-8th) got a wonderful upgrade from a pool view to an Arusha Savanna view at AKL. I've also gotten upgraded from standard views to courtyard views at both PORS and POFQ. However, I have never asked for a free upgrade (and never would). I'm not really sure why I got any of those upgrades. They were all just pixie dust.

As far as it being someone's first visit to WDW, there are many, many first time vistors every single day at WDW. No way, could they give free upgrades to all of them. Most posts where people are asking about free upgrades, someone is celebrating a birthday, anniversary, new job, graduation, etc and think they should get a free upgrade. Unfortunately most people there are celebrating something. In fact, my mom/daughter trip earlier this month we were celebrating my mom's 79th birthday. I'll be back down there with my husband Oct 27th-Nov 4th to celebrate my birthday and our anniversary. I'm not expecting anything, so that if a little pixie dust does come our way, it will be that much more special. If not, no big deal. I booked the room category I knew we'd be happy with, so will just be happy for some alone time at WDW.

 

[rwdavis2]

We got moved to a better room at WL in 2004. We didn't ask, the CM did unexpectedly.

 

[Cyrano]

Moving to Resorts

 

[rex008]

I have a related question - is this more likely to happen if you DON'T do online check in?

We're heading to OKW in a 1 bed in 3 weeks (yay!). I was thinking of asking what an upgrade price to a 2 bed would be. If there is availability, and it's reasonable, I'd probably just go ahead and do it. If it's out our price range, I wouldn't, but obviously cross fingers for a little pixie dust . BUT, I'm worried if I do online check in we're less likely to be offered. Any thoughts? It'll be my first time at WDW for 13 years, so never done online check in before.

 

[jennylyn_b]

I have a related question - is this more likely to happen if you DON'T do online check in?

We're heading to OKW in a 1 bed in 3 weeks (yay!). I was thinking of asking what an upgrade price to a 2 bed would be. If there is availability, and it's reasonable, I'd probably just go ahead and do it. If it's out our price range, I wouldn't, but obviously cross fingers for a little pixie dust . BUT, I'm worried if I do online check in we're less likely to be offered. Any thoughts? It'll be my first time at WDW for 13 years, so never done online check in before.

I don't want to rain on your parade but I wouldn't get your hopes up. DVC resorts are mostly at capacity in October. During the food and wine festival is a very busy time for dvc. Also, dvc upgrades are rare, not impossible but rare. There is always a chance but I just wanted you to know based on my observations and knowledge. Good luck and have a magical trip!



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[Mousemommy1]

This question comes up at least twice a week, and I guess I don't understand why people don't just book the room they really want. Obviously, if you are hoping for an upgrade, you're not 100% happy with what you've booked.

I book, and pay, for the room I want. Then I don't have to worry about what-ifs or hope for pixie dust. Granted, getting something for nothing is always nice...and Disney is a magical place...but I'm still booking the room that I want so there's no disappointment.

 

[Elleshoodat]

This question comes up at least twice a week, and I guess I don't understand why people don't just book the room they really want. Obviously, if you are hoping for an upgrade, you're not 100% happy with what you've booked.

I book, and pay, for the room I want. Then I don't have to worry about what-ifs or hope for pixie dust. Granted, getting something for nothing is always nice...and Disney is a magical place...but I'm still booking the room that I want so there's no disappointment.

I would never have the nerve to ask for an upgrade (it's tacky, IMO), but I've heard asking for one ensures you won't get it.

 

[THERESA522]

This question comes up at least twice a week, and I guess I don't understand why people don't just book the room they really want. Obviously, if you are hoping for an upgrade, you're not 100% happy with what you've booked.

I book, and pay, for the room I want. Then I don't have to worry about what-ifs or hope for pixie dust. Granted, getting something for nothing is always nice...and Disney is a magical place...but I'm still booking the room that I want so there's no disappointment.

I think most of the people are asking because they really can't afford the room they really want.

 

[TaraPA]

No. Asking for a complimentary upgrade virtually ensures you won't get one. Asking how much it would cost to upgrade gives you a slight chance of getting one, but far from guaranteed.

See the Resorts Board for more information. Use the Search This Forum feature.

Castmembers have posted that asking for a free upgrade lessens your chance of getting one. They like to sprinkle pixie dust on those who are not expecting it.

 

[mickeynut1]

I think most of the people are asking because they really can't afford the room they really want.

I agree.


OP......I wouldn't ask for a free upgrade as that is pretty much a sure way not to get one, but you could ask how much it would be to pay for an upgrade (should the room be available) and then make the decision at that time whether or not that's something you'd want to do. Good luck .

 

[tinkermommyof3]

I always book what I want. I think upgrades are very few and random. I like reading about the pixie dust people get. Would never ask for it or take the chance by not booking a room I want planning on getting an upgrade. I consider pixie dust having my room ready when I arrive at the resort at 10:00AM!

 

[cwt580]

i have never asked for free upgrade.... asked for different location but NOT upgrade

never gotten a free upgrade...

pay for what i want and can afford....

"hey, im buying the Focus from you but can i get the Mustang cobra for the same price"


its only magic if you dont expect it or ask for it. I create the magic for my family. make them think we are staying somewhere and arrive somewhere totally better........its my "pixie dust". Family thinks we are staying CBR but in reallity we are booked WL. they think we are on QS dp...nope DXDP !!!! driving down...nope airline tix bought.... Santa Claus is coming to town.....................

 

[Missyrose]

Hey all,

When checking at the resort, wondered if by chance u asked for a complimentary upgrade (nicer room) if available, they would oblige? We r leaving on Monday and will be staying at POR w/a reservation for a garden view in the Magnolia building second floor. Will be traveling with another couple on their first visit. Didn't know if I could ask for a ......yes, why not... Royal Guest room if avail. And they would bump us up? Granted, is is a much more expensive room but the thought did cross my mind. . What are your thoughts? Anyone tried this? Would they do it stressing my friends first time and like to make their trip a little more special. HMM? Thank U!

Beyond what PPs have said about not asking for a free upgrade (I totally agree with them), I don't think your reservation is for the second floor in the Magnolia building, that's a request (and requests are not guaranteed). Your booking category is garden view, anything beyond that is a request.

 

[alc571]

Family thinks we are staying CBR but in reallity we are booked WL. they think we are on QS dp...nope DXDP !!!! driving down...nope airline tix bought.... Santa Claus is coming to town.....................

that's awesome! Wish I was your family!