How to ask for room upgrade

[mrbghd]

I really wonder if the upgrades arent assigned before you ever get to the desk and how much leadway the front desk really has.

I think it all depends. I have gotten upgraded 5 or 6 times when I asked. None of them appeared to be in the computer already as the CM had to physically make changes to our account. The ability to upgrade depends on many factors and the willingness of the CM checking you in to do something for you. It's all about your tone, tyour attitude, and your appreciation.

 

[Christyo72]

On our first visit to Disney world we stayed at Wilderness Lodge. We had booked months in advance for just a standard room. When we arrived and were checking in, the CM asked me if I'd like a particular room! I didn't think it was any big deal, and just told her that I'd love one of the bunk bed rooms. I didn't realize they cost more! She upgraded me free of charge. I would never get that lucky again!!!

 

[KathyK]

Now that I'm DVC (5 years now) upgrades do not exist for us DVC members unless there is a maintenance problem.

I have been upgraded at BWV twice from standard view to water view. Of course, we did not ask for the upgrade, as we would have been happy with standard view (or would not have booked that way). The first time they exlplained that a large percentage of the standard view rooms were being refurbished. They second time, the said that MS must have overbooked standard view rooms.

We have also been upgraded to concierge level at WL (staying on points in a regular room - not in the villas). Once again, we did not request the upgrade, it was offered to us.

 

[tallen429]

Another thing that can effect upgrades in any hotel is occupancy rates. If a hotel is half empty, they are more likely to keep occupied rooms closer together for housekeeping purposes, etc. So if the standard room you may have booked is far away from some higher level rooms that are occupied, there is a higher chance you will be moved to that area. I think for that reason upgrades are probably far more common in slower months.

 

[DJFan88]

this is exactly what happened all 3 times we have been upgraded. If the CMs had any leeway at all, it was before we got there and had nothing to do with our Pollyanna-sunny-dispositions (yeah, we're grinning idjits at Disney)

I was wondering the same thing. We requested an area at CBR last trip and were put in an entirely different area. So, nicely I asked the CM "oh, was there nothing available in our requested area?" and he said "your requests? Oh, let me see...." like he had never even seen it before. (BTW there was nothing available and we ended up LOVING the area we were in). (Not an upgrade, just saying, I think maybe some things are preplanned).

 

[Polydweller]

Another thing that can effect upgrades in any hotel is occupancy rates. If a hotel is half empty, they are more likely to keep occupied rooms closer together for housekeeping purposes, etc. So if the standard room you may have booked is far away from some higher level rooms that are occupied, there is a higher chance you will be moved to that area. I think for that reason upgrades are probably far more common in slower months.

Absolutely. This is one of the business reasons I was alluding to in my first post in this thread. In shoulder and low seasons that is very common.

 

[rance]

When people say " I have a fun conversation with the CM and be really nice"...you are not really being nice, but basically using them to get something you want.

If you were genuinly being nice, you would not expect anything in return.

 

[sydneysmom]

When people say " I have a fun conversation with the CM and be really nice"...you are not really being nice, but basically using them to get something you want.

If you were genuinly being nice, you would not expect anything in return.

well said Rance.

 

[bookwormde]

I think I am the few who has been upgraded 100% of my CRO stays, total of 2 (DVC member so the vast majority fo my stays are DVC). First time was WL, we arrived late (1 in the morning) with 2 very tired kids in tow, the CM gave us out room card and did not say anything special, I immediatly noticed it was gold. I looked at that the CM with a big smile and said thank you and then looked my family, they asked if we were ready and I gave a very animated "oh yea" and the CM got a big smile. Second time was a AKL standard view, while we were in the process of checking in, one of my kids asked if we were going to be able to see the aminals from the room, I answered no not this trip, but said that there were lots of places to see them around the resort. Got our room key and headed for the room, we entered dropped out luggage and opened the curtains and there was the savanna.

Both times were short stays. I think the CMs like to pick out people who either are really into the vacation/resort or who look like they need a little pixie dust.

bookwormde

 

[mrbghd]

When people say " I have a fun conversation with the CM and be really nice"...you are not really being nice, but basically using them to get something you want.

This is how life works. When you want something from someone you must be nice to them in order to get it. That does not make you a bad person. I am nice to them before I ask and I am nice after I ask, even if the cannot help me. Do I want something from them-absolutely! What is wrong with that? If you ever make "small talk" with a waiter, a person at a fast food place, a cashier at a store you do it for some reason-maybe to get your stuff quicker, or to get your order the way you want it.

 

[renes]

This is my first post on these boards and I felt I must share our experinces. In the past 5 times we have visited WDW we have been upgraded 4 and we have never requested an upgrade. The best upgrade was on BWI we were upgraded from CL to the Vice Presidential Suite and this happened because the person in front of us checking in was being very difficult. When we approched the CM we greeted them as we normally greet people with a smile and friendly greeting. The CM looked at us, smiled back and said that he had a great surprise for us!! And it was a great surprise and a great stay.

Our most recent upgrade was last December at the GF, we booked a garden view room and received a Lagoon View. Most times the upgrades are not mentioned to us at check in but I always make a point to visit the CM after we get to our room and thank them for the upgrade.

We are booked at WL this December, we have never stayed there and looking forward to it even without an upgrade.

 

[rance]

This is how life works. When you want something from someone you must be nice to them in order to get it. That does not make you a bad person. I am nice to them before I ask and I am nice after I ask, even if the cannot help me. Do I want something from them-absolutely! What is wrong with that? If you ever make "small talk" with a waiter, a person at a fast food place, a cashier at a store you do it for some reason-maybe to get your stuff quicker, or to get your order the way you want it.

I have to disagree. When I make "small talk" to a waiter or service industry person I don't do it to get anything in return. When I was in university I use to wait tables and be in the service industry so I know how challenging the job is and I do it to let waiter know he doesn't have to rush around on my behalf.

 

[PixieDustandEeyore]

I work for American Express I'm always inclined to help the people who are nice and don't ask for anything. I can reservse over the limit fees and interest charges but I'm not inclined for someone who asks or for someone who yells at me.

Really I do it for most people who don't ask...so i suggest just being happy with what you want.

For example my last stay at Pop Century I just did not dig the walking and up the stairs at the end of the day so Im paying for preferred and hoping for pixie dust and being on the first floor, if I dont get it I will be happy as im not too far away no matter what as I paid for a closer room!

I hope this thread doesn't get too arguey and I hope the OP has an awesomeley amazing trip!!!!

I liked the sticky thread idea! It should containt upgrade info, pool hopping and refillable mug stuff haha

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

We have always been upgraded when I don't have any requests. It must make the room assigner's job a bit easier to upgrade us.

I feel that some guests make so many requests that it prevents them from being upgraded.

 

[mickaholic4077]

I work for American Express I'm always inclined to help the people who are nice and don't ask for anything. I can reservse over the limit fees and interest charges but I'm not inclined for someone who asks or for someone who yells at me.

Really I do it for most people who don't ask...so i suggest just being happy with what you want.

For example my last stay at Pop Century I just did not dig the walking and up the stairs at the end of the day so Im paying for preferred and hoping for pixie dust and being on the first floor, if I dont get it I will be happy as im not too far away no matter what as I paid for a closer room!

I hope this thread doesn't get too arguey and I hope the OP has an awesomeley amazing trip!!!!

I liked the sticky thread idea! It should containt upgrade info, pool hopping and refillable mug stuff haha

I don't understand something. All Pop buildings have elevators in them. Why are you walking up the stairs when you could be riding the elevators?

 

[mrbghd]

I have to disagree. When I make "small talk" to a waiter or service industry person I don't do it to get anything in return. When I was in university I use to wait tables and be in the service industry so I know how challenging the job is and I do it to let waiter know he doesn't have to rush around on my behalf.

That's okay, I'm married so I am used to that

Same here and I hated every minute of it even though I did quite well and made good money. I don't want it to seem like I am only nice if I get what I want. I have found the get more flys with honey method works for almost everything. But I do make sure to use it to my advantage when needed.

As far as the poster that mentioned working for AMEX, anyone that calls and yells demanding that an over-the limit fee or late fee be removed are not smart. In that situation you have all the power(sort of). I have found that anytime I call for an issue the nicer I am the more likely the outcome that I want is achieved.

So maybe I have just changed my own mind about my previous post. JUST BE NICE ALL THE TIME, it always helps and can't make things worse. I guess I learned something new today! Thanks Dis'ers

 

[goofy4tink]

If someone wants to ask if there are any upgrades available, that's fine with me. That's your choice..and hopefully you can get what you want.

My issue is that these boards can sometimes lead to a lot of disappointment. A ton of people come here and post about all the great free stuff they got. They post about the wonderful upgrade they got. They tell us about the cakes, drinks, Mickey bars, cupcakes, fast passes, etc., that they got because they had a particular button on. They tell us about the balloons left in their room, they tell us about the signed photos or cards left in the room.

The problem is that there are so many people that post these things that other people believe that they are commonplace..and when they get to WDW, and nothing 'magical' happens, they are sorely disappointed. And that's just not fair. When I need something special, or 'magical' to happen, for a special birthday or other type celebration, I plan it for myself. I order what is needed, I pay for it. That way there is no disappointment.
I just hate to see so many people think all this wonderful stuff is going to happen for them because they see it here, on the boards, all the time. And truly, upgrades, free balloons, free Mickey bars just don't happen all that often.

 

[pixarmom]

If someone wants to ask if there are any upgrades available, that's fine with me. That's your choice..and hopefully you can get what you want.

My issue is that these boards can sometimes lead to a lot of disappointment. A ton of people come here and post about all the great free stuff they got. They post about the wonderful upgrade they got. They tell us about the cakes, drinks, Mickey bars, cupcakes, fast passes, etc., that they got because they had a particular button on. They tell us about the balloons left in their room, they tell us about the signed photos or cards left in the room.

The problem is that there are so many people that post these things that other people believe that they are commonplace..and when they get to WDW, and nothing 'magical' happens, they are sorely disappointed. And that's just not fair. When I need something special, or 'magical' to happen, for a special birthday or other type celebration, I plan it for myself. I order what is needed, I pay for it. That way there is no disappointment.
I just hate to see so many people think all this wonderful stuff is going to happen for them because they see it here, on the boards, all the time. And truly, upgrades, free balloons, free Mickey bars just don't happen all that often.

I entirely agree with this. And it's unfortunate when posters attribute the upgrades, etc. solely to being happy, appreciative, friendly, or having cute kids. Many of us ARE happy, appreciative, friendly and have very cute kids, but get exactly the room we paid for - and that's OK!!!

And, what rance said.

 

[equinoxman]

If someone wants to ask if there are any upgrades available, that's fine with me. That's your choice..and hopefully you can get what you want.

My issue is that these boards can sometimes lead to a lot of disappointment. A ton of people come here and post about all the great free stuff they got. They post about the wonderful upgrade they got. They tell us about the cakes, drinks, Mickey bars, cupcakes, fast passes, etc., that they got because they had a particular button on. They tell us about the balloons left in their room, they tell us about the signed photos or cards left in the room.

The problem is that there are so many people that post these things that other people believe that they are commonplace..and when they get to WDW, and nothing 'magical' happens, they are sorely disappointed. And that's just not fair. When I need something special, or 'magical' to happen, for a special birthday or other type celebration, I plan it for myself. I order what is needed, I pay for it. That way there is no disappointment.
I just hate to see so many people think all this wonderful stuff is going to happen for them because they see it here, on the boards, all the time. And truly, upgrades, free balloons, free Mickey bars just don't happen all that often.

Very well said. we have been to Disney World 7 times since 1994 and are going again this comming Dec. I recieved a 40% off pin that was an upgrade in itself. You book what you want and can afford anything other than that is gravy with pixie dust stirred in.

 

[PixieDustandEeyore]

I don't understand something. All Pop buildings have elevators in them. Why are you walking up the stairs when you could be riding the elevators?

In the past we've been on the 2nd floor and I personally dont like taking the elevator up to the 2nd floor its a personal pet peeve or something. I remember living on the 2nd floor of an apartment building and i always carried my groceries up the floor. Im quirky I suppose. But this trip ill probably use the elevator due to a recent injury that is making walking fun in itself