How to get free upgrade....works for me

[HughJackman'n'me]

Originally posted by Kallison
Oohh you just gave me an idea -- I'm bringing along my Victoria's Secret push -up bra.

I have NOTHING to push up....guess I'm sunk.....

 

[Kimickey]

Whether this thread is serious or not I'm over here

 

[lilallybean]

Maybe, just maybe this is an actually just one way to recognize GOOD behavior! I think that parents who take the time to teach and develop good social skills deserve as many rewards as can be sent to them. Granted kids are not always on their best behavior so it is a matter of chance too. Congrats on the upgrades and well behaved kids! There is NOTHING cuter than a NICE child!

 

[MsLefty]

Originally posted by Doesney
You really shouldn't feel that way about your children
After all, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Let's hope youy children never learn how you feel.

I absolutely do NOT feel that way about my children. I was just pointing out that the original post implied that to get an upgrade, you simply have to check in with a "cute" and "well spoken" child in tow. What does that tell someone who checks in with their kids and does not get an upgrade? That their kids are not cute or well spoken, or as a someone else suggested, not well behaved? That's all I was saying.

BTW, I feel that my children are probably better behaved than most. They're also cute and well spoken. I don't expect Disney to be biased towards those traits.

I never said the original post was bad or that getting an upgrade during check-in when the CM takes to your child is wrong. I'm just saying the way it was presented could've been done a little differently and then maybe nobody would have taken offense. Snarky comments about how others feel or do not feel about their kids are not necessary.

 

[princess lovers mom]

We too received an upgrade to an amazing waterview room at the beach club our last visit and my 4 year old was at the desk with me when we checked in...it was her first visit and she wanted to be a part of everything...she started chatting away with the CM about everything from the plane trip to the limo ride to the resort, seeing Cinderella etc.....he said to her after we were done to be the first in the room and take a lok out the window...I knew something was up...

We were also chosen to be the "family of the day" at the Lion King show (to open the show and special seating and free DVD) and they got to go behind the counter at beaches and cream to make their own kitchen sink

was it because of my 2 DD's that we got the upgrade, and the other magical momnets or was it a CM seeing the magic of Disney in a childs eyes and having the opportunity to make their trip even more special?

and does it mean anything if you don't receive anything...No, it may mean that nothing is available at that time to give to you...

the best things come to those we do not want....

 

[lmhall2000]

Well, our cutie patooties were in the car when I got my Savannah view upgrade for only $129 a night....we had booked an off-site hotel suite...they promised no-smoking rooms...after 8 hours of trying over 15 rooms ( I did give them a fair shot at pleasing us) and finding out that it had been an all-smoking hotel until that year and they reassigned the rooms to non-smoking, we were desperate to find lodging. It was 2 weeks after 9/11 and we figured we'd try calling Disney direct. They gave us the rate at $129 standard but she encouraged me to check at the desk because they sometimes have better walk-up rates. Having already lost the money on the prior paid in full room (company went bankrupt the next month and we never got our money back) I was ready for a deal. My son's asthma was starting to cause loads of trouble and we knew an ER visit was in our plans.

I went to the front desk manager and the most snotty, uptight, nose-in-the-air, could care less about customers CM took my request. He was adamant that there was no way I could even get a $129 rate. I asked if I could use his phone to call Disney Reservations because our cell phone had died. He refused! I was panicking because we had a son that desperately needed to lay down...it had been a long day....and I was trying to explain our situation with tears in my eyes. He was cold as a ice. I went to the car and had to wait 20 minutes for our cell phone to charge....booked the rate then had to wait an hour for their "system" to pull up my reservation. I was very kind and direct when asking to not speak to that gentleman again. A CM had overheard our conversation earlier and she was furious at him and had reported it to the manager.....OILA upgrade!!!

So, sometimes crappy CM's can result in an upgrade...so for all you without cute children...go for the grouchy ones!
Tara

 

[hppy2bhome]

Good for you!! Besides kids are what Disney is all about.

Don't worry about the other posts saying it BAD!!

There kids may not be a cute as they would like !!!!!

hppy2bhome with 2 cuties ages 2 and 7.

 

[Nadine and Fred]

..there is nothing wrong with hoping that your smart and adorable kid works his (her) "magic" and enables you to snag an upgrade! I, for one, always mention any special occasion that we are celebrating; that has succeeded in "bumping me up" 2 or 3 times (one was DD college graduation, my wedding anniversary, whatever) I never would have thought that this posting was a "hot topic"

 

[DepCor0311]

Eat or be eaten....it's the circle of life.

Love it!!!! You tell'em Got Quattro? !!!

 

[Sammie]

Well everyone is certainly entitled to disagree.

And it all depends on whether the use of the child was intentional or not. It it was intentional then Yes, it is exploitation. And I would rather never have an upgrade then to exploit any child.

The definition on the National Website for Exploitated Children reads: Exploitation: The use of a child for monetary, personal benefit, profit, or gain.

If you are intentionally using your child for gain, then you are exploiting them, regardless of how you wish to see it.

There is a huge difference in the Magic just happening for someone and trying to make it happen.

 

[HookedOnDiz]

Originally posted by Sammie


The definition on the National Website for Exploitated Children reads: Exploitation: The use of a child for monetary, personal benefit, profit, or gain.

You're not serious about this, right?

 

[Threehearts]

There sure are some cutie-pies in the photos on this site. Now I've got two of my own but they're heading into the awkward stage. You know- an eight yr. old with front teeth the size of a mini-fridge etc.. I love 'em to pieces and they're on their way to being just great but those little babies are so adorable. I, too think this thread is meant to be lighthearted and although my kids wouldn't get you a free drink of water at the fountain right now, I sure am happy for others that their charming kids paved the way for an upgrade. How is this different from the clever and well-crafted strategies other DISers use for comp. upgrades? These parents aren't exploiting cuteness or disabilities, it's just the fact. Have a good one... Threehearts

 

[Kallison]

Originally posted by HughJackman'n'me


I have NOTHING to push up....guess I'm sunk.....

That is the beauty of the push up bra -- you don't need nothing! Two rolled up socks and hook it on the tightest setting and you are set! Just jump up and lean over the counter a little with your shoulders hunched together (boy I've given this way too much thought)

 

[jasper]

When we checked in at WDW last year, my adorable DD's 8 and 13 both had their portable CD's going with the headphones on and all, singing the lyrics loudly to an Eminem song; needless to say, we were downgraded from a water view to a dumpster view.

Also, the CM at Epcot made them pay for their soda samples at Ice Station Cool.


Life is tough sometimes.

 

[MyGoofy26]

Originally posted by Nadine and Fred
..there is nothing wrong with hoping that your smart and adorable kid works his (her) "magic" and enables you to snag an upgrade! I, for one, always mention any special occasion that we are celebrating; that has succeeded in "bumping me up" 2 or 3 times (one was DD college graduation, my wedding anniversary, whatever) I never would have thought that this posting was a "hot topic"

*crossing fingers* We're headed down in a little over a month for MY college graduation. Mentioned it when I made the reservation, and I'll make a quick mention when checking in as well. We already have Savannah booked so if nothing happens I'm still very happy - but who am I to argue if they want to give me a deluxe, or if every star fell into alignment, concierge LOL

Carrie

 

[Kimickey]

Threehearts


Thank you for your kind remarks regarding Amani and Jordan, you can borrow my kids anytime

BTW in what part of Maryland do you live?

 

[BurkeTribe]

Both times we've gone in the past few years, I've taken my son in (3/4yo) but not my daughter(1/2yo), because he was so excited and giddy to be there but she was feeling crabby, and both times we got decent upgrades. Didn't plan it that way, but it seems to be an happy excited child may help one's odds

 

[gardendame]

Originally posted by Sammie
There is a huge difference in the Magic just happening for someone and trying to make it happen.

These boards were created for us to help one another 'make' the magic happen. We give each other tips on avoiding busy park days, saving money on resorts, and finding the best places to watch the parade/fireworks. If you have never used any of the tips posted here, good for you. BUT, since you have posts numbering in the four-digits, I'm sure you have gleaned an idea or two to make your own magic happen.

 

[safetymom]

Everyone please try to keep your answers on topic. Some of the comments have not been nice. Otherwise the discussion may have to be closed.

 

[kap10]

During my recent August trip I tried the happy go lucky approach. My DS (9) and I went up to the CM smiling and giddy. (On purpose we left my DS (12) and DH in the car because they wouldn't play our game.) Our room wasn't ready and we had to go back three times to see if the room was available -- each time we went back my DS and I were less "smiley" (we had different CMs each time). The fourth time I checked, I was so tired, hot and discouraged I went to the CM by myself, leaned on the counter and asked if by chance the room was ready yet. This time I really didn't care what room we got, just wanting a room, any room. I had a CM that took pitty on me, said she didn't like the room we had been assigned and gave us an upgrade.

So my charm didn't work but my discouraged, tired face must have done the trick. I don't know how we got the upgrade, but I was happy that we got it.