Ok how often do hotels give upgrades?

ssatterly

DIS Veteran
Joined
Aug 3, 2004
Messages
822
Just wondering thinking of booked WL standard view and was wondering will they do upgrades and what are some tricks on getting upgraded?
 
Upgrades are very few and far between. I don't know that there are any tricks. We've done everything that you would think would get an upgrade from outright requesting them, to having notes made on our reservation when we were celebrating a birthday, to being extra chatty with the CM's at check-in.

The only time we've gotten an upgrade was at AKL when we booked a standard, and they were apparently overbooked and put us in a savannah view. Truly though, upgrades are very rare and I believe it is just luck of the draw. When we did get that upgrade, we were not there for a special occassion, hadn't asked for one, or anything like that. I also think if you ask for one, you shoot yourself in the foot and are looked at as just another guest looking for something extra for nothing. I tried that once, and really felt foolish afterward.
 
We were very pleasantly surprised when we checked-in at the CONT expecting a garden room, and were upgraded to the Tower. The room was awesome, we had a fabuolus view of the Electrical Water Parade and the Magic Kingdom. We didn't ask for anything, I think we just got lucky. If I remember correctly, there was a large convention group staying there, and in order to keep them altogether, they bumped people to the tower who were previously scheduled to stay in one of the garden view rooms. I think playing it cool and not saying anything is probably the best tactic. Go in thinking you will get what you paid for and then be pleasantly surprised if you get more. Then either way you can't be disappointed! Hope it happens for you though!
 
I think upgrades happen more often than we think. I am sure it is contingent on what is available at that time. Obviously they cannot give you something that is not vacant at that time.

We've been upgraded at AKL from regular savannah view to deluxe savannah view, and also at CR from garden to tower.

I would think WDW would upgrade whenever possible, just to help spread the magic. The CM's get so excited when they can offer you an upgrade!
 

It very much depends on many things. How booked the resort is, how new the CM checking you in is, etc.

I've noticed that the CM's who have been around longer tend to be more liberal with upgrades. I've also noticed that they tend to be much more liberal during slower periods.

If you are going for Christmas, do'nt expect an upgrade. IF you will be there the second week of September, and there isn't a convention or large group at your resort, you've got a decent chance.

Anne
 
We just stayed at the WL August 11th - 18th. We booked a standard view room and were upgraded to room 6051 which is a courtyard view room. Our room was perfect. You could see the courtyard, the pool and Bay Lake. This was the first time we were ever upgraded at any resort. We checked in on a Wednesday afternoon, I don't know if that had anything to do with it. Good luck. You will love the WL. I can't wait to go back.
 
My wife and I have been upgraded several times at Disney, sometimes without even asking! On our last trip to WL in May, we asked if we could upgrade from a woods view room and Tammy (CM) checked and said yes -- at no additional charge. (She even had my credit card still in her hand!) We had a wonderful room on the 1st floor looking out over the pool & falls (can't remember the number now).

Like Anne said, it depends a lot on availability when you arrive. I know Tammy had to check to make sure the room we were upgrading to was not needed by someone else who already booked and paid for a courtyard view room.

Best wishes on your trip!
 


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