Question for those who have been upgraded at check-in

[Cathy baby RN]

We were upgraded at the CR from the wing to the tower a couple years ago the week between Christmas and New Years. It was already in the computer. I really didn't even realize it until I was looking at the room numbers on the map they give you!!
It was actually 2 rooms they upgraded us because we have 6 kids and needed 2 rooms! It was such a great time because all the kids were with us...as the high school kids usually aren't with us because of sports and school. We all got to enjoy the MK view.
That was the year I had to find a Walmart to buy gloves in Orlando because it was SO cold.

I really wonder if the CM's at check-in can even authorize upgrades or they need to get special permission? Does anyone know??

Cathy in Illinois

 

[PattiPB]

Last April we had two adjoining rooms at CR garden wing through SOG ($89 per room). A week before we left, I FAXED a letter noting our excitement at taking a 3-generation trip (W/ my parents) and hoping for a water view on the first floor, so we could sit outside the room in the evenings. That's all I wanted---a patio!!! LOL!!!!

We had a late check-in (8 pm), which is what I think led to our upgrade! Upon check-in, the CM looked at the screen very oddly, excused herself, and went in the back for quite a while. I was starting to worry, and after flying cross-country with 3 kids, 2 parents and DH, I wasn't in the mood YKWIM!!!!!

She came back out, shaking her head, and told us she was thrilled to offer us a two-bedroom suite! She seemed genuinely surprised that this happened, and said she checked and double-checked with her supervisor. Yes, my eyes welled up, I assured my father this was a good thing, grabbed the keys and RAN LIKE HECK!!!! It was BEAUTIFUL!!!!! After we checked out the suite, I returned to tip the CM at the desk, and she was still talking about it to the other CM's!

Was it the FAX? Was it the late check-in? Was it the pixie dust? I'm pretty sure it wasn't my good looks...the kids maybe, but not me!!! LOL!!!

Patti

 

[Praise2Him]

On our trip 2 weeks ago we stayed at the ASMo and checked in at midnight. I didn't fax and only requested Dalmations building (had a DC discount). The CM said, "Oh, they've upgraded you to Fantasia pool view." I was shocked because I didn't expect it at all. In fact I was a little disappointed at first not to get in Dalmations! LOL But I got over it and loved the room.

 

[GOBA Mom Lynn]

This past August, we had booked a standard room at CSR, requesting 1st floor, non-smoking in either Casitas or Cabanas. At check-in (8-9am on a Wed.) They said there was a 1st or 3rd floor room available immediately. We took the 1st floor one, which turned out to be poolside. The CM never mentioned that when she asked our choice. Maybe I should have asked what view the 3rd floor room had, could have been a lakeview I guess! We'll never know, but from now on I'll ask when given a choice. I had just assumed the rooms she offered where standard since that is what we booked.

 

[extreme8]

Last September I was booked at the CR at the $130 per night convention rate. I knew it would be a garden wing room, but since the company was paying for my stay I had no complaints.
I arrived around 11am and at check in the CM at the desk said "We show you booked into a tower room, do you prefer a kingdom view or a water view" As soon as I could breathe again I politely asked for the kingdom view, and ended up on the 10th floor with the whole kingdom in front of me.

I didn't fax any requests, was paying a minimal rate, and really didn't have a chance to say much to the CM at the desk before he asked about my choice of view.
It was obviously in the computer ahead of time, but I don't know how they picked me. As far as I can tell the other 400 people at the convention were way out in the garden wings.
Maybe their reservation system gives the available perks to frequent visitors?

 

[Lewski709]

I have asked for a complimentary upgrade and they have honored it. It depends, really, on what's open....not the price you pay. They would rather book up an entire floor than putting one here and there. It makes it easier for room service, maids, maintenance, etc. In fact, AKL CM said not to pay for an upgrade in slow seasons.....unless you certainly want the guaranatee.


To Infinity and Beyond!!!

 

[jiminyfan]

We too were one of those at AKL who got upgraded. We were very happy and surprised at the upgrade to Savannah view.

Years ago we stayed at Beach Club and had booked a water view and were upgrade to Concierge for free. The same resort sent us to a Jr Suite as well, when they could not honor our request for a King size bed in a standard room.

So, I guess we have been very lucky so far.



Almost there!!!!

 

[afsi3838]

we are booked at the dolphin for dec.31st. I have already faxed a room request in...have i blown my chances?
we are resort hopping this trip (AP rates willing! come on already) and will be going to POR then AKL. Hope we get to experience the magic of comp. upgrades :0)

 

[hmp2z]

For our WDW wedding, we had booked a lagoon view room with a Disney Club discount, and were given a complimentary upgrade to a honeymoon room in the main building concierge (Royal Palm Club). I'm pretty sure the fact that we were spending $$ on a Disney wedding had something to do with that, though
Cheers!
Heather W

 

[Sammie]

Originally posted by PartyOf5
This past August we received a complimentary upgrade at the Grand Floridian (from standard to lagoon view) when we went on the Fairytale package. I can't confirm this but I truly believe I was upgraded because I did *not* fax a room request in. The reason is because I got on the subject with the CM behind the desk on faxes and he mentioned that they were getting out of hand and would probably be implementing a policy to discontinue the practice. He said many of them go unread anyway as they receive too many. He said many internet sites now say you should fax a request in and then follow up with a call and he said it's not necessary as long as you have your requests on your original reservation. He said the power of the internet is swamping them with faxes and phone calls! After I thanked him for the upgrade he said thank you for allowing me to make the magic happen!

I am glad you posted this. I have been told the same thing recently from friends that work at various resorts at Disney. However recently when I posted this I received a repsonse that implied I did not know what I was talking about.

I think Disney would truely love to make the magic happen for someone that least expects it and does not ask for it.

 

[dznyntnh]

Originally posted by extreme8
Maybe their reservation system gives the available perks to frequent visitors?

Funny you should mention this.

I just returned a few weeks ago from a great week at WL and called right away to make another rez for May (also at WL) the CM was able to pull up my info with very little input from me and made a comment about my being a frequent visitor.

After I made my rez, I realized he hadn't asked for any of my preferences (nor had I remembered to volunteer them).

When I got my confirmation, it had notes of my usual requests (non-smoking, etc.) and had a 'frequent visitor' notation on it.

That was the first time I noticed that on a Disney rez, maybe they are starting to take note of these things a 'subtly' rewarding us loyal visitors.

 

[safetymom]

I think Disney would truely love to make the magic happen for someone that least expects it and does not ask for it.

I have found that when I let the CM assign me a room it has always been better than what I thought I needed.

They did that for us this trip I just returned from. I asked for them to note that my daughter was arriving for her room the next day and could she be in the same area. The CM did a little key punching and my daughter was in the room next to ours. We both had corner rooms. So I don't think faxing could have done any better!!!

 

[IamSusan]

We were upgraded once at the GF from a garden to a castleview room. It was smart on their part, we have gone twice more and paid for lagoon view and even asked for, a recieved, "our" room.

I have always wanted an upgrade at WL never got one. Those are the only two WDW hotels we have stayed at.

At Disneyland I have recieved complimentary upgrades about haf the time. I just ask if there are any upgrades available I would be thrilled. But you can never expect it.