Resort Upgrade Etiquette

[Nazran]

Hello all. I have never traveled much and have always heard people talking about 'upgrades'. When is it appropriate or when would I know it is ok to ask for an upgrade? I assume when we arrive and go through check in that would be the time to ask. Could someone explain that whole process? Thanks in advance.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Actually, alot of the upgrades you hear about are done without people asking for them. That's a really nice surprise. If you want to ask though, you can do that at check-in. Just be clear if you are willing to pay for the upgrade, or if you're looking for it to be complimentary. It can be a little awkward, but it doesn't hurt to ask. The worst that will happen is they'll say no.

 

[eliza61]

Actually, alot of the upgrades you hear about are done without people asking for them. That's a really nice surprise. If you want to ask though, you can do that at check-in. Just be clear if you are willing to pay for the upgrade, or if you're looking for it to be complimentary. It can be a little awkward, but it doesn't hurt to ask. The worst that will happen is they'll say no.

Welcome to the dis Nazran,
Actually it's pretty painless, I think the front desk cm's are really use to it. I just say, usually with a big ole goofy grin on my face (which is usually there any way because I'm so happy to be at wdw) "Any free upgrades going around"? Only had it happened once but hey you never know.

 

[NJRRK]

Last time I was at the Poly I asked "how much would it be to upgrade to a lagoon view?"

The CM at the desk said they had no lagoon view rooms available, but she could upgrade me to a Garden View Concierge room for free. Of course I said yes (who wouldn't).

That's the same approach I plan on following in August to try to get a tower room at CR.

 

[Nazran]

Last time I was at the Poly I asked "how much would it be to upgrade to a lagoon view?"

The CM at the desk said they had no lagoon view rooms available, but she could upgrade me to a Garden View Concierge room for free. Of course I said yes (who wouldn't).

That's the same approach I plan on following in August to try to get a tower room at CR.

That is a good approach. Thanks for the advice.

 

[raven69david]

So far i'm 1 for 1. I got my free upgrade at AKL from standard view to Savannah view at no cost. The CM just gave me the upgrade without me asking. If there's a birthday or something special going on during your trip, please let the CM on the phone know so that they can notate it in the system. When you check in, these comments will be viewed by the CM checking you in.

Good Luck

 

[kimberh]

It must be luck of the draw, I have had Anniversay, birthday attached to my reservation... nothing, Nada... Zipo. I have asked, there is nothing. Congratulations to all you lucky folks!

 

[Hopefully]

You will hear of many lucky folks here who got a successful upgrade. Good for them! But in reality, upgrades are actually very rare.
It certainly doesn't hurt to ask at check in, but the most important thing is not to Expect one. If there is a room or a view that you really want and your vacation will not be good unless you have it, then you need to book that room or view and pay the cost difference. There is nothing worse than getting to WDW only to be disappointed in your accomodations, and letting it negatively impact your vacation.

 

[kimberh]

You will hear of many lucky folks here who got a successful upgrade. Good for them! But in reality, upgrades are actually very rare.
It certainly doesn't hurt to ask at check in, but the most important thing is not to Expect one. If there is a room or a view that you really want and your vacation will not be good unless you have it, then you need to book that room or view and pay the cost difference. There is nothing worse than getting to WDW only to be disappointed in your accomodations, and letting it negatively impact your vacation.

I agree! I book Savanna, when I stay at AKL. We book what we want, I ask (sometimes) I have better luck with upgrades, outside of Disney.

 

[stephwa]

Hey guys,

I'm clearly new to this board, but I've been obsessed with it for the past few weeks! I'm 20 (21 on Monday!!), from sunny England, UK! *good joke*, been to WDW 5 times in the past and going again for my 21st birthday in....wait for it....30 days!! I am so excited its untrue!

Anyway onto the subject, we're staying at CSR - never stayed there before, but have stayed at CBR before. We've booked through a travel company so we're assuming we're not gonna get the greatest of rooms, and my dad is after contacting the hotel to see if we can request a specific room or get an upgrade, mentioning it being my 21st. How do you think this will go down?

Thanks!

Steph

 

[Mr. Pig]

stephwa - One thing about CSR is the rooms are basically all the same inside. The real difference is the location. I don't think there are too many "bad" locations.

Here is another post from Buzz2000 on another thread (sorry I don't know how to quote it so I am just cutting and pasting)


"Here are some good building choices.

Cabana 9b is close to bus stop 1 and the main building with a short walk to the Dig Site (main pool) over the wooden bridge. Most convenient location and most preferred.

Cabana 8a is close to the Dig Site (and playground) and bus stop 4 with a short walk to the main building. (Closest to the Pool)

Cabana 8b and 9a are in between the 2 above. 9a has a quiet pool.

Ranchos 7b has a quiet pool, is close to the Dig Site and bus stop 4 with a bit longer walk to the main building. 7b is behind cabana 8a.

Casita 3 has great courtyard and fountain views but you will have to walk or ride the internal shuttle to get to the pool.

Casita 5 has some nice fountain and lake views and is close to the Dig Site but farther from the main building."

You can add a request through the travel company or contact the resort directly. I'm not sure if it being your birthday will help with an update but it never hurts to ask. Happy Birthday - by the way.

Anyway hope you have a great vacation.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

That's the same approach I plan on following in August to try to get a tower room at CR.

Unless it's not in your price range, wouldn't it be easier to try and pay for a Tower room and not put all your hopes in a free upgrade from the South Garden Wing? Just because you got lucky at the Polynesian, does not mean it would happen again. Still here is some for good luck.

 

[NJRRK]

No because if I can't get the tower, it's no big deal. It would be nice, but I'm not counting on it. What I am counting on is that I will be staying in the Contemporary.

 

[mdwade]

Hi.

We will be staying at Pop Century for the first time. I am wondering if I intend to request a certain decade if it is too much to ask for an upgrade. For example, not that we really have a particular area we want, but I did want to ask for a room on the ground floor. When we check in, would it be silly to say, we'd like a ground floor room and any free upgrades available . Sounds silly, but this is only our 2nd trip. Thanks.

 

[NJRRK]

You might want to word it a little differently -

"We'd like a ground-floor room as close to the main building as possible."

 

[yasmina]

Hello all. I have never traveled much and have always heard people talking about 'upgrades'. When is it appropriate or when would I know it is ok to ask for an upgrade? I assume when we arrive and go through check in that would be the time to ask. Could someone explain that whole process? Thanks in advance.

We were upgraded to concierge at the BWI 2 yrs. ago for no reason. I didn't ask, it wasn't a special occasion, it just happened.

Just a little of that Disney magic

 

[simonkodousek]

A majority of upgrades are done without asking.

 

[Del]

I got my upgrade without asking.

Del