Room upgrade

[stephensmum]

Wow, you guys are harsh!

I read the initial and second post by the OP as one of those inspired by a Sunday afternoon of thinking and dreaming about an upcoming trip and the question popped to mind. Nothing wrong with hoping and asking. I never got the impression that anything was expected and read it simply as an "Is this possible/acceptable?" question, followed by "While we are dreaming, it would be nice ...."

Minus the flaming, there is some good advice on here already so I am not going to add anything.

I think chmurf and London75 summed it up really nicely in terms of a good approach.

I hope you get some pixie dust sprinkled on you, Disneynut.

I agree with Lee, some of the replies made me wince a little.

 

[2Tiggies]

I don't think anyone has been particularly harsh, just realistic. In my response I said that if the OP has her heart set on having two rooms then she should pay for it, to avoid disappointment.

HELLO Lee, by the way- haven't bumped into you on here for a while. Hope your planning is going well.

Hi Lauren

Planning is beginning for this trip, finally. Life in general threw some diversions along the way and I wasn't really on here much for a few months but I'm back

It wasn't everyone I was referring to, or even the content of the information. I just felt that the OP's post was interpreted to literally - especially the second one about the extra room - and it was really more the delivery than the actual content of the posts.

 

[disneyholic family]

i have stayed onsite at least 75 times

in all those times, we've been upgraded 4 times.

Granted, i've never asked, but i'm not sure that asking would have made much of a difference.

the upgrades were:
WL - upgrade to concierge
Beach Club - upgrade to slightly larger room
Yacht Club - upgrade to better view
GF - upgrade to better view

obviously the nicest one was the upgrade to concierge!! nice and very unexpected!!
actually if memory serves, we had two rooms that trip, and they upgraded both of them.

 

[UKDEB]

right, this helps.
but let's remind everyone that "pulling ranks" rarely gets you anywhere.
A guest checking in and going along the lines of "I'm an AP holder, shareholder, I'm a regular, therefore I MUST get an upgrade" will basically end up with a "no, can't do" and a large smile on the CM face.
I mention this because we had this very same discussion 2 days ago on a french forum, and the op over there was strongly suggesting that he would try to play it smart with the CM at DLRP, as he was AP holder and stuff, he thought that would get him better chances. It doesn't (in fact you just pull a red card out on yourself)

I'm not sure if you've misunderstood Wayne's post, or I've misunderstood yours. Wayne isn't saying he believes the upgrades came from telling anyone of his status, but because the person with the ability to upgrade would have had that information to hand. I agree with him entirely, but I'd add a further category which, in my experience, is often the reason for an unexpected upgrade and that's when it's operationally preferable for the organisation in question. We've had flight, hotel room and car upgrades several times. We've been upgraded from PE to UC with Virgin 3 times. Once I suspect it was was due to the fact I was celebrating a milestone birthday but usually it's either been because we're loyalty club members or, more often, just because it's suited them. Once when we were going to Florida with friends, they upgraded 3 of them to UC. They were actually a family of 4, but their daughter's ticket had been bought at a later date so Virgin's system was showing them as a party of 3. They explained the situation, but the check-in attendant wasn't able to upgrade them all - she'd just got a flag on her screen telling her to upgrade the first party of 3 to check in because they needed to find space in PE for another party. Another time we had a reservation for one night in a two-bed villa at the BoardWalk. When we checked in, we were told that we'd been upgraded to a BoardWalk view which we thought was odd because that's what we'd booked. When we got to the room, we'd actually been given a Grand Villa. I've absolutely no doubt that it was pure luck based on operational requirements and I don't imagine we'd have got it had we been staying for longer. The first time we stayed at AKL we'd booked a Savannah view and I'd requested a king bed. When we checked in we were allocated a family room with two queens and a bunk. There were no Kings available. I asked how much it would cost to upgrade to a Concierge King. That'll be $20 a night, madam. Needless to say I bit her hand off, but she wasn't doing us any favours - it was just the price that came up in her system. Obviously prices had dropped since we booked and we got lucky.

I agree with everyone who's suggested that asking for a free upgrade is almost guaranteed to lead to disappointment. Just put yourself in the shoes of someone who's in a position to hand out free upgrades. Surely even the most saintly, sweet-natured person is going to be a little bit irked by such a request. Conversely, if they have got any to hand out, they'll be more inclined to do so it they like you, so smile when you approach the desk and try to be chatty. Say how happy you are to be there, but don't drop big hints - they'll have heard them all before. There's nothing wrong with asking if they have any better rooms, but I'd be inclined to enquire about the cost and avoid the word "free".

 

[Disneynutinlondon]

Well I've certainly learnt my lesson and there after 6 years on the board I thought this was a friendly place ........ don't think I'll bother asking any more questions

For all those that care or can be bothered I have booked a room that we will be more than happy with, I only said that it would be my dream to get 2 rooms not that I expected it, I totally understand that they probably will say "no" and no I won't be upset or disappointed after all I'll be in my "happy place"

Having said all that I would like to take this opportunity to thank those that gave friendly advice and inform those that decided to vilify me and shoot me down in flames that I am choosing to totally ignore all your comments

 

[juliebro]

Well I've certainly learnt my lesson and there after 6 years on the board I thought this was a friendly place ........ don't think I'll bother asking any more questions

For all those that care or can be bothered I have booked a room that we will be more than happy with, I only said that it would be my dream to get 2 rooms not that I expected it, I totally understand that they probably will say "no" and no I won't be upset or disappointed after all I'll be in my "happy place"

Having said all that I would like to take this opportunity to thank those that gave friendly advice and inform those that decided to vilify me and shoot me down in flames that I am choosing to totally ignore all your comments

So sorry you got some unpleasant responses.

I have PM'd you.

 

[juliebro]

I'm not sure if you've misunderstood Wayne's post, or I've misunderstood yours. Wayne isn't saying he believes the upgrades came from telling anyone of his status, but because the person with the ability to upgrade would have had that information to hand. I agree with him entirely, but I'd add a further category which, in my experience, is often the reason for an unexpected upgrade and that's when it's operationally preferable for the organisation in question. We've had flight, hotel room and car upgrades several times. We've been upgraded from PE to UC with Virgin 3 times. Once I suspect it was was due to the fact I was celebrating a milestone birthday but usually it's either been because we're loyalty club members or, more often, just because it's suited them. Once when we were going to Florida with friends, they upgraded 3 of them to UC. They were actually a family of 4, but their daughter's ticket had been bought at a later date so Virgin's system was showing them as a party of 3. They explained the situation, but the check-in attendant wasn't able to upgrade them all - she'd just got a flag on her screen telling her to upgrade the first party of 3 to check in because they needed to find space in PE for another party. Another time we had a reservation for one night in a two-bed villa at the BoardWalk. When we checked in, we were told that we'd been upgraded to a BoardWalk view which we thought was odd because that's what we'd booked. When we got to the room, we'd actually been given a Grand Villa. I've absolutely no doubt that it was pure luck based on operational requirements and I don't imagine we'd have got it had we been staying for longer. The first time we stayed at AKL we'd booked a Savannah view and I'd requested a king bed. When we checked in we were allocated a family room with two queens and a bunk. There were no Kings available. I asked how much it would cost to upgrade to a Concierge King. That'll be $20 a night, madam. Needless to say I bit her hand off, but she wasn't doing us any favours - it was just the price that came up in her system. Obviously prices had dropped since we booked and we got lucky.

I agree with everyone who's suggested that asking for a free upgrade is almost guaranteed to lead to disappointment. Just put yourself in the shoes of someone who's in a position to hand out free upgrades. Surely even the most saintly, sweet-natured person is going to be a little bit irked by such a request. Conversely, if they have got any to hand out, they'll be more inclined to do so it they like you, so smile when you approach the desk and try to be chatty. Say how happy you are to be there, but don't drop big hints - they'll have heard them all before. There's nothing wrong with asking if they have any better rooms, but I'd be inclined to enquire about the cost and avoid the word "free".

Thanks, Deb. Was about to jump in myself in defence of Wayne until I saw your post!

Also, we've been given flight upgrades when we've agreed or offered to be flexible about the day of travel to help the airline.

I absolutely agree with the nice and chatty approach!

 

[paulh]

we have been upgraded from a dvc room to concierge over one Christmas 11 nights,This was due to a smoke filled room we were supposed to have and we went back to front desk and asked for a new room as DS has asthma.They first offered us OKW but as we booked Boardwalk for Epcot and MGM and would not be having a car this was a no no for us.so they said the only rooms available for that length of time was the concierge(me didn't even know what concierge was)Said as long as there was a fridge and coffee maker in the room would be ok with me.Little did i know what i would get
As for negative posts we all get them once in a while been on here to long to let that worry me.never be afraid to ask a question or give a reply. that's what the boards are for
Paul

 

[Kath2003]

I think it's the nature of your request, OP. If you were after a nicer version of what you'd paid for, people wouldn't have reacted. But you're asking for double what you paid for. That's not an upgrade (an improved version of the same product) - that's asking for half your accommodation costs to be paid for you. It's like getting to the car rental place and instead of them offering a bigger car, you want them to give you two cars instead of just the one you paid to rent.

Upgrades are lovely, but personally I wouldn't request one.

 

[Disneynutinlondon]

I think it's the nature of your request, OP. If you were after a nicer version of what you'd paid for, people wouldn't have reacted. But you're asking for double what you paid for. That's not an upgrade (an improved version of the same product) - that's asking for half your accommodation costs to be paid for you. It's like getting to the car rental place and instead of them offering a bigger car, you want them to give you two cars instead of just the one you paid to rent.

Upgrades are lovely, but personally I wouldn't request one.

Actually Kath what I said was that my dream upgrade would be 2 rooms not that I would be asking for 2 rooms. TBH any kind of upgrade or extra sprinkle of pixie dust would be exceptionally nice. In my opening post all I said was that I was thinking of asking for an upgrade I suspect that a lot of people who have posted on this thread have not read my posts properly and have therefore taken them totally out of context.

 

[Kath2003]

Actually Kath what I said was that my dream upgrade would be 2 rooms not that I would be asking for 2 rooms. TBH any kind of upgrade or extra sprinkle of pixie dust would be exceptionally nice. In my opening post all I said was that I was thinking of asking for an upgrade I suspect that a lot of people who have posted on this thread have not read my posts properly and have therefore taken them totally out of context.

Then obviously your intentions got muddled on this thread because you began saying you wanted to ask for a complimentary upgrade, and then later said that ideally you would like two rooms. It looks, therefore, like you want your complimentary "upgrade" to be a second (free) room.

I don't think it's been taken out of context. People have made judgements based on the information you've given them here. You said you wanted an upgrade. You said ideally that upgrade would be another room. What other conclusion would you expect to be drawn? It may be your "dream upgrade" but that's the only information you gave.

 

[Alesia]

Actually Kath what I said was that my dream upgrade would be 2 rooms not that I would be asking for 2 rooms. TBH any kind of upgrade or extra sprinkle of pixie dust would be exceptionally nice. In my opening post all I said was that I was thinking of asking for an upgrade I suspect that a lot of people who have posted on this thread have not read my posts properly and have therefore taken them totally out of context.

You may not have meant to, but the way you wrote it made it seem like that's the upgrade you were planning on asking for. People can only read the context of what you wrote, not of what you thought.

For what it's worth, I have a friend who used to work at the front desk at the poly and they were instructed to never give a free upgrade to someone who asked for it outright.

 

[chmurf]

I'm not sure if you've misunderstood Wayne's post, or I've misunderstood yours. Wayne isn't saying he believes the upgrades came from telling anyone of his status, but because the person with the ability to upgrade would have had that information to hand.

you've obviously misunderstood my post, so I'll rephrase for clarity :

"you're right Wayne, but let's take your experience as an opportunity to remind the rest of the gang that being a regular or belonging to the brass does not entitle anyone to a free upgrade. And anyone who would think that pulling ranks will get them an upgrade might get a harsh reality check instead. If Wayne got upgraded because of being a "regular" it's only because the CM/clerck had that information, and not because Wayne tried to force feed that info to the CM/clerck"

is that better ?
same post as above but maybe a bit more sober (the post and myself )

 

[claireanddylan]

Gosh! Does it really matter if the OP came across as that if the OP has then corrected it and said it wasn't how she intended!

Seen plenty of people on here wishing for upgrades in the past.


OP, I would follow the advise about enquiring and seeing what they say.

 

[wayneg]

I suspect that a lot of people who have posted on this thread have not read my posts properly and have therefore taken them totally out of context.

Some posts do come across totally wrong, only you know how it was supposed to read.

As I put in my 1st post I think asking for an upgrade could jeopardise your chances. Not something I would do myself but anyone that has the nerve to ask and gets something I would be the first to congratulate them.

you've obviously misunderstood my post, so I'll rephrase for clarity :

"you're right Wayne, but let's take your experience as an opportunity to remind the rest of the gang that being a regular or belonging to the brass does not entitle anyone to a free upgrade. And anyone who would think that pulling ranks will get them an upgrade might get a harsh reality check instead. If Wayne got upgraded because of being a "regular" it's only because the CM/clerck had that information, and not because Wayne tried to force feed that info to the CM/clerck"

is that better ?
same post as above but maybe a bit more sober (the post and myself )

I had to read and re-read your original post but thats how I eventually understood it to read.

 

[Alesia]

Gosh! Does it really matter if the OP came across as that if the OP has then corrected it and said it wasn't how she intended!

Correct. And Kath and I were both trying (at the exact same time) to explain to her why people reacted so negatively.

 

[2Tiggies]

It looks like a lot of folk have been and/or feel that they have been either mis-quoted or taken out of context.

It may be a good time to all stop and remember that in written communication, without the aid of eye contact, voice tone and body language, it is more difficult to convey the correct tone and the way it sounds in one's mind may come across differently in text. However I think it is fair to say that in this case, especially regarding Disneynut's first and second posts, (and there were other contributers misquoted too) not everyone has actually read through the messages properly. This is by no means pointing fingers or singling anyone out and does not mean that everyone has to agree; the beauty of these discussion forums is being able to get varied opinions which help in making decisions .... and also to share our hopes and wishes, whether realistic or not.

The main problem on here that keeps recurring however, is that folk are not reading all the posts and seem to be skimming over the thread and then posting without going through all the information.

I know that I am probably speaking out of turn here and will take the rap for it, but this one is really bothering me for some reason. Perhaps because over the last 10 days or so there seems to be an increased degree of hostility on the main boards than usual and a lot of the time it is down to threads veering off topic or deviating from the point and assumptions being made. Nobody wants to be flamed; but even worse is being flamed for something you didn't actually say. Yes, it is a discussion forum and no, we are NOT all going to share the same points of view. But we don't have to agree on everything to show a little bit of consideration and courtesy to each other. I really do think this is the friendliest of all the boards on the DIS and think it's a little sad that the OP is a long-standing and active member of the boards who has only ever contributed positively and received a rather (IMO) hostile response.

I've opened my big mouth now and having had the brass to speak, I will take any criticism that follows. But I felt something needed to be said.

Edit to add: Sorry Wayne if that was out of line. I see that you posted while I had this window open (and was interrupted!)

 

[WSussex]

2tiggies - well said!!
Disneynut - please don't let this put you off posting

Sx

 

[UKDEB]

I've re-read the entire thread and I can't see that anyone has been unfriendly towards the OP (and in my 12 year tenure here, I've seen a bit of that ). Certainly some people have posted more forthright responses to her query about the chances of getting a complimentary upgrade and her feeling that it would be nice to improve it to two rooms (as she'll be celebrating her birthday and wedding anniversary, and it's quite possibly the last family holiday they'll have to WDW), but that's the nature of discussion forums. Some or us are touchy-feely, others are more direct. I realise that some people are sensitive to the candid style of posting - hence the scrutiny of a couple of posters - but unless it gets personal, that's a valid choice. I'm inclined towards the plainspoken approach and I know that I probably sometimes come across as blunt, but it's not always easy to convey ourselves as we intend in the written word, as the OP herself has found.

 

[Portugal1000]

When I went to Fort Wilderness for Christmas, I asked if I could pay to be in a preferred area, so that we were close to the pool. Anyway, the CM was so nice and just said, "no charge". I honestly didn't even know you could get a free upgrade but it was only my second trip to Disney. We always stay at SSR now when staying on Disney property. I always make a point of asking in advance for the room I want (this is not an upgrade) and have never been disappointed.