Tips wanted for getting free upgrades...

[matthewsmom1]

...I have seen where lots of people tell you to ask for a free upgrade if one is available. Are there any tips to how you ask and/or who you ask so that you have more of a chance of being successful?

Would you be more successful if you have a special occasion you are celebrating (anniversary, birthday, etc)? Or is it just luck? How do you phrase your question? I don't want to offend, but would LOVE to be upgraded for no charge!!!!

 

[anewvance]

I have always sent a fax 4 days out and have almost every time gotten my request. I don't know why, maybe I write good request, lol. I can only think of once out of a number of requests that I didn't get my request and that was because WL computers were down and they asked us which kind of room we booked and gave us whatever in that category was open which was a standard. Have no idea where the room controller had actually put us...

So my opinion is a request 4 days out, but you do it after 5pm because the night controller has more time to sit down and read them.. at least I think it's 4 days, I re read the site that offers help on requests to make sure every time.

 

[anewvance]

Oops, forgot to mention I usually "request" some sort of upgrade in my requests not just your normal double beds or non smoking room... I figure it is worth a shot.

 

[matthewsmom1]

Do you just say, "We'd appreciate a free upgrade if one is available"? I guess I don't know how to word it appropriately.

 

[Dana49]

I have never requested an upgrade in the 20+ years that we've been visiting WDW. However, 3 of the last 5 times that we have visited, we've received free upgrades. I'm always very thankful, but I never know why.

 

[anewvance]

I say "we'd be truely appreciative"...

It's gotten us from standard to savannah at AKL, from reg to preferred room at Pop Century, rooms at the closest building and connecting rooms at All Stars...

 

[Tinkaroo]

I know that the resorts are no longer accepting faxed room requests - all room requests need to be noted in your reservation with CRO (or your TA). I'm guessing now we'll have to rely on be charming face-to-face with the front desk CM's.

Anybody have any recent experience in getting upgraded? I would love to hear about it!

 

[missypie]

This may be obvious, but have the adult who has the nicest personality deal with the front desk. (I know that my DH just comes across as "nicer" than I do. Also, if traveling with kids, only have them with you if they are certifiably adorable. If they are cranky or messy or have runny noses, keep them away from you at the front desk.

 

[rcraw45425]

I booked standard at the Yacht Club for last Wed. through Sunday. Upon check in the CM stated that we were assigned 1st floor, was that okay? I looked dejected, asked if there was an upper floor available, 1st time at that resort, would like to sell family on it for future trips, (we have on booked in April already). Then I nicely asked if any upgrades were available. She fiddled with the keyboard and said, I found you a nice room with a lagoon view if that's okay. I was suitably appreciative and thrilled after we saw the room. We were slightly to the right of the lighthouse if you were looking toward the Boardwalk with a full view of the water and we saw the fireworks from Illuminations from our full balcony the first night! I fell like politeness and friendliness helps, and having two cute kids does too!

 

[Lewisc]

You'll have a much better chance if you're going when the hotels aren't crowded. Less than 10% of the rooms in AKL are standard. Upgrades there seem common. Decide what's important to you. I've been upgraded in BC but I specifically told them I didn't mind a long walk from the elevators and got a room near EPCOT. Some guests might prefer not to have such an upgrade.

Major upgrades, GV to LV in POLY and wing to tower in the Contemporary are not that common. If you want LV or a tower room reserve it. Minor upgrades are much more common.

 

[eeyorina]

Last Oct. we stayed at the BC and got an upgrade from standard view to waterview. At check in I asked if there were any waterview rooms available and how much more it would cost. The CM checked and said one would be available in 1 hour and there would be no extra charge. So we took it, went and had lunch, came back in 1 hour, and checked in to a room that overlooked the quiet pool. It was great especially since it was our anniversary. I would of still been happy with a standard view room as the BC is such a nice resort and the convenience to Epcot can't be beat.

 

[dznyntnh]

I honestly think that if it is a slower time of year and the hotels are not full, they try to move people into the nicer rooms, they just go to waste if they don't.

Most of the times I have received an upgrade, I didn't even ask. One time all I asked for was a King bed (at WL) and got upgraded to a courtyard view (very nice room).

I also got a great upgrade (from standard to club level) at Dolphin. I think it just helps to be very polite and conversational with the check in people. Let them know how excited you are about your vacation, most of them really want to help you out if they can.

On the flip side, there is nothing I hate more than seeing someone at check-in yelling and demanding 'I want, I want, I want!!!'. If I was the CM they'd get the room over the dumpster.