Upgrades do happen...

[Beth]

A co-worker of mine just came in my office... She had a studio at OKW for this past Sunday night for the holiday.

She said OKW was absolutely SLAMMED. They got there at 1:30, and the line at the Hospitality House was out the doors.

They ended up not getting in until 5:15, but they upgraded her to a one-bedroom!

She said, all she could figure was that they needed the studios to complete 2BR's. (?) She said there were SEVERAL large groups checking in....

Anyway - Just an FYI...

 

[Nanajo1]

Was you co-worker staying on points?

 

[Doctor P]

That's my question, too.

 

[Beth]

Yes, she was staying on points...

 

[Doctor P]

Wow! Very interesting!

 

[CarolAnnC]

Very nice!!

 

[Barb]

I've never had an upgrade-points or no points. It was nice that they got that little bonus.

 

[FreeTime]

When we checked in a VWL this weekend we had a studio. They told us that they do upgrade when using points (even to a 2BR if available!) it is just Labor day weekend they were out. So I will always be asking from now on, I figure it doesn't hurt!

 

[Tigger7570]

I have been a member since 93 and this is the first time I have ever heard that someone actually got an upgrade when they were using points. It really does concern me. I'm a little confused as to how they can do this. From the original post, I assumed that it was just that they had some sort of error and overbooked the studios, but from FreeTime's post it sounds like it may actually happen a little more. I have to say, if I am using points for a two bedroom and they are going to let someone upgrade from a studio to a two bedroom, I definitely wouldn't like that. I hope this isn't something that will become common practice and that just for the asking they upgrade.

 

[DoeWDW]

I have to respectfully disagree with the thought that "I paid POINTS for my 2 bedroom - I don't want anyone else to get a free upgrade."

We each choose how to spend our points. I am spending points for a 2 bdrm at the end of this month. I chose to spend my points that way.

If another DVCer gets a magical upgrade I would be happy for them - even if they didn't pay the extra points. Disney magic is wonderful when it happens and I don't grudge anyone a magical moment.

I guess I'm crazy but I truly believe there's enough magic to go around. If I don't get an upgrade, I'm sure there will be other magical things about my WDW trip.

 

[Anita Williams]

I agree with you Doreen. If I get it, I get it. If someone else gets it, hope they enjoy it. Everything evens out in the end anyway.
Anita.

 

[robinb]

The only other time I heard of an upgrade at a DVC resort was a few years ago. My friends were staying at BWV to check out the resort and DVC. They were paying cash and reserved a studio. They were upgraded to a 1BR. John walked in to the 1BR, turned to his wife and kids and said "We're doomed!". They signed on the dotted line later on that trip .

 

[mjstaceyuofm]

The fact that DVC may allow upgrades does not worry me. I would assume they do this only if the availability is there. Banking, borrowing, and using points for other venues (i.e. cruises, concierge collection, etc.) creates availability at the DVC resorts that DVC typically puts on the market on a cash basis. If 90% of the resort was occupied (say 65% DVC and 25% cash) I'd have no problem if a few DVC members upgraded using the remaining 10% availability of the resort.

Whew!!! That's a lot of numbers to toss around...

Now what I really want to know is how do you go about getting an upgrade. Do you literally say, "Is there any chance you could upgrade me during our stay?" while you're checking in???

 

[zurgswife]

I had a neighbor who rented points from me get an upgraded view at BWV...from standard to preferred...though the room stayed the same size....

 

[SleepyatDVC]

While I know of someone who got a "free" upgrade while staying on points, it was due to DVC overbooking.

My understanding is that if you ask to upgrade upon check-in, they will give it to you if available BUT they do deduct the extra points needed from your DVC account. I don't think they give out "free" ungrades UNLESS it was to the advantage of the resort - such as overbooking, housekeeping is way behind, repairs being done in your reserved unit size, re-allocating room inventory, etc.

Of course, upgrades for whatever reason is at the discretion of the resorts, so I wouldn't be surprised if truly "free" upgrades have happened in the past. However, I believe the "Las Vegas type upgrades" are extremely rare. Most requested upgrades are usually granted, if available, but they are usually also paid for in points by the member.

Hey! But we can always dream for that room re-allocation upgrade, can't we?

 

[FreeTime]

When the Cast Member at VWL said that they do upgrade I thought that they would deduct points. But she said if it is available they go ahead and do it. I have no problem with someone being upgrade that say gets a studio and they mover to a 1br. If I need a 1 BR or 2BR I would reserve it because there is no guarantee that I would be upgraded. If someone else gets a little extra magic for nothing, good for them!

 

[brittsmum1998]

We were upgraded from a std view to a preferred view our first trip "home", which was kinda funny 'cause I went on the waitlist for a std. view and rec'd a phone call about a month later stating we got our std. view one bdrm. Upon arrival I was told that we were upgraded to a preferred view. 2nd trip we stayed at VWL and moved 1/2 way thru trip from studio to one bdrm (DH was miserable in studio) They found us a one bdrm but didn't charge us the "housekeeping" fee Last trip we got a std view one bdrm and a studio for Mom and Dad. Our home was ready but theres wasn't. CM asked Dad if they minded waiting and Dad said NO as long as he could be near his granddaughter. The CM who was checking Dad in came over and said something to the CM who was checking us in and smiled. Dad's room was ready at 3:30 and lo and behold him and Mom were upgraded to a 1bdrm preferred view right directly across the hall from us !! I started crying, DH started complaining asking why that wasn't our room It was a wonderful surprise especially for Mom who had just had triple bypass 8 weeks before. I love my DVC!!!

 

[DizMare]

I was upgraded to a pool view one bedroom in August at BWV (I had reserved a standard view studio). November 2000, I was upgraded from a standard to a preferred view studio.

I didn't ask for the upgrade either time. First time was about 5 pm on a Sunday, second time was Thanksgiving morning. I just chalked it up to pixie dust.