What exactly is an upgrade and how do you get one

[magic kingdom park]

Renting pts from a owner in Oct, seen several post about upgrades, what exactly does this mean and how do you get one?

 

[rlovew]

You can not get an upgrade when renting points. If you ask for one and they give it to you, the owner of the points will have to put out the additional points for your upgrade and will come asking for the money- beside probably not being willing to rent to you again. You can get upgrades when staying on cash but not on points. It could mean a different view or a larger size villa but when using points you reserve what you want and get that.

 

[magic kingdom park]

okay thanks answers my questions. For people that stay on rented points are they ever offered bounceback offer or anything

 

[DebbieB]

okay thanks answers my questions. For people that stay on rented points are they ever offered bounceback offer or anything

Yes, you can use the bounceback offer. I've stayed at BWV on points and the flyer was on the table.

Upgrades are very rare at DVC resorts because they are usually 100% occupied.

 

[com_op_2000]

1. Once cause of over booking at VWL:
Booked a studio at VWL, when we tried to check-in, we had been upgraded to a WL 2 bedroom lake view suite. Called some family members to come and join us for an unexpected vacation.
2. Once cause of problem with check-in at AKL:
Booked a standard view studio at AKL-Jambo, checked-in, given a room key as the room was suppose to be ready, went to the room, and found suitcases and purse in the room along with the room not being made up. Went back to the front desk, they gave us an on-the-spot upgrade to a savanna view room in another part of the resort plus four free breakfasts.
3. DCL
We reserved an inside stateroom but were upgraded to an ocean view room. We did not find out about the upgrade until we got to the room, what a suprise that was.

None of these resulted in me having to pay extra points.

 

[jekjones1558]

1. Once cause of over booking at VWL:
Booked a studio at VWL, when we tried to check-in, we had been upgraded to a WL 2 bedroom lake view suite. Called some family members to come and join us for an unexpected vacation.
2. Once cause of problem with check-in at AKL:
Booked a standard view studio at AKL-Jambo, checked-in, given a room key as the room was suppose to be ready, went to the room, and found suitcases and purse in the room along with the room not being made up. Went back to the front desk, they gave us an on-the-spot upgrade to a savanna view room in another part of the resort plus four free breakfasts.
3. DCL
We reserved an inside stateroom but were upgraded to an ocean view room. We did not find out about the upgrade until we got to the room, what a suprise that was.

None of these resulted in me having to pay extra points.

Well that explains why we have never received an upgrade in 30+ trips: you, com_op_2000, are getting them all!

 

[Deb & Bill]

The only time you might not get the DVC villa you booked is that the villa has been taken out of service for maintenance and there is no other in the same booking category to give you. Cash reservations are different - you might get an upgrade with a cash reservation.

 

[Dean]

The only time you might not get the DVC villa you booked is that the villa has been taken out of service for maintenance and there is no other in the same booking category to give you. Cash reservations are different - you might get an upgrade with a cash reservation.

You also might get a downgrade. There have been reports in the past (rare but a few) of people showing up at DVC resorts and not having a room. In some cases they were upgraded, in some they were downgraded (BCV to OKW for example).

 

[com_op_2000]

Well that explains why we have never received an upgrade in 30+ trips: you, com_op_2000, are getting them all!

Member since '93
At least 3 trips per year.
18 Yrs * 3 = 54 trips
3/54 = 5.5%
I would actually up the number for trips to 65, due to 4 or more trips at times (6 trips last year).
3/65 = 4.6%
If I am getting them all, then lucky me.

Check out this thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38385008#post38385008
for additional post on upgrades.

 

[Dean]

Member since '93
At least 3 trips per year.
18 Yrs * 3 = 54 trips
3/54 = 5.5%
I would actually up the number for trips to 65, due to 4 or more trips at times (6 trips last year).
3/65 = 4.6%
If I am getting them all, then lucky me.

Check out this thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=38385008#post38385008
for additional post on upgrades.

I'd say actual upgrades for DVC points stays are far more unusual than that, likely significantly under 1%. Many threads that list an "upgrade" really aren't and it's due to their misunderstanding of the appropriate expectations, esp at BWV and to a lessor degree, AKV.