What's the best way to get an upgrade at AKL?

[SJC1984]

We are booked in a standard view (with an AP rate) and didn't realize at the time when I booked (should have known it was too cheap) that I could be looking at the parking lot. I'd love to be looking at the pool at least! Anyone have any experience with this? TIA!

 

[dixiedizfan]

A water/pool view room at AKL is $25 per night more.

 

[gigi1313]

the best way to get an upgrade is to pay for it

 

[SJC1984]

Apparently it's too late to PAY for one, since it's past the 60 days as I understand is required per AP rate, or I would just pay for it instead of asking for advice on how to get one!

 

[wendypooh]

You could always ask at check-in if there are any complimentary upgrades. It won't hurt to ask, and if they don't, then perhaps they will have some type of upgrade you could just pay for then. Also, I'm not sure if you've done it yet or not, but you can "request" certain things. They aren't guaranteed, but it doesn't hurt to ask. If you haven't yet, I'd call back and have some "request" noted on your reservation. I have read that if you request a non-smoking room, you are more likely to not be facing the parking lot. I think mostly, it depends on the time frame you are going, and if the resort is full or not.

Good Luck

 

[cjsmom5]

I'm not sure of all the ins and outs of the AP BR program but it wouldn't hurt to call and ask if there is anything to be done. I've heard if you are paying more that it is okay. That way you would know for sure.

 

[Camping Griswalds]

I'd ask at check in what it would cost to upgrade for a room not overlooking the parking lot. Let the magic take you where it may after that. Perhaps you'll get a free upgrade, perhaps it will cost you 25 more per night and perhaps the parking lot will look romantic too!!

 

[goin2disneyagain]

Apparently it's too late to PAY for one, since it's past the 60 days as I understand is required per AP rate, or I would just pay for it instead of asking for advice on how to get one!

A lot of people do post on here asking how to get free upgrades, that's why the poster said what they said. Have you tried calling to ask if you can upgrade, since you already have a reservation maybe they will allow you to upgrade. That's the best way to find out.

 

[YCFAN]

The best way to get a free upgrade is to be polite to the person checking you in and maybe show a little enthusiasm about being there when you're checking in.

 

[TammiMcMan]

As others have mentioned, I would call first to see if they have an upgrade available. Especially since you know you don't want a parking lot view. If they can't offer you anything, then you'll have to wait until you check-in. I think standard view is the most commonly upgraded (without having to ask), but that all depends on resort occupancy. It doesn't hurt to ask at check-in, you just don't know if they'll offer it as a complimentary upgrade or if you'll be asked to pay the difference in rates.

 

[MEM]

In our case, we tried a little humor. We paid for standard and expected a standard view. However, DH checked us in and joked with the CM that he was checking in for his "Dumpster view". The CM thought that was very funny and said he could do a little better than that. He gave us a Savannah view (Arusha I believe) with giraffes visiting the trees outside our balcony several times a day.

We considered this an extra dose of pixie dust! Worth a try, at least.

 

[missincredible]

DH and I just got back from staying at Beach Club. We checked in early and asked for an upgrade and got an awesome view of Broadwalk. We always ask for an upgrade when we go, back in August we stayed at AKL and got an awesome Savannah view/free upgrade. All we did was ask. If something is available you usually can get it. If you have to pay for an upgrade, ask yourself how much time do you really spend in a room looking out the window? Is it worth the extra cost per night? Or could you spend that money doing one of the many extras they offer, like a private safari or a firework cruise?

 

[Lewisc]

There aren't that many standard view rooms in the AKL. Many guests get a free upgrade without asking.

I'd be shocked if you couldn't at least get a paid upgrade by asking at checkin.

I don't know if you can upgrade your best rate reservation without paying any change fees but it might be worth a phone call.

 

[gigi1313]

we asked about upgrading our standard view and i was told only for a fee... the cm was less than jovial and barely cordial... he was all business... so we paid...

thanks goin2disneyagain for understanding where i was coming from...

to the OP, i am not familiar w/the BR program and did not understand your circumstances when i made my (apparently less-than-funny-to-you) joke... sorry!