What's with all these upgrades?

[blissventure]

I think for every one person who would "grumble" about another's upgrade there are hundreds of frequent travelers who wouldn't care at all.
If you travel regularly, you understand upgrades happen, now and then. Nice when you get one, no worries if you don't.

For those who receive one, only the truly tacky would be out by the pool loudly discussing their good fortune. 99% of folks just say thank you and enjoy their stay. No need to announce it.

 

[Tammy296]

I don't know where you are receiving your information about upgrades but I haven't heard or seen the same.

I am happy for anyone who gets upgraded as I think it's part of this so-called "magic" that everyone speaks of (but not every one sees). Just knowing it's out there and there are good stories to be had means Disney still values its customers. AND just because the year of a million dreams is through doesn't mean that "dreaming is done" too.

We leave tomorrow and going to Pop. If we get an upgrade GREAT but I won't count on it. We are never lucky like that....

 

[bouncycat]

I agree Tammy, I'm one who's NEVER lucky like that. We have 2 rooms, hopefully adjoining, booked for May, would be nice if they took our adjoining rooms and put us in adjoining rooms in the Poly, but Like others, I'm not holding my breath! I'll just work to give my DH and DS the best birthdays that I can, and be happy that I'm there!!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

In August 2007 while my family and I were in the Atrium Club lounge at the Contemporary, we overheard someone talking on their cell phone and mentioned to that person they had got upgraded to there at check-in. So even though they were paying a lower rate per night we wanted to stay up there and the only way to make sure that happened was by making a reservation, so I say if someone got an upgrade good for them.

 

[morgy827]

Don't get me wrong I think upgrades are great but take the DCL for an example. From my understanding they will only upgrade you 3 categories. No more. So if you book a catg. 12 you can only go to a 9. If you book a 9 then you could get anything to a catg. 6- which is a very nice room with a private balcony. Now the person who paid for the 12 to get the private balcony just does not seem right IMHO> That is why DCL caps the upgrade. Just makes sense.

Actually, if you look on the cruise forum there are quite a few reports of people getting upgraded more than 3 levels (one is even from a category 12 to a 6!!)

 

[WDWKOOK]

In August 2007 while my family and I were in the Atrium Club lounge at the Contemporary, we overheard someone talking on their cell phone and mentioned to that person they had got upgraded to there at check-in. So even though they were paying a lower rate per night we wanted to stay up there and the only way to make sure that happened was by making a reservation, so I say if someone got an upgrade good for them.

Reading this makes me almost want to cancel our upcoming first-time CL stays.

So "good for them" and bad for those who paid to stay CL. I should feel great paying CL prices knowing that some of the people staying CL were upgraded for free and had no intention of staying CL when they booked their vacation? Why do CL guests have a key that only allows CL guests to use CL facilities? Why not let everyone use it? And, in a sense, aren't we, the CL payer, subsidizing the stays of those who didn't book a CL stay, but end up there anyway. If I hadn't paid CL prices, how could Disney continue to rationalize operating CL floors? Free upgrades are not going to fund CL floors.

I have nothing against upgrades, within reason: same resort, better view/location. But upgrading those who paid for Values to Deluxes at 4 times the cost and upgrading standard rooms to CL is really sticking it to those who reserved in advance and paid for Deluxe or CL.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Reading this makes me almost want to cancel our upcoming first-time CL stays.

So "good for them" and bad for those who paid to stay CL. I should feel great paying CL prices knowing that some of the people staying CL were upgraded for free and had no intention of staying CL when they booked their vacation? Why do CL guests have a key that only allows CL guests to use CL facilities? Why not let everyone use it? And, in a sense, aren't we, the CL payer, subsidizing the stays of those who didn't book a CL stay, but end up there anyway. If I hadn't paid CL prices, how could Disney continue to rationalize operating CL floors? Free upgrades are not going to fund CL floors.

I have nothing against upgrades, within reason: same resort, better view/location. But upgrading those who paid for Values to Deluxes at 4 times the cost and upgrading standard rooms to CL is really sticking it to those who reserved in advance and paid for Deluxe or CL.

While you do make some good points we figured it was the choice of the room assigner to upgrade those guests, so there was nothing we can do about it and like I said before because we wanted to stay Club Level that means making a reservation for it and not holding out for an upgrade at check-in.

Besides that in December 2007 when my family and I stayed Club Level at the Polynesian our original reservation was for the Garden View, however we got upgraded to a Lagoon View which is more expensive. So should we have felt guilty that there were guests paying more per night and we were still paying less for that view, when we all still get the same food and access to the lounge?

 

[leighe]

Reading this makes me almost want to cancel our upcoming first-time CL stays.

So "good for them" and bad for those who paid to stay CL. I should feel great paying CL prices knowing that some of the people staying CL were upgraded for free and had no intention of staying CL when they booked their vacation? Why do CL guests have a key that only allows CL guests to use CL facilities? Why not let everyone use it? And, in a sense, aren't we, the CL payer, subsidizing the stays of those who didn't book a CL stay, but end up there anyway. If I hadn't paid CL prices, how could Disney continue to rationalize operating CL floors? Free upgrades are not going to fund CL floors.

I have nothing against upgrades, within reason: same resort, better view/location. But upgrading those who paid for Values to Deluxes at 4 times the cost and upgrading standard rooms to CL is really sticking it to those who reserved in advance and paid for Deluxe or CL.

I doubt this happens often enough that you are paying for someone else's vacation.

Maybe Disney can hand out special wristbands to those upgraded above their station so their cooties can be avoided by the TRUE CL guests.

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

I have been fortunate enough to receive many upgrades over the years:

- 1999 we were upgraded from POR (the DL) to WL Courtyard
- 2003 we were upgraded from CSR to Yacht Club Concierge
- 2006 Mar & Oct we were upgraded from BC Standard to Concierge
- 2007 we were upgraded from CSR Standard to Waterview
- 2008 we were upgraded from WL Woods to Concierge
- 2008 we were upgraded from CSR Standard to Jr Suite
- 2008 we were upgraded from CSR Standard to Executive Suite

Some were magic, some were upgrades due to inconvenience (CSR being fully booked due to a HUGE convention - closed dig site pool for private events etc), and others (all from 2008) were due to seeing the distinctly "unmagical" side to Disney service where we were flat out lied to by a member of management and were run around from 1am till 4am LONG STORY trust me, you DON'T want to see that side of Disney....it almost ruined our Aug 2008 vacation!

I guess what I'm trying to say is that in 9 times out of 10, you don't know why that person was upgraded or what situation arose for them to arrive at the upgrade. The comments about guests paying CL prices and esentially "paying the way" for those that have upgraded does not make sense to me. How are PIN codes (often 40%) or AP discounts, general public offers any different? Disney offers discounts on a sporadic basis and that is the only way they can be fair. Think of it like the lottery. Everyone who "buys" (goes to Disney) has the chance to receive a discount or upgrade, but only some do.

 

[blissventure]

....The comments about guests paying CL prices and esentially "paying the way" for those that have upgraded does not make sense to me. How are PIN codes (often 40%) or AP discounts, general public offers any different? Disney offers discounts on a sporadic basis and that is the only way they can be fair. Think of it like the lottery. Everyone who "buys" (goes to Disney) has the chance to receive a discount or upgrade, but only some do.

I totally agree. There really is no reason to pay rack rate, at least go with AAA room only to cut off (at a minimum) most of the tax. Watch for deals, it's well worth the effort.

I love the amenities of CL, but don't always stay there. I do take time to plan little treats to bring with us to make all our stays special. Things like biscotti for a little something special with our coffee, extra coffee packs, a small box of lindt chocolates, that sort of thing. For not a lot of money you can really make a stay special, anywhere.

Too much is made about upgrades. If it happens, great. But it really shouldn't be something someone is focusing on. Better (to me) to just really pack some great stuff in your treat bag.

 

[praline3001]

I am going to totally play Devils advocate here...

I don't have a problem at all with someone getting pixie dust thrown their way and a magical upgrade

BUT to say it does not effect the people who booked Club level is not correct... it does effect all of the club level guest in a negative way. Let me explain by using sugar loaf club level building at the GF ~ this is where the majority of guest get upgraded to at the GF. My DD and I stayed there in June and paid the full SL rate, there were NO packages being offered with % off the week we were there.

1. There are only 2 CM's on staff in SL. That means they can only help 2 guest at a time. On a regular day this works out fine... but on a busy morning or when there are a lot of upgrades ~ these 2 cm's have a line. So what is supposed to be CL access to club level cm's turns into a line that is just as long as the regular lobby desk. I had a question and stood in line behind 6 other guest to have my turn. Were all those people upgrades or did all of them pay full rate?! I have no idea as I didn't ask them
BUT the addition of more guest in any CL booking does add on to more people using the CL guest services which in turn creates a longer wait for everyone.

2. The food offerings.... there were a few mornings that we went down to the SL lobby to have breakfast. This was one of the reasons we did book SL... free buffet offerings at breakfast is NICE. We had to wait in a line of at LEAST 10 other guest before we could make it to the offerings on most mornings... one morning it was so packed ~ with no tables available and the line wrapped around the SL lobby that my DD and I said NO WAY are we waiting in that mess and we went to Gasperillas and got a counter breakfast and ate it outside on the patio. For every family that is upgraded into SL it makes these food offering times even more crazy. Again I have NO idea the details of every single person who was in line~ very well could have ALL paid full rates. My point is for every family that is upgraded into a CL~ it increases wait times for all CL services... bell services~ lounge offerings~ Cm personalized services~ housekeeping~ the lounge tables are filled beyond capacity.

Now had I found out or heard that the morning we couldn't get into the line or find a table that 80% of those people were upgrades~ then I would have been a little upset.. as my DD and I ended up having to go and pay for our breakfast because of the crowds in the SL lounge that morning.

I am in NO MEANS begrudging someone an upgrade! I know they are magical and wonderful and a great part of a Disney trip. However every time a family is upgraded into any CL (I was just using my experience at SL as an example but it happens in all CL) it has a negative effect for those who did book CL as stated above.

 

[Goobergirl]

I have been debating writing this as I read through this post, although I have mentioned it in atleast one other post recently. My family was upgraded last month during our WDW trip. Our first upgrade occured prior to our trip, I won our vacation through work and it was for 3 nights at a value with 4 days of park hopper passes for 4. When I booked with the TA we decided to add on another 3 nights, especially since we didn't need 4 theme park passes (2 adults and a 2 year old). We had the option of upgrading our trip out of pocket, but my DH shot that down...despite the fact it would not have cost us THAT much due to the money we got towards our trip from the 2 passes we didn't need. We got a call a week or so after booking 6 nights at Pop that the original 3 nights we had won were being upgraded (they were part of an awards package if this means anything to anyone...all it meant to us was we couldn't add on the dining plan to that part of our vacation for some reason!), we were upgraded to GV at GF. We were shocked and I was excited to check it out (I was still in shock at winning the trip). So we went down to Disney with a split starting at Pop and moving to GF. When I went to check us in to Pop the first day the CM suddenly stopped and said "before I go any further, you are being offered a walk over (I think this is the term she used), are you interested?" I of course was, but said calmly..."ummm, let me check with my husband first" She said she would call and find out where the upgrade was to for me first if I wanted, so she did. It was for the Beach Club and she said it was like ordering pizza and getting the filet mignon! LOL! I wanted to say yes immediately, but knew that my husband and daughter and I had been up since 3 AM and it was now about 2 PM and they were exhausted and grumpy...fortunately he said it was up to me, even though he was excited about staying in Pop after checking out there lobby (I love my DH!). They then gave us a voucher to take a cab to BC, now the CMs at the BC check-in desk are the only people I told that we were upgraded from Pop...I understand it can be a sensitive topic for some. They congratulated us and seemed happy for us which was nice. The second half of our tip when we moved to GF we were upgraded again...we were supposed to be GV and were WV and also could see the MK, so maybe considered TPV...not sure if only certain straight on views of it are considered that or not though.
So not sure why we were upgraded unless it all had to do with the "awards package" we had originally won. But I will say, staying at the deluxe resorts are making me want to figure out how to stay at them again!!!

 

[praline3001]

Goober Girl~ that is a wonderful story

I am really happy for your family!!!!
I don't know anyone who would NOT be happy for you!

What I was doing in the above post (and where some of the debate is based on) is when a family gets a free upgrade into club level. I am also happy for those lucky guest but some previous posters were complaining by saying it did not effect the regular CL guest and in fact it does.

Disney markets to club level guest and sells those rooms, promising attention to detail, personal service and a quiet nice lounge with food offerings galore. By upgrading too many people, the regular CL guest are impacted by the heavier influx.

 

[TinkerBelle_325]

Disney markets to club level guest and sells those rooms, promising attention to detail, personal service and a quiet nice lounge with food offerings galore. By upgrading too many people, the regular CL guest are impacted by the heavier influx.

If Disney has X number of CL rooms and Y number of CL staff they know the correct ratios to accommodate, even with upgrades. Often upgrades to CL are offered because CL is not sold out for that given time period. Regardless of what time of year you go CL at the Poly (for example) is limited to guests in Hawaii and Tonga. How does it hurt full paying CL guests for an upgraded guest to be given a CL room that would otherwise be empty? The CL desks would still be staffed, as would the CL lounge.

I've stayed CL in peak season, regular and value and the "crowd level" has always seemed the same. I never had to wait more than a few moments to speak to a CL Cast Member and they didn't seem frazzled or offer any less service to me because the CL floor was full.

In fact, guests that pay full rack, or book CL with a discount code DO get more amenities than those who are upgraded upon check-in. Anyone who books CL has access to the Itinerary Planners to make their ADRs and special event reservations or to organize special touches such as Disney floral gifts etc...Those that are upgraded do not receive these services and therefore are getting "less" than the full CL experience and paying "less" for it as well.

 

[praline3001]

How does it hurt full paying CL guests for an upgraded guest to be given a CL room that would otherwise be empty? The CL desks would still be staffed, as would the CL lounge.

Its simple, Here is a picture of the SL lounge in the morning for breakfast

Here is the kids area in SL

As you can see, there are only a few tables and chairs to sit at. For every family that gets an upgrade, it makes that small lobby that much more crowded. They have ..what 50 rooms in SL? As it stands now, Disney counts on only a small portion of those to use the lounge ever. There are 10 tables in the SL lounge and a small buffet table.
There isn't enough room for those who are paying full rate to sit in the lounge then to add upgrades to that number makes it even more crowded. I did not take that picture... it was on a thread here. When I was in SL this past June, at breakfast time ~ it was 3x as crowded

 

[blissventure]

I have been debating writing this as I read through this post, although I have mentioned it in atleast one other post recently. My family was upgraded last month during our WDW trip. Our first upgrade occured prior to our trip, I won our vacation through work and it was for 3 nights at a value with 4 days of park hopper passes for 4. When I booked with the TA we decided to add on another 3 nights, especially since we didn't need 4 theme park passes (2 adults and a 2 year old). We had the option of upgrading our trip out of pocket, but my DH shot that down...despite the fact it would not have cost us THAT much due to the money we got towards our trip from the 2 passes we didn't need. We got a call a week or so after booking 6 nights at Pop that the original 3 nights we had won were being upgraded (they were part of an awards package if this means anything to anyone...all it meant to us was we couldn't add on the dining plan to that part of our vacation for some reason!), we were upgraded to GV at GF. We were shocked and I was excited to check it out (I was still in shock at winning the trip). So we went down to Disney with a split starting at Pop and moving to GF. When I went to check us in to Pop the first day the CM suddenly stopped and said "before I go any further, you are being offered a walk over (I think this is the term she used), are you interested?" I of course was, but said calmly..."ummm, let me check with my husband first" She said she would call and find out where the upgrade was to for me first if I wanted, so she did. It was for the Beach Club and she said it was like ordering pizza and getting the filet mignon! LOL! I wanted to say yes immediately, but knew that my husband and daughter and I had been up since 3 AM and it was now about 2 PM and they were exhausted and grumpy...fortunately he said it was up to me, even though he was excited about staying in Pop after checking out there lobby (I love my DH!). They then gave us a voucher to take a cab to BC, now the CMs at the BC check-in desk are the only people I told that we were upgraded from Pop...I understand it can be a sensitive topic for some. They congratulated us and seemed happy for us which was nice. The second half of our tip when we moved to GF we were upgraded again...we were supposed to be GV and were WV and also could see the MK, so maybe considered TPV...not sure if only certain straight on views of it are considered that or not though.
So not sure why we were upgraded unless it all had to do with the "awards package" we had originally won. But I will say, staying at the deluxe resorts are making me want to figure out how to stay at them again!!!

What a sweet story!! Very, very happy for you.
Here's a little pixie dust as you plan your next vacation!

 

[blissventure]

I don't think upgrades particularly affect the overall experience for CL guests for this reason:
Many folks that book CL don't buy the dining plan. That allows them to cancel up to about 5-6 days before their vacation. I'm sure there are occasional gaps in reservations that come up at the last minute. The food is ordered, the staff is in place, but they have an extra space for a few days. I think that is when they pop someone in with a magical upgrade.

I love CL. No doubt about it. Sometimes we do CL, sometimes we don't. We're staying in a Deluxe CL room for our next vacation, just the two of us. But, when the lounge is busy, we just take our food back to our room. We love sitting on the balcony, watching the world go by. I'm pretty easy to please, as long as I'm at Disney.

 

[praline3001]

I don't think upgrades particularly affect the overall experience for CL guests for this reason:
Many folks that book CL don't buy the dining plan. That allows them to cancel up to about 5-6 days before their vacation. I'm sure there are occasional gaps in reservations that come up at the last minute. The food is ordered, the staff is in place, but they have an extra space for a few days. I think that is when they pop someone in with a magical upgrade.

I love CL. No doubt about it. Sometimes we do CL, sometimes we don't. We're staying in a Deluxe CL room for our next vacation, just the two of us. But, when the lounge is busy, we just take our food back to our room. We love sitting on the balcony, watching the world go by. I'm pretty easy to please, as long as I'm at Disney.

But thats the problem with the entire system ~~ by the way in NO means am I complaining about the people who get these upgrades~~~ I am complaining about how the system works. They don't have enough staff, food, tables or customer service when the building is filled with the booked guest. If all the rooms were filled in SL, it would look like the line at SM just for a beagle and some coffee and the main lobby might have a shorter line to talk to the resort CM

For every one of those rooms in that SL building that is empty ~ that is a benefit for those who are staying there. Less rooms filled ~ less crowds~ more personal service without having to stand there waiting and waiting...
For every person that gets a free upgrade, they are rightly entitled to those same things. More people, of course means more lines.. one of the big perks and selling points of club level is not having to worry about crowds and lines while at your resort. Even you stated yourself, that you have been forced back to your room to eat because the lounge was too crowded. This should not happen ~ regardless if it was full of paying or non paying CL guest..
Can Disney "handle" the influx. Sure! Is is a benefit for paying CL guest when peeps get free upgrades? no

In any other room cat. this isn't an issue. A room is a room is a room~ everyone uses the main lobby, and goes to eat with their ADR's . But it does effect CL guest a great deal.

 

[blissventure]

But thats the problem with the entire system ~~ by the way in NO means am I complaining about the people who get these upgrades~~~ I am complaining about how the system works. They don't have enough staff, food, tables or customer service when the building is filled with the booked guest. If all the rooms were filled in SL, it would look like the line at SM just for a beagle and some coffee and the main lobby might have a shorter line to talk to the resort CM

For every one of those rooms in that SL building that is empty ~ that is a benefit for those who are staying there. Less rooms filled ~ less crowds~ more personal service without having to stand there waiting and waiting...
For every person that gets a free upgrade, they are rightly entitled to those same things. More people, of course means more lines.. one of the big perks and selling points of club level is not having to worry about crowds and lines while at your resort. Even you stated yourself, that you have been forced back to your room to eat because the lounge was too crowded. This should not happen ~ regardless if it was full of paying or non paying CL guest..
Can Disney "handle" the influx. Sure! Is is a benefit for paying CL guest when peeps get free upgrades? no

In any other room cat. this isn't an issue. A room is a room is a room~ everyone uses the main lobby, and goes to eat with their ADR's . But it does effect CL guest a great deal.

I see what you are saying. Makes sense.
On another topic, I just clicked on your trip report! We've never stayed at GF. It's on the list, one of these trips!
When I have a bit of time tomorrow, I'll be back. It's a really fun read!!

 

[Allison]

Sorry, I don't buy the club level guest is suffering argument at all. Do you make the same argument when the club level is full and all paid rack rate? Disney knows how to staff properly based on bookings. If there are lots of rooms booked, there are lots of rooms booked-period.