WWYD? offered free upgrade

[M2DD's]

We upgraded from preferred at ASMu to 1-brs at SSR and did not get the big refund, only $4-5 per room. Did they specifically tell you that you were getting the credit because of the lack of "preferred" status at SSR?



M2DDs: I have noticed that OKW and SSR are also featured for a FL Resident special price, and AP discounts as well. I'm thinking the CRO rooms are just not filling up very much year for some reason, and that is why they are being used for the upgrades rather than a deluxe. I think it's just a matter of rooms being available, and they can probably fill the deluxes pretty easily without shuffling anyone over to them. They would rather have the OKW/SSR room occupied at a lower rate than not occupied at all, and making money on booking the values to capacity. With the amount of rooms that are opening up due to these upgrades, I'm guessing maybe only a couple hundred, I don't think it'll have too much impact on the crowd level.

Thanks for the postive reassurance.I need it. I tend to way over think things.Imagine what my DH has to listen to on a daily passes. I also am a person that worries alot and I hate to the thought of not knowing what to expect. We have always stayed at the value resorts so I know where the rooms are and how the food and transportation are. I have been reading some reviews to get an idea of what to expect. Mary from Mousesavers web site speciffically mentions that if staying at OKW a car is a must. From what I have read on the boards it seems like most people say you don't need one.
Is anyone going to be ordering from GG now that we will have a fidge? There is alot of food on the DDP but I thought it would be nice to have breakfast items in the room.
Laura

 

[lyzziesmom]

Not us, we're not spending any more on food than we absolutely have to. I've read that you can buy boxes of cereal and gallons of milk with snack credits (I think) at SSR, and probably at OKW too. We might do this for quick breakfasts, and maybe even late night snacks. My kids would eat cereal for every meal if I'd let them! Our family is light eaters, so the DDP is already way too much food for us, we end up with a ton of snack credits left over even though we love to snack. We are just too darn full! It will be nice to be able to save the leftovers though, we like to save our desserts for breakfast.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

ISo here are my thoughts.
Why were the upgrades for SSR&OKW and not any of the other deluxes? I would love to have stayed at the CR,Poly,BW.

It was all probably just a matter of where there was the most availability. I would imagine anyone booking through CRO during the timeframe of the upgrades weren't necessarily drawn to the DVC resorts because free DDP eliminated the need for kitchen facilities...also, OKW/SSR are further away from the action than the deluxe resorts.

I have to be honest -- I'm a bit concerned at the direction this thread has been heading in the last page or so. People seem to be more concerned about credits received by others, availability of even larger accomodations, etc. than focusing on the huge bonus they were already given. I guess the old saying is true: Give them an inch, and they'll ask for a mile!

Please don't flame me for posting this, but there are already those that are very upset about the upgrades (DVC members, people given the offer but unable to use it because of availability, check-in dates a day or two after the offer, etc). Do we really need to rub salt in the wound too?

 

[LanaJae]

Not us, we're not spending any more on food than we absolutely have to. I've read that you can buy boxes of cereal and gallons of milk with snack credits (I think) at SSR, and probably at OKW too. We might do this for quick breakfasts, and maybe even late night snacks. My kids would eat cereal for every meal if I'd let them! Our family is light eaters, so the DDP is already way too much food for us, we end up with a ton of snack credits left over even though we love to snack. We are just too darn full! It will be nice to be able to save the leftovers though, we like to save our desserts for breakfast.

We have the same kids - mine LOVE cereal. TG I live in General Mills country. This is the snack list for SSR:

Lag bag of Lays chips, Dorito's, smart food popcorn, tortilla chips
Jar of salsa
Jar of cheese
Jar of bean dip
Jar of peanut butter
Smart pop popcorn
Box of Entenmann's donuts & donut holes
Box of Entenmann's mini-muffins
Package of Lender's Bagels
Package of Thomas English muffins
Loaf of bread (several types)
Package of Hot Dog buns
Two-pack of Pop Tarts
Individual bowls of cereal
8 oz ind. cartons of milk, skim, 2%
16 oz bottle of chocolate, whole, strawberry milk
64oz Orange Juice
muffins $2.29
Hugs & kisses cheesecake
strawberry cheesecake
Key lime pie
chocolate croissant
brownies
cinnamon rolls $2.59
fruit salad (grapes,melon & cantaloupe)
lettuce salad
Package of Strawberries (6-7) with cool whip
yogurt parfaits $3.79
Pint of Edy's Ice Cream
All Chip & Dale Candy Co. treats

Shipping some boxes of cereal ourselves might be a good option because they don't weigh much.

 

[lyzziesmom]

I have to be honest -- I'm a bit concerned at the direction this thread has been heading in the last page or so. People seem to be more concerned about credits received by others, availability of even larger accomodations, etc. than focusing on the huge bonus they were already given. I guess the old saying is true: Give them an inch, and they'll ask for a mile!

Oh my goodness, I certainly hope nobody got that impression from my posts! I did comment on the credits a couple of times, if only to point out that it was pretty inconsistent. I tried to stress that I'm very thankful for the upgrade and not going to worry about getting refunded or not for something that I've already gotten the deal of a lifetime on. I can't speak for anyone else, but I think we were just kind of comparing notes and trying to make sense of it. That one family seems to have gotten an extra big helping of pixie dust!

We have the same kids - mine LOVE cereal. TG I live in General Mills country.

Thanks for the list, I'm drooling now. I haven't had lunch, and those all look SO good! We like to get the box of donuts, it's enough for our whole family for breakfast and a snack or two. However, they don't travel well if the box "somehow" ends up upended in your carry-on. I'm so happy to see they have key lime pie, that's my favorite and you just can't find good key lime pie in Kansas - it's always bright lime green.

Last month just me and DD8 were at WDW without the DDP... when on vacation I don't worry too much about what she eats, she is so picky I am just happy for her to have something. I swear the kid had cereal/milk EVERY DAY for breakfast and most days for dinner, and the one time we went back to ASMu for lunch, guess what she had?

 

[Dizneydaz]

I'm not surprised that the 2 upgrades are being offered at DVC locations-I'm sure the thought is that they'll get a few of the guests staying to purchase a DVC.

I am soooo hoping that we are offered the chance to upgrade. Our trip is 9-6 to 9-16 and I haven't heard of anyone getting upgraded during those dates yet. So, I'm sitting her with my fingers crossed. I've read about SSR and would love, love, love, (did I mention love) to stay there! We're a party of 3 A and 1 K and the extra room would be so welcome!

I won't care if I get any kind of credit, or not. I would be just so happy to stay at SSR, or OKW This would be even better than when we received a special rate at AKL that got us to go in Sept. 2004. It was less than a moderate and even my DM realized it was too good to pass up. Of course, the hurricanes were a little scary that year but we lucked out and were there between hits.

Please, please, please, please....Disney fairy, grant me my upgraded wish!

 

[M2DD's]

It was all probably just a matter of where there was the most availability. I would imagine anyone booking through CRO during the timeframe of the upgrades weren't necessarily drawn to the DVC resorts because free DDP eliminated the need for kitchen facilities...also, OKW/SSR are further away from the action than the deluxe resorts.

I have to be honest -- I'm a bit concerned at the direction this thread has been heading in the last page or so. People seem to be more concerned about credits received by others, availability of even larger accomodations, etc. than focusing on the huge bonus they were already given. I guess the old saying is true: Give them an inch, and they'll ask for a mile!

Please don't flame me for posting this, but there are already those that are very upset about the upgrades (DVC members, people given the offer but unable to use it because of availability, check-in dates a day or two after the offer, etc). Do we really need to rub salt in the wound too?

What I meant about staying at other deluxes is that money wise it would be cheaper to have my family stay at a deluxe over a DVC resort by over a 1000$.You really don't think that upgrading people to the DVC is not going to bring in sales for the DVC. Many have people have posted on this thread that they were intrested in DVC(my family is one of them)and staying there will encourage people to take the tour and buy in.I'm sure it s win/win for disney.
Not only are they making more rooms at values but also getting people intrested in DVC.Many people have said that once you stay at a DVC you'll never want to go back to the values. There are no flames here I just wanted to make myself clear and maybe I didn't in my other post
I know that you are thinking that this thread is taken a bad turn but these boards are a place for people to come and post there thoughts and feelings and to give/recieve advise. I personally like to here both side of the story. when I start getting frustrated with post I just stop reading/responding to them.

 

[dramaticmissy]

Oh my goodness, I certainly hope nobody got that impression from my posts! I did comment on the credits a couple of times, if only to point out that it was pretty inconsistent. I tried to stress that I'm very thankful for the upgrade and not going to worry about getting refunded or not for something that I've already gotten the deal of a lifetime on. I can't speak for anyone else, but I think we were just kind of comparing notes and trying to make sense of it. That one family seems to have gotten an extra big helping of pixie dust! =QUOTE]

I COMPLETELY AGREE!!! I was just comparing notes and just so happy for the upgrade, I did get a credit of $2 AND CHANGE and was greatful for that and got to add an extra day at the park! I feel like I won the lottery. I WOULD HAVE BEEN HAPPY WITH POP! I am just happy to go, we had booked before free dining was even offered and then thought we were getting a great deal with free dining and now the upgrade, unbelievible!

 

[brymolmom]

We have the same kids - mine LOVE cereal. TG I live in General Mills country. This is the snack list for SSR:

Lag bag of Lays chips, Dorito's, smart food popcorn, tortilla chips
Jar of salsa
Jar of cheese
Jar of bean dip
Jar of peanut butter
Smart pop popcorn
Box of Entenmann's donuts & donut holes
Box of Entenmann's mini-muffins
Package of Lender's Bagels
Package of Thomas English muffins
Loaf of bread (several types)
Package of Hot Dog buns
Two-pack of Pop Tarts
Individual bowls of cereal
8 oz ind. cartons of milk, skim, 2%
16 oz bottle of chocolate, whole, strawberry milk
64oz Orange Juice
muffins $2.29
Hugs & kisses cheesecake
strawberry cheesecake
Key lime pie
chocolate croissant
brownies
cinnamon rolls $2.59
fruit salad (grapes,melon & cantaloupe)
lettuce salad
Package of Strawberries (6-7) with cool whip
yogurt parfaits $3.79
Pint of Edy's Ice Cream
All Chip & Dale Candy Co. treats

Shipping some boxes of cereal ourselves might be a good option because they don't weigh much.

Does anyone have a snack list for OKW??

TIA!

 

[Kitty-chan]

I don't usually check luggage (I tend to travel pretty light), but for this trip I'm thinking of checking one suitcase full of cereal, snacks, coffee, and other non-liquid non-perishables, to stock our kitchenette. Maybe throw some laundry detergent powder in that suitcase too. That way ME can just bring me my supplies, and if there are any delays getting my suitcase it'll be no big deal since I'll have all my clothes, toiletries, etc with me in my rollaboard.

66 days baby, counting down!!

 

[LanaJae]

Does anyone have a snack list for OKW??

TIA!

Here ya go:

OLD KEY WEST/Goods to Go
6 pack of Thomas Bagels
8 pack of Entenmanns donuts
Box of Entenmanns cookies
Loaves of bread
4 sticks of butter
1/2 gallon of milk
64 oz. orange juice
Lunchables
Large bag of Tostitos
Jar of Tostitos Salsa
Jar of Tostitos Con Queso dip
Jar of Peanut Butter
Smoothies
ice cream
onion rings
french fries

There are all the confirmed snacks in this thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1109080

 

[mjhd]

LOL! I saw that long list of snack options at SSR and at first glance thought that was your grocery list during free dining LOL!

Does anyone have a snack list for OKW??

TIA!

 

[all4disney98]

LOL! I saw that long list of snack options at SSR and at first glance thought that was your grocery list during free dining LOL!

LOL!! So did I. I thought to myself, I wonder if they are packing that in their suitcase? I think it is time for me to log off for the night

 

[brymolmom]

No - not a grocery list.

We have a friend in the Orlando area that is going to visit us on arrival day and will bring us some groceries, so I AM trying to make my list for her. That's why I wanted to see the list of snacks at OKW...I keep going back and forth between a VERY small and simple grocery list (with JUSt a couple breakfast items) and a longer one (with some snacks and bread and makings for PB&J). We have done free dining 2 times so far and this will be the first year our youngest dd is 3 so we have even MORE credits than we're used to. We always had plenty in the past even with sharing with her since she didn't have her own credits. So honestly, I'm really afraid of having way too many credits leftover if we get too many groceries.

I think the salsa and chips, along with the bread and maybe the donuts are all things we'll get from Goods To Go as snacks. I'm debating about getting a gallon of milk from our friend or just going for the 1/2 gallons.

I guess I have some time to decide....

 

[Ellasgirls]

Does anyone know the prices for Milk and/or juice and donuts at OKW? I know it is going to be expensive but i want to find out if it is more cost effective than doing the delivery groceries for a couple items since we do have free dining also...

 

[brymolmom]

Well - that list posted earlier are things you can get using SNACK CREDITS - so, they would be free, except for the cost of a credit. That's what I'm going to do - we had extra snack credits at the end last time anyway. So really - if you are only getting a couple things using delivery - I'd just pack a box or two of cereal in your suitcase and get the rest of the things as your snacks. In my experience - that is all you'll need since there's so much food with the dining plan.

 

[lyzziesmom]

I don't usually check luggage (I tend to travel pretty light)...

I used to do the exact same thing before I had kids. I'd laugh myself silly over all those poor schlubs having to wait for baggage claim and lug their junk all over town. Ahhh, I miss those days.

I still pack fairly light, but now that means only 2 small suitcases and 1 carry-on for me and two kids for 5-10 days.

 

[mousiemom]

I called yesterday to make a payment on my trip and the CM said, "Wow, you got a really good deal"! I said, yes I received the free upgrade. She said that they ran out fast on this offer. I'm so glad I called right when I got it that afternoon. Anyway, she said that was like the best offer ever and to enjoy my stay. After I got off the phone w/her my dh said, "it sounded like you were talking to your bestfriend on the phone and it was just the cm reservationist!!!
Mousiemom

 

[jwboucher]

I called yesterday to make a payment on my trip and the CM said, "Wow, you got a really good deal"! I said, yes I received the free upgrade. She said that they ran out fast on this offer. I'm so glad I called right when I got it that afternoon. Anyway, she said that was like the best offer ever and to enjoy my stay. After I got off the phone w/her my dh said, "it sounded like you were talking to your bestfriend on the phone and it was just the cm reservationist!!!
Mousiemom

I got my free upgrade 8 days after it came out...I only got a studio though..

I know, some of the CM's are very nice...I have had some long conversations with them....

 

[CUKU4DIS]

I called this morning and told the guy, I don't care which resort we get as long as we are all together, because we have three rooms booked, and can we please upgrade to three new rooms with at least one being a 1-br? It took a while, but he got us into THREE 1-br villas at OKW. I am so excited!! This is already the best vacation ever, and it's still 2 1/2 months away. I also told him I was very excited a couple years ago when I got upgraded to a preferred room at POP, and how is Disney going to top this one? I was late to work this morning because the phone call took a while to do all three upgrades, but it was so worth it! AND we kept our free dining and saved $5 on each reservation... how does that happen? I'm going to have to look up what the cost would be if we were actually paying for OKW, I'm sure I'll go into shock.

what exactly did you do? I booked Pop and have until Aug 3rd to pay off. Everyone seems to be geting this wonderful upgrade!