WWYD? offered free upgrade

[dreamn_Disney]

Please take this the right way. No sour grapes here but I'm curious to know why on earth the people who were offered a studio were not happy enough with THAT???? I'm sorry but, especially considering you have free dining, why does every party of a Grand Gathering need their OWN 1 bdrm villa? Why not take 2 studios and maybe 1 villa or something????

Okay....really, this is the only thing that has me miffed. In fact, we have 3 rooms booked at ASMu and I wouldn't dream of taking 3 villas when it is totally unnecessary. You're going from a Value to a Deluxe!!!! They could cram all 8 of us into one 2bdrm unit for all I care...not that we'd be cramped...but there is no way I would ever ask for 3 villas for our party!!!

To each his own. Just my opinion on this.

The only reason I called back was because the CM said to call back and if a 1 bedroom was available I could get it because that was what my offer was for. I would have stayed in the studio and been quite happy if a 1 bedroom had not opened up. As far as I know they sleep the same number so I am not preventing other from upgrading. I am just getting the room I was offered. I never asked for it until I was told to try later. She had even checked the other resort before giving me the studio because as she stated first my offer was for a 1 bedroom. I would think that they are not offering any 2 bedrooms because they are switching room to room not group to group. While it is true that a larger group could use one 2 bedroom as opposed to two 1 bedroom I have not heard of that even being a choice. I feel truly blessed to be being offered this. There is no way I could ever afford this resort. I was trying to figure a way to upgrade before this and just couldn't swing it. This is a big trip for my family and because of the dinning and the upgrade it is truly a dream trip.

 

[mello]

You don't get free upgrade offers every day! Why not pay Pop prices for SSR or OKW?

We stayed at SSR without a car last year and had no problems with transportation at all. In fact, we loved the fact that from DTD you can go directly to any resort for dining or whatever, which isn't possible from other resorts. Plus there's the boat between SSR, DTD, OKW and POR/FQ which opens up tons of dining options! Some of our favorite CS in the World are AP at SSR, and then Puck's and Earl of Sandwich in DTD. We rode the bus from SSR to Epcot & back and it was a very short ride and the buses were practically empty.

 

[mello]

There is no pressure on the tour, and you're not obligated to even go on the tour. It'll be just fine - it's a very relaxing resort! Just be sure to try to get in the Springs, the Grandstand, or Congress Park.

well... we were "sneaking away" with only our daughter to take advantage of the free dining in August. Leaving the 2 older kids to do their own thing (One going to Scotland, the other camping) I was feeling kinda bad because all 5 of us wouldn't be together on this trip, but was "dealing" ok. We WERE going to stay at ASMo, because, this was a budget trip and our daughter (4 years) would love to see all the big things and we can't usually stay at a value because there is 5 of us. WELLLLLLL.... today I recieved an email to call Disney with a special code... we were upgraded to Saratoga Springs!! Ummmmm.... feeling kinda guilty, excited, suspicious??, thrilled, well you get the pic! This is really cool, and it is going to make for a wonderful trip, however I wonder how high pressure it'll be to "purchase" DVC... it's something we want to do eventually, but not now. Does anyone know about this wonderful upgrade thing they got working? can you tell me if i need to bring ear plugs so i don't spend money i am not ready to spend yet?? is this real??? go ahead... pinch me!!

 

[mello]

Just upgrade my Dsis and our 2 daughters trip in August from ASsports to SSR - 1 bedroom....YEAH!

Here come the questions.....

Can we get refillable mugs at this resort? If not I might just have gardengrocer deliver some breakfast foods, soda, milk, snacks to the resort. What about Coffee, is that available in the room, or will I need order that also?

How's the transportation to the parks? I looked at the map and it looks like just one bus stop...Is that correct?

What is the most convenient area to request? We will probably use the pool mid-day and if mugs are available, I would prefer to be closer to the drink station than the bus station.

keep the info coming!!!!

Yep there are refillable mugs. If you want to make good use of them, then request the Springs or the Grandstand sections.

We had Gardengrocer deliver when we stayed there, and will do it again, because it's great to be able to make use of the kitchen, even if only for wine and cheese to enjoy on your balcony at night, or for milk and cereal in the morning!

Transportation is fine. There are bus stops at each section and there's an internal shuttle bus as well. You can walk to Downtown Disney or take a boat. The boats also go to OKW and POR/FQ. You can take buses from Downtown Disney to any other resort, so if you have evening ADR's at other resorts that's really convenient.

Most convenient areas to pools and drink refills are Grandstand and Springs. Both have theme pools and I think both have drink refill stations. Springs is closest to the main resort areas, dining, etc. Most convenient to DTD is Congress Park. It has its own quiet pool but no drink refills. It's about a 5 minute walk to Springs and about a 7 minute walk to DTD. Paddocks area has its own quiet pool and is also about a 5 min. walk to Springs. Not sure how far to DTD but farther than from CP. Carousel is farthest away from everything, so if you want peace and quiet and don't care about swimming and refilling your mug, stay there.

Have a great time!!! I wish I was going in Sept!

 

[MELSMICE]

The only reason I called back was because the CM said to call back and if a 1 bedroom was available I could get it because that was what my offer was for. I would have stayed in the studio and been quite happy if a 1 bedroom had not opened up. As far as I know they sleep the same number so I am not preventing other from upgrading. I am just getting the room I was offered.

Yes, the studios & the 1BR both sleep 4. In the 1BR you will have a king in the "master suite" & a pull out sofa in the living area.

There is no pressure on the tour, and you're not obligated to even go on the tour. It'll be just fine - it's a very relaxing resort! Just be sure to try to get in the Springs, the Grandstand, or Congress Park.

Correct - they might offer you the option of taking the tour, however, you won't be obligated for anything.

DVC is probably the most low pressure sale ever. I've even called my guide numerous times about adding points (one being about a month ago) & all she does is call back with info on point pricing. Not even a return call as to whether we're going to purchase or not.

They know if you really want to purchase that you will. Believe me, DVD doesn't have to pressure people into purchasing.

 

[Princess Stitch]

I've noticed there are some posts in this thread about TA bookings and the pin code upgrade.

TA bookings are eligible. The TA must phone Disney and have them research the guest's personal data to see if there is a pin code associated with the profile. These pins are random and totally miscellaneous in nature, and were even sent to people who are not booked. The pin offers are very limited and only for check ins from Aug 26-Sept 1.

Call your TA and ask them to check if there is an offer associated with your profile. The CMs have to go through a bit of work to do this, as does the TA. But if there is an offer then it can be applied to your booking.

Not everyone booked during these dates got an offer regardless of HOW they booked their trip (TA or on their own). OKW and SSR have a smaller number of rooms available and are subject to be full much quicker than a Disney Value resort. TA bookings were not excluded, its just not as obvious an offer.

Is this available even if my TA didn't book directly with Disney? We use Flight Center and they book through a wholesaler (Nolitours I believe) which is why I figured that I wouldn't ever have a way to find out if I had a PIN code or not.

Has anyone ever been upgraded when they check in? I'm wondering if there's still a chance we might get something special even if we don't know ahead of time!

 

[borgthe]

I have a question for all of you. Did anyone not get the pin but have a person who was travelling with you get it? Did they upgrade you as well even though you made your own reservation?

The reason I ask is that we have three parties travelling together. We all made our reservations separately. One person got the e-mail and upgrade. I called to get it for me and the other party and they said we could only get it if the upgraded party had made our reservation.

 

[Joey7295]

I doubt many DVC members booked free dining at a value resort. There is no reason since the selection to upgrade is random, they would even know you are a DVC member.

This is not a marketing strategy by DVC to sell DVC memberships, the Values are severely over booked and they are freeing up rooms, with random selection. Nothing more.

I am a DVC member and I booked 2 standard rooms at ASMo for 8/26-8/29 because it is such a value and I don't have to use up my points and I received the email and now we have 2 1 bedrooms at SSR.

 

[DISNEYNY]

Wow, I am also at ASMU for free dining. There are giving out free upgrades??? I haven't heard about this yet. Did they say why this is being done...are they overbooked at the All stars???

I never got the email, but just for the heck of it I called because I arrive on 8/26. Sure enough the code was attached to my ressie. I was able to get upgraded to studio at SSR. I rechecked my trash and spam and the email was not there. I am sure glad I called. Congrats to everyone else that got it too!!!

 

[extremesoccermom]

The only reason I called back was because the CM said to call back and if a 1 bedroom was available I could get it because that was what my offer was for. I would have stayed in the studio and been quite happy if a 1 bedroom had not opened up. As far as I know they sleep the same number so I am not preventing other from upgrading. I am just getting the room I was offered.

Ditto!!!
I called back on Saturday morning to see if I could add another day to my reservation and asked if they could see if by chance a 1 bedroom had opened up.
Granted there is only my DD and I but we usually get a suite when we stay offsite due to her disabilities which makes our lives much easier. We have the dining plan but other than when we eat at a TS we will eat in the room. I am not ashamed of calling back and I certainly would have been thrilled with the studio. (Although we would have had a fridge at POP anyway for medical reasons)
Now with our extra day we will be spending a whole day in the middle of our trip at SSR and we are also in the process of buying at SSR so I intend to use it to the fullest and adding some spa services that I otherwise would not have the time or access to.
Hope that helps answer some of your questions.

 

[CapeCod53]

I had booked 2 non-preferred rooms at Pop 8/26-8/30 on April 12 the 1st day free dining was available to the general public. I put the deposit on a VISA card, but I don't have the Disney Visa. I have not paid my balance as of yet. I had had computer problems & wasn't positive that I had received the email or not. I tried 3 x on Saturday to have a cm check to see if I had received the email or if there was a code attached to either of our ressies. Not 1 of them wd even check. I called back on Sunday to see if maybe I cd get a deal at a FtW cabin instead since that's a terrible resort as far as dining goes, no counter service & no regular table service only a buffet or HDDR & the wonderful cm told me I had the upgrade offer at OKW/SSR attached to my ressie after all! I was stunned & we now have 1 studio & 1 one bedroom at SSR. Once I got over the shock I called back later & extended our stay 1 night. That was all that was available & at 1st the cm said there were no more studios available at all, but 1 did come up. Technically the studio at OKW wd be better for us with the 2 queens, but I'm thrilled with anything. Talk about Pixie Dust!!! So if anyone is wondering call & see if the offer is attached to your ressie.

 

[lyzziesmom]

Did anyone not get the pin but have a person who was travelling with you get it? Did they upgrade you as well even though you made your own reservation?

If someone in your traveling party got the email, you should be able to upgrade. My dad got the email even though all three of our reservations are in my name, and I'm the one who booked the reservations. I called and was able to upgrade all of us, because my dad is traveling with us. It took the CM a little while to find the pin code, since it was somehow attached to my name but my dad's email. Also be aware that only the person who made the reservation can change it, but if you have the email and the information of the person traveling with you who received the email, you should be able to upgrade. Good luck!

Quick question for anyone who knows about SSR: do all the buildings have handicapped-accessible rooms, or are they mostly in one area?

My brother's room is a guaranteed accessible 1-br, and I'm hoping we are in the Springs or Grandstand area due to his limited mobility (he hates a wheelchair but will use one if necessary, but would rather hop around on crutches which makes a 10-minute walk MUCH longer), but I have no idea what might be available for us. I hate to call back AGAIN and make any special requests, just getting the upgrade at all is special enough and I don't want to seem ungrateful. But I haven't seen any info online about where the accessible rooms are located.

 

[dramaticmissy]

Ok...just got a 1 bedroom at OKW and get this....they OWE us $2.40 for some reason? We even have a jacuzzi in the bathroom...not that we will use it unless we fill it with COLD water (we are coming Aug 26-Sept 1). The only downfall is that we are coming a day early (on Aug 25) because of cheaper airfare so we have to stay at POP for 1 night and then move all our stuff the next day. I just don't want to waste an entire day moving! Hopefully they have a solution so we don't waste time. I hope this is awesome. I was kind of looking forward to POP because of the cool pools and hopefully my kids don't fall in love with it the one night we stay there . I hope this is a good move...someone reassure me it is PLEASE!!!

I know free upgrade, free dining and we have a credit of 2.62 WOW!

 

[dramaticmissy]

I have a question for all of you. Did anyone not get the pin but have a person who was travelling with you get it? Did they upgrade you as well even though you made your own reservation?

The reason I ask is that we have three parties travelling together. We all made our reservations separately. One person got the e-mail and upgrade. I called to get it for me and the other party and they said we could only get it if the upgraded party had made our reservation.

Both of our rooms were upgraded!

 

[gottalluvmickey]

You're not raining on my parade I could be far away from the main building, in a former smoking room or in a handi-cap accessible room at POP! Who cares We are at SSR for POP rates I'm so excited that this gives me somthing new to research before we go; I need somthing to keep my mind off this amazing upgrade! Thank you Disney!

Here's the reality of it...large parties traveling together may have been better off to keep some of the accomodations as studios as I feel they'd have a better chance of being closer to each other. The reason why is because many of the room configurations have a studio attached to a 1bdrm (that way it can also be used as a 2bdrm unit if necessary). So yes, they may have lucked out by everyone getting 1 bdrm villas -- but they might not even be in the same building.

Also, I think everyone needs to be prepared to be placed in the areas that are a little farther away from the main building/pool as the most desired locations will probably be assiged to DVC members and those that originally had reservations and are paying OKW/SSR rates. Some of these will probably be handicap-accessable rooms and ones that were previously considered smoking-optional. I'm really not trying to rain on anyone's parade...just want people to be realistic about what will be available for them. Even so, it's one heck of an upgrade and I for one feel like I've won a major prize in the YOAMD before I've even left the house!

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

You're not raining on my parade I could be far away from the main building, in a former smoking room or in a handi-cap accessible room at POP! Who cares We are at SSR for POP rates I'm so excited that this gives me somthing new to research before we go; I need somthing to keep my mind off this amazing upgrade! Thank you Disney!

Now that's the right attitude!!!

 

[matt&jakesmom]

I received my email the other day and will call today to take advantage of. I couldn't believe when I read it. I thought it was too good to be true until I have been reading some of the posts.

Which of the 2 would you prefer to stay at? I went on the wdw website to look and both look good. I know that the springs is the newest one. My DS's are 10 & 8 and we were staying at the sports. Any further input on which would be better for them would be great. Thanks.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

You better call a.s.a.p. as I think they might be down to just studios @ SSR. Don't know if they're going to open up any other inventory or just tell people "sorry -- no more upgrades available" once they're gone.

 

[ptmmg]

we are at POP 8/28-9/4
we booked through AAA do you think if I called my agent and told her about the free upgrades she could get us in on it! We have 4 rooms booked a grand gathering!

 

[mousiemom]

No disney visa here either! Did any of you fill out or has done the survey for WDW? I happened to fill out one the same day I received my dream email upgrade. I don't care why or how, I'm just thankful!
Mousiemom