WWYD? offered free upgrade

[M2DD's]

The best I understand (because CMs say different things to different people) is that some people from POP and ASMu (maybe movies and sports, but I don't recall seeing anyone from those two) got emails telling them they got a free upgrade with a choice of SSR or OKW.

I think (but not sure) that those who got the emails booked directly on Disney's website and their stay began between 8-26 and 9-1.

Some people who booked on the phone directly (again, not positive), called CRO and were told they had a code attached to their email and/or reservation. They were also upgraded. Someone posted that those who went through travel agents may have also had a code, but not sure about this, I don't remember reading about anyone who used a travel agency and actually got the upgrade.

There were a limited number of rooms as stated on the email. Some of the people with grand-gatherings or had listed others in their stay got emails, but others in their party didn't. After a lot of phone work, most of them were able to get the others upgraded too.

On the first day, many were offered a studio, but some were given a 1 BR. Seems that CMs who tried a 1 BR were able to do it so the word caught on and those who had studios called and were given a 1 BR. OWK 1 BRs were pretty much gone by the second day after the email.

Everyone got to keep their free dining and some got refunds if they paid for preferred view, and many others got refunds amounting to around $2-3 because of tax rates. Some people were able to add days to their stay, others were not.

According to the CM I spoke to, this was part of YOAMD. Others said the values were overbooked and they wanted to continue to fill free DDP because of value season, others said people were singled out as those who might buy into DVC (although no one will be required to go to a viewing/meeting/whatever it's called).

Some DVC members are upset (rightfully so) because they do not get free dining, nor do they get daily mousekeeping, and their dues probably amount to more than what these free upgraded people pay for their stay. Others are upset that people in groups all took 1 BRs, even if they only had 2 in a room.

Disclosure: everything written in this reply is not [entirely] my opinion - it's just what I've gathered from reading posts, and I'm over 40 and my memory is failing so I could be wrong... easily .

I got the upgrade email and I had booked directly on Disney's site on 5-6-07 for free DDP at ASMu. I called CRO within 2 hrs. when the upgrade email came in. My husband and 2 youngest kids are going. We are staying 8-27 to 9-1 in a 1 BR at SSR. I chose ASMu because I was impressed with ASMo and figured we'd hardly be in the room and since this wasn't a planned vacation, I wanted to keep costs down.

Edit: As for being a regular thing, I have read where similar things have happened. I don't know if it was a mass emailing like this though.

You did a great job suming up the last 600 post in this thread.
OKW HERE I COME
Laura

 

[Davidsmommy]

The best I understand (because CMs say different things to different people) is that some people from POP and ASMu (maybe movies and sports, but I don't recall seeing anyone from those two) got emails telling them they got a free upgrade with a choice of SSR or OKW.

I think (but not sure) that those who got the emails booked directly on Disney's website and their stay began between 8-26 and 9-1.

Some people who booked on the phone directly (again, not positive), called CRO and were told they had a code attached to their email and/or reservation. They were also upgraded. Someone posted that those who went through travel agents may have also had a code, but not sure about this, I don't remember reading about anyone who used a travel agency and actually got the upgrade.

There were a limited number of rooms as stated on the email. Some of the people with grand-gatherings or had listed others in their stay got emails, but others in their party didn't. After a lot of phone work, most of them were able to get the others upgraded too.

On the first day, many were offered a studio, but some were given a 1 BR. Seems that CMs who tried a 1 BR were able to do it so the word caught on and those who had studios called and were given a 1 BR. OWK 1 BRs were pretty much gone by the second day after the email.

Everyone got to keep their free dining and some got refunds if they paid for preferred view, and many others got refunds amounting to around $2-3 because of tax rates. Some people were able to add days to their stay, others were not.

According to the CM I spoke to, this was part of YOAMD. Others said the values were overbooked and they wanted to continue to fill free DDP because of value season, others said people were singled out as those who might buy into DVC (although no one will be required to go to a viewing/meeting/whatever it's called).

Some DVC members are upset (rightfully so) because they do not get free dining, nor do they get daily mousekeeping, and their dues probably amount to more than what these free upgraded people pay for their stay. Others are upset that people in groups all took 1 BRs, even if they only had 2 in a room.

Disclosure: everything written in this reply is not [entirely] my opinion - it's just what I've gathered from reading posts, and I'm over 40 and my memory is failing so I could be wrong... easily .

I got the upgrade email and I had booked directly on Disney's site on 5-6-07 for free DDP at ASMu. I called CRO within 2 hrs. when the upgrade email came in. My husband and 2 youngest kids are going. We are staying 8-27 to 9-1 in a 1 BR at SSR. I chose ASMu because I was impressed with ASMo and figured we'd hardly be in the room and since this wasn't a planned vacation, I wanted to keep costs down.

Edit: As for being a regular thing, I have read where similar things have happened. I don't know if it was a mass emailing like this though.

I was at AS Movies, and I got the upgrade email. We are now in a 1 Bdr at SSR.

Edited to add - and it is just me and DS. 2 People. Flame on (not you LanaJae - anyone who feels I shouldn't have a 1 Bdrm).

 

[tasha99]

I was at AS Movies, and I got the upgrade email. We are now in a 1 Bdr at SSR.

Edited to add - and it is just me and DS. 2 People. Flame on (not you LanaJae - anyone who feels I shouldn't have a 1 Bdrm).

I'm traveling with my son too and also chose the 1BR but at OKW. Given the choice, who wouldn't want that big tub and a washer/dryer?) Both 1BR and Studios have the same occupancy, so I don't feel too guilty, just really really lucky (I never win anything, not even cakewalks, so this was a huge thrill).

 

[LanaJae]

If I was going by myself, I'd surely take a 1 BR too if it were offered!

Thanks M2DD, I thought for sure I'd get chewed out by someone (but there is still time).

For those who asked for codes, I would gladly give mine out if it really worked like that (but it doesn't). It is for certain that you had to have your other parties noted on your reservation to upgrade them too. If it had been possible, my other 2 children and parents would've taken the trip with us had we been able to include them in on this fabulous surprise.

 

[Jenna45]

It is just my son and myself as well, and I did not ask for a 1 bedroom but was given one, I would have gladly taken a studio, I don't feel guilty: I am thankful, I did not ask for this , I was more than happy to stay at Allstar Movies this is our second trip this year and we only went for free dining, I did pay for a preferred room, I did not get a refund, the thing I am most disapointed in is I wanted to add a day to my reservation and can't. Since, DVC owners and Disney mantain seperate ownership / units I can not see how us taking a Disney room affects a DVC owner ?

I'm traveling with my son too and also chose the 1BR but at OKW. Given the choice, who wouldn't want that big tub and a washer/dryer?) Both 1BR and Studios have the same occupancy, so I don't feel too guilty, just really really lucky (I never win anything, not even cakewalks, so this was a huge thrill).

 

[LanaJae]

Since, DVC owners and Disney mantain seperate ownership / units I can not see how us taking a Disney room affects a DVC owner ?

It doesn't affect their inventory AFAIK, but there was some talk about the type of people who stay at the values and how they might treat their "home." I think that was just frustration talk.

Some felt deluxe or mods should've been upgraded before values, but from a marketing point, Disney is smart - it was better for them to open up more values right away during this time period, especially since the cut-off for free dining is closing in.

The main issue was that they paid a lot of money and they pay a lot of dues and some take studios to conserve their points, but someone paying $82/night gets a 1 BR. Completely understandable. Also, this upgrade seems to have attracted a lot of attention over any previous promotion.

 

[Jenna45]

While I can understand that, I think it is unfair to assume because someone originally booked a value resort they do not know how to behave in a deluxe. I am an owner, not at SSR but at CSR and I also own several weeks in other resorts. I did not ask for the upgrade, but I appreciate it, I don't intend on putting holes in the walls or throwing trash off the balcony. I am not directing this comment to you LanaJae, just saying my piece.

It doesn't affect their inventory AFAIK, but there was some talk about the type of people who stay at the values and how they might treat their "home." I think that was just frustration talk.

Some felt deluxe or mods should've been upgraded before values, but from a marketing point, Disney is smart - it was better for them to open up more values right away during this time period, especially since the cut-off for free dining is closing in.

The main issue was that they paid a lot of money and they pay a lot of dues and some take studios to conserve their points, but someone paying $82/night gets a 1 BR. Completely understandable. Also, this upgrade seems to have attracted a lot of attention over any previous promotion.

 

[Jewels*CPA]

Our Grand Gathering got upgraded!!!

by the way they credited us $94 dollars each which was the upgrade at POP for prefeered rooms

I was just wondering if you were sure this was because you had preferred rooms at POP that you received this refund? We were refunded $2.04, which I figured had to do with tax rates...did the CM tell you if you had a preferred at Pop that you should be refunded back down to the standard price?

It's not a big deal to me, because I am VERY grateful for the upgrade! But, if it would save me some money it might be worth calling on...just let me know! Also, if anybody else had a preferred room at a value...did you get refunded for the price to a standard?

 

[clombardi]

I think (but not sure) that those who got the emails booked directly on Disney's website

Great summary of events LanaJae! Just wanted to clarify one point. I received the email and upgraded to SSR, but I originally booked over the phone with CRO. I did pay off my trip using the website about two weeks before I received the email, though.

 

[jwboucher]

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I was just wondering if you were sure this was because you had preferred rooms at POP that you received this refund? We were refunded $2.04, which I figured had to do with tax rates...did the CM tell you if you had a preferred at Pop that you should be refunded back down to the standard price?

It's not a big deal to me, because I am VERY grateful for the upgrade! But, if it would save me some money it might be worth calling on...just let me know! Also, if anybody else had a preferred room at a value...did you get refunded for the price to a standard?

Same here. I also had a prefered room booked at Pop before the upgrade. The only credit I got was a few dollars. I questioned one CM (I must have spoke to 10 over the last week) about it and they said that the computer doesn't know what kind of room you have.

Another told me that if I got a 1 bedroom that I would have to pay more money, same as a moderate resort.

 

[LanaJae]

While I can understand that, I think it is unfair to assume because someone originally booked a value resort they do not know how to behave in a deluxe. I am an owner, not at SSR but at CSR and I also own several weeks in other resorts. I did not ask for the upgrade, but I appreciate it, I don't intend on putting holes in the walls or throwing trash off the balcony. I am not directing this comment to you LanaJae, just saying my piece.

I agree with you 100%, taking care of property has nothing to do with the amount of money people decide to spend on a hotel room. People choose to spend their money the way they want.

 

[LanaJae]

Great summary of events LanaJae! Just wanted to clarify one point. I received the email and upgraded to SSR, but I originally booked over the phone with CRO. I did pay off my trip using the website about two weeks before I received the email, though.

I hope someone else writes to say if they booked on the phone and paid on the phone and also if anyone who booked through a travel agent got in. Just want to make sure I do things right next year in case they do it again

Should I edit what I originally posted? Don't know if there are that many people interested, but some of the same questions keep coming up.

 

[brymolmom]

It is just my son and myself as well, and I did not ask for a 1 bedroom but was given one, I would have gladly taken a studio, I don't feel guilty: I am thankful, I did not ask for this , I was more than happy to stay at Allstar Movies this is our second trip this year and we only went for free dining, I did pay for a preferred room, I did not get a refund, the thing I am most disapointed in is I wanted to add a day to my reservation and can't. Since, DVC owners and Disney mantain seperate ownership / units I can not see how us taking a Disney room affects a DVC owner ?

Jenna45- They wouldn't let you add a night? When did you try? I added a night to my ressie on Friday 6/8 - one day after I upgraded to 1 BR at OKW (my gathering has 3 - 1 BR's and we all added one night). We're staying 8/27 - 9/4 now (used to be 9/3). I guess maybe they just didn't have availability for an extra night when you tried? Maybe you could try a studio with an extra night?

I booked my original ressie on the phone on the 1st day of FD offer at ASMo, later changed to ASMu (because I found good flights on different dates and Movies was no longer available for those dates) and I still have not paid my balance - only the $200 deposit.

 

[REL1203]

I just wanted to add, I booked over the phone, on the first day Disney Visa holders could book, and have not yet paid it off (due date is July 12th I believe)... I got the 1br at OKW

 

[extremesoccermom]

I hope someone else writes to say if they booked on the phone and paid on the phone and also if anyone who booked through a travel agent got in. Just want to make sure I do things right next year in case they do it again

Should I edit what I originally posted? Don't know if there are that many people interested, but some of the same questions keep coming up.

I booked on the phone and paid my deposit only. I waited to book because I really wasn't sure I really should do this trip as this will be my 3rd Disney related trip in less than a year and I would have to come up with good airfare and cheap room since it is only DD13 and I this trip. (Didn't think it was fair to take the money out of the family Vacation budget since DH and DS17 weren't going)
First I could only get a moderate so I went ahead and booked since they told me I could get it back if I cancelled by July 15. About a week later I was playing around on the WDW website and POP was coming up w/ free dining so I called and was able to change to POP and save myself a little money but still had not been able to find decent airfare.
When, I did not get the email or it may have gone to my bulk mail and been deleted. I called and after a couple of tries....YES I did have the upgrade attached to my name and switched to SSR Studio. The next day I called to add another day if I could get the POP price and to see if there was a 1 bedroom that might have opened up and..... YES to both!
Now there is no way I am cancelling and I am saving every penny and I found acceptable airfare so we ARE GOING

If I remember right there was some one earlier in this thread that did have one and had booked through a TA but the TA had to call to get the upgrade.

 

[LanaJae]

If I remember right there was some one earlier in this thread that did have one and had booked through a TA but the TA had to call to get the upgrade.

I found the post (#359 on page 24) - don't know if this person got upgraded or is a TA and was giving info.:

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.

 

[jwboucher]

Hey!!! I just called Disney for a 1 bedroom and they said that all they had was studios!!! This was around 12:30pm (est)....Just thought I would let you know.

 

[dramaticmissy]

Only for value resorts and as far as I have heard only people that booked direct through Disney have gotten the upgrade. I don't know how often they do this type of thing. It is the first time I have heard about one, but I am happy I got it!!!!

A friend of mine got this offer two years ago as well, but not with free dining!

 

[LanaJae]

A friend of mine got this offer two years ago as well, but not with free dining!

That's probably why this one is getting so much attention, it's beyond incredible!

 

[dramaticmissy]

I was just wondering if you were sure this was because you had preferred rooms at POP that you received this refund? We were refunded $2.04, which I figured had to do with tax rates...did the CM tell you if you had a preferred at Pop that you should be refunded back down to the standard price?

It's not a big deal to me, because I am VERY grateful for the upgrade! But, if it would save me some money it might be worth calling on...just let me know! Also, if anybody else had a preferred room at a value...did you get refunded for the price to a standard?

we were only credited 2.54 and we had paid in full for preferred rooms at PoP.