How to ask for a free upgrade upon check-in

[lawgirl]

We booked a standard room at AKL. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for an upgrade, but does anyone have any tips for how to effectively ask the CM if there are any free upgrades available?

[Ropachs]

I've never tried but I just read in my Unofficial Guide that you just politely ask...

[BigRedDad]

Be nice and courteous. If you have a small daughter with you, educate her on how to pout with that innocent puppy dog face. The CM may go for it. If you don't get an upgrade, you are no worse off than you were to begin with. Do not get upset with the CM for not giving you something for free. I don't think that would be your intention any way.

[thumperbug]

I saw a travel tip on TV that says to make nice to the person checking you in, make some conversation and ask if there are any free upgrades...if the tell you "No", ask for their name and tell them you want to send a letter to their boss telling them how nice they were to you and that they tried to grant your accomodation wishes.

Sometimes even if they initially say "No" a little more flattery will get you what you want.

I watched as the above was done undercover and after the party checking in told the clerk that she wanted to tell the boss how good she was, the clerk was "suddenly" able to grant the free upgrade...it never hurts to ask

[Jasper]

I have never heard of the letter writing scenario that was posted, but there is no question that being nice and engaging the cast member in conversation can help. From there, as others have already said it is just a matter of speaking up and asking. It is true that sometimes you don't have to do anything and you will still get an upgrade but you do improve your odds somewhat by asking.

[mouseketeer mom]

I never have asked for an upgrade, just hoped for one!!! I think I'd be a wee bit embarrassed to ask for one. Anyone else feel like this?

[kakn7294]

Never tried it but I've heard of people having success with just simply asking if there are any rooms available in an upgraded category and what the price difference would be then politely declining, stating that it's more than you wanted to pay. Sometimes you may not get a free upgrade but you could be offered an upgraded room at a rock-bottom price that just might be worth the difference.

[KineGirl]

I never have asked for an upgrade, just hoped for one!!! I think I'd be a wee bit embarrassed to ask for one. Anyone else feel like this?

a free upgrade?

yes :blush:

However Im not above asking for the little free bonuses that are available like the balloon bouquets and bday cards when we have someone celebrating with us

[Figaro0826]

being in the hotel industry as a guest agent, we always appreciate people being "nice to us",
people know what they booked, if there wish isnt granted don't take it out on us .

yes, we do things things for people who are nice, .

just had to my two sence in, :).

[buzznwoodysmom]

I never have asked for an upgrade, just hoped for one!!! I think I'd be a wee bit embarrassed to ask for one. Anyone else feel like this?

I am too embarrssed to ask as well. I always home for one, but the only time we've gotten a free upgrade was when our requested room wasn't available at WL due to construction. We were upgraded from a standard room to a woods view room. It was very fun to get something.

I normally just book what I want and then know I'll be happy with it. I would however ask for an upgrade and offer to pay for it if I couldn't reserve the "view/type" room I wanted when making my reservations. For instance, if I booked a room at AKL, but all the savannah view rooms were booked and I had to settle for a pool view room. I would then ask if there are any available savannah view rooms when I checked in, but I would offer to pay for it.

[thumperbug]

I have never been upgraded nor have I every asked for one. But after reading posts and seeing tips on TV...I might have to muster up courage next time I check in..at any resort.

[lawgirl]

Thanks for all the tips. My husband and I are never rude to CM's or any other service people. We always try to be as nice as possible when dealing with anyone. And I definitely don't want to take advantage of anyone.

I feel like it could be an awkward situation asking for an upgrade...but from reading your comments, I believe if we are as nice as we can be, then maybe it will happen. If not, we haven't lost anything. I've been upgraded almost everytime we've stayed at AKL.

I have a cool story about my dad back in the 70's. He and my aunt had driven down to WDW back in the early days, and had a standard room at the CR. Well, when he went to check-in, the CM immediately upgraded them to the penthouse suite, no extra-charge. My dad didn't even ask for an upgrade. He just went to check in and they put him at the top. I don't even know how much that suite is worth now! I've never experienced anything like that, but hopefully the family luck will be with me!

[TammiMcMan]

In many situations, it's not the CM who's checking you in that gave the upgrade, but the room assigning department. Usually upgrades are given to accommodate the resort, although they can also be done as a thank you for repeat guests and as an enticement for future bookings at the higher level.

If the CM does have the authorization, it's best to let them offer it or ask what the upgrade cost will be (you can always politely decline it). Many CM's have reported being very turned off by someone who comes right out and asks for a free upgrade.

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . If the CM does have the authorization, it's best to let them offer it or ask what the upgrade cost will be (you can always politely decline it). Many CM's have reported being very turned off by someone who comes right out and asks for a free upgrade . . .

1) Yep.
2) When an upgrade is possible, CM's like to give them as Pixie Dust.
3) Asking for a free upgrade usually results in a kind "Sorry, none are available.".
4) I have never given an upgrade when asked for a free one.
5) But, have given plenty for other reasons, including asking for a paid upgrade.

NOTE: As mentioned, most upgrades are done 2-4 days in advance of your check-in during room assignment by ROOMS people. However, everyday the Front Desk CM's know if there is open capacity and if there are rooms available for upgrades.

[WDWFanatic]

In many situations, it's not the CM who's checking you in that gave the upgrade, but the room assigning department. Usually upgrades are given to accommodate the resort, although they can also be done as a thank you for repeat guests and as an enticement for future bookings at the higher level.

.


We have friends who stay at the beach club every year and last year they got a free upgrade to concierge level last year and LOVED it...so guess what they booked this year...yup concierge.

Many years ago my DH and I got upgraded to a tower suite at GF, we had paid for concierge level but not a suite. We were so excited.

But now with kids we stay at the values...not much upgrading there.

[teambricker04]

I don't think I could ask for a free upgrade either.

We had never been upgraded until this past May. We had a two week trip to the BC. We arrived early for check in and had two very happy small children with us. I am not sure either helped out, but it couldn't have hurt!!! I had called ahead of time to make sure we had it down that we preferred a full balcony. Who knows how it really works, but we'll take what we get! :)

[Wickster1970]

We are staying at POR in April. Would it be better to ask at the time of check-in or call a few days before to see if anything free is available?

[bouncer]

Rusty- Would there ever be an upgrade when the guest has already booked club level??? My guess is not-therefore I've never asked. But since we have a BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION :party: during our stay I am curious if that would make a difference...

[TheRustyScupper]

Rusty- Would there ever be an upgrade when the guest has already booked club level???

1) Never heard of it.
2) I guess it could happen though.
. . . occupancy requirements
. . . mechanical problems

NOTE: Whenever an upgrade occurs, there has to be a specific reason listed on the ressie. Upgrades are tracked by management. They want to know why you are giving away more expensive rooms. In the vast majority of cases, there was a greater demand or over-sell of cheaper rooms, so to make space, they put some people in more expensive rooms. This increases the occupancy rate of the hotel. Sure, there are Pixie Dust upgrades, but not very many at all.

[lockedoutlogic]

Generally speaking....upgrades are at the discretion of one or two room assignment/operations rank and files whose job it is to plug in the ressies into the "wholes" that exist in the room inventory....correct issues with payments and packages....and move people if overbooking is in play (a quite common occurrence...and legal to disney due to a technicallity)

Upgrades.....are used as inventory control.....nothing more....

You get a "free upgrade" when it benefits the inventory.....

Disney official policy is to give nothing away...they actually instruct their operations to "sidegrade" people when overbooking occurs (which is an absolutely appalling to the hospitality field).....

sometimes they do upgrades for various other reasons......but that is up to whoever happens to be feeling good on a particular day.....a not to common occurrence in the resort trenches

but most of the time it is strictly an issue of being short in a room category and moving people around to compensate

[Jen C.]

We had booked a deluxe room club level at BC earlier this month. When we arrived, our room was not ready past the 3 pm check in time. When it finally was, there were issues with the phone not working. We were move/upgraded to a 2 bedroom suite. so, it does happen, but as Rusty said, probably more for these types of reasons.
For example, we would never pay $1300 a night for the room we were given in the future. I don't think it was to "entice" us into going bigger/better next time.

[LarryBoy]

The only upgrades we have ever gotten, we didn't ask for. We got upgraded to the tower once at the Contemporary. We had booked the Garden Wing, so this was an awesome upgrade for us. :thumbsup: I think this was probably due to overbooking.
We also once got offered an upsell when making a reservation. We were inquiring about AS Movies, and got offered POR at a better rate. Also a very nice deal. :thumbsup:

[BigRedDad]

RustyScupper had a nice comment asking about what upgrades may be available to pay for. Then, if available, they may be nice and upgrade you or offer a discount to purchase the upgrade.

[JoDisney]

Oh, I could never ask for an upgrade. We have been given upgrades and discover this when we go to our room. I think it is a pleasant surprise!

[Disney Doll]

I could never ask for an upgrade. That just seems rude and I think if I were a CM I would be turned off by someone just coming out and asking.

[TammiMcMan]

We are staying at POR in April. Would it be better to ask at the time of check-in or call a few days before to see if anything free is available?They will not give out a free upgrade days in advance. If you're going to ask, do it at check-in. I believe the only upgrade available at POR would be a standard view room to a water view room. Considering it's only a $15-$20 difference per night, they may be willing to do that if they have extra rooms. Between spring break and school vacations, I wouldn't plan on them having too many extras though in April.


Rusty- Would there ever be an upgrade when the guest has already booked club level??? Not sure of the reason, but we were upgraded after having already booked club level. We were celebrating our 20th anniversary and 40th birthdays. I had made some arrangements with pre-planning to purchase champagne and strawberries for the room, but other than that, I didn't mention either of our celebrations. When we arrived at the resort, they escorted us to a suite. The resort was empty, so it couldn't have been due to overbooking and it was our 3rd trip to the same resort in just over a year. My guess is, it was a thank you for repeat bookings, but who knows.

[WhiteRose1]

Upgrades, from my hubby the business traveler (travels 1-2 weeks a month all over the US) :

Hotels would rather fill up an unsold suite and open up a lower priced room.

Why?

what are the chances of a pricy suite getting booked day of stay?

Example: Mr. Customer walks in and asks if a room is available:

Senario #1, Family walks in, gets their regular room they reserved, walks away happy. Now, The only rooms available are suites, which are $600 a night. Mr Customer says "Noo i'm not gonna pay that!" and walks out. suite stays empty.

Senario #2. Family walks in, and the hotel clerk gives them a previously empty, unbooked suite. Yay! Family is thrilled at their 'luck'!
Mr. customer walks in and asks "What rooms do you have available?" well sir we have a basic room available for $XXX a night." Mr. customer is more likely to book a basic room than a suite.

This is a standard for the hotel industry..but Disney is not a typical destination.

I've been upgraded countless times outside of WDW...for my bday, hubby's bday, 'just because' etc. We never ask, but we do try to look cute and happy and smile and be friendly to the person checking us in. Clerks want to give these rooms to people because it creates a feel-good atmosphere, and frees up cheaper rooms that they CAN book.

Non Disney, I've gotten corner suites, 2 bedroom suites, 3 bathroom one bedroom suites (in vegas) Concierge countless times, whirlpool bathroom upgrades etc....but when we stayed at AK for our honeymoon, we could not even get a king bed..... :(

[Orlando Resident]

As a Front Desk CM I can tell you that a polite and friendly guest is always sincerely appreciated by any Front Desk CM, especially after dealing with so many picky and rude guests. I must say that a very friendly guest will often urge me to do something extra for the guest, however, that is something extra to my ability, which doesnt include a free upgrade. Unfortunatly Front Desk CMs have no say so in upgrading a guest, we do not have the authority nor access to perform a "complimentary upgrade", that can only be done by a manager or authorized back office CM. If the guest is very friendly I will vouch in behalf of the guest and inform the manager that the guest should recieve a complimentary upgrade, but please remember that the front desk CM has nothing to do with the decision so do not become rude or assume the CM does not want to give you the upgrade as the CM is not at fault.

Hope that helps..

[Seasonscraps]

I could never ask for a free upgrade - I would feel awkward and uncomfortable.

We did receive one once for our honeymoon. We booked a room at the BW with a king bed and a quiet pool view and requested a fridge in the room. We got there and none of it was available. They wanted to put in a BW view room which we really did not want but apparently was all that was available. No king beds or spare fridges to be had. Keep in mind, this is 9/23 before free dining so it's a particularly slow time of year there.

We pulled out our confirmation sheet and it turns out on top of not having any requests met we were also overcharged because the CM at CSR put us down for a BW view. When I found that out, I asked for a manager because it was so unbelievable that nothing was right with the reservation. The CM went to the back, spoke with a manager and came back with some pixie dust...

we were upgraded to one of the garden lofts with concierge service :cloud9:

[KatMark]

We have never asked for upgrade. The first time we took the kids to Disney we stayed at the Contemporary and booked a garden view; we were upgraded to a tower room with a view of the castle; we've stayed at the Coronado seven times and paid for a waterview once, but have been upgraded every time. This year at Coronado we were upgraded to a junior suite.

[Iluvpooh]

Same here-I have stayed at CSR several times and I always request the Casitas building and I have either gotten a water view (3 times) or a Junior Suite (2 Times) So I think the chance of upgrade here is better than other resorts. I think it is because of the lack of King Beds. I always book King Rooms and there are so few of them at CSR that if they are booked you've got a pretty good shot at getting a suite.

That being said-I heard they are adding LOTS more king rooms at CSR so this may change soon.

BTW_ I have never asked for an upgrade but I do love Disney and I love talking to CM so this may have something to do with our upgrades, but all in all I think it is because we are usually at CSR during October (Convention season) and the "real" WDW guest are more likely to get the upgrade than the convention goers.

[Disneyfamilyof3]

The only time I asked was this past trip when we stayed at POP: I had put in a request before we arrived if we could get a room as close to the main pool/ food court as possible. When we got there, they had originally assigned us to the 70's area. I told the CM tha I had put in a request for something closer to the main area as possible; and would she mind checking to see if anything was available in the 50's or 60's area? She did, and we ended up in a great area , by the Play Doh in the 60's (room 4348)! :number1:

Let me say here: I was never a fan of POP Century ,....until this past trip when we stayed in the 60's area. Because we stayed where we did, I would stay at POP again, and will always request the 60's area, whether we pay for it or it just happens to be available.

[Jeri Lynn]

At the Beach Club I have received upgrades from a Standard to a Waterview room.

I did ask if an upgrade was available once to the concierge level, I wanted to see what the price difference would be because I had some extra money on my Disney Rewards card and I would have liked to have surprised "the girls" on our trip, but there was none available...:(

I do normally fax a request down, but I am usually asking for a corner room that we have been in multiple times. It's a standard room, a view of the front parking lot, but the room is nice and big and we don't really care about the view. We've been lucky enough to get this room multiple times and last year we got an identical room but on a different floor.