Question for Resort Front Desk CMs

[Aurora317]

Hey all, I've got a question and I don't know where/who to ask.

I leave tomorrow morning WDW, I'm running the TOT13k Saturday night, and attending my first MNSSHP on Sunday. I've rented DVC points at SSR, a studio for 5 nights. I'm curious, is there any possibility of an "upgrade" to a 1BR, or is that a hard and fast "NO" because we're staying with points?

I go to Disney every other year or so and do my best to not be a SG, and before now I've never even considered asking if there was any kind of "magic" that the CM checking us in might be able to perform, but my best friend (who I'm going away with) just told me that she's pregnant (which is totally wonderful yet unexpected news). Now I'm wishing that we had 1. two separate sleeping areas, and 2. a whirlpool tub that she can use, as the hot tub is now not an option for her. I've always stayed at Pop century and booked through Disney travel co. but decided to try something different this time. If I could afford more points to upgrade I would totally do it, but this trip is a present to her from me because she's been an amazing rock for me to lean on in the last few years (dealing with my mom's breast cancer, my father's alcoholism, both of their recovery, and the end of my 7 year relationship with the man I planned to marry.) Obviously, lots of drama in my life the past few years and she's always been there for me. The trip sounds like an extravagant thing to give a friend, but seriously it doesn't even scratch the surface to let her know how much her friendship has meant to me. Anyway, I know I'm rambling, I just wanted to know if there was any possibility of an upgrade, and if so how would be the best way to politely ask? I'm a huge chicken, it's taking all of my guts to even post this question online, so I'm hoping you can give me some guidance before I head down and then completely clam up and get too embarrassed to ask. I've never asked for anything like this before, and I just want to know if it's even worth mentioning tomorrow, or should I put the idea out of my head completely. Any help is much appreciated!

[Whazzup]

I stayed at the Hotel Royal Plaze one time and I had heard that the tower rooms were much nicer with a spacious bathroom and huge tub. When I checked in I asked if there was any chance for an upgrade from a wing to a tower room. When the lady said there would be a $--- (can't remember the number) charge to upgrade, I politely declined, explaining I was on a tight budget. When she checked me in, I was surprised to find out she had given me a free upgrade to a tower room! I was so excited I danced up and down and thanked her profusely.
It never hurts to ask, and I would use the explanation you mentioned - your friend is pregnant and can't use the hot tub (spa) so it would be nice to have the whirlpool tub, and you could mention she's up and down a lot during the night (hey, a lot of pregnant ladies have to make several trips to the loo during the night). If SSR is not too full your request might be met. You certainly won't be chastised for asking, or thought less of by the CM checking you in, so give it a try. Be pleasant, say please, and don't take it personally if they can't do it. You never know until you try.
Pixie dust to you that you get an upgrade for you and your lucky friend.

[hobie16]

I traveled so much on business I got a platinum card that entitled me to lots of early upgrades. Problem was, many platinum card holders felt they were ENTITLED to an automatic upgrade whenever they flew which always was a thrilling experience for the gate agents. In short, the airline version of passholes. A good name might be airholes.

I was checking in one day, pulled out my card and asked if there were any 1st class seats available. The agent checked and said there were no seats available, and by the look on his face, I could see he was ready for some expected airhole abuse.

Instead of the expected abuse I told him thanks for looking and maybe I'll have better luck next time. I started to walk off but he called me back, took one more look and told me to come back in ten minutes.

I did and he had a seat. Cool! I gave him a employee recognition card that entitled him to merchandise and the occasional free trip. We both had our days made.

It never hurts to ask and make sure you smile.

[turkeyham]

I did look up the SSR, the studios has no jet tub. Also, a studio can sleep 4 people. From the looks of the studio, it looks nice. I would see if you can make it a 1 bedroom suite when you check in. Remember this is the old Disney Institute where the suites are nice and roomy. When I went to take a tour a few years back our tour guide showed us the studio suite, 1 bedroom suite and 2 bedroom suite. That 1 bedroom suite is nice and has a full kitchen. Next time if I go out there, I want to stay there and aim for a 1 bedroom suite. :)

[mechurchlady]

For the best information go to http://www.allears.com and http://www.disboards.com
CMs do have tons of information but those two sites are the ones I rely on for everything. They have contributors from every walk of life including large groups, single travelers, disabled, gay, infants, seniors, special needs, religious needs, and so much more. They can help you out with maps and room info then once you are ready you can post on the boards your questions. Some boards actually has FAQs that cover the common questions.

Contact the hotel and explain that she is pregnant and is there a way to change the accomodations due to medical needs.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

I traveled so much on business I got a platinum card that entitled me to lots of early upgrades. Problem was, many platinum card holders felt they were ENTITLED to an automatic upgrade whenever they flew which always was a thrilling experience for the gate agents. In short, the airline version of passholes. A good name might be airholes.

I was checking in one day, pulled out my card and asked if there were any 1st class seats available. The agent checked and said there were no seats available, and by the look on his face, I could see he was ready for some expected airhole abuse.

Instead of the expected abuse I told him thanks for looking and maybe I'll have better luck next time. I started to walk off but he called me back, took one more look and told me to come back in ten minutes.

I did and he had a seat. Cool! I gave him a employee recognition card that entitled him to merchandise and the occasional free trip. We both had our days made.

It never hurts to ask and make sure you smile.

I also used to have to travel a lot, and would often get a suprise upgrade. The only bad part is that when working, I couldn't have RUM!!!

hehehehehehe

[sean1966]

They don't upgrade rooms when staying on points. But, like others have said, give it a shot...

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

True, and like a previous post said, the worst that they can do is tell you no.

[Ms. Matterhorn]

I was checking in one day, pulled out my card and asked if there were any 1st class seats available. The agent checked and said there were no seats available, and by the look on his face, I could see he was ready for some expected airhole abuse.
Instead of the expected abuse I told him thanks for looking and maybe I'll have better luck next time. I started to walk off but he called me back, took one more look and told me to come back in ten minutes.
I did and he had a seat. Cool! I gave him a employee recognition card that entitled him to merchandise and the occasional free trip. We both had our days made. It never hurts to ask and make sure you smile.

That's awesome, Hobie! Way to be a Good Guest! :)

[hobie16]

Whenever I called the platinum desk to get an upgrade I'd always open with the following joke.

What is the difference between a Boeing 737 and a platinum card member?

When a 737 gets to the gate it stops whining.

After the agent stopped laughing I usually got the upgrade.