Disney World Room Requests, Upgrades, and Tips for Deluxe Resorts
I worked at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa for many years at the front desk, bell services and as a convention coordinator. In those years I learned a great deal about the Disney way of providing excellent customer service day in and day out.
I want to share some Disney World resort tips with you that hopefully will help you on your next Disney Vacation.
How to possibly get a Disney room upgrade – When booking your Grand Floridian Resort stay, make sure you leave comments on your reservation. Actually this goes for all Walt Disney World Resort hotels, not just the Grand Floridian. Your travel agent can have these comments added for you when they book your vacation. What you want to note on your Disney reservation file is anything special. So if you are having a birthday, anniversary, honeymoon, staying with another party, etc., have these noted on your Disney reservation.
How to get the Disney World Room I want – Again your first step should be to ask your Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Travel Agent to make comments on your reservation. These are “requests” they are NOT guarantees that you will get connecting or adjoining rooms, or a certain room number, etc.
I also worked Room Assignment at Walt Disney World. This is a difficult job and done in each Disney hotel back office, not at CRO (Disney’s Central Reservation Office) where your initial reservation was made. Let me explain how the Disney Reservation process works a little so you understand what the process is.
Your Disney World vacation booking starts at CRO and is in the CRO system or comes in as a Disney Vacation Package. The key point is that the actual Disney World Resort, like the Grand Floridian, has no record of your reservation until it is transferred to the Disney resort itself. That happens either 3 or 4 days out. Sorry I forget the exact number of days out the specific Disney Resort gets the reservation in their hotel Lilo Reservation System.
As a Disney Room Assigner my task was to pre-book rooms for upcoming guests that would be arriving at the Grand Floridian Resort in the next 3-4 days. It’s not an easy task. It’s kind of like a massive puzzle, which at the Grand Floridian was around 900 rooms. Other Disney resorts have thousands of rooms with turns that can be very little or 50% of the hotel could turn over in just one day.
Why are the comments on your Disney reservation important? Because one of the things I looked at as a Disney room assigner was these comments on your reservation. With a yellow highlighter in hand I would highlight requests on a massive print out. What would I look for? Special Occasions, Birthdays, Celebrations, Honeymoons, Traveling With X Family, Adjoining Room and Connecting Room Requests.
I said earlier this is like a big puzzle and this is why. The hotel occupancy is constantly going up and down. It could be 80% occupied or 100% occupied on your vacation dates. People have checked into rooms a day or even a week before your vacation and they have the same type requests. So the hotel room assigner is constantly looking for rooms that connect, adjoin, or fit a special request. The number of these rooms that fit the exact guest request are limited and also if you have booked, for example, a Garden View Room and your friend you are traveling with has booked a Magic Kingdom view room, you are not going to get a connecting room. Certain room categories do not match up or have limited numbers. Also someone may have had the same request on their reservation and could have checked in two days earlier. Add to this that sometimes a room or rooms could go out of service for a maintenance issue.
Check In Early – If the hotel is full or your room category request has limited numbers of matching rooms, check in early. Your room(s) probably will not be ready but when you check in early there is more availability for that day so your chances are better at getting something if it was not pre-booked already for you.
How do I get a room upgrade at Disney World? – Be nice and flexible at check in. – It seems obvious but being polite to the Cast Member at the front desk can help you. They want to honor your request but there are only so many rooms that match in this big puzzle and they may have been booked up by guests that had the same requests that checked in days before your vacation. The cast member may be able to room change you later in your stay if your request is not available.
Oversold Disney Room Categories – Sometimes a Garden View or other category room maybe oversold or not available for some reason. If you booked this category of room and it is not available the room assigner will move you up to another category that has rooms. This is one way you could get an upgrade to a room type that you did not book or pay for.
Go to Disney World on your Honeymoon – It’s not a guarantee, nothing is, but the person assigning rooms, IF they can’t fit you into your booked room category for some reason, might look at special occasions when looking for someone to bump up to a higher room category. I know I would look for special occasions in the reservation comments and people like to do nice things for others. This does not mean you will get upgraded on your Honeymoon, or that you should except an upgrade, but I am listing things that might help.
Don’t check in last, or do check in last – Your best bet is to check in early. There is never more room availability then early in the morning. Your room might not be checked out or clean but it will be an option for you when you do go up to your room. If the hotel is near occupancy then rooms are going quickly. So get there early and check in and enjoy your day in the parks while your room is getting ready.
Your other chance for a BIG upgrade is to check in last, but this is not something I would recommend. On a rare occasion, a Disney Resort might be oversold. This can happen a variety of ways, say some rooms have an unexpected maintenance issue for example. If the Disney resort you are staying at is oversold the front desk will start offering guest other options at check in. If you are staying at the Grand Floridian it’s kind of difficult to upgrade you if the hotel is oversold. In that case they might over another Disney Deluxe resort for your vacation and possibly some nice extra. I don’t want to speak to what Disney will exactly do, but in a hotel oversold situation hotels will offer something. Exceeding customer expectations is Disney’s motto and what Disney prides itself on, so they want to make sure you have a fantastic vacation. Now if you are staying at a Disney Value Resort and they are oversold you might get offered a Disney Moderate or higher level resort for the same dates. That’s pretty nice! Now again, this maybe happened once or twice a year when I worked at the Grand Floridian and it was amazing that no matter what extras I was authorized to offer guests to move to another Disney Deluxe Resort, 99% of the guest would turn them down. So what happens is those guests that check in at 11 PM or later, when every last room is full, get to see the manager at check in. But back then it made for a nice vacation for those last few guest that checked in during a sold out situation.
An Important note about Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort – I want to make sure you know how the Grand Floridian Resort is setup. The Main Building is the one you have seen on TV or in a Disney brochure. It has the large Victorian styled lobby, a band that plays at night, shops, restaurants and the monorail stop. This building houses concierge’s rooms only. If you did not book a concierge room you will be at one of the outside lodge buildings behind the main building. Also Sugar Loft, one of the lodge buildings, houses concierge rooms.
What is the difference between a standard room and a dormer room? – You have seen the small peeks on the classic hotel roof design (see photo). These are dormer rooms. The dormer rooms are a bit smaller than the standard rooms, but seem larger, with the beautiful vaulted ceilings. Standard rooms accommodate five people, while dormer rooms sleep four. Grand Floridian Dormer rooms are also the only rooms to feature a small private balcony. Standard rooms have balconies, but they are more open.
What is a Grand Floridian lodge tower room? – The lodge tower rooms are located in the semicircular protrusions you can see on the outside of some of the buildings, see photo above. This circular area is a nice separate sitting area.
A Final Note:
Don’t bank on an upgrade – If you don’t get an upgrade or your exact request, don’t let this impact your Disney Vacation. You are at Walt Disney World. Let me say that again… You are at Walt Disney World, go explore, see your kid’s smile when they see Mickey Mouse for the first time or when they ride Dumbo. Enjoy it and have a magical vacation.
Got a Disney World Room Upgrade?
Did you get a room upgrade at Walt Disney World, or have a Disney Resort tip to share? We would love to hear about it. Please post a comment below.
More tips on how to get a Walt Disney World Room Upgrade (Maybe!)
I spoke with a fellow Castmember on the latest Disney World room upgrade advice. The Disney World Room upgrade article is posted here.
Hi Steve, thanks for this article! I’m currently looking for the best standard room to get at Coronado Springs. Do you know how online check in factors in to room assignments? When I made the reservation on the phone, the CM noted that I wanted a water view. During online check in, I was given the choice of Ranchos vs. Cabanas, ground floor or upper, or near the elevators. Is all that factored in? Location or a water view would be best for me I guess. Thanks!
Hey Angela, I do not know how Online check in factors into room assignment, but I would assume all reservation comments, either made as an online check in preference or with Disney, or with a travel agent will show up on your reservation. I personally like the front desk one on one with the cast member and feel that it gives me more time to work with them if I need to request something at check in so I don’t personally use online check in very often. I do know people love it and it can save you time at the front desk. Have a great Disney Vacation.
We got a lovely upgrade at the Grand Floridian on our first family vacation to Disney. It was a wonderful treat! We were upgrade to the Sugar Loaf house which had the concierge service. My husband did ask very politely and we had arrived before noon so I guess we lucked out. We were so happy. We are heading back to the Grand Floridian and hoping that we are lucky again, but won’t be disappointed if we end up in a standard room. We are just looking forward to visiting Mickey 🙂 Can’t wait!!
Wow Claudia,
That’s great! Glad you got to enjoy Sugar Loaf at the Grand Floridian. Let me know how how your next Grand Floridian stay goes. Have a great time. – Steve
Hi Steve- my family was booked for garden rooms at the grand floridian back in 2008 and were upgraded to a 2 bedroom suite. We told them we were celebrating my parent’s wedding anniversary so I wonder if that was the reason. It was the best vacation ever and smart on Disney’s part because we always stay club level now at the GF!! Thank you and to the GF staff for making our vacation magical!
Wow that’s awesome Jennifer! I still know a bunch of the cast members at the Grand Floridian but left to move to Atlanta a while back. We get to still experience Disney World, Disneyland and Disney Cruise Line, now as guests 🙂 And we also started Pixie Vacations so we get to help guests with Disney vacations. It’s been great because we get to still experience Disney 24/7.
Steve,
thanks for this. Most especially for the last comment. I book the room I can afford (in some case BARELY ). That’s what I pay for and ALL I expect. In 5 trips we got upgraded once at the WL to a bunk bed room after I asked. I hated asking was very embarrassed to do so but she was soo nice about it. On our next trip we paid for Garden view at YC and we are just so happy to be going there 🙂
Thanks Awesome John!
It never hurts to ask.
Hi Steve,
Great article. My wife & I just had this discussion last night. We’re staying at the Yacht Club in 2 weeks w/ our 3 children. It’s our 1st time in a deluxe resort & 2nd trip to Disney. We’re celebrating 20 years together. But she didn’t want to make a big deal of it. After reading this we’ll make a comment on our reservations and see what happens! Thanks again.
Hey John,
I love the Yacht’s Club location. It’s a very nice walk to Epcot and that pool is amazing.
We did the Kitchen Sink 3 years ago there. Here’s the video.
http://youtu.be/UOEfx0E556M
Have fun!
Hi, great article! We are trying to book the Floridian online but it’s saying they are full. Is there anyway to work around this or a cancellation list?
Hi Christa. Contact Pixie Vacations and they will be able to watch for openings and hopefully get you exactly what you want.
You can fill out a quick quote here
http://pixievacations.com/walt-disney-world-quote-request/
Or call them at 678-815-1584
You will have a great time.
Hi Steve,
Love the 1st hand info and found this very helpful. My husband and I are staying at the Grand Floridian this coming Sept 2-9th and booked a garden view room to save a little money. This will be our first ever trip to Disney World and we are celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary. I already booked and payed for everything online and didn’t have a chance to note what we were celebrating. Is there a way to add it on? I heard you could fax in requests or notes days before you arrive? is that still the case? Or should we call beforehand? Thank you : )
Hi, Ann,
It sounds like you booked online at the Disney site. If so then call Disney and have them add the notes.
Just make sure you have your reservation number when you call.
If you booked with a travel agent, call them and they will take care of it for you.
Have a wonderful time at the Grand Floridian
A great in room celebration package would be a fantastic add on. My husband surprised me on our 25th Anniversary trip. I cried!!!!
We traveled to WDW in late Nov. early Dec. in ’11 just after we retired, booking a steeply discounted room at AKL. We made sure our special event was duly noted on our reservation. When I asked for an upgrade, the desk clerk apologized and explained that since our room was booked at a 35% discount, no further offer was possible. But when we arrived in our room, expecting a garden view, we were delighted to discover a balcony with a partial savannah view. We had a blast.
Thanks great to hear Leo.
Steve, what about uk guests. We planned to book through disney packages website – can you make requests on there or are we best calling and making a reservation directly?
Hmm, if you can’t talk to a travel agent or someone directly and can only use the website, I would call the resort itself five days before arrival. Call the front desk and ask them to note your request.
Thanks for the info. I saw your post before seeing your last name. Lol. Griswold vacations are the best!
We went to disney world for our honeymoon in July 09. We made reservations for a garden view at grand Floridian. When I made dinner reservations they asked if we were celebrating and I said honeymoon. When we pulled up to the grand Floridian on the magical express we were beyond excited to be in disney and a woman asked for us and said please follow me we have a surprise for you. Umm what!? We followed her up to concierge level and got checked in. Beyond magical. Disney went out of their way to make it special.
Thanks great Bridget. So glad you got such a magical surprise.
How often does it happen that a family would get upgraded to the concierge level of a Disney resort?
It really depends Shawn. It’s kind of like the airlines at times too. So if the hotel is sold out of standard rooms and has loads of better category rooms available they will then move you to a higher category.
Hello Steve,
This is my family’s first trip to Disney! So we are making this big, even deciding to go at Christmas. The requirements of this trip was for a 2-bedroom suite, which I was able to acquire on the Disney website in July.
Being a novice, I had no idea what the outer building meant. We were hoping to have a view of Magic Kingdom on our first visit. Alas, according to Disney it is not. Any suggestions?
I’m reading lots of negatives about the outer building and am having second thoughts about the expense if it is second rate to the main building. Any helpful hints??
Hi, Disney during Christmas is beautiful. But expect crazy crowds so make sure you go early, go late and book your Fastpasses.
Yes almost all the rooms at the Grand Floridian are in the outer buildings. Depending on what room category you booked will determine basically what building / view you get. There are not loads and loads of Magic Kingdom views available so they are hard to come by. Most views are pool views, marina views, and lagoon views facing the Polynesian resort.
If you did not book a Magic Kingdom view your best bet it be nice to the Front desk at check in, but the room availability during that time of the year is going to be really really limited so those views are probably already booked by other guests.
The main building has concierge rooms only at the Grand Floridian. They are nice, but not within my budget, but for many people they are a perfect fit for them.
No matter what, you will have a great time. I might do things to avoid crowds a little, like maybe a wishes fireworks cruise, and other little personal extras to avoid those long holiday ride lines.
Again get to the parks early to get on some rides before everyone shows up at 10 AM. Book your fastpasses now. Be prepared for long lines. Book some nice dining and tour the resorts to see all the great decorations.
Have a blast
Steve
Hi, thank you for this useful article.
We will be staying at the GF as a family of 5. It is my mother first trip to Disney and she saw the GF in our pictures (from dining there)… So we booked a standard garden view room. We were wondering whether we should request groud floor or not? What do you recommend and why? Thanks!
Hi Flavie,
Oh Wow that is great!!! You are going to have an amazing time at the Grand Florian.
If you request a Grand Floridian Garden View room on the ground level you get to avoid the elevators of course. But each Grand Floridian Lodge Building has two elevators and there is really never any waiting for groups of people using them. So I like to be a little ways up. Either way it will be great.
Have a fantastic time at Walt Disney World.
Steve
Hey Steve
Firstly, all of this information is fantastic and very helpful, however I have a coulple questions that you met be able to help with.
My partner and I are going to disney world for our honeymoon later this year from Australia, we are booking through DVC , to stay at the Wilderness Lodge, do you know if they will let the resort know it’s our honeymoon or should we find a way to contact them and let them know?
Secondly, I see people talk about asking for upgrades or such, I of course would never want to be rude or expect anything but is there a way to ask or do you just say excuse me and please and smile lots and see what happens?
We are already so excited about this trip whether we get any extras or not.
Thanks for your time, kind regards
Ben
Hi, Ben,
I just returned from Australia a few days ago. I love it over there, but I am not so much a fan of the flight time. So with DVC I would have them note it on the reservation at DVC, but you could also contact the hotel front desk directly between 1-3 days before your arrival. The thing with DVC is you really get the room you purchased with points. I have never been upgraded with DVC, but I have a friend that got upgraded twice. But they were upgraded only because the room they booked was not available for a maintenance or booking error reason and they had no other option but to move them to give them a room. So I am not real sure an upgrade is even possible. Please let me know what happens and if anyone reading this article has been upgrade while using DVC points, please share your experience here.
Have a great anniversary,
Steve
Steve
Headed to Grand Floridian for a Convention this year (1st week of Nov) but still want to request a Magic Kingdom View room ? What are my chances ? Is there a different process for Convention Guests?
Thanks.
Hey Jeff,
If you are with a group contact your group coordinator. They will be the ones from your company or convention setting up the rooms with the Disney Groups department at the Grand Floridian. They will have a block of rooms for your group. The challenge is going to be that I don’t know of many groups that book the higher end view rooms. Say your groups is really big and wants a majority of a building or floor, then your groups would have some different room types to choose from. Also if people are in those rooms and checking out the day you are checking in, then you might have to wait until 3 PM or so to get a specific room. You could also call the Grand Floridian 3 days prior to arrival and ask them if they can get you something nice in the group block.
Have a great time.
Steve
Hi Steve-
Our family is doing a big week long trip in just under a month to the Grand Floridian. For us, it is a big bucket list kind of splurge that we are all excited about. We are celebrating our daughters birthdays & our 15th anniversary and I’m going to start the online check in process, so I’ll include that in some notes. My question is it has an area to check 2 special requests, (ex: ground or upper floor,dormer, which building,etc) Since we booked garden level, I don’t want to waste a request on the Main Bldg. or Sugar Loaf. What buildings or floors do you recommend I ask for? Also, do you recommend any shopping services that deliver cases of water, snacks for the room, etc or is that frowned upon? Thanks for the insight. 🙂
Hey Johnny,
So you want to do two things.. First have your travel agent or you, get a note on your reservation. You would do this at TWO different times. The first time is when you or your travel agent books with CRO. That’s when you tell the castmember about any special celebrations or requests like I want a high floor, etc.
Also your travel agent or you should call the Disney Hotel Front Desk 5 days or less from your check in date. The Disney hotel reservations download from CRO to the individual Disney Hotels 5 days before check in. So if by chance the requests to told your travel agent or CRO got deleted then you are covered by calling the Disney Hotels Front Desk.
Most of your garden views are in Building 5 if I remember correctly. It’s over by the marina. It’s not close but you can get most of the way there under cover if it’s raining for example. I like the upper floors for better views.
For Grocery delivery to Disney World Resorts we like Garden Grocer. Garden Grocer has a reasonable – $14 delivery fee and $40 min order. Their price are about what you would pay at Publix and generally better than at Goodings. Except Milk is about 50% more than if you bought it at a grocery store. They will deliver your groceries to the Bell Services stand and they will refrigerate them for you and your Grand Floridian room has a frig.
Have a great time at the Grand Floridian.
Hi Steve,
We are going to WDW for our first time ever. My husband and I and our 3 kids have never been. I want SO badly to stay at the grand Floridian…but we can’t really afford to stay in even a studio. I’m trying every way to find a deal that is affordable. I am tying through DVC to buy someone’s points or rental and it’s still very expensive. We are going the last week in April. Any advice?? Thanks. I want our first trip to be awesome, because I don’t know when we will ever get to go back!
Hi, Emily,
Call Pixie Vacations. They have a Grand Floridian offer that’s amazing. I believe it’s in July for their Pixie Plus members only, but give them a call and you might be able to get on that July Grand Floridian vacation offer. 678-815-1584
Steve we are taking my granddaughter back this year as a surprise trip celebrating her birthday. Last year while we were there she got an upper respiratory infection that turned into to pneumonia. It caused her not to be able to enjoy the last three days of the trip. We are booked at the Wilderness Lodge in a standard view room. What requests would work best for us there to get the best room possible? Thanks, I appreciate your advice.
Hi Nina,
I love the Wilderness Lodge but very rarely get to stay there for the night. The Wilderness Lodge pool just got redone and they just added a new kids water play area that looks really cool.
I am not sure what the prime rooms are there but hopefully someone here can post a comment with their favorite spots to stay. Have a great time at Walt Disney World
Steve
We stayed at the Wilderness Lodge Concierge level with our two kids. Best stay at disney yet! We have stayed at concierge levels elsewhere- but this one topped it for us. Bunk Beds for kids as well in a lot of the rooms- but you need to request them.
I forgot to mention the trip is set for the second week of September through the NOJ week-end.
Thanks for this article very helpful! I’m staying at saratoga springs in june, we booked a deluxe studio for 4 of us. How likely do you think it will be to get an upgrade to a one bedroom villa if we asked?
Sorry, For DVC an upgrade will only happen if they make a mistake and oversell your category.
Hi
We are going to WDW and staying at All Stars resort. We arrive on my birthday, the travel agent booking has put it on our details but what is the realistic likelihood of an upgrade when staying at the value resorts? We go mid Sept for two weeks.
Thankyou 🙂
At Disney’s All Star Resort they have at least two room categories. Standard and Preferred Rooms. They might have Pool View Rooms as a category also but I forget at the moment. So if you are in a Disney All Star Resort standard room you might get upgraded to a preferred Disney All Star room. The All Star Resort preferred room category are rooms that are closer to the main building. I am crossing my fingers for you.
Have a great Disney World Vacation.
We’ll have a great time regardless anyway. September can’t come quick enough for us!! We love WDW and this will be our 5th trip from the UK.
Thanks very much 🙂
I know. I am over Winter and can’t wait to get to Walt Disney World myself. Have fun at Disney World.
Hi Steve – we stayed at the Polynesian in 2006 and got upgraded to concierge without even knowing it existed. We’re planning to go back next year and stay at the Boardwalk, but now we’re spoiled! Would it make any difference to the front desk cast member if the reservation were made over a year in advance? We are traveling during spring break 2016 and want to make the reservation ASAP. Thanks!
That’s AWESOME Kelly. I have seen the Concierge lounge at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort but have never stayed or have had the pleasure to experience it as a guest. The view for the Polynesian concierge lounge looked like it was perfect for the Magic Kingdom fireworks. Yes, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn also has some great concierge rooms. One of the Pixies at Pixie Vacations booked a standard room for a guest and that guest was upgraded to the main suite there. I happened to be at Disney World and the guest was a Mouse Chat fan and invited us over to see the suite. It was amazing. Formal dining room, media entertainment setup like a movie theater, kitchen, bar, balconies overlooking the lake, stunning! I would like to say booking with Pixie Vacations got them this amazing suite for free, but it really is a combination of things. Luck being a main factor. But you can always increase your odds but noting special occasions, having short reservations that fit into the open spots of room availability, having your agent call the Disney hotel 5 days out before check in to make sure the special occasion that was noted when you booked the reservation made it to the Disney hotel. Of course being nice at check in can help sometimes too, not slip them a $50 nice, that’s not allowed, just be pleasant. You can always ask too at check in, they probably will not have anything but there is always a chance they might have loads of open rooms available that night that fits perfectly with your travel schedule.
Booking far in advance helps you lock in the Disney Resort you want and the best possible price. Also find a travel agency that specializes in Disney when you do this. Most will move you to the best Disney Vacation Offer so when you book a year out if a better offer comes out they will move you to that offer and keep everything else the same with your reservation. So only the price changes and saves you money, or you get some extras with the new offer, like maybe Disney Free Dining if that offer comes out.
Let me know how your vacation is.
Steve
Also the 14 Garden Suites at the Boardwalk Inn are a little known secret. They share a private courtyard.
Thanks Steve! I just signed up for the Pixie Vacations newsletter. But now I’m torn between BWI and Beach Club. I’ve read that things can get kind of rowdy outside BWI at night. Since we are travelling during spring break, I think we should avoid that. But I think we’d love all the activity near the Boardwalk.
So two questions – 1) If I book now at rack rate and a better offer comes out, does it actually lower the price of the amount I pay, or is the savings applied to something else (like a credit)? What if an offer comes up after I’ve paid in full? And 2)what are your thoughts just on BWI vs. Beach Club for a family with two 16 and 13 year old daughters? The rates are virtually the same, right? So that wouldn’t make a difference.
When I spoke with my local agent regarding question 2, she said she was unfamiliar with both properties, but heard the pool at Beach Club was nice, so I’m thinking my local travel agency isn’t going to book this trip 🙁
Hey Kelly, I like Beach Club better, the pool is amazing, but check with a Pixie Vacations agent with your travel dates because I know pool renovation and room renovations are happening or maybe just happened at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, I forget the dates.
Yes, the way it works is Pixie Vacations would move you to the best offer. So you would have the same reservation and room type, etc just at a lower price or with extras say if Free Dining came out.
Hi Steve- A tip I can offer that can get your a “curbside” or upgrade is to book a few extra nights when you are actually already there. Three years ago, we were staying at The Beach Club for 4 nights. At 11pm the night before we were slotted to leave, my husband said ” go see if we can book 2 more nights.” I went to the front desk and the Beach Club could not accommodate us, but we could choose from a list of many other hotels that could. The Grand Floridian was one of the choices. Since the Grand was significantly more expensive, we were given a room at for the same price as Standard at the BC. The next day, we had our bags transferred and went to brunch. After brunch we headed to to GF and checked in ( early-around noon)…we were told ” Oh! You got a curbside.” Then we were escorted into the Concierge elevator to a room right over Narcossie’s ( very high up forget what floor) with a full castle view and enormous balcony! We had 5 offererings of food a day in the concierge lobby, including alcohol. the music form the MK fireworks was piped into our balcony so we could listen to Jiminy Cricket in our pjs. It was fabulous. Now we are spoiled. Our next trip we will book only 3 nights, then do an add-on while we are there, taking our chances at what resort we get. It’s a risk but you really can’t go wrong no matter what deluxe you are placed at. We will be sure to book our airline tickets 2 days out as well so we do not have to pay for a change.
Hi Meg, That’s really great and it sounds like you got Building 8 Boca Chia at the Grand Floridian maybe 4th floor. Or Building 7 at the very head (Hammer Head Rooms). Those both have rooms on the lagoon side with some great views.
Steve
Hi Steve, your post is great and I will be sure to ask for a room upgrade when we take our trip in May, but I was wondering about how the online check-in option with the My Disney Experience website affects the upgrade availability.
We will be at the Beach Club in May, and I want to check in early but I do not need the room until later in the day and want to try for the best chance for a upgrade, thanks 🙂
Hi, Victoria,
I always like to check in with a person so I have the opportunity to nicely ask for an upgrade.
I have done both online check in and just regualar check in, both allow you to talk with a castmember, so I don’t think it matters.
Hi! I’m planning my honeymoon, although it won’t be until 2017. I’ve never booked my own vacation, and I would like to have a nice room with a really great bathroom! I am not really sure which resorts to look at, and any help would be appreciated! Thank you so much!
Hi, Claire,
Congratulations a little early. If you can afford to stay at a Disney World deluxe resort this might be the time to splurge, but if not don’t get caught up in having to stay at the perfect spot. You will have a great time with everything you can do at Walt Disney World and can plan some nice meals, maybe a fireworks cruise to see the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the water, and so much more.
For deluxe resorts you have a bunch of amazing options at Disney World.
Of course the Grand Floridian and the rooms were all recently redone at the Grand Floridian so they have a more modern elegant feel.
The Beach Club resort is undergoing room rehabs so those rooms will be fresh and really nice by the time you travel and that pool is amazing.
The Polynesian is about to wrap up a complete redo, it looks wonderful and would be a great option if you want a tropical feel.
Let me know which resort you end up booking.
Have a great honeymoon.
Steve
Steve, thank you so much for this info! Sadly my lady friend and I will not be able to afford the Grand Floridian. I wish, right? I do have a couple of questions. We’re going for our first trip EVER to WDW (and first trip out of the west coast.) Also it’ll be her birthday during the trip. But the main thing is, I am thinking of proposing to her during our dinner at CRT. I was told I should have a potential engagement noted in the account. What would you suggest? Thanks!
Wow, congratulations. I think we did a Mouse Chat show on engagement ideas, but I am not 100% sure. Anyway, I think this would be a great show topic for a future Mouse Chat show. I would definitely let the hotel and booking agent know about your engagement. I think it might need to be a definite engagement plan for the hotel and castmemebers to help out. They would be a little resistant to send maybe a bottle of wine to the room or flowers with a note not knowing if you were going to pop the question or not. We will put together a Mouse Chat show on fun engagement ideas at Disney that you can do for free or on the cheap. Of course you can do an elaborate engagement with Disney characters, etc by buying all sorts of special packages from Disney Weddings, but you can also ask for some castmemebers help at the resort, at a nice Disney signature Dining restaurant, or on Main Street USA at the Magic Kingdom. Victoria and Alberts at the Grand Floridian also has a few nice options for engagement ring presentations that are actually pretty affordable and the food and service is amazing at Victoria and Alberts.
I can’t wait to hear what you end up doing.
Steve
This is a great article from an insider. My family had requested to be near transportation with connecting rooms. When we arrived we had been upgraded to a river view at the far end of the resort. River view sounds great, but we didn’t want the view as much as we wanted to be near the bus stop. I was obviously disappointed and my husband asked the desk if there was anything closer to our request. I didn’t want to chance that maybe we would get something worse, so I politely said that we were fine where we were. The cast member, seeing my disappointment, went to work and found us perfect connecting rooms near the food court and the bus stop. We could not have asked for better. The key is to be polite and realize that sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t and you have to be OK with either.
That’s Great Cindy. I love to hear when a castmemeber goes above and beyond to make the vacation that much better.
HI Steve – Thank you for the great article! I’ll be staying at Beach Club Villas in January during MLK weekend- taking my two nephews for their first visit. (Had to book a Villa because one nephew is an extremely picker eater so I need the full kitchen.) I’m not a DVC member, so i booked this room as you would any other room. I noticed though that when you book a Villa, there is no option when booking for room view (standard view, park view, etc.)
My question is with the Villas – how do they determine who gets what view if there is not a difference in price? Does the time of check in matter? We will be checking in at about 8pm on a Thursday night. Also, since I’m paying and not using DVC points – do I have a better chance of upgrading from a 1 bedroom to a 2 bedroom? Thanks!
Hi, Becky,
That’s a good question. We have a few DVC points and never have been upgraded or have ever heard of a DVC memeber being upgraded. You get the room type that you purchased with the points. If anyone has stayed on points and got upgraded from a studio to a two bedroom please share that here. But I think they don’t upgrade members on points because then every member would expect it. But you are paying for your room with cash for your villa. I am not sure how or if upgrades happen for DVC guests paying with cash. I think they would have flexibility to move you to any room in the category you purchased. So a studio on the 1st floor or 4th floor, etc would be fine. But I think DVC releases the available rooms to the resort as they are available at a certain time window to make them available for purchase with cash so the availability of say a 2 bedroom for cash would be pretty limited.
If anyone has been upgraded when staying in a villa paying with cash, please share your experience with us.
Thank you for the quick response Steve! I thought I’d share my two experience receiving an upgrade.
The first was at Disneyland. A friend and I were checking into Paradise Pier, where we had booked a standard view to save some money. We noticed the parking lot was practically empty. When we got to the front desk we asked the CM if they were expecting low crowds (this was years ago, before you could look up crowd predictions.) It hadn’t even occurred to us to ask for an upgrade, but the CM said they were expecting very low crowds and because of that they were upgrading us to a park view room. It was a wonderful surprise to have a fantastic view of California Adventure during our stay.
The second was at AK Lodge. I had flown in the night before my friend, so I needed to book just one night at a resort. I had enough credit card reward points to book a standard view room at AK Lodge. I was hoping that since I was checking in at 9pm and I was only staying for one night, that I might be able to get upgraded to savannah view. I figured by 9pm they’d already know what rooms would be going unused and that they’d figure “why not” for one night. As you said in your article, I asked very nicely. And sure enough, had no problem getting an upgrade.
Hi Steve,
I enjoyed your article and would like to know which are the rooms that are likely to be the quietest in the Grand Floridian – and what should we ask for on the “special requests” to maximise the chances of getting it.
We stayed at the wilderness lodge (great theme but poor inter-room soundproofing) last year at Halloween and are planning to “push the boat out” and stay at the GF for two weeks just after thanksgiving (traveling from the UK). As well spend a lot of time in the parks and eating out at Disney’s restaurants we don’t see the point of either conseriage service or theme park views but we do value being able to sleep when we get back to the hotel. Indeed the “poor” rating for spoundproofing (from Foror and Unoficial Guide) is the only thing putting us off. Anything we can do to make it better for us would be appreciated. Indeed we have stayed and Swan & Dolphin and found their soundproofing excellent -but we do like the idea of the GF.
Thanks, Peter
Thanks Steve for the all the great tips! Our party of 8 booked two adjoining Theme Park View rooms for 4 consecutive nights (Mon-Thurs) at the Grand Floridian in June this summer.
Do you know which “adjoining” (i.e. connected) rooms at GF are considered “Theme Park View?” We would prefer close to the new kiddie splash park, but viewing the fireworks is probably equally important. Seems like all the MK view rooms are in Boca Chica (Bldg 8) or Conch Key Hammer Head Rooms (Bldg 7). But some of the MK view rooms do NOT have a view of the fireworks like Room 8107 (& others nearby).
We will be in Orlando a day early and we intend to try and check in as early as possible that Monday morning to take advantage of the fantastic hotel and pool. I assume noting “First Ever Children’s visit to WDW” is a comment that we would want to leave on the Disney reservations.
We’d love to note our “special requests” on our Disney reservation to maximize the chances of getting the best room possible. Thank you!!
Hey Sonny,
It’s been a while since I worked at the Grand Floridian doing room assignment and I forget which rooms connect and which ones are adjoining. Be sure to ask for “connecting” rooms if you want the door between them and “adjoining” rooms if you want them next to each other. Of course it depends on what the Grand Floridian has available for the nights you are there. Both the building 8 and 7 rooms are nice for the fireworks. I also like building 5 over by the marina at the end in the hammer head. Those have a fantastic castle view but there are just a few of them. Also building 5 is kind of on it’s own which can be a positive or negative depending on where you want to be at the resort. IF you don’t get the perfect fireworks view, stroll down to the beach or to the boat dock and enjoy them. You are in a perfect spot to view the fireworks and electrical water parade at the Grand Floridian.
Steve
Hi Steve, thanks for the great information! We are going to Disney in a couple weeks celebrating our 5th anniversary and taking our 3 year old for her first time and splurging at GF! (We went for our honeymoon with the whole family 5 years ago and stayed at a value resort.) Our top priority is to be close to monorail/buses and pool. From what I’ve read, Big Pine Key might be the best location. Are there any MK views from this building? Do you have any other suggestions for rooms/buildings? Thanks!
Hi Sarah,
Building 9, Big Pine Key, is really a nice location. It’s close to the main building, and you can get in the main building side entrance really easy from there if it’s raining. Also it’s the closest to both pools and the kids water / splash play area. The lagoon view rooms from there face the newly renovated Polynesian Hotel with the new bungalows on the water, so I bet that view is pretty nice, but it’s not a Magic Kingdom view.
Have a great time,
Steve
Also, if checkout is at 11am and our airport shuttle isn’t picking us up until 2pm, do you have any suggestions of what to do for those 3 hours? Can we request a late checkout? Thanks again!
Hey Sarah,
Sure, They can store your bags at Bell Services at the Grand Floridian. You could enjoy the pool and change before your flight, have lunch, take the monorail over to the Polynesian resort and enjoy the new Trader Sams for a drink, do a little last minute shopping…
🙂 Steve
Hi Steve, we’re planning on staying at the Grand Floridian in Oct. 2016 for our honeymooon and I was looking and came across a site that said GF offered honeymoon rooms that have jacuzzis in room, or something along those lines. I was trying to find more information on these particular rooms and I’ve even checked the room info/rates directly on Disney’s website but I can’t find a thing.
What exactly should I be looking for to get one of these rooms, or is this one of those ‘ask nicely’ and you might be able to upgrade?
Any info on this would be helpful, thanks!
Jessica
Hey Jessica,
I like the Grand Floridian tourett rooms. They are shaped like an octagon, but they don’t have the jacuzzi tub.
Really it’s dependent on what people have paid for and booked already as to what you might luck into.
Either way you are going to have a fantastic honeymoon at the Grand Floridian. If possible I would also plan a nice meal at Victoria and Albert’s or something a little more budget friendly at Citrocos.
Steve,
Thanks for the article. We absolutely love Disney and did even prior to our experience last year. We had a reservation for 5 at the Yacht Club in a standard room, which was definitely going to be tight. I did put in a request for an upgrade. We were celebrating my 40th and my mother’s 70th birthdays. When we arrived a team with balloons walked toward us to announce that we were family of the day. Well, at that moment we all started crying. We didn’t even know what it meant. Within a few minutes, we were escorted up to the Turret suite! Absolutely unreal! What a blessing! I say it was because of my mom’s sweet heart that we were blessed with such a treat!
Wow that’s awesome Susan. I love to hear when things like this happen.
It sounds like an amazing experience at Disney’s Yacht Club resort.
Have a wonderful week,
Steve
Susan
How did you request the upgrade?
Thanks
Hello Steve,
Wanted to thank you for a great article of tips, and I have a question. I booked at Art of Animation in March for the second week of Sept. With free dining being released today, I had to call and modify my reservation in doing so I had to give up the Nemo suite we had reserved and I was put in the non-designated suite category. We are taking our two year old for her first trip and she absolutely loves Nemo (which is why we are staying at AoA). Just wondering if there is anything I should particularly do in order to get a Nemo room during our trip? Thanks
Hey Eric,
I am glad you got Disney Free Dining. Nemo Suites are the most popular, but don’t give up hope. I’d call the Art of Animation resort 2-3 days before arrival and ask the room assigner to add a comment to your reservation that you would prefer a Nemo Suite. Also at Check In ask again.
Have a great vacation.
Steve
Hi Steve, We have just booked a vacation for November of this year. We are traveling the largest group I’ve ever taken to WDW and for several reasons. It will be my girlfriends parents first time ever to WDW and it will be my daughter’s delayed honeymoon trip as well as my grandson’s first time to WDW. We will have 3 standard rooms at the Coronado Springs Resort. What advice do you have concerning requesting an upgrade for the entire group? It would be awkward for just one room in the group to get an upgrade I think. Also, I’ve been taking my family to WDW for years and just want everyone in our group to have the best Disney time possible!!!!
Hey Dave,
For Coronado Springs I like building 1 and 3 and 9b.
I have stayed in other buildings there too, but these buildings are all close to the main building which has a bus stop that leaves directly to the parks, and also it’s close to all the dining, shops, etc. If it’s raining you can cut through the convention center and stay covered all the way to building #1 which is really nice too. Now the bus also stops here LAST when you return from the parks and that can be a downer when it’s 1 AM and you are super tired, so just keep that in mind.
Building 9B has the business lounge which is nice for snacks but I am a cheap bastard and I have paid for the lounge before but it’s hard for me to pay for that when I am usually not at the resort when it’s open to utilize it. You have to book a business classified room to get lounge access and getting three of those would be difficult.
So I would aim for building 1 or 3 and just try and get your close rooms together. I never leave my blinds open because people are always walking by, so for me it’s really not about the view from these rooms, it’s more about location.
Have a great time,
Steve
Good Morning Steve. Your site is wonderful and has so much information. We are leaving for our first ever trip to Disney in just 5 days!!! We will be checking into Disney’s Port Orleans early on Tuesday and staying until the following Tuesday. 3 adults and my daughter, who is just shy of 2 years old, will be staying in one room. My mother in law is coming in just for the weekend but is getting her own room. I was originally requesting a room on the bottom floor in any building and a room close to a bus stop. Any suggestions on buildings or requests that might make the most of our trip? I didn’t even realize that upgrades were a possibility. Thank you so much for the all the tips!!
Hey Steve! I recently stumbled upon this site of yours and wanted to tell you it’s very informative. My lady friend and I are headed to WDW for our first ever trip outside of the West Coast, it’ll be her birthday, and I may propose to her during the trip. My concern is you mentioned checking-in last. Our flight from California to Orlando won’t get in till at least 8:30pm. After the Magical Express, I feel like we’ll be closer to 10pm when we finally get to POP Century. Should I be concerned of anything? Honestly, I would have loved for us to have stayed at a moderate, but we wanted to save the money for a special night at Victoria & Albert’s and Cinderella’s Royal Table. I guess I’m worried we won’t get our requested room type (60’s Lake View.) Also similar to what someone else asked, is there a chance we could get upgraded to a Moderate? It’ll be in mid-May during all the Star Wars Weekends festivities. Thanks!
Hi Jonathan,
Don’t worry about arriving late. Your room is guaranteed on your credit card so it will be there.
The Value resort are really more about the location you want vs a view. There is no balcony to sit on and enjoy the view, just the front window that that you can see out of a little bit if you are sitting at the table next to it. I normal close the blinds anyway so people walking by the window are not looking directly into my bedroom. So I would not worry about the view too much.
They will not upgrade you to another Disney resort someplace else on property. I have only had this happen once to a friend but they asked at check in at the front desk if something was available at Art of Animation instead of at Pop Century, both value resorts, and they did end up going to Art of Animation instead and paid any difference in price if there was one.
Have a great time
Hello Steve, outstanding & informative article, I added it to my favorites in my browser for reference. 🙂 So I need your opinion on something, it will be a little long but I want you to fully understand my situation. I have split reservations at the Contemporary Resort, one is a package with 4 nights at 12th floor Theme Park View Atrium Club Level, the second is a Room Only reservation, 4 nights at a 1 BR Theme Park View Suite on the 14th Floor. Its me and my girl who are going, we’ll be celebrating our 5 year anniversary and I plan on proposing to her while there. I’m planning on asking the Club Concierge for an upgrade to the 1 BR Theme Park View Suit at Check In. The reason is because I want to propose to her in the luxurious Suite instead of the smaller Atrium room. From your experience, how good are my chances of getting the upgrade? Or an upgrade at all? And let’s assume that there’s a 1 BR Theme Park View Suite available.
I’m figuring from a Customer Service standpoint, if I was a CM, I’d do it because the customer is going to be in the Suite anyway, its for double special occassions, its available, both reservations are paid in full, etc. But one never knows when it comes to upgrades at Disney World, which is why I’m asking. LOL. So what do you think Steve? Thanks.
Hey CJ,
This sounds awesome. So first make sure you have them note on your reservation that you are going to ask her to marry you. You call Disney CRO or your travel agent to have this done. Then call the resort directly 3 days before you arrive. Not CRO, but the Disney resort front desk / room assignment.
They can not guarantee anything and those rooms could all be sold out already, so it’s hard to tell if anything will happen. I would also ask at check in. Those are your three times to let people know that might improve your luck.
I would also plan a dinner at Victoria and Albert’s at the Grand Floridian and book that ASAP. It’s very nice and maybe $100 – $150 a person when all said and done. When you call them they have several ways to present the ring during your dinner that are all very creative and very affordable. So that way you have something 100% booked that you know is set.
We did a show on Victoria and Alberts and I think we cover the engagement ideas too on this show: https://mousechat.net/grand-floridian-victoria-alberts-what-to-order/
You can listen to the Victoria and Alberts Review show here.
Congratulations
Steve
Thanks for your advice Steve, I really appreciate it!!!! So let me make sure I understand you clearly. You suggest that I have a CRO Cast Member put in an upgrade request and notation of my upcoming proposal first. Then make the same requests at the Contemporary Resort Front Desk 3 days before our arrival and make a final request through our Club Level concierge at Check In right? Should I have the Club Level Concierge put in my upgrade request now or later? Thanks again for your advice. 🙂
Hi CJ,
The Disney hotel will not have your reservation in their system until five days before you check in. I forget the exact number of days but it use to be around 3-5 days that the reservations download from CRO to the hotels. So at that point the Disney hotel starts matching up the guests with the rooms and looking at special requests. I always tell people to call the hotel directly just to make sure that the room assigner is aware of your request. I just want to make sure that the CRO agent put it on the reservation and that the room assigner has seen it.
Hi Steve, thanks for the info. We are getting married in August and honeymooning at Disney. We will have our three grandchildren with us, since we want them in the wedding, just a small little piece to say our vows. We have been married to each other before. Anyway, we listed on the reservation it is our honeymoon, 3 birthdays, one first time visit and I am cancer free. I have two questions, first which resort, we first went POR, but then realized we had enough to do a deluxe so we are going beach club, then we added club level. Now we are thinking grand Floridian. If it was just us we would do gf, but the kids will love stormalong bay. We are so torn. But our main reason for really wanting to change is we want an east facing room. Which in Disney is very very hard to find, none club level at either of the Epcot resorts, non at WL. Poly is ou because of construction. I am legally blind, and an east facing room will allow me to see the shadows in the room in the morning, so I can see the bed shadow and the chair shadow. Gf has about 8 east facing rooms, all in main building. But that puts us a little over budget. We can get a Cl in sugar loaf, but it is not east facing. I would love an upgrade, but don’t want to be to pushy. Most of the east facing rooms at the grade are two bedroom suites, so I don’t hold out much hope. What would your suggestions be for us. I have really studied this and Disney does not like east facing rooms for some reason, if I took all the deluxe resorts and added them together, I don’t think I could fine 50 east facing rooms. I think the contemporary has the most, but for some reason no one wants to stay there, except me. But again the rooms there are more expensive. I’m Begining to wonder if I should drop down to standard and hope to get upgraded to concierge since I doubt I can get what I want even paying the extra, and if I pay for conceirrge do they assume I could have paid for my own upgrade so I don’t need one from them?
Hi, Mary,
I have a friend that is blond and uses a service animal at Walt Disney World all the time.
Let me see what he recommends and I will reply back.
Thanks
Steve
We have been 3 times in the last year and been upgraded each time. The first was All Star Sports where we were upgraded to preferred. That was my sons firts visit. 2nd trip book standard and were upgraded to Savannah view at AKL it was my sons 2nd birthday. Our last trip we were upgraded from standard to pool view at POR. We weren’t celebrating anything that time. We are heading back in September staying at the GF we booked garden and are celebrating our 10 year anniversary. Fingers crossed our luck continues. We have never asked to be upgraded it just happens.
Hi! Do you know what are the odds of getting upgraded from a Standard to a Savannah View room at the AKL? We’re going mid-december so I know it’s kind of a peak time. Not really expecting anything, we’re there to celebrate my sister’s birthday and we’ll be most of our time at the parks anyway, but I guess it won’t hurt to ask at check-in. And should I make online check-in or are my odds better if I do check-in at the hotel? I’m arriving at the lodge at like 7am so I’m not expecting my room to be ready at that time haha.
Hey Jonah,
Well if the standard room categories are oversold by chance then it’s pretty good odds. But otherwise I would think it’s pretty difficult. I would just be really nice at check in and talk with the cast member at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and see what they say. It does not hurt to ask. I like to check in with a cast member that is not rushed to hand out pre-done packets of internet bookings. Also I feel like a reservation that is not already put together in a packet might be easier to change if I would happen to get an upgraded room at Disney World.
Have a great time at Disney World,
Steve
Hi! We are going to Disney later this month. We are staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort. This is our first time at this resort. We were a little distressed that 3 days after paying our balance in full, we received a letter saying the bridge connecting the standard rooms to the main building would be closed. The resort will be offering buses every 15 minutes and a boat to get to the main building, pool, etc. As soon as we heard that we called Disney Travel Co. to see if we could change resorts or upgrade rooms. They are saying they are completely sold out all standard and moderate hotels for the dates that we are staying. There are however, deluxe accommodations available. The guest relations is saying I can pay the difference and possibly upgrade. I am a little upset because at the time I booked they did not know they were undergoing refurbishments. I get that the hotel is open 365 days a year but had I known this when I booked I would have chosen another room type and/or resort. Nothing sounds magical about getting on a bus every time we want to go to the food court or pool. I have 3 kids and it will involve folding up a stroller each time. Do you have any advice? Thanks!
Hi, Allison,
You should come to the Mouse Chat meet up and we will cheer you up.
It’s difficult because it sounds like everything is booked and you are too close to the travel date to be able to do much.
If another moderate resort opens up you could switch, but I have to think Disney is going to have adequate buses to make it pretty painless. Well at least I hope so. They are really good at planning for crowds and transportation so I would think it might not be as bad as you fear.
You could pay and move up to a Deluxe Disney Resort. But that price jump is going to be a bit more.
Hope it all works out
Steve
Hi Steve
It was good to come across an article like yours. I am from England and debating about online check in. I have booked two outer building deluxe rooms for my family of 5 adults in total. We are celebrating my special birthday, checking in a few days before New Year’s for 11 nights. I tried and tried since the start of this year to get club rooms, in sugar loaf, or a suite, or club rooms in the main building, but with no luck. I know it is extremely busy this time of year, it is our second visit to the Grand Floridian, and the last time we stayed there for 2 weeks also. In your opinion would it be best to wait and check in at the resort to see if we could have our rooms upgraded? I am conscious that if I check in online it may mean I have less room for manouverment at check in. We make such an effort to come across to WDW from here in England, and since our last stay at the Grand Floridian don’t want to stay anywhere else. A little advice on how to upgrade our stay to make it even more magical would be very much appreciated! Thank you.
Wow Amrit,
11 nights, well if you are coming all the way from England that’s a great holiday you have planned.
So the reason I don’t like online check in is because I want to have as many face to face interactions with Disney castmembers as I can. So I feel that talking with the castmember at the front desk about our stay gives me one last chance to explain any special occasions, etc in person.
I would make sure any special occasions are noted on your booking now, and also call the hotel directly 3 days before arrive and talk to room assignment at the front desk. But it sounds like all those rooms are already sold out and you are traveling at the busiest time ever for a Disney vacation. So it’s not really very probable that they can get you into a concierge level room as an upgrade. But stranger things have happened. Let me know what happens, but either way you are going to have an amazing time. I love the Grand Floridian and Disney World over the holidays.
Have a great time,
Steve
Hi! I love your site! We will be arriving on the 14th of December at AOA standard room for one night. We are then booked for 6 nights at Pop. What are the possibilities of being able to upgrade to a suite at AOA and possibly staying there all week? I noticed there are still availabilities in all three types for that whole week! There are 5 of us total, celebrating birthdays, honeymoon and first time visit. How exactly should I go about asking?
Thanks,
Lauren
Hey Lauren,
Make sure you have this marked on your reservation. If you booked with a travel agent they can get this added for you, or call Disney and ask them to note the special occasions on your reservation.
Then call the hotel 3 days before arrive and have them note your special occasions on your reservation.
Last step, ask at check in. It’s hard to go from a normal one night stay to a suite for 7 or 8 nights, at a resort you only booked one night at, but maybe it will happen or maybe they will have an affordable upgrade price.
Either way, have a great vacation at Walt Disney World and post a comment back here to let me know what happens.
Steve
We live within an hour of WDW and due to my daughter’s disabilities and medical issues have not been able to take the children. She will be 7 next month and we want to take her to main street for her first hair cut. That requires staying 2 nights (due to her requiring naps and early bedtime to avoid seizures) and her having her own bedroom (there are 6 of us total). Our budget is pretty small. We thought about value connecting rooms but that wouldnt give her a private bedroom and the medical risk is too high. Do you know of a hotel that has a 1 bedroom that connects to a regular hotel room (the other 3 kids and I can sleep in a regular room while hubby crashes on a pull out in a living room giving our princess a safe place to sleep)? Does such a thing exist in a lower price point?
Hi, Kelly,
If the Disney World Value connecting rooms is not an option for you, the next option is Disney’s Art of Animation resort. They have Family suites with a separate room that would work for you. The Disney Art of Animation Family Suites can fit up to 6. These rooms vary depending on the time of year, promotions, etc. but I think the family suites start at $300 + a night, but that’s better than paying for two connecting rooms at a Value resort.
We did our daughters first hair cut on Main Street at the Magic Kingdom too. Be sure to make a reservation for that too. I hope everything works out for you. If the price point just does not work for you on Disney property, see what’s available close by in a room configuration that works for you. There are some timeshare type two bedrooms that rent for cash that could work, just make sure it’s a nice place and read reviews. Some are really nice and some are really bad. I think there is a Sheraton resort close to Sea World that has two bedroom villas for a reasonable price. I have not stayed there, so do your research on them to make sure they are still a good deal and nice accommodations.
Let me know what you end and doing and please send some photos of her first hair cut.
Steve
Hi Steve,
Thanks for writing this great article! We are traveling to Walt Disney world at the end of March. We are staying at port Orleans riverside. I’ve looked online and I noticed that all the standard rooms are sold out and that’s what we have booked. We were able to book our room through Disney and save 25%. I have it noted on our reservation that we are celebrating two of my 3 children’s birthdays. I was wondering if the moderate resorts ever offer upgrades?
Thanks,
Aimee
Hi, Aimee,
I love Port Orleans Riverside. Yes upgrades can happen at any Diseny resort class. But it’s always a big puzzle that the room assigner is working with. So if one room type is oversold and another that is considered a better view is undersold, then yes, they would need to move that number of people out of the over sold category to a different category. And of course you would want to move people up a category to a nicer view. But their are lots of moving pieces so there is never a guaranteed way to get an upgrade.
But when I worked room assignment I would always read the comments on the reservation that was done when it was booked. Either the travel agent or the client would have noted things like a wedding, honeymoon, etc. So if there was a situation where two rooms had to unexpectedly go down for a maintenance issue, I knew who I should move out of the category and into a category that had an opening.
Have a great time at Walt Disney World.
Steve
Steve, thank you very much for the valuable insider info.
I was upgraded once, but not in DisneyWorld, but in DisneyLand. It was my first visit – with my friend. She was not a “Disney person”, so didn’t want to spend more than a day in the parks, and didn’t want to pay premium for Disney hotel. But I am a “Disney person” :))) And I decided to come a day earlier – to have extra day in the parks.
I booked a room in Paradise Pier hotel for myself – just for one night. As it was off-season, the rooms were impressively discounted. So I decided to try concierge level premium view room, as it was like 30 dollars more than non-concierge, and I already decided on premium view anyways.
I got to the hotel very early in the morning, so I could use Early Hour benefit all the guests of Disneyland hotels get. The lady at the reception (I wish I wrote down her name, so I could say “thank you” to her somehow later) – she told me I got upgraded to a signature suite… I didn’t realized what that meant at the point, as never stayed Disney concierge before, and never would have considered signature suites option – simply because of the price tag. So I didn’t show much of excitement at that point.
But! When I got to the room – I was blown away :))) It was huge, very nicely decorated, – with seating, dining and kitchenette areas, with three huge windows and separate bedroom. I even had my own Christmas tree there, as it was right after NY! I felt so extremely special – you can imagine :))) My friend next day – I bet she regretted that she didn’t want to come with me :))) But hotel stuff was so nice, that they allowed my friend to stay with me half an hour later the check-out time, so we made lots of pictures in signature suite :))))
I’m going to Disneyland in January 2016 – to enjoy the anniversary festivities. Guess what? I’m staying in Paradise Pier again :))) I know way hope to be upgraded again – like that time. Things like this don’t happen often, and that is what makes them so special. I just have forever romantic feeling about this hotel now :))) In spite of Paradise Pier being like “value” Disneyland property (certainly not by the price though!), and many people complaining about it, – I could not overcome that romantic taste of my first visit there :))) They probably got a loyal customer – me :)))
Here is my Tripadvisor review with some pictures.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g29092-d208754-r248382530-Disney_s_Paradise_Pier_Hotel-Anaheim_California.html
Wow JoieNsk,
Thanks for sharing this great story. I have toured the suites at all the Disneyland hotels and I know the one you are talking about. It’s VERY NICE and I am so glad you got to stay there. The Concierge lounge there is also perfect with great views of the CA Adventure Park.
What an amazing trip. I can’t wait to hear about your next one.
Have a wonderful time,
Steve
thank you so much for this amazing post, it has really got me excited to try my luck.
Im going down the first week of june for my birthday and staying at the grand. This also happens to be my 20th year in a row going to disney, and my first ever at the grand!! Its also my second yearr of a new tradition of going with my girlfriend. I plan on saying all of this when i call and speak to someone about passes and such later.
By any chance does anyone know how crowded the grand usually is around this time?
Hi, Mitch,
Wow that’s nice. Happy early birthday. Well you will be there during the Summer, so that when families are out of school and heading to Walt Disney World, but the Grand Florian never really feels crowded, the resort is large and has two pool areas so you will be fine.
Have a great time and a wonderful Disney birthday.
Steve
Thanks for your response,
I called the other day to prioritize passes, correct my birthdate ect., and i talked to the cast member about adding the occasion into the comments. He said that since it was booked through Orbitz, they do not have access to do that. I feel like i have read other people having had that done even when they booked through Orbitz.
Can anyone clarify or confirm this?
Hi, Mitch
If you booked with Orbitz, you are going to have to work with them directly. What I think happens is Orbitz does not send your booking to Disney until right before your arrival. So Disney will not have your booking and can not help you.
If anyone else here has used Orbitz, please post a comment if I have misspoken.
Thanks
Steve
Great article. And pretty sound advice too:)
My husband and I have been upgraded many times. We were married in 2004 at WDW. We were upgraded on our honeymoon to a HM suite at Wilderness Lodge.
On our 3rd anniversary we were upgraded to a savannah view too at AKL. On our 5th anniversary we were upgraded to club level at AKL. We stayed at the Polynesian last April, and were granted club access even though we hadn’t booked it! Most notably however, we were upgraded on our 10th anniversary at Beach Club in 2014. We booked a club level room for 10 days. And planned to move to a garden suite at The Boardwalk for an additional 8 days. When checking into the BC, club cast member who checked us in, after offering us pink champagne, said we were given an upgrade. I immediately spoke up and said, yes we booked club level. He said oh no, you’re being upgraded to The VP Nantucket Suite!!!! I NEARLY FAINTED. They had placed a bottle of champagne in our room, several fresh flower arrangements AND a solid chocolate Mickey Mouse with gorgeous hand made truffles and a signed card from Minnie and Mickey. We were floored! It was absolutely magical! During our stay, the doorbell would ring, yes there was a doorbell, and a cast member would deliver a little gift of candies and a card wrapped in ribbon. Was bar none the best trip ever. We have been many other times and not been upgraded, but Disney does it right when making you feel really special! Most recently we stayed in a newly decorated two bedroom suite at BC which is club level, and had just as lovely an experience. The staff at BC is our favorite! Disney keeps details in everything. They know all your past trips and the details therein. I can’t say for certain, but I feel confident they use your history with them to determine upgrades and perks. At a least a little:)
Wow Brandi, What a great story. I need to stay with you. 🙂
Have a wonderful night.
Steve
Hi Steve, thank you for the beautifull post!
I have a little question: I booked a trip to Beach Club resort for the first two weeks of september using the Disneyworld UK website (they had a really big deal).
It will be a really special trip (my mother’s birthday and gift for her retirement from work and also the end of my master degree) but unfortunately I couldn’t put any comment on my reservation.
Do you think I should say to the cast members when we’ll arrive to the beach club that we are celebrating lot of stuff?
Thank you very much!
PS sorry for my poor english…
Hi, Nicolo,
Your Disney World trip sounds great. I love Disney World in September. If you can call the resort itself 4 days before arrival, I would do that and speak to the Front Desk Room Assigner and let them know about the special occasion.
Let me know how your holiday goes.
Have fun at the Disney Beach Club Resort and be sure to enjoy the amazing pool they have.
Steve
Hi Steve!
For someone who has researched WDW resorts for years but never stayed at one, this article is very helpful! Next year my fiance & I are getting married at Disney’s Wedding Pavilion, & spending our honeymooning there! We want to stay at the Port Orleans Riverside Royal Suites, but we have this odd room question (not necessarily a request), that I’m not sure is possible so I thought I’d ask for your thoughts. Our honeymoon bedroom is quite important to us, as we will not have “known” each other until our wedding night. The question I have is that we would like a sheer bed canopy over the bed, & at first I was going to buy one to bring, but I didn’t want to screw it into the ceiling & make a hole! Would maintenance not mind if I set up my own? Thanks!
-Cassaundra
Hi, Cassaundra,
Congratulations!
You might want to try something like a nice dinner at the Grand Floridian Beach Resort and a stroll on the beach while watching the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom. Or maybe some rose pedals. The bed canopy I don’t think will work out for you.
Steve
Hi, Steve!
My family and I are going to stay at AKL an May, and we are booking two rooms through the Disneyworld website. Si there somewhere we can request the kind of beds we want on the website, during the reservation process or checking in on-line? Or should we call?
I’ve been to Disneyworld bafore, but for everybody else, is their first time, and my first time planinho a trip, so there is a lot of pressurizada on me!
Thanks!
Caroline
Hi Caroline,
Animal Kingdom Lodge at Walt Disney World has rooms with Queen beds and bunk beds for the kids and also rooms with just the Queen beds. So you can book that directly with Disney or give Pixie Vacations a call 678-815-1584 or fill out this quick quote form and they can get it setup for you.
Disney World Quick Quote Form: https://pixievacations.com/walt-disney-world-quote-request/
I love Animal Kingdom Lodge. Let me know how you like it.
Steve
Hi Steve!
We have a week booked in October at Port Orleans Riverside. I would love to try and get upgraded into a Royal room as this will be my children’s first Disney experience. My issue is that I did not make the reservation. I went through a travel agency. Is there a way to access the comments section of an already created reservation?
Hi Rachel,
No problem. It’s very simple and easy for your travel agent to contact Disney for you. Just work with your travel agent and ask them to note any special occasions on your reservation. They will have to call Disney to have it added to the comments.
Have a great time at Port Orleans.
Steve
We are going to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge in April with a Club Level Savannah view. We are now not going to have my grandfather travel with us and have an adjoining room, so we would like to change to a 1 or 2 bedroom club level suite at Jumbo House for more room to spread out since we wont have that adjoining room. Do you have any recommendations since Disney said there is no wait list and we or our travel agent just have to call back daily in the hope to upgrade? Thoughts?
Hi, Keith,
I know loads of people that have stayed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Club level and they all have loved it. I have not been myself, but I have toured that area a few times and it looks wonderful. You are correct. If you are looking for a reservation that is not available at this time, you, or your travel agent just need to keep checking. It might be difficult to get since you are hoping that someone cancels. So I would also look into other resort or options that fit your party fix just to be safe, or look at moving your dates if you can.
Good luck and let me know how it works out.
Steve
Hi Steve,
Thanks for a brilliant post. This is our 2nd family stay onsite at disneyworld (although our 7th to disney 🙂 ). We are very lucky to be staying at AKL for 16 nights in october/november to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary, and my husbands return from duty with the British navy.
We could only afford a standard view room for the 5 of us (2 adults, 2 children and a 2 year old). We have requested, but i know it can’t be gaurenteed, a bunk bed room. Do you know what the likely hood of us getting a bunkbed room is like under the standard view category?
We are also aware that there is a good chance we might get a car park view. If we do online check in (as won’t be arriving from the uk till close to 9pm) do we have a fair chance of getting a better view than the car park? And if we were to get a car park view would they possibly allow us to move rooms later in our holiday if a better view room opened up, obviously still within the standard view category?
If not it’s not the end of the world, because we will still all be in the most magical place on earth, but it never hurts to ask, right :-).
Thanks
Hi Steve.
So myself and my fiancé got engaged at wishes in 2014. We are going back to disneyworld out 31-November 14 to get married at the boardwalk hotel. It’s been a dream of mine to stay at the Floridian. Well we have saved so hard and we are actually staying there for the entire two weeks. We have a garden view room but I would love a magic kingdom view do you think I stand a chance? I think I would cry if we got a upgrade as we couldn’t afford a higher rate room
We are planning on visiting and staying at the GF Aug 9 – 14 – we were supposed to travel in June and my husband was hurt in an accident and he is getting better slowly but surely so we have a lot to celebrate – how do I add that to our celebration elements – as well as his and my son’s birthdays? Does that make any difference really? Should I call and do that myself?
Also, booked a garden view – what location should I pick to stay at – want to be close to the main building – or should I not do that?
Thank you!!!
Hi, Tammi,
If you want something form the Disney Florist they can set up all sorts of Birthday surprises: 407-939-4438
Or if you just want to let the front desk know about the occasion, I would call the hotel front desk 3-4 days before check in to have it noted on your reservation. You never know, so I would make sure you call to up your chances.
If you are working with a travel agent they can take care of these for you.
Have a great time at the Grand Floridian
Steve
Steve,
We are going on our first trip to Disney in Oct. We will be traveling with a 4 year old & 18 mo old. We will be staying in a standard room in the outer bldg but with club level access at the Grand Floridian. Do you have any suggestions that I may need to ask for in a room request? Convenience is important to us. Thank you so much
Hi, Shea,
Building 6 is the outer building that is all concierge. That’s a great building because it’s right next to the main building and when it’s raining during a brief afternoon shower, you are steps away from the main building if you go out the side door of building 6. Also building 6 is by the pool on one side and the marina on the other. Great location.
Did you book your Disney Vacation with one of the Mouse Chatters here or with a different Pixie at Pixie Vacations? If not I’d love to know why so I can better understand and address any concerns, questions, or marketing we should be doing to let our listeners know how we can help for free.
Have a great time Shea and let me know how your time was at the Grand Floridian.
Thanks
Steve
Hi Steve,
On our last stay at The Grand we were celebrating my 50th Birthday. Upon arriving the cast member gave me a birthday button to wear. After we received our room assignment we walked back up to the front desk and ask if it would be possible to get into a room closer to the pool area because we were looking to relax and enjoy the resort during our trip and not visit the parks as much since we are passholders and go quite often. When the gentlemen saw my button and heard my request he upgraded us to Club level. What a wonderful treat ! However now we are a little spoiled, smart on Disney’s part.
We are staying in Sugar Loaf in September for our Anniversary. I would love to stay in the main building but the cost increase is just a little much. You mentioned calling the resort directly and speaking to them on the room assignments. Is there a good time of day to do this? Is this a possibility to be upgraded to the main building ? Any “words of wisdom” would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
B. J.
Hey BJ,
Happy Anniversary. You should have this noted on your reservation when you book and then also call the front desk 3 days before arrival. We can actually do this for you and their is no cost to book with a Pixie at Pixie Vacations. Just fill out the quick quote form here and we can help you out. There is never a guarantee of getting an upgrade but we are happy to let them know about special occasions you are celebrating.
Disney World Quick Quote form:
https://pixievacations.com/walt-disney-world-quote-request/
Have a great time
Steve, thank you for this informative post! It is insanely helpful.
My partner and I are going to Disney World for the first time together, and we’re celebrating our three-year anniversary. We will be at Animal Kingdom Lodge. We booked a Savanna view room and I already called in our room request to Disney to put down in the notes, which was to have a King bed on the Zebra trail. I am worried though our request may not be met, as I’ve been told there are few rooms with a King bed overlooking the Arusha views, and if others get there before us that have similar requests we might not get it. Right now our flight is scheduled to arrive at 10:25am, and we are doing Magical Express so I’m guessing we won’t be able to check in till noon. Thats earlier than 3, but would you say noon is not early enough to secure the type of room we want? We’re checking in on New Years Day.
Hi Chris,
I love the Animal Kingdom Lodge. That resort is amazing and seeing animals just outside your room is the coolest thing ever. I would wake up and make a coffee and just go on the patio and watch Giraffes and zebra and baby pigs and more all morning long. You should have a great view no matter which savanna king bed room you get. The issue really is not who is checking in the same day as you. It’s more who checked in the week or days before you with the same request and when are they checking out. If those rooms are booked with existing guests that’s when it’s difficult to meet guest requests that are coming in.
Have a great time at Animal Kingdom Lodge,
Steve
It was some time ago but we got an upgrade from a moderate Disney Hotel to a Savanah view at the Animal Kingdom.
The reason was because they were doing renovations at the hotel we booked.
So, don’t ignore your Disney emails or articles about Disney. They hold a lot of trivial information but just may alert you to a place that has renovations coming up around the time you vacation and you could very well not only get an upgrade but a very nice upgrade.
HI Steve,
Really enjoyed reading your post and all of the viewers’ comments and responses. My family and I are taking our first family trip to Disney World this coming June. My wife and I went for our honeymoon and this will be our girls’ first time. Since we had an amazing time at the Contemporary Resort for our honeymoon, we decided to stay again to celebrate two birthdays and our anniversary. We’ll be staying in a Garden View room but are hoping we can get a Tower Room with a Magic Kingdom view just like we did for our honeymoon. Do you have any tips that would help give us a better chance at an upgrade? Also, are there any added costs to upgrading that we should be aware of? Thanks again for your insight. We’re all getting pretty excited for this trip and it’s still 9 months away!
Hi Steve,
Thanks for such a great article. We are booked to stay at The Beach Club Nov 6th-Nov 10th of this year. We are going with my two daughters (3 and 2). My 3 year old is type 1 diabetic and insulin dependent. My parents are taking all of us as a gift to my kids and it is also my wedding anniversary on the 6th. Because of her medical needs they decided on a 2 bedroom suite. It is a club level room. We wanted the ability to have the microwave, fridge and ability to get into the Stone Harbor Club to get her food when needed for low blood sugar or a more comfortable room if stuck there because her blood sugar is too high or low to run to the parks as planned. Heat and activity and excitement can drop her blood sugar really quickly. There probably isn’t much higher to go as far as upgrades, to ask for but my husband and I want to make this the most magical experience possible for my daughter who has to deal with so much on a daily basis and do something special for my parents who are doing so much for all of us already. Any ideas? During my childhood we went to WDW every year and mostly at The Beach Club because it was my father’s favorite and he is quite picky about hotels. The hotel itself is already magical for my family, but I want it to be a vacation both my kids and my parents will never forget.
Thank you,
Stephanie
Hey Steve-
We are going to WDW in Oct in a few weeks. We booked All Star Movies preferred room. On this trip we are celebrating our 10 year anniversary as well as my husband and three kids (7,6, and 2) first time to Disney. Obviously just being is Disney is exciting enough, but was curious about the chances of an upgrade since we already have booked a preferred room. I should note that our flight won’t get into orlando until 10 pm so many suggested online check in to have to room ready when we roll in at 11 or 12 midnight. But would it be better to wait and check-in in person? I can’t afford it at all but I have my eye on the Cars family suite at Art of Animation (my 2 year old LOVES cars) or even any upgrade would be extra fun. Just curious what you thought the chances were. Thanks so much for this great article and tips.
Does Disney keep track of Celebrations? We went for our honeymoon several years ago and had a great time. We are planning on going back for a second honeymoon, but we aren’t sure if that will raise eyebrows if he note a Honeymoon celebration for a second time.
Hi Steve, I’ve booked GF, Main Building Concierge Deluxe King Bed…I can’t find what I should expect for the view. Any input?Thanks!
Are you allowed to tip the front desk while checking in to see if you can get an upgrade?
Hi Lisa, Sorry No 🙂
Hi Steve
Great article and very useful. We are going to the GF and reserved a garden view. It will be our third stay at GF and we stayed previously once at Polynesian. Which building would you suggest is the best for a 7 nights stay. We have 2 15 years old girls. We reserved on the web site so we were only able to make one request which was higher floor in hope to see the fireworks from our balcony. We are celebrating with our vacation this year my husbands B-Day (again the lucky one having his B-day at WDW) and the girls turning sweet 16 in the fall. As for our Honeymoon in 1993 that we celebrated at Disneyland, this year will mark our 24 weeding anniversary.
Cheers keep the good work
Nathalie
Hi, Nathalie,
The hammerheads (ends of building 5 and 7) are fantastic at the Grand Floridian, but there are very few rooms at the end caps of these two buildings. Also building 8 at the Grand Floridian is good for a lake view and some fireworks viewing. Also walk out to the boat dock or eat at the Grand Floridian Narcoossee’s restaurant for some good firework views.
Have a fantastic Disney World Vacation!
Steve
Hello Steve! Thanks for all your suggestions. I was wondering if you know if it’s possible to request and get an upgrade if you have exchanged from RCI to a Disney Vacation Club resort ?
My family and I will be at WDW in August to celebrate my daughter’s 18th birthday and got a 1BR condo at Saratoga Springs. I was wondering if it is worthwhile asking for an upgrade to a Treehouse ? It would be my daughter’s biggest dream.
Thank you for any advice on getting this wish come true if it’s possible.
Thierry
Montréal (Canada)
Hi, Thierry,
I believe you get what you booked with RCI. I’m not sure, you can try, but I would think the timeshare side it pretty much locked in.
Steve
That’s what I was afraid of… Thanks for the very quick reply.
Thierry
Hi Steve,
What a great article! Thank you so much! I will be at GF this Sept 1 with my girls. I have been sick for a year, and am celebrating life on this trip! Do you think it is worth it t note it on my reservation? We booked a garden view, and I was hoping for some pixie dust for a good view.
Also, do you think it is best to make no room requests on checkin? I read somewhere that this may increase the chance of an upgrade. Last (so sorry!!!) what key do you feel has the best GV’s?
Many many thanks! I am so excited for this trip! I need it!!!!
Hey DJ,
I am sorry to hear you have been sick and I hope you are feeling better!
Sure, I would let your travel agent or Disney CRO know about what you are celebrating. They will note it on your reservation. I would also call the Grand Floridian directly a few days before arrival to make sure the notes got on your reservation and to the hotel room assigner. Really it is going to depend on how many rooms are available. If the hotel is booked up it’s not going to happen. WDW has been running really high occupancy lately at their hotels. But September is the slowest month, see my Disney World Crowd Calendar here.
Garden views are mostly in building 5. I actually just stayed in building 5 in a garden view a few weeks ago. They face the monorail track off in the distance. The rooms at the Grand Floridian looks great and I watched the crazy rain from my room a few times but really I was out enjoying the Grand Floridian and the parks and restaurants.
Give it a go and let me know how it works out. No matter what room you get enjoy the Grand Floridian and Disney World.
Ride Flight of Passage at Animal Kingdom (Pandora), it’s amazing!
Have a great trip,
Steve
Yay! Thanks for the copious reply! I’ll take your advise and report back!!!
Hi:
Do they take into account how many times you have stayed with the hotel in room upgrades? We go every year to disney and my 13, 14 and 15 year old plus my mom and I are starting to outgrow the regular rooms at the Beach Club. We really want a two bedroom suite but I cant face the price tag! We do stay club level and we will be celebrating all three kids birthdays which are within a month of each other.
Thanks
Hi, Elizabeth,
I don’t believe so.
we are staying at Pop century ina few weeks, any suggestion on how to get upgraded to a better hotel? this is our 9th trip and we have never gotten any pixie dust at all.
Hi, Kerry,
Disney really does not move guests to other hotels unless they are in an oversold situation and need to. You can always ask when you check in and if they have something at another hotel they might have a good last minute rate available.
Fantastic read, thanks! I have just made a booking at Yacht Club for mid September this year with the 30% discount. They did not have all the nights I wanted available for the full 5 nights so I have booked the 1st night in a lake view room and then the next 4 nights in a garden view room….what are my chances of getting them to put me in a garden view for the 5 nights so I don’t have to move….and they don’t have to service the room 1st room! Should I call in advance or just a couple of days before to the hotel. I expect it would be unlikely that they would upgrade the full 5 nights to the lake view even though it will be my son’s 13th birthday! Any ideas welcome. TIA
Hi, Jenny,
It really all depends on who has reservations in the hotel before your reservation starts. If those rooms are all booked already then they will not be able to move you and you will have to room change. It also depends on who booked lake view rooms for your dates. If all the Lake room views are already booked, they will not be able to move you to one. It’s a complex puzzle and always depends on room availability first before anyone really can upgrade. Hopefully you will be there when the hotel has lots of empty rooms during a slow period and your chances could increase.
Darn, I wish I would have seen this earlier. We begin our stay this coming Sunday Feb 24th!
My husband and I are going with our daughter, son-in-law, 2 grandsons and our son-in-laws parents.
We just celebrated our 41st wedding anniversary last week in separate countries and I want to do something special for us, we honeymooned at Disney World and have returned several times.
Hi, Steve….wow so much great information. We will be staying at Coronado Springs Dec 20-26. We were hoping to get 1st bus stop location but kind of close to where ever the quick service dining is also (coffee in the AM!!) since we snagged Free dining. It will probably be at least 10PM by the time we arrive on the 20th so I am worried we will be stuck in the furthest away section and we booked a standard. I have heard that when it is super busy they fill the resort from back to front, so just wondering on your take. Glad I stumbled across this today!!
Hi Ann, Book a room in the brand new Gran Destino Tower! It’s fantastic and right at the front of the Coronado Springs resort. I just stayed there last week. Stunning and a new restraunt on the top floor too with amazing views.
We went for our Honeymoon 2 yrs ago. We stayed at Boardwalk and we were upgraded to a club level room. It was super nice! And a nice surprise!
Hello. I have reserved a one bedroom villa in Bay Lake Tower celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. My boys would love a theme park view room but they were sold out so we have a bay view room. What are the chances one would come available before of on the day of check in? Any tips on how to get this upgrade? Thanks.
We are hoping to stay at the GF on the 4th of July 2021 for 7 nights.
This has been on my bucket list for the last nearly 20 years but this is our first time here on our own.
We have brought our Foster children to Disney World every 3 years from the UK for the past 15 years but this time is our time and we just cannot wait fingers crossed that the Pandemic will subside and that the world can again be a safer place and our holiday will go ahead.
I would love to have an upgrade however would feel too shy to ask:( but hey ho were at the GF how wonderful will that be.
Hope you made it to the Grand on July 4th. I was there in building 7 at the Grand Floridian myself and it was MAGICAL! The crowds at Disney World were so light that I got right on Soarin at Epcot on July 2nd with zero wait time and had empty seats on the ride next to me. The parks were amazing and the Grand Floridian Resort looked amazing!
Hello Steve:
I booked a room at the Grand Floridian through Orbitz. Do you know how I can leave /add comments on my reservation? Should I call the Grand Floridian and ask them to do this? Thank you in advanced!
Hi, Virginia,
I don’t think you can leave comments with Orbits or any online booking site like this. I don’t know when those bookings download from these sites to Disney and what information is sent when it downloads over. The only thing I think you can do is just check with the front desk at the hotel to see when they will get the booking in their system and then they can add a comment at that time.
Hi Steve,
Thanks so much for the advice. We are staying at the Beach Club resort, and I did let the hotel know that there would be a birthday celebration and first timer. We have 5 of us staying in a room that does sleep 5. However, with two teenagers and a 5 year old, I am concerned about space. What are the chances of an upgrade to either a suite or a villa? We are leaving in 4 days! We are very excited…