Is it worth taking the time to call a reservation specialist and have them make a not on our resort reservation and on every ADR that this is our first time to visit? Does anyone have any experience with upgrades or special treatment? I plan on getting the buttons, but that's more for me girls to have and keep that anything else. I am so excited that I can't even hardly contain myself! 49 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-
Welcome to the WDWMAGIC.COM Forums!
Please take a look around, and feel free to sign up and join the community.
Upgrades or special treatment for "First time" guests
- Thread starter indycindy
- Start date
Disvillain63
Well-Known Member
Disney knows its your first time. If they don't have a record of you in their system, then they will presume that you're a first-timer. We've been going to WDW, since 1990 with our children. When they each turned 18 (2005 & 2008), they started getting their own mail from WDW. Their computers have all your on-site visits recorded. Now with MyMagic+, they'll know even more.
Weather_Lady
Well-Known Member
Last time we visited, we noted that it was my husbands-and-my tenth wedding anniversary, and that it was the first visit for both of our children.
We were given celebratory pin-on buttons when we checked in, and during the day we wore them, cast members who noticed the buttons were quick to congratulate my husband and me, and to welcome the kids.
We also noted the celebrations on our ADRs. A couple of cast members at restaurants extended their congratulations, but that was it.
We didn't get any special "perks" (e.g., no one was handing out room upgrades or free fastpasses to us). Still, it was worth it, particularly for the kids, who really enjoyed being welcomed by various cast members.
We were given celebratory pin-on buttons when we checked in, and during the day we wore them, cast members who noticed the buttons were quick to congratulate my husband and me, and to welcome the kids.
We also noted the celebrations on our ADRs. A couple of cast members at restaurants extended their congratulations, but that was it.
We didn't get any special "perks" (e.g., no one was handing out room upgrades or free fastpasses to us). Still, it was worth it, particularly for the kids, who really enjoyed being welcomed by various cast members.
kasey1988
Well-Known Member
It's true when I booked our upcoming trip the cm said "wow this is your 6th visit!".. Not sure how she kne, I'm guessing disney keeps track of guests?
Cesar R M
Well-Known Member
of course they do.
they track everything.
pretty sure they have a system similar to amazon now.. (that; depending on your visits and purchase story.. their system recommends certain products offers via email.)
kasey1988
Well-Known Member
I just found it odd that she figured that out since I have not had the same address, or even lived in the same country when I went on all these trips...and for 3 of them I was a minor..
Cesar R M
Well-Known Member
could be linked by name and to your parents.. I dunno how they do it... there are always ways to track information.. specially now that everything is tracked and disney owns crapload of entertainment stuff. XD
Joey Jurado
Well-Known Member
but do first timers get any special treatment or upgrades??
Cesar R M
Well-Known Member
I dont think you can.
Databases are usually kept very secured (or so they say) and away from normal people's hands.
you can always ask @Disneyfalcon , she knows her stuff on DCL :>
or perhaps someone of Kingdom Konsultation?
Disneydreamer23
Well-Known Member
I would say no perks I have been there for my honey moon and that's a big one for Disney and I got free snacks etc but no upgrades etc
tigger1968
Well-Known Member
Over the years (20+ visits) we would make notes in our reservations for birthdays and anniversaries. More often than not, we didn't get an upgrade, but we would get balloons in our room, or a recorded call, or buttons at check in. Would also make notes in our ADRs. Typically we didn't see much from the ADRs, although on a wedding anniversary trip we dined at Liberty Tree Tavern (it was many years ago, and was actually not horrible) and when we were seated at our table it was covered in confetti and had a card wishing us a happy anniversary! That trip, we had splurged for WL Concierge Level (AP Holders at the time, back when the discounts were better) and on our arrival day, there was a knock at our door about 30 minutes after we got in the room. We opened the door to find that room service was delivering an anniversary cake out of the blue. It was a very magical touch and very unexpected. I should note that this trip was back in 2008, and things have definitely changed since then.
Last July I took my girlfriend for her first trip to WDW and had this great plan to try to talk my way into an upgrade from Pool View to Savannah View at AKL. I told her to ignore whatever came out of my mouth at check in lol. But lo and behold, before I could get my "it's her very first trip" spiel going, I was informed we had been upgraded to Savannah View. Go figure.
I would put it this way. Put that it's your first trip in any reservation, note, ADR, etc. that you can. I wouldn't get my hopes up for an upgrade, but you may see some nice touches come your way. It certainly doesn't hurt to try!
Last July I took my girlfriend for her first trip to WDW and had this great plan to try to talk my way into an upgrade from Pool View to Savannah View at AKL. I told her to ignore whatever came out of my mouth at check in lol. But lo and behold, before I could get my "it's her very first trip" spiel going, I was informed we had been upgraded to Savannah View. Go figure.
I would put it this way. Put that it's your first trip in any reservation, note, ADR, etc. that you can. I wouldn't get my hopes up for an upgrade, but you may see some nice touches come your way. It certainly doesn't hurt to try!
I don't often see big upgrades for First Time Guests. The buttons usually serve as more of a conversation starter for CMs when they're not slammed. Sometimes niceties like a phone call from Goofy or Mickey stickers for the kids happen. I liken it to petting a cat. Chase it and it's gone. Let it approach you and you could be pleasantly surprised.
disney4life2008
Well-Known Member
I have never known any resort to give a upgrade to anything. They will make note of a celebration, etc. and you may get special treatment for that - but otherwise, I do not think so. I am sure though if you are right or celebrity - that will come with many special upgrades.
tigger1968
Well-Known Member
Are you referring to an upgrade for a first visit? Or an upgrade on any given trip? I ask because two posts previous to this one I mentioned the upgrade I got on my last trip to AKL. Just curious.
disney4life2008
Well-Known Member
Yes - but with the exception of the premium resorts an upgrade is likely possible. Though, I did get a upgrade at Sports I paid for a standard room but ended up overlooking the main pool. I am still not sure how that happened but I did not complain, lol
CaptainShortty
Well-Known Member
Couldn't have said it better myself! Putting it on the reservation will only help your chances, but it certainly won't guarantee ANYTHING extra magical (in the form of free stuff/upgrades) will come your way. The buttons are a catalyst for CMs to make magic but if you've been to Disney you'll see there are A LOT of people wearing all sorts of buttons. You could be the lucky one, you may not. It's all luck of the draw.
Either way, have a great trip!!
TRONorail12
Active Member
The cast members have all the power in the world to make magic for the guests, however, they can't just give away stuff for free to everybody because they could jeopardize their job. Best advice for a 1st timer, get the buttons, be super friendly to the cast members, have fun on your vacation and let the magic unfold around you. CM's like to do nice things for nice guests, the moment they hear you complain, start to be negative, or sense you feel you are entitled to something, they are immediately turned off and will move on to the next guest.
Amyleigh
Member
My daughter was chosen as "princess of the day" when we checking into the Poly last month. Not sure if that was because it was her first visit or a random thing. She got a beautiful crown of flowers and royal treatment when we walked through the lobby. They would all bow when she walked by.