Problems at Poly? Vent & In Need of help

[livinglife]

Hello everyone,

I am a long time Lurker (3 years) that finally joined as I need help planning a trip for DD. Earlier this year took DD (25, high-functioning autism but with more serious speech issues than most with HFA, OI/EDS, and diabetes... and that's just the major stuff!) to Poly, we stayed in a concierge suite. $$$$$ :crazy: The only accessible room for concierge level I am told, after the renovation.

DD has MAJOR issues with change. I simply can not afford mentally to have unexpected changes at check-in. DD has to be "prepped" anytime we go on vacation. When we visited this summer, I found out I could not get a room that would meet her needs for our next trip, only that suite or staying in different part of the resort and adding on the higher service level. We have ressies for Feb to stay in room not near the lounges but get access to services and snacks. It's ridiculous that Hawaii has no rooms accessible after a remodel (!!!!) though I can understand why only 1 CL suite exists.

I called directly to concierge and was assured our add on service was correct and it is available to disabled guests. When I called Special Needs Reservations I was told they no longer do that. I am feeling extra frustrated, at this point I am ready to skip WDW altogether. I don't think that I can risk showing up and hoping it goes well. I'll have DD and my 9 year grandson with aspergers, DDs power chair, medical equipment and service dog AND my grandsons stroller chair! Heck, I am about have my own meltdown!

At this point I feel so overwhelmed. We need Concierge because DD is a food grazer, needs quiet, and for her Disney is more about relaxing and the resort stuff than the parks. The last time we stayed in a regular room I swore never again, as I want some sense of relaxation too as I worked hard to be able to pay for it. That won't happen if DD needs food "now!" and can't deal with a counter service or sit down and I'm all over the place. Plus DD's health issues are getting worse, it's now surgery after surgery and after this trip will she have open heart surgery. I have now made it a major priority to visit Disney a few times a year with and with retirement coming up for me in the Spring, I will try to get her there more often, it's worth the money for me to see her happy and (usually) well accommodated. It's the only thing I spend money on other than medical. I keep telling myself College for a non-disabled kid would never touch the amounts we spend on Disney trips :thumbsup2 We don't like CR at all, and DD and grandson "hate" it, so that's not an option. I don't think she would like GF at all, and I know I don't.

DD really likes WL but LOVES Poly. I like Poly, its the perfect place to everyones needs minus this issue.

Oy!

[Selket]

Do you think it would help calling concierge back and letting them know what the Special Needs office said - since the two are in conflict? Perhaps the two of them could work it out with each other and get back to you?

I hope you are able to work something out!

[BCV23]

I agree with Carol. Call and ask them to speak with each other. They did that for me once when I had been told that there would be accessible rooms in Hawaii but special needs said their info was to the contrary. Special needs was correct.

But having stayed in both Hawaii and Rapa Nui where the accessible rooms are located, I personally would not want to combine the two. They are not very close to each other and the route between the two could be confusing.

The good news is that the rooms in Rapa Nui are very large and would give you much more room than one in Hawaii. Could you stock up on snacks for your daughter's grazing? There is a refrigerator in the room. Perhaps room service would provide you with a quiet dining option. We love Polynesian room service. :love: And there is a seating area in the lobby of the building which provides a nice break from the room. My husband loves to read out there after everyone has gone to bed and I sometimes have tea out there with the morning paper while my family sleeps. Rapa Nui is a much quieter building than Hawaii in my experience and there is a parking lot right there if you will have a car.....very convenient.

But I do understand your frustration.

Oh, BTW we've also stayed in accessible rooms at the GF including one in Sugar Loaf concierge. The rooms are smaller but the bathrooms are lovely, the doors have face plates for opening and we've had good experiences there too.

[steffali]

I have been going through almost the same situation. My Disabled DD loves the POLY theme so this is the resort we are going to. We wanted a CL room but was also told that the WC accessible rooms are only located in the Rapa Nui Bldg. Now mind you the rooms might be bigger and it might be a nice bldg. But for the life of me I can not understand WHY WHY WHY THe Poly does not offer WC accessible rooms for all views and CL Bldgs.?????? :furious: :furious: I too asked them if we can have a room in the Rapa Nui Bldg. but still be able to use the CL services in the Hawaii Bldg. (we would pay for the CL services) and of course I was told NO! So now my only choice has been to reserve a CL room in the Hawaii Bldg. and bring my own transfer bench for the tub and ask special service to raise the toilet seat and put handrails in the bathroom. I also put in a request for the 2nd floor so everytime my DD wants something we don't have to wait around for the elevators. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this will all work out but I am still sooooo mad that even after the remodeled they didn't think to put a few WC accessible rooms in each Bldg. I think everyone derserves choices of Bldgs and views but I guess POLY will only offer us a view of the garden or parking lot in the Rapa Nui Bldg. IT MAKES ME MAD!!!!:furious:

[robinb]

Perhaps a different resort would work better for you. Do you need to be in the MK area? Another option would be to look into staying in a DVC resort and having a full kitchen available for your DD's grazing.

[Schmeck]

Could you pack some snacks for your daughter in your luggage? that's waht we do, for my very picky-eater DD and for myself, as I need to eat as soon as I wake up in the morning.

[ducklite]

I had the same thought as Robin, maybe a DVC villa would be a better option. They offer a ton of space and a full kitchen in the 1BR models. They have a king bed in the bedroom and a queen sleeper sofa in the LR. The kitchens come fully equipped. We stayed at SSR on New Years, and it was very quiet. If I recall the pools is zero entry. The added benefit on a washer and dryer right in your unit will cut down on your packing.

The only concern I have is that I don't know if there is a bathtub other than the garden tub in the 1 BR's, although it's my understanding that the showers are roll-in.

The last couple of times we were at the Polynesian, the lounge in Hawaii was far from quiet as an FYI.

Anne

[livinglife]

Thanks for the input everyone. Luckily I'm working from home this week. I tried to get both on the phone together, but was told they would call me back. No call back yesterday afternoon or today, so I will call tomorrow.

DD wants to stay at Poly and do I for that matter. With a remodel I wonder how they got away wth this given the ADA?

If this can't be sorted I'm not willing to sacrifice myself and the kids to the upset.

Do the Wilderness Lodge Villas have stoves? I don't think I could deal with that and my grandson. Worry about him and stoves = not any kind of vacation.

The only isse around having food IN the room is she will eat constantly. I guess I may have to figure a way around that.

Thanks, more later!

Pat

[livinglife]

I totally agree with you. I am considering doing the same for DD so we can stay in Hawaii. Its beyond riduculious that each level or view at Poly does not offer WC access rooms. I have a feeling this is not ADA complaint since they just did a very costly remodel. I wonder if I can ship a transfer bench down ahead and expect it to be in our room?

Pat

I have been going through almost the same situation. My Disabled DD loves the POLY theme so this is the resort we are going to. We wanted a CL room but was also told that the WC accessible rooms are only located in the Rapa Nui Bldg. Now mind you the rooms might be bigger and it might be a nice bldg. But for the life of me I can not understand WHY WHY WHY THe Poly does not offer WC accessible rooms for all views and CL Bldgs.?????? :furious: :furious: I too asked them if we can have a room in the Rapa Nui Bldg. but still be able to use the CL services in the Hawaii Bldg. (we would pay for the CL services) and of course I was told NO! So now my only choice has been to reserve a CL room in the Hawaii Bldg. and bring my own transfer bench for the tub and ask special service to raise the toilet seat and put handrails in the bathroom. I also put in a request for the 2nd floor so everytime my DD wants something we don't have to wait around for the elevators. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this will all work out but I am still sooooo mad that even after the remodeled they didn't think to put a few WC accessible rooms in each Bldg. I think everyone derserves choices of Bldgs and views but I guess POLY will only offer us a view of the garden or parking lot in the Rapa Nui Bldg. IT MAKES ME MAD!!!!:furious:

[ducklite]

Thanks for the input everyone. Luckily I'm working from home this week. I tried to get both on the phone together, but was told they would call me back. No call back yesterday afternoon or today, so I will call tomorrow.

DD wants to stay at Poly and do I for that matter. With a remodel I wonder how they got away wth this given the ADA?

If this can't be sorted I'm not willing to sacrifice myself and the kids to the upset.

Do the Wilderness Lodge Villas have stoves? I don't think I could deal with that and my grandson. Worry about him and stoves = not any kind of vacation.

The only isse around having food IN the room is she will eat constantly. I guess I may have to figure a way around that.

Thanks, more later!

Pat

All of the villas have stoves, but you can easily "child proof" them by pulling the knobs off and storing them in the safe.

Anne

[BCV23]

I wonder if I can ship a transfer bench down ahead and expect it to be in our room?

Pat

They will provide a transfer bench for you. Have it noted on your reservation and then call housekeeping when you get in your room.

Unfortunately, a transfer bench is not stable enough for my daughter so Hawaii doesn't work for us any longer.

I do think Robin and Anne's idea of a villa might be very enjoyable for you. What do you do at home to solve the problem of food being available all the time? Perhaps you could adapt that in a villa.

[robinb]

I do think Robin and Anne's idea of a villa might be very enjoyable for you. What do you do at home to solve the problem of food being available all the time? Perhaps you could adapt that in a villa.
There are upper cabinets where you can stash food out of reach. You can probably also bring some child-proof thing for the fridge. OP, what do you do at home?

[BCV23]

There are upper cabinets where you can stash food out of reach. You can probably also bring some child-proof thing for the fridge. OP, what do you do at home?

Yes, I know but the OP's DD is 25 and could be taller than the OP. ;) That is why I enquired what method she relies on at home. :confused3

[steffali]

I totally agree with you. I am considering doing the same for DD so we can stay in Hawaii. Its beyond riduculious that each level or view at Poly does not offer WC access rooms. I have a feeling this is not ADA complaint since they just did a very costly remodel. I wonder if I can ship a transfer bench down ahead and expect it to be in our room?

Pat

We are driving down so I am putting our own transfer bench in the car with us. This way I know that my DD can use it with no problems.
It is just very fustrating I just hope everything works out O.K.
I wish we could afford to stay in the suite with the shower stall then it wouldn't be a problem :thumbsup2

[robinb]

Yes, I know but the OP's DD is 25 and could be taller than the OP. ;) That is why I enquired what method she relies on at home. :confused3But the 25-year old DD needs a power chair and service dog, so I assume (yes ASSuME ... aka "guess") that she can't reach the upper cabinets without help. Of course, I could be wrong which was why I asked the OP what she did at home ;).

[BCV23]

But the 25-year old DD needs a power chair and service dog, so I assume (yes ASSuME ... aka "guess") that she can't reach the upper cabinets without help. Of course, I could be wrong which was why I asked the OP what she did at home ;).

But I asked first!

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

Just kidding.

Service dogs are used for a variety of disabilities as are power chairs.

BTW, what is OI/EDS?

[Schmeck]

About a remodel having to be ADA compliant - if they're not tearing down walls, replacing bathroom fixtures, I don't think they have to change the set-ups in any rooms. If the rooms are just getting fresh paint and furniture, the basic structure of the room can remain the same. I don't know what the remodel at the Poly is, though.

[ducklite]

About a remodel having to be ADA compliant - if they're not tearing down walls, replacing bathroom fixtures, I don't think they have to change the set-ups in any rooms. If the rooms are just getting fresh paint and furniture, the basic structure of the room can remain the same. I don't know what the remodel at the Poly is, though.

The remodel was only a refurbishment of existing furniture, bedding, carpet and paint. They didn't do any actual construction except to replace any wall or floor that was found with mold or unpatchable holes, and replace it exactly as it was originally. The blueprints and floorplan didn't change at all, therefore they were not required to rehab rooms and change plumbing and floorplans to make them accessible.

They are actually well within the ADA as they offer accessible rooms with a CL add-on, something normally not allowed. The rule is that they do'nt sell a CL add-on outside of the CL buildings, and disabled people with an add-on are the only exception.

The law requires reasonable accomodation, and what WDW does as far as CL at the PR would be considered reasonable under the law.

They do offer CL accessible rooms, which is all they need to do to be in compliance.

Anne

[steffali]

They are actually well within the ADA as they offer accessible rooms with a CL add-on, something normally not allowed. The rule is that they do'nt sell a CL add-on outside of the CL buildings, and disabled people with an add-on are the only exception.

The law requires reasonable accomodation, and what WDW does as far as CL at the PR would be considered reasonable under the law.

They do offer CL accessible rooms, which is all they need to do to be in compliance.

Anne
I am confused :confused3 When I called the POLY they said that we COULD NOT have an accessible room with a CL add-on. I would have been very happy with that. DOes anyone know if that is possible to do??? DId I get the wrong info???? :confused3

[LilyWDW]

About a remodel having to be ADA compliant - if they're not tearing down walls, replacing bathroom fixtures, I don't think they have to change the set-ups in any rooms. If the rooms are just getting fresh paint and furniture, the basic structure of the room can remain the same. I don't know what the remodel at the Poly is, though

This is correct (<--- Interior Design student who has to KNOW ADA for NCIDQ testing). It would also be an issue of how much was remodeled as opposed to the total square footage. Many things factor into these sorts of things.

[ducklite]

I am confused :confused3 When I called the POLY they said that we COULD NOT have an accessible room with a CL add-on. I would have been very happy with that. DOes anyone know if that is possible to do??? DId I get the wrong info???? :confused3

It's my understanding that they do offer this, ONLY for those who NEED an accessible room. That is what keeps them ADA compliant. I would give special services a call and ask them to intervene.

That said, it seems to me that it wouldn't be worthwhile booking a CL room when you are staying in a room clear across the resort. It's just not going to be convenient enough to make it worth the hassle of manuevering between buildings "to graze."

I understand that you like the PR, and that AS people don't adapt well to change, but in this case it seems that with plenty of advance notice to prep your daughter, staying CL in another resort would be so much better.

Have you considered RPC at the GF? Being in the main building is as convenient as it gets, you are literally a quick elevator ride from the monorail, and the new pool is zero entry.

They have HA rooms with two queens and a daybed. That might be a wonderful alternative!

Anne

[steffali]

Can I tell you that I love the DISboards :love:
I just got off the phone with IPO over at the POLY and she said IT IS possible to book Rapa Nui accessible rooms and get CL service as an add on. We are keeping our room in the Hawaii Bldg. the IPO was able to make sure that we will be provided with all that we need and location for my DD to be able to utilize everything ok. I am soooo happy that I called :banana: :Pinkbounc :yay:

[livinglife]

Hi everyone. I herd back from both folks on the same line and we will be getting CL as an add-on. I am having them fax this to me in writing at my office. It still worries me no one can really agree with the other. They seemed unsure if the could reconfrim what I had already booked ? So I may see who else I can call as well. I'll see what the writing of the fax is like.

As for DD I am pretty sure she would need "her" bench if we stayed in Hawaii. As for food yes she can stand and walk short distances with a crutch on one side and he dog on the other wearing a support harness. And when she wants food, boy is she determined! At home, all food items are in a locked walk-in pantry or a locked fridge. We have a mini fridge that I stock when leaving her alone during the day :thumbsup2

Thanks for the ADA info. My daughter is on a service dog list and was under the impression from the disscussion going on that the rehab was not ADA compliant. Still it would be nice to have the same options as guests without limitations

Pat

[livinglife]

Steffali, what does IPO stand for?

Pat

[steffali]

Steffali, what does IPO stand for?

Pat

It stands for Itinerary Planning Office, they provide service for the concierge guests.

[dclfun]

I will chime in here. The Polynesian resort NOT having accessible rooms in each room type is NOT compliant with the ADA and they are under violation. I have this from a confirmed source, an ADA consultant who successfully litigated against Disney in a similar matter. To tell the OP to go to another resort may be a friendly suggestion, but legally she is entitled to be able to book and stay in the same room type at the same resorts than non-disabled guests can enjoy. Being in another building and having CL add-on isn't the same, and isn't the same under the ADA. ---Kathy

[livinglife]

But I asked first!

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

Just kidding.

Service dogs are used for a variety of disabilities as are power chairs.

BTW, what is OI/EDS?

Osteogensis Imperfecta (aka brittle bone disease) and Ehler-Danlos Syndrome

[SueOKW]

Every day I read something on this board and get more and more impressed with parents and grandparents of special needs kids.


Congrats to all of you who go that extra mile to give the kids special memories.