ALL THV to have elevators?

[jekjones1558]

DH and I took the boat from DTD to Port Orleans so that we could see how the THV construction is progressing. We counted 12 units with the units roughed in and another 14 that had the bases in place (probably more are done, but this was what was visible from the canal). The boat driver said that some of the units will have elevators but the DVC guy at the DTD kiosk said that ALL of the units will have elevators. Does that sound right?

 

[Marshay]

I was wondering about this too. My mom uses a scooter to get around and this was her first question...will the THV be handicap accessible (HA) and will you be able to guarantee HA if not all the THV have elevators?

Obviously if we get THV and a unit w/o an elevator, we'd have issues...so I'm hoping this is not just a request but a "category" if they don't all have elevators.

 

[bobbiwoz]

If that is true, then there definitely will be a SSR purchase in our future! Wow! I hope so.

Bobbi

 

[disneynutz]

I wouldn't think that each unit will have it's own elevator. Way too much money. OKW doesn't have a elevator for each unit either. I would expect that the elevator equipped units will be held back for people with disabilities and released to the general public after a certain date.

 

[tjkraz]

No, they will not have elevators.

FOUR of the sixty treehouses will be equipped with ramps for wheelchair access.

 

[jekjones1558]

4 ramps sounds right. The DVC kiosk guy was ADAMANT about the elevators in all units, even when I commented on the cost. He was critical of boat drivers who don't know what they are talking about Too bad there aren't a few units with elevators, even though I know the cost would be high. I would expect that the ramps would have to be pretty long and steep.

 

[tjkraz]

4 ramps sounds right. The DVC kiosk guy was ADAMANT about the elevators in all units, even when I commented on the cost. He was critical of boat drivers who don't know what they are talking about Too bad there aren't a few units with elevators, even though I know the cost would be high. I would expect that the ramps would have to be pretty long and steep.

I believe there are ADA guidelines for how steep the ramps can be. 1" rise for every 1' of ramp sticks in my head.

Since the terrain around each treehouse is unique, I assume they will have chosen the 4 which are most conducive to adding ramps. There are probably places where the land on which the road sits rises up closer to the Treehouse structure. That would make for a shorter ramp.

Also, this is purely speculation but they could be building a single ramp to service two treehouses. The shared ramp (with switchbacks) could lead to a single landing, which then has walkways branching off in opposite directions to access to adjacent villas.

 

[disneynutz]

4 ramps sounds right. The DVC kiosk guy was ADAMANT about the elevators in all units, even when I commented on the cost. He was critical of boat drivers who don't know what they are talking about

Everybody knows that it's the bus drivers who know it all!

 

[BroganMc]

My guide was told THREE will have the ramps. I expect we may see some with shared ramps to conserve space and cost.

I still call dibs on the fully accessible treehouse next year! (Either June or October when we come back for the big trip.)



Sidenote: Elevators in each unit are a really bad idea. Beside the cost can you imagine the maintenance issues? How would you like to be the one stuck in the elevator of a lone treehouse out in the middle of nowhere waiting for someone to come get you? Residential elevators are notorious.

 

[bookwormde]

Tjkras is correct 1in 12 is the steepest allowable slope but they are supposed to be the least possible slope. Also the maximum rise on any ramp is 30” without a landing so it is likely to be a switchback design and the HC units may be built on the highest of terrain so the ground to finished floor differential is minimized. I would also assume that 1 ramp set would serve several units with connecting elevated “walkways”.

bookwormde

 

[SuzanneSLO]

I seem to recall that when the floorplans were first leaked (last Spring?), there was some discussion that it would likely be one ramp that circled one of the buildings (with appropriate landings) leading to a common elevated deck that would allow access to 2 villas. Those villas would be HA inside as well. HA accessible villas are usually a guaranteed booking category, assuming they are available when you book. -- Suzanne