Am I worrying over nothing??

[LisaR]

We are arriving at OKW on Jan. 12th. We go every January and we take my mom (almost 73). We make two requests. 1. Non smoking for medical reasons (both my kids have asthma). 2. First floor for medical reasons (my mom had hip replacement years ago). I have never worried about receiving our requests. January is low season. We have always arrived at OKW by 11am.

This time, we are arriving during the marathon weekend. Granted, it will be over but I assume some people will stay longer. Plus, we had to take a late flight and will not arrive at OKW until 7pm. Since some people are reporting that requests are now honored on a first come, first serve basis, I am worried.

My mom has been having a ton of pain in the last month. She is debating if she should even go with us. She is leaning towards going since it will at least be a change of scenery, and better weather then where we live, even if she spends most of her time in the room. However, if we don't get that first floor, I don't know what we would do. To tell you how bad she has been recently, we added an upstairs to our house 2months ago. SHe hasn't made it up the stairs to see the kids bedrooms yet because of the pain.

Okay, am I worried over nothing? Are the chances still on my side for getting my two requests? Or, should mom stay home this time? Thanks for any advice, encourgement, etc!

Lisa

 

[PamOKW]

Mom should not stay home because you are worried that your requests won't be met. To ease your mind, give member services a call and run down everything again. Stress that the first floor and non-smoking requests are for medical reasons. You could also let them know you have an evening flight and have that noted (you never know when weather will cause a further delay). After that, I think you should be fine. They are still trying to honor requests and will give first priority to medical reasons.

 

[ZerasPride]

I just wanted to give you a little encouragement. First, I am sorry your mother is not well. Second, even though I can't speak on having your requests granted, I can tell you that we stayed at OKW last month during Thanksgiving week and my preferences were non-smoking, first floor, near bus stop and we had a perfect villa in Turtle Pond on the first floor. I could not have asked for a better location for us. We checked in around 3:00-3:30 that afternoon.

I did talk to some people at the OKW bus stop coming from MK one afternoon and they mentioned (they were an older couple) that they were "stuck" all the way on the third floor and that they could not believe there were no elevators in their building. I felt kinda bad because we are able-bodied people and while a third floor would not be my first choice, I hope we did not take a first floor villa away from someone who really needed one.

All my best to you and your family - and I hope your mother does decide to go with you and you get your preferences!

 

[Regina]

Please call Member Service and be persistent in having them note that your requests are based on medical needs, not simply personal preference.

I do know that, for non-DVC reservations, when there's a medical need, it goes through Special Services. These must be complied with. You may want to inquire about having them be part of the process.

Good luck! It's truly a shame that you have to worry about this.

 

[Pa@okw95]

Call member services and tell them what you printed here about your mother etc. Most people do not want the bottom floor anyway. Then there are a few that have elvators, besides it is January, you should have the place to yourself. January, May and September are the slowest months of the year down there. Don't worry have fun.

 

[Disney Doll]

Just as an FYI, there are a couple of the newer buildings that have elevators to the 2nd and 3rd floors. Perhaps requesting a first floor room or to be in a building with the elevators might open it up a bit more.

I would call and emphasize that your requests are for medical reasons. Be sure to get the name of the person with whom you speak, and ask if following up with a letter/FAX would be appropriate.

 

[LisaR]

Thanks everyone. I will contact MS on Monday and explain the situation again. It does say on my confirmation that we need a 1st floor or elevator for medical reasons and non-smoking for medical reasons but I will contact them again. Again, I have never been concerned about receiving our requests in January. Of course, we never arrive on the weekend of the marathon. Plus, with this new policy of "first come, first served" and the fact that we aren't arriving until 7pm, I am a little worried! Thanks for all of your reassurance.

Lisa

 

[DebbieB]

I would also call the front desk at OKW the morning of your arrival to make sure a room is being held for you.

 

[Laurabearz]

We were in the same situation last week...... when all of DVC was 100% sold out....... We not only got the first floor room, but we also got the two rooms we requested near each other (same building) also needed for medical reasons.......

I wouldnt worry, but I would also call the front desk a week or so before and let them know your concerns......

((((((hugs)))))))