Best HA rooms? Need opinions here

[Tinker Bell Fan]

I did ask for opinions on the DISabilities thread but haven't got many responses which is disappointing. So I'm hoping I'll get opinions from DVCers.

DH & I recently got back from our first stay at BWV. It was not a handicap-accessible room but it was a 1-bedroom. The unfortunate thing was that we were in room 5095 and the sheer walk from the elevator to our room was too much on DH. He's a recent (July 2010) above-knee amputee. If it wasn't for the scooter I don't think he would have left the room! He said he had never felt more handicapped. We should have complained (but didn't) the CM told us that we were "right near the elevator" - I'm not sure what elevator he was talking about but it sure was NOT the BWV elevator! Maybe he was thinking the Swan elevator (we were really close to the Swan!)

Anyway - I would love to hear everyone's opinions on what you think is the best handicap accessible room (studio or 1-bedroom) in Disney.

Our home resort is SSR but have never stayed in a HA at SSR. We don't mind a bit of a distance to walk (or in DH's case roll - since he'll most likely have a scooter) but I don't want him to feel like an invalid like he did while we were at BWV.

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[Simba's Mom]

The only one I remember really liking was at BWV, BW view. I'm afraid I don't remember the room number, but it was on the same floor as check-in, and at the end of corridor, straight down the hall from check-in, just over the screen door.

 

[jekjones1558]

The only one I remember really liking was at BWV, BW view. I'm afraid I don't remember the room number, but it was on the same floor as check-in, and at the end of corridor, straight down the hall from check-in, just over the screen door.

The one bedroom is 2049, the studio is 2047. They are both close to the elevator, right after the row of Village Green view studios.

 

[Chuck S]

If you require a HA room, (modified shower, cabinets, lower beds, etc.) then be sure you tell Member Services that you need that type of room as soon as you make your reservation. They should transfer you to special needs/special services and they can block an HA room for you if one is available. Be sure they block one.

If, on the other hand, you are comfortable in non-HA modified rooms then you simply have to make the requests of close to elevator (or ground floor at OKW) for medical needs and hope for the best, as that is technically a request and not guaranteed.

We have never had trouble getting a ground floor unit at OKW, as Mom uses a wheelchair for the parks and can not climb stairs, but can walk around in the room just fine (heart trouble and multiple hip surgeries.)

 

[Dean]

I did ask for opinions on the DISabilities thread but haven't got many responses which is disappointing. So I'm hoping I'll get opinions from DVCers.

DH & I recently got back from our first stay at BWV. It was not a handicap-accessible room but it was a 1-bedroom. The unfortunate thing was that we were in room 5095 and the sheer walk from the elevator to our room was too much on DH. He's a recent (July 2010) above-knee amputee. If it wasn't for the scooter I don't think he would have left the room! He said he had never felt more handicapped. We should have complained (but didn't) the CM told us that we were "right near the elevator" - I'm not sure what elevator he was talking about but it sure was NOT the BWV elevator! Maybe he was thinking the Swan elevator (we were really close to the Swan!)

Anyway - I would love to hear everyone's opinions on what you think is the best handicap accessible room (studio or 1-bedroom) in Disney.

Our home resort is SSR but have never stayed in a HA at SSR. We don't mind a bit of a distance to walk (or in DH's case roll - since he'll most likely have a scooter) but I don't want him to feel like an invalid like he did while we were at BWV.

Thanks in advance!!!

If you need an accessible room, make sure you book that. If you don't but still have some limitations (first floor OKW for example), make those requests and make it know it's a medical related request which they give a priority to. I am confused though, if you had the scooter, what was the concern about distance for your husband? Was it that he tries not to use the scooter at times?

 

[csharpwv]

In all circumstances and in all instances on all stays - REQUEST an ADA Compliant room with a ROLL IN SHOWER.

My Mom had been in a wheelchair for almost 11 years when she passed away a few weeks ago.

We were supposed to be at Walt Disney World this week with her and Dad, and when we booked our room at Kidani Village back in December for our trip, they actually put us on hold, contacted the property directly - and did a hard room-type reserve on a studio with a roll-in shower.

Do not just tell Member Services that you prefer an ADA complaint room.
Tell them that your husband's mobility issue requires that he not have to step into a shower, or tub. If he can simply transfer from wheelchair to shower bench and then push the wheelchair out of the way - not only is that 100% safer - it doesn't make him feel as dependent upon assistance from you or anyone else.

Anytime Mom and Dad traveled with us I made sure to think ahead about Mom's mobility and how she would be most comfortable. For people who do not have a disability, or a mobility issue - and who have not traveled with someone who does, they do not understand the complexities - and some people can be rude about asking them to accommodate your loved one's needs. Like not leaving enough aisle space in a restaurant - or standing in FRONT of someone in a wheelchair during a parade or fireworks.

From our experience, the ground level ADA rooms at VWL are a great. However, the biggest disadvantage to VWL is that ECV's don't travel too well by boat to the Magic Kingdom. Only the larger boats can accommodate an ECV - and even at that, it has to sit in the doorway to the front of the boat. Not really ideal - and they can't guarantee ECV access to boats due to lake level fluctuations.

I can image that the rooms at Kidani would be among the best. I would also think that Bay Lake Tower's rooms would be great. Plus with very easy access to the Magic Kingdom - I would think that it would be really quick! I know the walk is quick - we stayed there in December of 2009.

Regardless of where you choose to stay - ALWAYS ask for an ADA room!

 

[Tinker Bell Fan]

@ Dean - Yes, he tries not to use the scooter all the time. He's been learning to walk with a prosthetic so going far distances with the prosthetic isn't easy for him yet. He said he would have loved to have been able to walk to the elevator to go outside and walk around but he couldn't. He tried and got 1/2 way (one hallway) and needed to turn around and come back - he was tired and the leg (stump) hurt. He practices with the prosthetic daily.

We were on the 5th floor and love being higher up; I think in this situation we were told we were near the elevator and we weren't - so that didn't help. And when I had made our reservations I had asked for a HA room but the CM I spoke with changed my mind (won't happen again!) She said that she was permenantly in a wheelchair but always reserved a one-bedroom rather than an HA because they had the same amount of room and she gets a transfer bench for the shower (DH can do that). And she said she would make note that we would be near the elevators. I said that would be good - now I know better.

He usually gets around home with a walker (only because our house cannot accommodate the use of a wheelchair). It's been a struggle but we're learning to cope.

@ csharpwv - thank you for the ADA compliant advice! There is a lot that both DH & I need to learn. He doesn't like to think of himself as handicapped, but in reality he is; he wants to be independent and I'm all for that - but I know it'll take time (he wants it immediately). Thanks again! And I'm very sorry about your mom.

@ everyone - thank you ALL for your suggestions and advice. I really appreciate it! Like I said earlier - I've got a lot to learn and I want to make our vacations at WDW fun and comfortable for DH (for both of us really).

Thanks again!!

 

[Dean]

@ Dean - Yes, he tries not to use the scooter all the time. He's been learning to walk with a prosthetic so going far distances with the prosthetic isn't easy for him yet. He said he would have loved to have been able to walk to the elevator to go outside and walk around but he couldn't. He tried and got 1/2 way (one hallway) and needed to turn around and come back - he was tired and the leg (stump) hurt. He practices with the prosthetic daily.

The reality is that BWV isn't a good choice for someone who can't do a lot of walking and doesn't have an alternative such as a scooter or WC. Not directed at you but a general statement of reality, no amount of complaining or requests will change that fact. Anyone who persists in fighting an uphill battle in this area will lose more than they'll win when you look at the overall cost (including time and emotion). They SHOULD have added 2 additional elevator locations, one behind the screen door where the stairs are and one by the second entrance would likely have been the best overall options. They could have controlled access just like they do the other entrances.

 

[csharpwv]

The most important thing to remember about having any type of disability of mobility issue is that it isn't a speed bump or a dead end - it's just a lower speed limit.

Of course there are frustrations that come along with the desire to be independent and the reality of the ability to be independent.

One thing that I learned quickly when Mom had started to lose her independence is not to do anything for her that she can do herself.

While yes, it may take her twice as long to do something - and it would be easier for me to do it myself rather than to wait and watch her struggle - BUT if she could still do it, why take that ability away from her.

I'm only 29 - my Mom's problems started the week of my high school graduation. So over the course of 11 years Mom lost the ability to drive, cook, clean, use the computer, and just about all of the basics. She had been in a wheelchair for over 8 years. She could transfer from her wheelchair to her lift recliner, and to the bathroom and such. But all of those things came with great pain.

The loss of a limb is incredibly hard to deal with personally - as well as socially.

A good thing for everyone to remember is that something as small as 1 inch can be a barrier for someone who is not 100% mobile. Remove any barriers that will make them feel inadequate - and offer help if you see someone struggling, but don't expect them to accept your offer.

Put yourself in their shoes - and decide for yourself if it's something you would want assistance with.

Tell him to keep up the good work, and encourage him to walk as much as he can, for as long as he can.

I really admire individuals who overcome mobility obstacles and don't allow themselves to become defeated by their inabilities. Individuals like that really are an inspiration to me.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I think SSR and OKW are much better options for those who need wheels to get around. SSR with it's elevators and shorter hallways and OKW with easy access ground floor rooms are ideal for scooters. I thkni even maneuvering in and out of an elevator is a PITA!

 

[Beth]

I'm sitting in a ground level HA studio at SSR right now. (Didn't request it)

It is just steps from my car in the parking lot, and not much further from the bus stop. This particular room doesn't have much of a view, but I would think it would be very convenient.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

It sounds like what you are looking for is the best accommodations that will allow your husband to do some walking with the prosthetic and be outside? IMO SSR or OKW will likely be the best for that. Bay Lake Tower might also be a decent option since I believe some - maybe all - of the lakeview HA accommodations are on the north side and not at the end of the hall so not too far from the elevators.

 

[Tinker Bell Fan]

Thank you all again! Our home resort is SSR and I was thinking the hallways there are much shorter (compared to BWV). We've never (yet) stayed at OKW.

@ Beth - If you have pictures of the HA you are in at SSR - I would love to see some!

@KAT4DISNEY - yes that is what I'm looking for for DH. Usually when we go to the parks he has a scooter (even before the amputation since he's had vascular problems and couldn't walk great distances without extreme pain). So it's mostly for convenience around the resort.

@ csharpwv - DH is actually doing great - he tries to be very independent (even when I'm home and can help him) and wants to do everything himself. He has a great attitude about this - and he's been through a lot the past few years.

Does anyone know if there are HA rooms at SSR on floors other than the ground floor? I'm curious.

I still have so much to learn both at home and when we go traveling. Thanks again everyone!

 

[Chuck S]

Does anyone know if there are HA rooms at SSR on floors other than the ground floor? I'm curious.

Not positive, but I would guess that there are HA rooms at SSR that are not on the ground floor.

At OKW, all HA rooms are on the ground floor, except for buildings 62, 63 and 64. In the 60's buildings there are HA units on upper floors. This is because most of OKW was built before the stricter ADA laws, and only buildings 62, 63 and 64 have elevators. All the other buildings are stairs only.

 

[toocherie]

I'm sitting in a ground level HA studio at SSR right now. (Didn't request it)

It is just steps from my car in the parking lot, and not much further from the bus stop. This particular room doesn't have much of a view, but I would think it would be very convenient.

I believe all HA rooms at SSR are on the ground floor (that is the only place we have gotten them).

The HA one-bedroom would be fine. However, if your DH needs a roll-in shower I do not recommend the studios at SSR. The room configuration is ridiculous, the main closet has about a foot of space in front of it before you are in the bed! I have complained till I am blue in the face about this and they just don't "get it". However, the one-bedroom (or if you need it two-bedroom) HA units are well layed-out and lovely.

 

[Tinker Bell Fan]

Thank you Chuck and toocherie - we've never stayed on the ground floor - so it should be interesting if we get something like that. Whenever we have "extra" points we stay in a one-bedroom. Studios are nice but we prefer the one-bedroom (lots more room, plus I love having the kitchen (even though I don't cook while we're on vacation).

Thanks again everyone!