BWV with a wheelchair, medical equiptment

[mayaflysmama]

So after a lot of debate we just changed our reservation a third time. We went from Dolphin to Pop, to BWV through Disney (not on points). Each location had it's plusses and minuses and while we had thought Dolphin would be a nice middle ground due to the cost, but great location there were so many unknowns. I was having trouble figuring out transportation as although my daughter can transfer easily, her wheelchair has tilt and does not fold so we still have to transport the chair even if we take her out of it. That and no clear response from the Dolphin on deliveries of medical supplies (would not commit to keeping things refrigerated or receiving oxygen concentrator before our arrival). There is also the added cost of package delivery there and we get frequent shipments, they charge by the weight too and IV fluids are heavy. So, knowing that we opted for BWV which was not in the budget but offered the convenience of the Epcot resorts and a bit more room than Pop and we travel with a nurse so having a little bit more room is helpful. Pop also had no accessible rooms without a King so since all three of us can't share a bed we could not book there in an accessible room. That said, we did not get an accessible room at BWV either since there looks to be enough room for her WC and supplies. I'm looking forward to being able to walk some of the time and get rid of the anxiety of waiting for the busses every morning. Last visit we often waited for 2 busses before they could get us on and it really ate into our park time since she doesn't last very long some days. Hopping this will facilitate some mid day breaks better.

So after all that I guess I'm asking if anyone who has stayed at BWV or even BWI has any advice. Just looking to make our trip as stress-free as we can. I know very little about BWV so wasn't sure if certain locations are better than others with a WC or if anyone knew anything about deliveries there.

 

[peemagg]

I don't know for certain since I have not stayed there, but my experience at other DVC type resorts is that buses aren't as big of an issue due to less people staying at the higher end resorts. Also I believe that BW doesn't share buses with any other resorts, so that will make it easier too.

You will also be able to walk (or roll), or boat over to DHS from there too.

 

[disney david]

So after a lot of debate we just changed our reservation a third time. We went from Dolphin to Pop, to BWV through Disney (not on points). Each location had it's plusses and minuses and while we had thought Dolphin would be a nice middle ground due to the cost, but great location there were so many unknowns. I was having trouble figuring out transportation as although my daughter can transfer easily, her wheelchair has tilt and does not fold so we still have to transport the chair even if we take her out of it. That and no clear response from the Dolphin on deliveries of medical supplies (would not commit to keeping things refrigerated or receiving oxygen concentrator before our arrival). There is also the added cost of package delivery there and we get frequent shipments, they charge by the weight too and IV fluids are heavy. So, knowing that we opted for BWV which was not in the budget but offered the convenience of the Epcot resorts and a bit more room than Pop and we travel with a nurse so having a little bit more room is helpful. Pop also had no accessible rooms without a King so since all three of us can't share a bed we could not book there in an accessible room. That said, we did not get an accessible room at BWV either since there looks to be enough room for her WC and supplies. I'm looking forward to being able to walk some of the time and get rid of the anxiety of waiting for the busses every morning. Last visit we often waited for 2 busses before they could get us on and it really ate into our park time since she doesn't last very long some days. Hopping this will facilitate some mid day breaks better.

So after all that I guess I'm asking if anyone who has stayed at BWV or even BWI has any advice. Just looking to make our trip as stress-free as we can. I know very little about BWV so wasn't sure if certain locations are better than others with a WC or if anyone knew anything about deliveries there.

You will love bwi I stay their three times a year you love being able to go to Epcot and dhs by foot since they have a confernce center I think they go through them. They also charge I hear but I think they wave the fee for medical equipment.

 

[disney david]

I don't know for certain since I have not stayed there, but my experience at other DVC type resorts is that buses aren't as big of an issue due to less people staying at the higher end resorts. Also I believe that BW doesn't share buses with any other resorts, so that will make it easier too.

You will also be able to walk (or roll), or boat over to DHS from there too.

Bwi shares with swan and dolphin for mk and all of Epcot resorts for dtd and ak.

 

[SueM in MN]

Bwi shares with swan and dolphin for mk and all of Epcot resorts for dtd and ak.

That is correct.

We have stayed at DVC at BW and at BC.
They are both nice locations and although the walk is not the shortest, it is possible to walk to both the Studio and Epcot. You can also take the boat, which often takes longer when you consider the waiting for the boat, but there is no worry about tie downs or the same space issues as the buses.

It is possible to take the monorail from Epcot to MK, BUT that involves actually entering Epcot through the International Gateway, leave the park at the front entrance and then get on the monorail. That would require park hoppers and going thru security checkpoints twice, so it may not be worth the extra time.

 

[disney david]

From the villa side it most likely a 15 min walk downs nice path.

 

[mayaflysmama]

Thanks everyone for your replies! I'm looking forward to the luxury of walking and being able to pace things differently by being closer. We park hop so I could see going to Epcot in the AM then heading to MK then back to Epcot in the evening. Obviously there will be some time on the bus, but eager to try something different.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Non accessible rooms do have more room, obviously. An accessible room needs more space for the bathroom, so less space for the rest of the room.

Depending on how much or little and when the chair is needed you might want to be on the look out for types of bedding with the 3 of you and space left to move around. For instance I had a non access room (not avail.). No biggie for just me, but if there would've been a need to fold out the fold-out it would've left me with too little space to get around the bed with my powerchair. Might be something you will want to make sure and get measurements through special needs dep. to make sure that you can move around if need be at all times that would require it.

As far as general things; if you didn't pick it up from my posting yesterday by all means communicate your needs open and clear with the staff at BWV. They're good at making things work when it comes to these things. My situation was quite out there and they went above and beyond above and beyond, but have seen enough "general" special needs from other guests being taken care off in a nothing but stellar way.

Bus; off times are your friend. Walking to ep and dhs is great, and somehow the busses to AK would not seem to stop coming, literally. MK service also was good, but more crowded. In morning hours they are having cm's out at multiple resorts to monitor and keep track of demands, so if you were to ever find no access. spot left they are on top to radio in a new bus (bonus; they already do it when having 3 wheelchairs waiting for the same destination, so no waiting until bus shows up before conclusion it is not going to happen for the last guest and not calling in a bus until then). DTD busses; again seemed to keep tripping over their amount coming by.

Unfortunately only ended up having very few park days while booked at the BWV, but had a view of (amongst others) busstation so noticed that my experience seemed to be pretty on average for that week.

As far as the distance for walk to dhs goes; have to say love it with my powerchair. Even when the boat already leaves last dock to go to DHS, I would be there before first guests would be getting of the boat. Heck, also beat the epcot boat that way. For the rest of you walking you might prefer the boat at moments, but the walk is lovely in and of itself and to dhs SO peacefull.

 

[disney david]

Non accessible rooms do have more room, obviously. An accessible room needs more space for the bathroom, so less space for the rest of the room.

Depending on how much or little and when the chair is needed you might want to be on the look out for types of bedding with the 3 of you and space left to move around. For instance I had a non access room (not avail.). No biggie for just me, but if there would've been a need to fold out the fold-out it would've left me with too little space to get around the bed with my powerchair. Might be something you will want to make sure and get measurements through special needs dep. to make sure that you can move around if need be at all times that would require it.

As far as general things; if you didn't pick it up from my posting yesterday by all means communicate your needs open and clear with the staff at BWV. They're good at making things work when it comes to these things. My situation was quite out there and they went above and beyond above and beyond, but have seen enough "general" special needs from other guests being taken care off in a nothing but stellar way.

Bus; off times are your friend. Walking to ep and dhs is great, and somehow the busses to AK would not seem to stop coming, literally. MK service also was good, but more crowded. In morning hours they are having cm's out at multiple resorts to monitor and keep track of demands, so if you were to ever find no access. spot left they are on top to radio in a new bus (bonus; they already do it when having 3 wheelchairs waiting for the same destination, so no waiting until bus shows up before conclusion it is not going to happen for the last guest and not calling in a bus until then). DTD busses; again seemed to keep tripping over their amount coming by.

Unfortunately only ended up having very few park days while booked at the BWV, but had a view of (amongst others) busstation so noticed that my experience seemed to be pretty on average for that week.

As far as the distance for walk to dhs goes; have to say love it with my powerchair. Even when the boat already leaves last dock to go to DHS, I would be there before first guests would be getting of the boat. Heck, also beat the epcot boat that way. For the rest of you walking you might prefer the boat at moments, but the walk is lovely in and of itself and to dhs SO peacefull.

Yeah the buses are computer dispatch most time and tey love sending lot of ask buses tithe resort it only after a driver reports it then they fix it.

 

[disney david]

I you take the his from mk to bwi then your the first stop goin to mk your the first stop ten it gose to swan ad dolphin.

 

[Jenny3]

We stayed at BWV last year and went with my niece, who is in an electric wheelchair. The area was great for her, as the boardwalk was very nice to walk/roll down, as well as Epcot and DHS in walking distance (or by boat, which is handicap accessible)

Just be sure to tell the front desk that you want to be near the elevator. My SIL did not do this and their room was quite a ways from it. BW is a pretty big resort and the hike from the elevator to their room was a bit trying after a few days.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[disney david]

We stayed at BWV last year and went with my niece, who is in an electric wheelchair. The area was great for her, as the boardwalk was very nice to walk/roll down, as well as Epcot and DHS in walking distance (or by boat, which is handicap accessible)

Just be sure to tell the front desk that you want to be near the elevator. My SIL did not do this and their room was quite a ways from it. BW is a pretty big resort and the hike from the elevator to their room was a bit trying after a few days.

Have a wonderful trip!

Yes your right but their are other resort that are bad to. Cr garden win also has far rooms. Stayed at bwi in oct got a nice room on the second floor and it was far buy had no one above us and two balcony but it still far. Also if you want to be on te same floor as te lobby then ask for the second floor if you want to be on the floor that lead to the path for Dhs then ask for first floor.

A question for the op
Did you ask to be in the villa part or was that the only one available or do you like staying Dvc. Not that it matters but if they don't have a room by an elevator then if they have one on the inn side tey could switch you.

 

[mayaflysmama]

A question for the op
Did you ask to be in the villa part or was that the only one available or do you like staying Dvc. Not that it matters but if they don't have a room by an elevator then if they have one on the inn side tey could switch you.

We booked the villa since it was significantly cheaper than the Inn. I'm not attached to the villa side, in fact if not for the price difference we preferred the Inn. I'm calling tomorrow to put in our request to be by the elevators so we'll see how it all works out

Do you know on the Villa side is there a place I can take my trash out daily? We typically fill 2 kitchen sized bags a day. Will be a bit less there since part of the day we will be in the parks, but for sure we will have trash to get rid of daily. At Pop we didn't have our room cleaned daily, but we could always find someone to take our trash in the morning as we left.

 

[disney david]

We booked the villa since it was significantly cheaper than the Inn. I'm not attached to the villa side, in fact if not for the price difference we preferred the Inn. I'm calling tomorrow to put in our request to be by the elevators so we'll see how it all works out

Do you know on the Villa side is there a place I can take my trash out daily? We typically fill 2 kitchen sized bags a day. Will be a bit less there since part of the day we will be in the parks, but for sure we will have trash to get rid of daily. At Pop we didn't have our room cleaned daily, but we could always find someone to take our trash in the morning as we left.

Okay thanks. Since you booked dvc and not using points I think you get house keeping everyday so their should be someone from house keeping checking on the room. If you have a bag you could call house keeping and let them know they might just have you leave it in the hallway and they come pick it up so they don't disturb you.it a great resort they do what they need to do to make sure you have a great stay if you have any problem just let the front desk know they will work to make it right.

 

[SueM in MN]

We've been DVC members since 1993 at OKW, but have stayed at BCV and BWV.
If you booked thru Disney, not on points, you will get daily Housekeeping. If you need trash out more often, you can just call Housekeeping to gt it or ask where you cn take it.

Are you in a Studio or a 1 bedroom?

 

[mayaflysmama]

We've been DVC members since 1993 at OKW, but have stayed at BCV and BWV.
If you booked thru Disney, not on points, you will get daily Housekeeping. If you need trash out more often, you can just call Housekeeping to gt it or ask where you cn take it.

Are you in a Studio or a 1 bedroom?

We are in a studio.

 

[SueM in MN]

Here's a pretty good video of a Boardwalk Villa.
http://youtu.be/3R9BlICADVM

The studios are very nice. They have a bed plus a couch that folds out to make a bed. The kitchenette is fairly well equipped with a microwave and small refrigerator.

 

[mayaflysmama]

Thanks for the video. From the looks of it we will have ample room for all of medical "stuff". It is always nice to see video vs pictures since it gives a better idea of space in relation to everything.

 

[pumpkinboy]

We have stayed at BWV with our DS about a dozen times. DS has a CP spastic quad diagnosis and needs a lot of help and a lot of equipment. We actually found BWV to be especially well-adapted to our needs (it could have more outlets, but it's still one of the best-suited places for us). We bought DVC at BWV in 2003 (when DS was 6) and have not regretted it since. The room is well laid out, tho a 1BR is far easier than a Studio with all of his stuff; still the Studio works just fine.

As for parks access, on our first visit to BWV, our son's favorite "ride" was the boats that take you to DHS and Epcot . The ability to walk to Epcot in a short time is huge, espcially bcs Epcot is so easy to navigate on four wheels anyway. For bus transport, BWV is usually the first stop on the Epcot Resorts bus routes, so we board first, then pick folks up at the Swan and Dolphin (and in off-peak times at YC and BC). So we always get a spot on the bus. On the way back, the first stop is usually the Swan, and we frequently get off there and go over the bridge to BWV, as it is roughly equidistant from our usual lodgings as the BWV bus stop (and 10-15 mins sooner).

Interestingly, the Massachusetts Hospital School in Canton, Mass, a school for severely disabled kids, was given a whole lot of DVC points at BWV, and they take a BIG group down every November (the week before Thanksgiving as I recall). We just happened to be there at the same time and got to talking a few years back. Apparently, the BWV folks take the beds out and put Hospital beds in the rooms for them. I have hear others on DVC forums complain about service levels at BWV, but for my money, we have always had exemplary service there, so good that we always come back. they know us by name there, and many of the same CMs come to help us every visit.

PM me if you have any questions I can help with, tho I am sure there is nothing that our beloved Moderator Sue cannot handle.

 

[pumpkinboy]

In case you don;t already do this when travelling, those 3M Command adhesive hooks are great for hanging things like overnight drip feeds (instead of schlepping an IV pole), and just organizing things in general. I have 5-10 of them with extra adhesive strips in our luggage at all times.