DVC questions

[JohnnySharp2]

Hi everyone,

We have been thinking of buying into DVC for some time now and are very close to finally going for it.

Our son Joshua is autistic and unable to talk, whilst he is perfectly mobile he cannot walk long distances and we bring our own small
wheelchair for him.
He is registered disabled and we have a blue badge.

Our only stay at DVC was when we rented points at BWV last August, we found the trek to the room a bit long and tiresome after a while.
Ideally we try and encourage Josh to walk as much as possible, and would prefer to go down to the pool from the room, and around the resort/facilities with him as much as we can without using his chair.

Had a good look around SSR and really liked the look of the main pool with zero depth entry, plus the kid's water play area too.
The fact that you can also park right outside the villas is a big plus also.
However, we know the resort is very well spread out and are a bit concerned that if for example we are located at either Carousel or Paddock villas he would be unable to walk to the main pool area as it would be too far.
He is a very active young boy but he struggles if he has to walk far, it is I suppose a balance of encouraging him to walk and realising what he is actually capable of.

Most of our recent holidays have been in private villas which suits Josh perfect, he has videos and DVDs which we bring with us, he loves water so the private pool is ideal, and we have the privacy/room and cooking facilities too - so we can have a relaxing holiday.
However, for 4 or 5 nights we would like on-site facilities too, mainly for Julie and my benefit - something different to do.

Any similar experiences from anyone? and does anyone think any of the resorts would be better suited in our circumstances.

 

[dclfun]

We have been DVC members for 10 years and bought our membership at OKW before I became disabled. Since that time I've stayed at every DVC resort ( except Hilton Head) and love the accomodations. At this time you can only purchase points at SSR and I think they're now selling AKL to the general public. A purchase at either one would have that resort being your home resort but you are able to stay at all the others as well, just with a different booking window. Once you are a member and call member services for a reservation, I would request a room close to the pool and not far from an elevator...and let them know the request is due to a mobility challenge, not just for convenience. As for space to spread out, OKW has the largest of the villas and I think you'd still get that sense of relaxation and plenty of room for everyone while being in on property. ---Kathy

 

[JohnnySharp2]

We have been DVC members for 10 years and bought our membership at OKW before I became disabled. Since that time I've stayed at every DVC resort ( except Hilton Head) and love the accomodations. At this time you can only purchase points at SSR and I think they're now selling AKL to the general public. A purchase at either one would have that resort being your home resort but you are able to stay at all the others as well, just with a different booking window. Once you are a member and call member services for a reservation, I would request a room close to the pool and not far from an elevator...and let them know the request is due to a mobility challenge, not just for convenience. As for space to spread out, OKW has the largest of the villas and I think you'd still get that sense of relaxation and plenty of room for everyone while being in on property. ---Kathy

Thanks Kathy,

Yes we are aware that we can only buy SSR direct form Disney and we also understand you can stay at any of the resorts , but that the time window would be different from your 'home' resort.

 

[AJKMOM]

You can go on the DVC Forums Board and check out the resales at "The Timeshare Store". They are a resale agent and have many things available at all the DVC resorts. There is info about each resort at their website also.

I think having the ability to make reservations 11 months in advance at a home resort has a lot of plusses. I would think at that time you could request a place near the pool, elevator, parking lot, etc.

Actually, thru Disney, you can buy into the new Villas at Animal Kingdom Lodge, too. Not sure when they open, maybe at the end of the summer. There are also rumors flying about a DVC at the Contemporary. If I wasn't already 55, that's what I would get!

 

[Ali and boyz]

Johnny I have pm'd you

 

[tacomaranch]

Hi,

Our DS is 4 and has autism. We also have a handicap tag because he is a runner and we need to the distance between the car and the location as short as possible. But that is way OT.

We just bought our DVC at OKW thru timeshare store. It is a huge resort but we like the very slow feel to it. We rarely see many people and it just seems safe for our DS.

We are just so happy we bought a DVC and all I can add is buy a lot of points. The huge jetted tubs help with sensory issues.

I stayed at SSR last time and the pool is very nice. We were maybe two buildings down on the left from the pool. Just request a room close to the main pool are when you call to make your reservation. Get a ground floor room, and just ask for what you need for your son. Did you know that the chefs at WDW will also make special meals for picky eaters. My DS will only eat red foods and they make steak MR with strawberries and watermelon for him. It is wonderful

Let me know if I can answer any questions for you about DVC or anything else about WDW.

April

 

[SueM in MN]

You can go on the DVC Forums Board and check out the resales at "The Timeshare Store". They are a resale agent and have many things available at all the DVC resorts. There is info about each resort at their website also.

We have been DVC members at OKW since 1993. We originally bought thru Disney, but we have bought additional points several times thru Timeshare Store.

Like Kathy, we have stayed at all the DVC sites except for Hilton Head. They each have their own advantages, features and disadvantages. Our favorite is still our home resort OKW. It does have a nice home feeling and is very relaxing. We've stayed 3 or 4 times at SSR. It's a very nice resort and we enjoy staying there and walking to DD. It doesn't feel as relaxed as OKW though.