?!? For the DVC Members here

[kaffinito]

Hi gang!

We are thinking about buying into DVC at BLT.

As you know I have two boys who are Aspies, and would need a room on a lower floor. Can you make requests for lower floors through MS when you make reservations? I'm a little worried about being too high up in the tower with those lovely balconies. I have avoided the situation in the past by staying at "shorter" resorts.

I know that it would be a request, but how is DVC at granting requests if they know the reason behind it? Has anyone here had any success/problems with getting accommodations like this?

TIA!!
Karen

 

[MinnieVanMom]

I have never had a problem with room requests for first floor and close to the main area. I would think that most people will want high locations to see the castle so getting ground floor should not be a problem. We also have stayed only on the ground floor because of DS ability to climb. When he was younger I was just scared he would climb up and over. Just explain that you have a SN child. Disney does all they can to help and get you ground floor near services.

 

[SueM in MN]

we have been DCV members since 1993 (boy, that seems like a long time, written out like that).

Anyway, they take requests the same as other resorts. Just make sure when you are making your reservation to make the request for "Medical Reasons". Those requests are filled first.

Also, I have seen drawings of BLT, but I have not seen a plan. I'm not sure if the guest rooms begin on first (ground) floor or not. I agree with the other poster that most requests will probably be for higher floors for the view (whether facing the castle or not).

BLT will be a good location for getting to MK easily (there is a walking path from Contemporary over there), but you might also want to look at DVC resales at some of the other resorts that do have ground floor rooms (any of the other DVC resorts do have ground floor rooms).

 

[kaffinito]

I have never had a problem with room requests for first floor and close to the main area. I would think that most people will want high locations to see the castle so getting ground floor should not be a problem.

Thanks MinnieVanMom! I will ask for the lowest floor available.

we have been DCV members since 1993 (boy, that seems like a long time, written out like that).

Anyway, they take requests the same as other resorts. Just make sure when you are making your reservation to make the request for "Medical Reasons". Those requests are filled first.

Also, I have seen drawings of BLT, but I have not seen a plan. I'm not sure if the guest rooms begin on first (ground) floor or not. I agree with the other poster that most requests will probably be for higher floors for the view (whether facing the castle or not).

BLT will be a good location for getting to MK easily (there is a walking path from Contemporary over there), but you might also want to look at DVC resales at some of the other resorts that do have ground floor rooms (any of the other DVC resorts do have ground floor rooms).

That does seem like a long time!

We don't need to be too low, just not too high if that makes sense. Anything below the fifth floor would be great. I know the boys are even ok on the sixth floor with a balcony, but am not sure how the oldest would take being higher than that. He was a little freaked out by the fifth floor balcony at AKV, and am worried that anything higher would cause him to have a meltdown. A 200 lb 6' tall kid with meltdown is NOT a pleasant sight!

Thanks for your help! I will certainly ask for a lower room due to medical reasons!

 

[kaytieeldr]

I will start by saying I don't know your children and am not trying to predict how they will/may react but I would not be surprised if at least part of his issue is not just the actual height, but the perception. At AKL, on the fifth floor there was nothing above you; at BLT there should be many, many floors overhead and so he may react just fine, even a few floors higher if that's all they can accommodate.

 

[bookwormde]

There are 1st floor rooms, I think it is 6 or 7 2br equivalents. I agree it is good to be cautious the first time there, no sense in having unnecessary stressors. I would bet that when you take them to the upper floor for a “visit” they will love the perspective.

We were on the 7th floor at WL and my AS ds9 loves the balcony, although he was extra cautious.

bookwormde

 

[kaffinito]

I wish that was the case with DS8. DS16 is a little more cautious, but then again he has a 6" steel rod in his leg from falling off of a 25' boulder.

DS8 has little to no fear of heights yet, so I do have to worry a bit. With the oldest freaking out and the youngest thinking he's Evil Knieval on steroids, I'll have my hands full!

I am REALLY glad to hear about those lower floor rooms!!!!

 

[brenalexacamp]

disney was WONDERFUL when we went to Boardwalk with my friends, it was their DVC, they invited me and Brenny to go-they surprised me with being on the lower level so Bren didn't have to walk so far.
Very nice of them, I was just so happy to go with them-we use a convaid stroller so it was me that had to push- elevators were fine.
again-I never expect any different treatment- but everytime we go, something magical happens and makes the trip so much more special.

I know alot of bad experiences with the busses- I was folding up the convaid and it it HEAVY-a driver told me to wait in front so the drivers could see us and load us. ok, then we let Bren sit and we stood- he told us to sit- when i said no, I don't want to take a seat from someone in line before me , the driver said, maam, you deserve this, sit down!

At POR mu sis asked for a room near the food court- for Bren and she told her he had down's- and the cast member said, "well he needs a view too!"
they were SO nice.

I think if you let them know ahead of time, they are so happy to help you- you just cannot go in there and "demand " a specific room.

 

[kaffinito]

Thank you brenalexacamp!

 

[bookwormde]

My youngest (DS6) is my daredevil, so I know what you are saying; I know, as he gets older I will be very nervous. I am afraid he will decide to be a volunteer firefighter “like dad”, and as a father who knows all the risks (we just had a firefighter who died during an emergency operation 2 weeks ago at a neighboring company) that is not something that I am looking forward to.

I think I may be asking for some ground floor rooms in the furture.

bookwormde

 

[TinkTatoo]

We're BLT owners too and hope to have our first trip home in October

Both my children have autism and when we have a specific request to meet their needs I just explain the autism to member services when I call to book and they are usually able to help and make a note on the booking and I always mention it to the CM when we check in.

I'm guessing that lower floors at BLT will be standard view rooms so as long as you are able to book this category you should be OK.

 

[minniemom67]

I love my DVC !!! members since 1995!!! We have 6 kids , including 9yo son with pdd and bipolar and 6&7 yo pre-adoptive adhd -I think the kids are much more comfortable in the roomy and homey atmosphere of DVC - we especially like OKW because it is quieter and at times we are the only ones at the pools in the afternoon (even at peak times!!) you wont be disappointed

 

[Tomskatt]

I will just add to everyone else. I have a daughter with cancer and a son with aspergers ... as you can imagine, I have never had the same experience twice! Disney is so accomodating to us in every way. We love our DVC and have always had requests honored in WDW and at HHI where we go each summer. Take the plunge if you can and enjoy being taken care of a bit!!!

 

[JudithM]

We have been DVC members since 1993, too! Since 2000 we have had to ask for a first floor &/or elevator building at OKW and a room in the Lodge at HHI (the building with the elevator) for medical reasons. Our request has always been met without any problems. As was mentioned above, be sure to add for medical reasons.

 

[maburke]

I'm guessing that lower floors at BLT will be standard view rooms so as long as you are able to book this category you should be OK.

I think this is right. The wing of the building that faces MK will be MK view from about the sixth floor up, and standard view from that point down. If this is right, then reserving a standard view (fewer points ) should guarantee a lower floor. Of course, place your request for medical reasons, but if this turns out to be right, it's a way to practically guarantee it.

 

[dclfun]

I just made a ressie today for a studio at OKW. When I asked for ground floor for medical reasons, the CM told me she could NOT guarantee the request unless I asked for an accessible room. I thought this was odd as in the past I've been able to word it just like that- "ground floor for medical/guest in power wheelchair" and not have a problem. Just make sure when you book the ressie that they help you to gty your request. I agree that most people will be wanting an upper floor but you don't need to worry that you'll be the "lucky" one to get the higher floor which you don't want!---Kathy

 

[mechurchlady]

Kathy, try the special reservations number and if they do not help you then ask for a manager. I tell people to say what you said and normally there is not a problem. Maybe you got a new person. Good luck on your trip.
hugs
Laurie

 

[SueM in MN]

We have always gotten the 'we can't guarantee first floor unless you have an accessible room' when we have made DVC reservations. (And we have been members since 1993).
For a studio, 1 or 2 bedroom, I would not be concerned unless you are arriving really late. Almost 1/2 of the rooms are on first floor. The only size room I would be concerned about for OKW are the Grand Villas. Since there is only one first floor entry GV - and it is accessible with a roll in shower, there is a good chance that someone else will get it for accessibility. There are also some in the elevator buildings, but again, at least one is fully accessible.

Also, Special Reservations CMs don't have access to the computer that shows DVC reservations. So, they may not be able to check for you without going thru member services because they won't have access to know if any roooms are available at all for the dates you want. They can only look your reservation up if you are already in their special needs log. And, they can't look it up by reservation number, only by your name.

 

[kaffinito]

Wow - thanks for all of the great tips and responses! When I get to call MS in March I'll have to ask them for a one bedroom lower floor. Anything fifth floor or below should be OK for us. Standard or lake view should be fine, and since I get to call on March 1st I shouldn't have too much trouble getting the dates and room I want. Most everyone will probably be trying for an MK view for Christmas or NYE, so the beginning of September should be ok.