Grand Villa

[rigsby25]

We are treating the family to a Grand Villa at OKW in May. When we went through the tour at SSR, they mentioned something about an elevator to the second floor. Is this true for all Grand Villas, or do we need to request a "handicapped" villa? Also, is there anywhere I can go to get a floor plan? I saw one once but I don't remember where. Now I can only find the first floor plan. I don't have my booklet anymore. At least I can't find it.

 

[dianeschlicht]

At OKW, the only handicapped GVs are in building 48. The GVs in building 63 would have elevator access, but no others would. Only the SSR GVs have elevator access to the second floor.

 

[RobDoc]

All of the SSR GV's have elevator access to the upper floor of the villa- accessing the 2nd/3rd bedrooms.

None of the GV's at OKW have that access. There are 2 accessible GV's at OKW- one with ground level access to the main floor (building 48) and one with elevator access to the main floor (building 63) - but none have access to the second floor. The GV's at VB and HH are the same- none are accessible. BWV has at least one GV that is all on one floor.

If you will need an accessible GV at OKW, you will need to make that request. EVen though all GV's at SSR have elevtaor access to the 2nd floor, not all have HCA compliance- so if that's needed, be sure to make the request.

 

[dianeschlicht]

 

[rigsby25]

Can you get a wheelchair in and out of a grand villa without it being a handicapped grand villa? Out of 12 people, there is only 1 that is in a wheelchair, and I am hoping maybe this couple can stay on the first floor.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Can you get a wheelchair in and out of a grand villa without it being a handicapped grand villa? Out of 12 people, there is only 1 that is in a wheelchair, and I am hoping maybe this couple can stay on the first floor.

At OKW, you would need the handicapped GVs in building 48 or the GVs in building 63 (elevator building). All other GVs are 2nd and 3rd floor and require stairs.

 

[Disney Doll]

My best advice to you is to request a handicapped villa. That way, you are sure you will have one with handicapped access.

The GVs in SSR have elevator access to the 2nd floor by going out of the villa, to the regular public elevator, and taking it up to the next floor, where there is another access door to the 2nd floor of the GV. The elevator is not in the villa itself.

 

[RobDoc]

At OKW, you would need the handicapped GVs in building 19 or the GVs in building 63 (elevator building). All other GVs are 2nd and 3rd floor and require stairs.

Are you sure that building 19 has accessible GV's? There are no ground level GV's in building 19- the main floor of both is on the second floor of that building and there is no elevator access.

The only GV's I'm aware of that a wheelchair could access are in buildings 48 and 63. 63 has an elevator to get to the second floor of the building (the GV's main floor ) and building 48 has one GV with ground floor access suitable for a wheelchair to enter.

 

[jnrrt]

We are staying in a HA GV next month, and my understanding was that there was one on the ground floor in building 48, and two in the 60's, either one in 62 and one in 63, or 2 in 63, both on the second floor with an elevator. If you specify HA the modifications are to the first floor of the villa only - the second floor is not accessible. We were confirmed for full accessibility, which means there should be a roll-in shower in the master, and some modifications to the kitchen and cabinet areas. If you have a completely wheechair-bound person, I would definitely request a HA GV. It's the only "request" they will guarantee, and you could be really stuck if you got a GV with stair-only access.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Are you sure that building 19 has accessible GV's? There are no ground level GV's in building 19- the main floor of both is on the second floor of that building and there is no elevator access.

The only GV's I'm aware of that a wheelchair could access are in buildings 48 and 63. 63 has an elevator to get to the second floor of the building (the GV's main floor ) and building 48 has one GV with ground floor access suitable for a wheelchair to enter.

You're right, Doc. I looked at the wrong map! It is building 48, not building 19. Sorry!

 

[rigsby25]

I am so deeply greatful for this information. My husband suggested I post and I am so glad I did!!! I called Member Services and was told that we would now be getting a HA Villa with roll in shower. What in heaven's name is a roll in shower? My sister-in-law is completely wheelchair bound so there is no way we would've gotten her up the stairs. I am more than willing to let them have the master suite. I don't know why, but I had assumed that the grand villas were on the first and second floor. I would never have guessed that they were on the second and third floor! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!! I saw a board about DISabilities. Maybe I should go over there too.

 

[lizziepooh]

Thanks for posting. This info will come in handy for me also, as we are planning a trip in a year or so and will need wheelchair access to a grand villa. Thanks.

 

[RobDoc]

... What in heaven's name is a roll in shower? My sister-in-law is completely wheelchair bound so there is no way we would've gotten her up the stairs.

A roll-in shower is just what it sounds like- you can actually roll the wheelchair right into the shower since there is no barrier on the floor to traverse. There will still be a jacuzzi tub in the master bedroom, but the shower will allow for the wheelchair. In addition, cabinets will be lower so they may be reached from the wheelchair.

By all means, check out the DISabilities Forum. They are great about sharing tips about enjoying WDW.

 

[jnrrt]

I'm just seconding WebmasterDoc's advice. The disAbilities forum was really helpful to me in planning our upcoming trip. If you SIL is completely wheelchair bound, she will definitely need the roll-in shower. They usually have a bench you can roll to and transfer onto, and a hand held shower head. The only problem with them is that they often let water leak onto the floor because they have almost no lip, so you have to be careful that it doesn't get slippery in there.

I will also tell you that WDW is amazing in terms of their accessiblity. They will bend over backwards to make things work for wheechair bound guests, and almost everything in the park is accessible, especially if you SIL can transfer from her chair.

Have a great time!