Handicapped-Accessible rooms

[Simba's Mom]

No, this isn't another post complaining about receiving a HA room, but a complaint that the front desk doesn't give the guest the common courtesy of informing them, sometimes even avoiding the question "is it HA?" I just returned from BWV and once again, for the third time in 2 years, got a HA room. And for the third time in 2 years, the front dessk never told me, nor acknowledged when asked. Before joining DVC, I received HA rooms, and was always politely told that this type room was all that was available, or all that was available on the floor I requested. And never did I complain-I was always quite satisfied with my room. But this last time, at BWV, when the front desk avoided my question "Is it HA?", I called imediately when I saw the room, and asked to be moved. My anger was at the front desk staff for seemingly trying to "pull one over" (even if she hadn't known, she could have said so). I have written a letter of complaint to DVC, but I did that the first time I got a HA unit without being told and Jackie told me then that the problem would be corrected, which obviously it hasn't, so I don't know what will happen now. Until it seems that members who receive HA units are regularly being told, that's why I keep room reports and read InstImpress's, so that I know which units are the HA ones. It seems I can't trust the front desk to inform me. If I get a response from DVC, I'll post their reply.

 

[DebbieB]

What were the room numbers in case anyone else is assigned the rooms? Did you have any room requests? For example, if someone requests close to the elevator, they are more likely to get a HA.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I'm also curious of your HA room numbers at BWV, so I'll be able to avoid them in the future. Thanks.

 

[ErinC]

This is so aggravating! Why didn't she just look at the computer, surely it tells them right on the screen. I think that I would also send a letter of complaint to the front desk manager at BWV. We'll be going next month to SSR and we'll have family with us, and small children, & I won't except a handicapped room. With small children, it would be a nightmare! I'm sorry, but I'm not spending 285 for a week to stay in a room that I am not happy with. Just my 2 cents, sorry if it sounds harsh.

 

[JudithM]

Simba's Mom, did you get another room when you called the front desk? If I were you, I would NOT be happy. Have you had a chance to speak face-to-face with a front desk manager?

 

[Simba's Mom]

My room requests were for top (or high) floor, non-smoking. I got room #2049, a 1 BR right on the lobby floor. I did call the room assigner, who said there were no other rooms available (it was 1/2-still pretty busy). I did voice my frustration about the front desk person avoiding my question, and she did appologize (but didn't promise it won't happen again). Fortunately the next day we moved to 3003, since I told her I wanted the one furthest from the elevators (I like to walk). The view from there was absolutely beautiful!

 

[patiruss]

I am curious. How is a HA room different?

 

[PCFriar80]

I'll chirp in here, but Simba's Mom can probably respond better. We had the same situation at BCV a couple of years ago, studio 325 right off of the main
elevator. No disrespect in my response; there was no vanity or counter space for toiletries in the bathroom, the rod in the closet was low so it could not accommodate longer hanging clothes (we were there in January and winter coats were needed). The bed was low to the ground and could cause exit
problems for people expecting to get out of a regular. Keeping with the origianl theme of this post, after being on hold for 20 minutes waiting for the manager we wnet to the front desk to switch rooms. Again, no disrespect for individuals who require these accommodations, but it's not what you expect when checking in.

 

[kathleena]

I would be very upset too - I can't believe that this has happened to you more than once even - you would think that it would happen so infrequently! It's like us joking that our car is a deer magnet - having been hit three times!

I'm curious though - what was her answer when you asked? Did she just say she can't tell, or just not answer at all?

And re your Tag: our cat licks the drops of water off the shower after we use it - he goes into the shower - but not unless I'm in the bathroom - and licks every one he can stretch to. And he's a Maine Coon so quite long in the body so he can stretch out very fast up the walls.........And if I leave the bathroom, he leaves too and follows me until I go back in, and then he picks up where he left off. He's done it for years and it still makes me laugh.

 

[crisi]

I am curious. How is a HA room different?

We had a two bedroom lockoff at BWV.

The big deals:
Roll in shower that got the floor wet
No "kitchen bar" for extra seating
Studio portion only had a roll in shower, with handheld head and a seat
Studio portion had little counter space (plenty in the master bath)

Little deals:
The sink is open and low - exposing the kitchen trash (might be a big deal with a toddler).

Things we didn't notice but I'm told:
Light fixtures are lower
Stove knobs are lower (our burners had been pulled, if our kids were knob turners they'd have stayed that way).
Beds sit lower

We had two kids (barely 4 and 5 at the time) and didn't find it inconvient - except we needed to learn how to keep the bathroom floor dry so no one slipped. With a one or two bedroom, you still have the jaccuzzi tub, so kids don't need to be able to shower. I can see why it would be difficult in a studio, with no tub and no counter space, but I'd take a one or two bedroom again.

 

[Simba's Mom]

The biggest difference in HA rooms I've seen is that the showers are roll-in, with just a shower curtain. Invariably we get water on the floor of the bathroom when trying to take a shower. Also, there's always less room in the kitchen because the microwave is on the counter. as opposed to the non-HA units , which have the microwave up higher. When I asked the front desk whether the room was HA, she responded by saying "Well, it's right over the Screen Door and has a lovely view." Unfortunately it had a solid balcony, leading me to wonder how a person in a wheelchair would be able to see to appreciate the Boardwalk. Yes, after 3 times in 2 years we are starting to feel like HA magnets!
How funny! Tigger is mostly Maine Coon. We found him abandoned at about 5 days old (how cruel of anyone to do that) and weighing 5 ounces. Now he's close to 20 pounds-we figure someone's Maine Coon must have been a naughty girl and took up with a neighborhood stray. And the water runs right off his back, just like a duck!

 

[crisi]

That's exactly the room we had. And I didn't like the view either. From there the fireworks aren't great, too low and blocked by ESPN. And the boat is noisy.

It is, however, very close to the elevators and a convienent set of stairs to the pool. Its actually (IIRC) on the lobby level, so you don't need to take elevators or walk long hallways.