I have an unusual disability DVC reservation question requesting a roll-in shower studio that I might buy from a company (not mentioning names).

[RaySharpton]

I have an unusual disability DVC reservation question requesting a roll-in shower studio that I might buy from a company (not mentioning names).

The DVC rental reservation company says they cannot call WDW DVC to make a request since the original DVC owner sold the DVC reservation to the DVC rental reservation company.

I have called WDW Services for Guests with Disabilities at (407) 560-2547, but they said to call DVC Member Services.

I have emailed WDW Services for Guests with Disabilities at disability.services@disneyparks.com, but they said to call DVC Member Services.

I have called WDW Services for Guests with Disabilities to Book an Accessible Room by calling (407) 939-1936, but they said to call DVC Member Services.

I have called DVC Member Services at (800) 800-9800 or (407) 566-3800, but they said they can only talk to the DVC Member who made the reservation, but the DVC rental reservation company says I can't.

I can't find a DVC Disability phone number.

I can't find a DVC Disability email.

I can't find a DVC Disability website.

Another question?

Is there any ADA rule that says a roll-in shower room must have an adjustable height hand-held shower device and some type of shower chair.

I have stayed in a WDW DVC BWV studio like this with no options, even from the manager.

I would post this on the DVC forum for more results from more family members that might have a disability, but I am afraid to.

 

[starry_solo]

Whichever reservation company you used did not “buy” the reservation from the owner. That company (Broker) is the middle-man for the transaction.

in any event, tell the broker to tell the owner that you need a HA studio. You can also put it in your requests under MDE.

i can tell you that the one HA studio my friends and I were in (it was the only studio left when we checked in, we didn’t need it), there was no shower chair. I believe the shower holder was adjustable. Fortunately we are all within 2” of each other so once it was set, we didn’t adjust it anymore.

 

[RaySharpton]

Hi, starry_solo.

Thank you for reading and replying.

Whichever reservation company you used did not “buy” the reservation from the owner. That company (Broker) is the middle-man for the transaction.

I think I might recall, but I couldn't remember that the company (Broker) is the middle-man for the transaction.

in any event, tell the broker to tell the owner that you need a HA studio. You can also put it in your requests under MDE.

I'll try that. Maybe the last person that I talked with didn't realize that they could ask the broker's office could tell the owner that you need a HA studio.

Normally, I can check the disability box when searching online for the WDW room or DVC studio. Then it searches for the different types of selections like roll-in shower or bathtub with grab handles, etc.

I believe it is then pulled out of inventory. I hesitate to say guaranteed. I know that if something happens WDW/DVC can change it to another view or category like standard or preferred.

I presume you received a disability room because it was available and not requested by a person that might have needed it for the same dates as you. Like they might not have had any more rooms for your dates for your room for whatever reason. Especially when the resort is full.

I can tell you that the one HA studio my friends and I were in (it was the only studio left when we checked in, we didn’t need it), there was no shower chair. I believe the shower holder was adjustable. Fortunately, we are all within 2” of each other so once it was set, we didn’t adjust it anymore.

I read that happens to a lot of people.

Yea, those are supposed to have adjustable verticle rods to slide lower for wheelchair users.

The ones at BWV roll-in showers looked like they were built as an afterthought with whatever space was available.

Mine didn't have one and the footprint of the roll-in shower was very small.



Here is what a BWV roll-in shower looked like, except this one had the adjustable hand-held shower rod.

About a foot above that is where my hand-held shower holder was screwed in almost 7-feet above the floor.

There was so little room I could barely move my legs with my toes curled up the wall.

I was just miserable.

Year after year, I call and email WDW Disability Services while actually residing at DVC BWV. Can you guess their canned response?

I am too tired to talk about other issues.





This is how WDW Pop Century Resort outshines DVC BWV.

DVC BWV should be ashamed of themselves

WDW Disability Services should be ashamed of themselves.

Sorry for rambling.

I can't sleep.

 

[SteveMouse]

OP,

DVC is separate from Disney hotels. The public has no access to DVC Member Services. If you rent a member’s points (either directly or through a broker), the member is responsible for interacting with Member Services and is responsible for any action you may take, including any while your are in the rental.

Like Disney’s hotels, a member will reserve a particular kind of unit for a particular number of nights using their points. Accessible units are a reservable class. If the booking is already for an accessible unit, you’re good. If not, the member will need to change the booking, if there is an accessible unit available for the nights wanted. The DVC member will also need to make any subsequent change.

 

[RaySharpton]

Hi, SteveMouse

OP,

DVC is separate from Disney hotels. The public has no access to DVC Member Services.

Yes. I am able to access DVC Member Services.

If you rent a member’s points (either directly or through a broker), the member is responsible for interacting with Member Services and is responsible for any action you may take, including any while you are in the rental.

Thank you for verifying.

Like Disney’s hotels, a member will reserve a particular kind of unit for a particular number of nights using their points.

Yes.

Accessible units are a reservable class.

I was trying to remember the correct terminology, reservable class.

If the booking is already for an accessible unit, you’re good. If not, the member will need to change the booking, if there is an accessible unit available for the nights wanted. The DVC member will also need to make any subsequent change.

And that is what I am going to try to do instead of waiting until I arrive hoping that it might be available.

Thank you again.

 

[mamabunny]

Ray, just for future reference, the "roll in" shower at Boulder Ridge at Wilderness Lodge was exactly the same, but with the addition of the hard plastic fold-down seat instead of a shower chair.

My knees bumped the tile of the wall I was facing - it was very uncomfortable for me as well.

I'm pretty much going to only stay at POFQ or WL from now on; I know (and love!) those showers, and they work very well for me.

 

[lanejudy]

Ray, is this a straight typical points rental where the member will make a reservation specifically for you? Or is it a “fire sale” of a unit that is slready booked and someone pulled out of their contract?

Your description of the original owner sold the reservation to the broker makes me think this may be a fire sale. You would essentially take over an already existing reservation/point rental. If that is true, there may be very little that can be done with regards to requests or if an HA unit was not originally reserved. There are a lot of these “fire sales” right now because of the whole Covid issue with WDW closure and the DVC rentals. Guests pulled out of contracts, owners snd/or brokers are left trying to sell existing reservations.

Unless this reservation exactly meets your needs, i would pass. Do a fresh rental where they book what you want. Or book directly through WDW.

 

[DisneyOma]

ADA info here (a bit easier to navigate than the actual ADA site, IMO)

http://nwadacenter.org/topics/ada-title-iii-public-accommodations

 

[Evita_W]

They should have been able to book you an accessible room with a roll in shower (listed as something to this effect), as for the adjustable shower head, the roll in shower SHOULD have this, but I am not sure when (if ever) that became an ADA law and many of the resorts might be grandfathered in.

 

[RaySharpton]

Ray, is this a straight typical points rental where the member will make a reservation specifically for you? Or is it a “fire sale” of a unit that is slready booked and someone pulled out of their contract?

Your description of the original owner sold the reservation to the broker makes me think this may be a fire sale. You would essentially take over an already existing reservation/point rental. If that is true, there may be very little that can be done with regards to requests or if an HA unit was not originally reserved. There are a lot of these “fire sales” right now because of the whole Covid issue with WDW closure and the DVC rentals. Guests pulled out of contracts, owners snd/or brokers are left trying to sell existing reservations.

Unless this reservation exactly meets your needs, i would pass. Do a fresh rental where they book what you want. Or book directly through WDW.

Hi, lanejudy.

Yes, a firesale type where the owner gave his reservation to a broker to sell.

I'll take your advice.

Thank you.

 

[RaySharpton]

ADA info here (a bit easier to navigate than the actual ADA site, IMO)

http://nwadacenter.org/topics/ada-title-iii-public-accommodations

Hi, DisneyOma.

So much easier for me. Thank you for the link.

WDW doesn't list under their roll-in shower an adjustable hand-held shower pole even the ones I've stayed in did have except the one I stayed in at BWV standard roll-in shower. It should have had a pole like the one in the photo instead of a hand-held shower at the high shower head pipe.

I don't know if you can see it, but in my exact same shower, just the hand-held shower in the photo was attached one foot above in that other pipe about 7-feet high.





It looks like ADA says it should be a Tip or suggestion, not a requirement.

ADA Title III (Public Accommodations)

Accessibility for People with Disabilities at Hotels and Places of Lodging

Hospitality Tips
There are many hotel services that need to be accessed by guests. The following are examples of ways to make your guests’ stay more accessible:

• Place hangers, iron, and extra pillows and blankets on the lowered closet bar, shelf, or counter in accessible rooms.

• Shower amenities can be marked with tape or a rubber band so that guests with vision impairments have a tactile way to differentiate between the shampoo, conditioner, or lotion.

• Lower hand held shower nozzle to bottom of sliding bar so it is within reach.

• Arrange furniture so it does not block access to power outlets, temperature controls, or curtain handles.

• Offer room service menu, hotel directory and TV channel guide in accessible formats.

• Provide a tour and orientation of lobby and guest room for guests who are blind or have low vision.

• Keep the lowered check-in counter clear and available for use.

• Do not use for brochures, computer, etc.

• Train staff to know the location of ADA room kits and how to operate the devices.

• Ensure hotel policy welcomes service dogs, without charges or conditions, to all areas of the hotel.

 

[RaySharpton]

Ray, just for future reference, the "roll in" shower at Boulder Ridge at Wilderness Lodge was exactly the same, but with the addition of the hard plastic fold-down seat instead of a shower chair.

My knees bumped the tile of the wall I was facing - it was very uncomfortable for me as well.

I'm pretty much going to only stay at POFQ or WL from now on; I know (and love!) those showers, and they work very well for me.

Hi, MB.

Thank you, I didn't know that.

So, Boulder Ridge at Wilderness Lodge was the DVC building?

I usually stay at BWV and PCR. I may have to try POFQ or WL

 

[RaySharpton]

They should have been able to book you an accessible room with a roll in shower (listed as something to this effect), as for the adjustable shower head, the roll in shower SHOULD have this, but I am not sure when (if ever) that became an ADA law and many of the resorts might be grandfathered in.

Hi, EvitaW.

When I plan my December trips, I make my DVC BWV standard roll-in shower studio, but there is only one of them and I only get the same one this year without the pole like the one in the photo.



When I make a PCR tandard roll-in shower room, they all look so much better, larger, etc.

 

[Starwind]

Hi, MB.

Thank you, I didn't know that.

So, Boulder Ridge at Wilderness Lodge was the DVC building?

I usually stay at BWV and PCR. I may have to try POFQ or WL

Ray:

Boulder Ridge Villas at Wilderness Lodge [BRV] is the separate DVC building in the Wilderness Lodge complex, which used to be called "Villas at Wilderness Lodge" [VWL] [they renamed it to BRV]. It is south of the main building, near the bus stop. There is a covered walkway between the main building at BRV.

Copper Creek Villas is the south wing of the main Wilderness Lodge building. In a recent major renovation, they converted the south wing's hotel rooms into the CCV villas and thereby made that wing into a new DVC. CCV also has the cabins down by the lake.

The north wing of the main Wilderness Lodge building remains Wilderness Lodge hotel rooms.

SW

 

[Starwind]

Ray:

This is Touring Plans' video tour of an accessible studio at Boulder Ridge Villas:

SW

 

[cmrdgrs]

You've gotten some great advice RaySharpton. Since the reservation you're taking over is a confirmed reservation that was listed on a broker site, as you are rightfully assuming, it probably wasn't booked as a confirmed ADA room. As an owner, on the DVC website when you book, there is a check box for the owner to click on to confirm a DVC ADA room at the time of booking.

If the broker is unwilling to go back and contact the DVC owner and get them to call DVC to either rebook the room for an ADA room OR put in a request for an ADA room (requests aren't guaranteed anyway) your best bet IMO would be to contact the resort directly about 4 days prior to check-in. It might be possible that the room assigner could put you in an ADA room at that point in time (as the rooms get assigned).

Obviously, the best way to do this would be to be able to work with the owner, but it sounds like that might not be possible given the circumstances.

 

[RaySharpton]

Hi, SW.

Now I recall. I stayed at VWL before it was renamed BRV.

I didn't know about the CCV located in the main building and I forgot CCV was the name of the lake cabins.

Thank you.

Ray:

Boulder Ridge Villas at Wilderness Lodge [BRV] is the separate DVC building in the Wilderness Lodge complex, which used to be called "Villas at Wilderness Lodge" [VWL] [they renamed it to BRV]. It is south of the main building, near the bus stop. There is a covered walkway between the main building at BRV.

Copper Creek Villas is the south wing of the main Wilderness Lodge building. In a recent major renovation, they converted the south wing's hotel rooms into the CCV villas and thereby made that wing into a new DVC. CCV also has the cabins down by the lake.

The north wing of the main Wilderness Lodge building remains Wilderness Lodge hotel rooms.

SW

 

[RaySharpton]

Hi, cmrdgrs.

Thank you for all of your comments and your suggestions.

Ray.

You've gotten some great advice RaySharpton. Since the reservation you're taking over is a confirmed reservation that was listed on a broker site, as you are rightfully assuming, it probably wasn't booked as a confirmed ADA room. As an owner, on the DVC website when you book, there is a check box for the owner to click on to confirm a DVC ADA room at the time of booking.

If the broker is unwilling to go back and contact the DVC owner and get them to call DVC to either rebook the room for an ADA room OR put in a request for an ADA room (requests aren't guaranteed anyway) your best bet IMO would be to contact the resort directly about 4 days prior to check-in. It might be possible that the room assigner could put you in an ADA room at that point in time (as the rooms get assigned).

Obviously, the best way to do this would be to be able to work with the owner, but it sounds like that might not be possible given the circumstances.

 

[Starwind]

Hi, SW.

Now I recall. I stayed at VWL before it was renamed BRV.

I didn't know about the CCV located in the main building and I forgot CCV was the name of the lake cabins.

Thank you.

We've stayed at CCV twice now ["normal" walk-in shower studio as I don't need an accessible room; the ECV fits fine] and LOVE it. Once the Wilderness Lodge hotel rooms get *their* renovation it is going to be hard for us to decide which side to stay in [microwave or 2 queen beds.... hmmmm.....].

This is a 3D video of a walk-in shower studio at CCV. GREAT view of it. https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=Zp7gtUdZMZy

This is a nice video tour of a walk-in shower studio:

Finally found one - this is a tour of a handicap accessible studio room at the Copper Creek Villas:

Note that it is one of the "alternative layout" studios; there are only a handful of them [not all are accessible] as they were converted from a small number of weird L-shaped hotel rooms; all of the alternate layout studios have tubs. I believe there are accessible rooms with the traditional layout.

Note for CCV that for studios, almost all of the studios with tubs are on the ground floor while almost all of the walk-in shower studios are on the other floors. I am not sure how many accessible studios there are nor where they are located.

ETA: the Disboards CCV thread with lots more info: https://www.disboards.com/threads/•...k-villas-cabins-owners-lovers-group•.3631019/

SW

 

[keishashadow]

Yes. I am able to access DVC Member Services.

My understanding only members could log into the website

You've gotten some great advice RaySharpton. Since the reservation you're taking over is a confirmed reservation that was listed on a broker site, as you are rightfully assuming, it probably wasn't booked as a confirmed ADA room. As an owner, on the DVC website when you book, there is a check box for the owner to click on to confirm a DVC ADA room at the time of booking.

If the broker is unwilling to go back and contact the DVC owner and get them to call DVC to either rebook the room for an ADA room OR put in a request for an ADA room (requests aren't guaranteed anyway) your best bet IMO would be to contact the resort directly about 4 days prior to check-in. It might be possible that the room assigner could put you in an ADA room at that point in time (as the rooms get assigned).

if you book an accessible DVC room, you will receive it. It is a separate category on the website.

complaints i’ve seen re accessible rooms originate from those who are assigned one when they don’t need or want it upon checking into the resort.