Need Honest Opinions Please

[tjkraz]

The OP did request it at checkin...

Unfortunate, though, that it wasn't mentioned when booking the room a few minutes earlier through MS. Doing so might have avoided ALL of this...

 

[jarestel]

Unfortunate, though, that it wasn't mentioned when booking the room a few minutes earlier through MS. Doing so might have avoided ALL of this...

You're right, it might have.

Not to beat the point to death, but it's unfair to put both CMs and guests in the uncomfortable position of having to deal with these room assignments. With enough member feedback, DVC may find a better way of doling out these rooms.

 

[Johnnie Fedora]

Well, the problem is that the smaller resorts often book to 100% capacity and SOMEONE has to end up with those rooms unless they are totally booked by members who specifically request HA.

Another solution:

DVC members who are "just happy to have good health" and are "just glad to be at WDW" could step up to the plate and volunteer to take any unbooked HC rooms at check-in. Afterall, HC rooms don't negatively affect their stay whatsoever...so why not do the charitable thing and request them.

Personally, we don't like HC rooms (and yes we've stayed in them), and request not to have them. I try to remember to check my room assignment before going to the room. If I were assigned a HC, I would request the CM to check availability of non-HC before going to the room. That's not being a naughty DVCer either!! I would prefer to get the "dumpster view" than stay in a HC.

I've also seen complaints about members booking a room for Grandma (who can't climb stairs...etc). These members get upset when assigned a HC room on the first floor, or near a noisy elevator. IMO, These guests just want a "primo-location" non-HC room, and they use a "medical necessity" rather losely to try and get it.

 

[DrBond007]

CarolA and goofy4dvc: I'm sorry but IMHO you need to reevaluate your position. ..... Everyone has needs and I would hope that you would respect that our informed request is based on these.

Well said.

 

[robinb]

Personally, we don't like HC rooms (and yes we've stayed in them), and request not to have them. I try to remember to check my room assignment before going to the room. If I were assigned a HC, I would request the CM to check availability of non-HC before going to the room. That's not being a naughty DVCer either!! I would prefer to get the "dumpster view" than stay in a HC.

I was assigned a HC room at BCV when I checked in very late at night on a busy weekend. I complained about it here on the DIS saying that I would never check in late to a DVC resort again and was subsequently chastised. We ended up staying in that unit for a week. The location was great, but I had all the problems that others have mentioned, the worst for me was no bathroom vanity or large shelf. And I'm not a "primper" .

From now on, non-HC is an added request. I also double-check with the front desk about location/smoking/HC before I leave to my room. I find they tend to slip in the HC rooms without warning and let you find it out when you arrive at your room.

 

[Beca]

I find they tend to slip in the HC rooms without warning and let you find it out when you arrive at your room.

Unfortunately, I think you are right. I think that's why the "no room change without a $25 fee once you have left the desk with a key" was devised. I have heard of the desk trying to charge people the cleaning fee when they have obviously entered the room, turned around and left with all their belongings...I mean, who seriously can justify charging someone for that? I think it is just their way of "subtly" discouraging people from complaining about their rooms. Maybe the DVC properties should not have been "sold" to capacity, but instead have WDW retain their "ownership" rights (which is, I think 5% anyway) so that WDW could keep possession of those rooms and rent them out for cash when they are not needed by DVC members.

DVC members get "first dibs" at dates of stay as part of their "ownership perks"...why not get "first dibs" at non-handicapped rooms? Maybe I am really wrong here, but I unfortunately DO believe that CM's at some resorts (Libertybelle is certainly exempted from this statement) give DVC members the worst rooms because they feel like people staying on cash are "paying more" than those of us who got into the bargain of DVC. Plus, we are ALREADY repeat customers...cash renters are not. I have just seen similar discussions like this too often in the past. I think we are all generally INSANELY happy about all things Disney. So, when I hear the same complaints surface over and over again...I begin to think it might be a pattern, instead of chance. I don't know about you...but, I can overlook a LOT more at WDW than I can at home...I'm usually just happy to be there.

But, my point is...MOST times of the year, there are probably "cash-staying" people in these resorts. This may be really snobby....but, just like no one can get a BWV view with cash, I think the cash-paying people ought to be assigned any unneeded HA rooms. They are technically getting the "leftover" rooms, and that would probably be the HA rooms. I would be a little miffed if I knew that the general public was getting non-HA rooms, and I was getting an HA room...my $30,000 should count for something.

Awww heck...Just add my name to the "naughty" list!!!



Beca

 

[crisi]

You know, one of the things we LOVE about DVC is its flexibility. Unlike my cousins timeshare, we don't have the same week every year in the same unit.

That flexibility comes with a price. Since I don't know what unit I'm going to get, sometimes it isn't the ideal unit. I didn't buy "a room with a great view of Epcot" or "close to the elevators." And although I don't love handicapped rooms and dislike stale cigarette smoke, I didn't buy "non handicapped non-smoking" either.

To guarentee these things involves money - our money. To have enough HA rooms to meet requirements, but leave them empty when members don't want them means a higher room inventory to membership - and higher costs. As for cash guests getting non-HA rooms while members are stuck in them - how is a CM supposed to understand your priorities. Do you really want high floor even if its HA - they can't tell except by the order you list your requests - and in the OPs case, nonHA wasn't on there. Maybe that cash guest was staying three days - you need a room available for a week long block.

I don't mind a HA room (yes, I've stayed there), but I don't want one every time because someone else really dislikes them. I don't mind a long walk down the BW halls, but I don't want it every time because someone dislikes it. If its "my turn" for the dumpster view, its my turn, but it isn't my turn for a lousy view every time because someone else is picky.

Another pet peeve. HA Studios do not have tubs, true, and having kids who only started showering in the past year, I see this as a problem. But I have a pet peeve with people who state "can't accept a HA room" because of the lack of a tub - one and two bedrooms do have the jacuzzi tub which works wonderfully for bathing children. What you can't accept is a HA studio. This imprecise language has left a lot of board members under the impression that HA rooms never have tubs.

crisi's advice for surviving a HA one or two bedroom:

The studio will have little counter space (dvc, if you are listening, a pull down shelf that could be used when wheelchair access isn't required). You'll need to adjust by using alternate space for your stuff and not spreading out toiletries in the second bedroom. Inconvient. Hopefully not trip ruining.

The stove and burners are a little lower. If you are traveling with young kids and have concerns, the burners pop right out (except at SSR where they have those darn ceramic stovetops - haven't been there - try removing the knobs).

The shower can make a mess. Make sure to get the shower head pointed away from the curtain, get the curtain draped properly, and get some extra towels so the floor isn't slippery. If housekeeping wants to charge you, I fully endorse "borrowing" pool towels for this purpose only. It does take practice not to flood the bathroom, and some extra dilegence with small children (and Mom running to the potty before going to the parks) is warrented.

You miss the barstools. So a family may need to eat breakfast in shifts (we did) or use the coffee table. Once again, inconvienent, hopefully not trip ruining.

We found the mattress to be rather worn, not soft, but with a depression on my DH's side. Since this has occurred with our firm mattresses at home, I'm guessing it was a "worn" problem instead of a firmness issue. (DVC, another bug in your ear - SleepNumber beds).

 

[Doctor P]

We inquired at DVC and a number of other hotels--the mattresses in the HA units are definitely and deliberately significantly softer to make them easier to access for someone with mobility problems. At least that is what we have been told.

 

[Sherri]

I am thankful I cam accross this thread. I just called and specifically requested a non-handicap room for our upcoming visit in March. Had I not read these posts, I would have never known that that was considered a request. I would have thought that was a given and the request would be if someone needed a hA room. Thanks to all of you I was able to stay one step ahead.
I spoke to someone who was so nice and very friendly.
After reading some comments about the way some CM are to DVC members, I was very thankful to speak to someone nice.

 

[colleen costello]

I believe Disney has been waffling regarding the policy about letting you KNOW at check-in if you have been assigned a HC room. We were assigned to a HC studio at Wilderness Lodge 2 summers ago. The minute we got into the room I called down and politely asked to be moved. I was told that because the clerk had not told me it was a HC room, we would not be charged the $25 fee.

I agree with DVC Jen on this issue. I have back problems and I am extremely careful about wet floors and even sitting in low beds and chairs. When we got assigned to the HC studio, all I could think was "My God I'll pull my back out and won't be able to drive home!" I literally panicked! Having pulled my back badly before -- once by sitting down too quickly on a low couch -- I know how disabling it is. So for me, a HC room is a nightmare. I always tell them at check-in that I have a bad back and need a "regular" room.

Previous posts here have warned agains asking for "not HC" on your request because all the schedulers see is "HC." So I am not sure what to do.

 

[LIFERBABE]

To the OP, if they made you feel uncomfortable or uneasy, I would complain. They know how to treat guests and we all know when there is tension. You were there, and sometimes you just have to be there to know what really occurred.

What I learned from this board is how to spot a HC unit without entering the room. Look for 2 peepholes in the door. I do this now before I run my key, so we wont be charged when I request to be moved.

Im not surviving anything on my vacation. I agree with Dean, I'd rather stay home in Texas than have a handicapped/smoking room anywhere. If they told me that was all I would receive I would reschedule, change resorts, or flat out cancel.

What if my family pulled up to MK and parked in a HC parking space? We would get ugly glares and a fine. Most people in wheelchairs or disabled will tell you how peeved they get when a nonHC person uses the HC stall in the restroom, causing them to wait.

But, we are supposed to have a different attitude about HC rooms because it's more convenient for the Hotel industry to book their resorts to capacity and "stick" people with these rooms.

I dont recall touring a HC unit when I purchased DVC. Why don't they highlight these units in the tour and let members know? Because they know that if you don't need one you wont want one.

 

[Beca]

To the OP, if they made you feel uncomfortable or uneasy, I would complain. They know how to treat guests and we all know when there is tension. You were there, and sometimes you just have to be there to know what really occurred.

What I learned from this board is how to spot a HC unit without entering the room. Look for 2 peepholes in the door. I do this now before I run my key, so we wont be charged when I request to be moved.

Im not surviving anything on my vacation. I agree with Dean, I'd rather stay home in Texas than have a handicapped/smoking room anywhere. If they told me that was all I would receive I would reschedule, change resorts, or flat out cancel.

What if my family pulled up to MK and parked in a HC parking space? We would get ugly glares and a fine. Most people in wheelchairs or disabled will tell you how peeved they get when a nonHC person uses the HC stall in the restroom, causing them to wait.

But, we are supposed to have a different attitude about HC rooms because it's more convenient for the Hotel industry to book their resorts to capacity and "stick" people with these rooms.

I dont recall touring a HC unit when I purchased DVC. Why don't they highlight these units in the tour and let members know? Because they know that if you don't need one you wont want one.

Wow...that's some really good points!!! I cannot imagine a resort policy that says, "No parking in a handicapped parking space...unless it is the only one left."

I think what I find most fascinating about this thread is how much "hostility" is involved in this. I completely agree that different "disabilities" require different accomodations. I think it is VERY fair to say that people with bad backs could sustain injury from these rooms, just as many people would "be sent packing" to the hospital if they stayed in a smoking room.

I don't much care for the HA rooms (esp. when you spend many months obsessing about your trip...that's just not what you planned on), but I would accept a HA 1-2 bdrm right now, and I would accept a studio when dd decides she is not terrified of showers. But, I still think DVC should guarantee these rooms at the time of your reservation, and let people know in advance what they are getting. I am waitlisted for a 2 bedroom at BCV in Apr (I know, I know...fat chance!!). We are bringing friends, and would LOVE to have the opportunity for the girls to play at SAB. If a handicapped room came open...I would gladly take it!!! But, there are also times, (like when my parents take my dd in May) when I would really NOT like to have it. I don't think that is too unreasonable.



Beca

 

[joepoe]

How many HA rooms does each DVC resort have? Are they all studios? I am just wondering what the chances of getting one would be.

 

[jcodespoti]

Was told there was plenty of availability and they switched the ressie an hour before her arrival. They were only staying the one night.

For one night I would not have complained at all.

Joe in CT

 

[Sherri]

Rather then looking through the peep hole or opening the door, why not just flat out ask at check in if it is a hc or non hc room?
I would imagine if they tell you it is one thing then give you another then they wouldn't be able to charge the $25.00 fee.
And I want to understand what I think I am reading. If you request a non HC room they don't have to give you one? But if you are handicapped and need a HC room they have to give you one?

 

[sjdisneywedding]

You know, one of the things we LOVE about DVC is its flexibility. Unlike my cousins timeshare, we don't have the same week every year in the same unit.

That flexibility comes with a price. Since I don't know what unit I'm going to get, sometimes it isn't the ideal unit. I didn't buy "a room with a great view of Epcot" or "close to the elevators." And although I don't love handicapped rooms and dislike stale cigarette smoke, I didn't buy "non handicapped non-smoking" either.

To guarentee these things involves money - our money. To have enough HA rooms to meet requirements, but leave them empty when members don't want them means a higher room inventory to membership - and higher costs. As for cash guests getting non-HA rooms while members are stuck in them - how is a CM supposed to understand your priorities. Do you really want high floor even if its HA - they can't tell except by the order you list your requests - and in the OPs case, nonHA wasn't on there. Maybe that cash guest was staying three days - you need a room available for a week long block.

I don't mind a HA room (yes, I've stayed there), but I don't want one every time because someone else really dislikes them. I don't mind a long walk down the BW halls, but I don't want it every time because someone dislikes it. If its "my turn" for the dumpster view, its my turn, but it isn't my turn for a lousy view every time because someone else is picky.

Another pet peeve. HA Studios do not have tubs, true, and having kids who only started showering in the past year, I see this as a problem. But I have a pet peeve with people who state "can't accept a HA room" because of the lack of a tub - one and two bedrooms do have the jacuzzi tub which works wonderfully for bathing children. What you can't accept is a HA studio. This imprecise language has left a lot of board members under the impression that HA rooms never have tubs.

crisi's advice for surviving a HA one or two bedroom:

The studio will have little counter space (dvc, if you are listening, a pull down shelf that could be used when wheelchair access isn't required). You'll need to adjust by using alternate space for your stuff and not spreading out toiletries in the second bedroom. Inconvient. Hopefully not trip ruining.

The stove and burners are a little lower. If you are traveling with young kids and have concerns, the burners pop right out (except at SSR where they have those darn ceramic stovetops - haven't been there - try removing the knobs).

The shower can make a mess. Make sure to get the shower head pointed away from the curtain, get the curtain draped properly, and get some extra towels so the floor isn't slippery. If housekeeping wants to charge you, I fully endorse "borrowing" pool towels for this purpose only. It does take practice not to flood the bathroom, and some extra dilegence with small children (and Mom running to the potty before going to the parks) is warrented.

You miss the barstools. So a family may need to eat breakfast in shifts (we did) or use the coffee table. Once again, inconvienent, hopefully not trip ruining.

We found the mattress to be rather worn, not soft, but with a depression on my DH's side. Since this has occurred with our firm mattresses at home, I'm guessing it was a "worn" problem instead of a firmness issue. (DVC, another bug in your ear - SleepNumber beds).

i agree with alot of what you are saying and actually have been in this boat, we just had a HA room and although i am not at all thrilled about them I made do. But on the other side of the coin I see why some arent happy, you are listing ALOT of things people should do to help accomodate themselves to a HA room when in reality they shouldnt have to do anything. Its vacation, no one should have to eat in shifts or learn how to properly use the HA shower. Are they easy enough to do? yes should most people just take it in stride? yes but do they have to? no

 

[crisi]

But they do have to. Its the way the system is set up. To not take it in stride means you are "sticking" someone else with that room. That room gets used by someone - and likely someone non-handicapped.

Is it fair that the fact that rooms have to be configured to meet the needs of the handicapped and might inconvience me. Well, its more fair than the thought that some people are handicapped while I have full use of my legs.

Would it have been nice if Disney had set aside room inventory to enable these rooms to sit empty if they aren't needed - even if it cost us more. Possibly. But they didn't.

They could make it a guarentee category -- but I'm not sure if the "costs" of doing this would be worth it. Guarenteeing rooms means keeping a seperate inventory for refurbishment, etc. Its possible that this isn't statistically feasible in their 3% inventory.

 

[sjdisneywedding]

But they do have to. Its the way the system is set up. To not take it in stride means you are "sticking" someone else with that room. That room gets used by someone - and likely someone non-handicapped.

Is it fair that the fact that rooms have to be configured to meet the needs of the handicapped and might inconvience me. Well, its more fair than the thought that some people are handicapped while I have full use of my legs.

Would it have been nice if Disney had set aside room inventory to enable these rooms to sit empty if they aren't needed - even if it cost us more. Possibly. But they didn't.

They could make it a guarentee category -- but I'm not sure if the "costs" of doing this would be worth it. Guarenteeing rooms means keeping a seperate inventory for refurbishment, etc. Its possible that this isn't statistically feasible in their 3% inventory.

I agree with you, I understand the rooms are there and we need to deal with them, what I am saying is that maybe something needs to change because people shouldnt have to rearrange their vacation so they can comfortably fit into a HA room. Why should we need to be worrying about removing burners and stove knobs? Thats no a vacation, thats just more stress that one could have gotten from back home

 

[LIFERBABE]

Rather then looking through the peep hole or opening the door, why not just flat out ask at check in if it is a hc or non hc room?
I would imagine if they tell you it is one thing then give you another then they wouldn't be able to charge the $25.00 fee.
And I want to understand what I think I am reading. If you request a non HC room they don't have to give you one? But if you are handicapped and need a HC room they have to give you one?

The truth is, that many have asked at check in and been told the room is not HC only to get to the room and find that it is. Whether you get charged a fee or not depends on who is working the desk when you get back there. Technically they can still charge you if you enter the unit, so I always check before entering.

I don't look through the peephole, HC units have 2 peepholes on the door, one high and one lower.

HC is a request. Non HC is a request. Im sure they will try to accomodate those that request it if they havent already doled them out to those that havent.

 

[goofy4dvc]

CarolA and goofy4dvc: I'm sorry but IMHO you need to reevaluate your position. Do you have any idea what the true differences between the HA and NHA rooms are?

Obviously, I DO know the differences since I just posted that I stayed in one. And not just for ONE night, but for a WEEK. The OP asked for opinions and I merely gave mine. I certainly did not like the HA room at all (hated it, in fact) and have requested non-HA since then, but my point is that there are more HA rooms than people requesting them, so sometimes (hopefully, rarely) those of us who are not handicapped may have to stay in one. And yes, there are some exceptions, such as families with small children who need a bathtub or other medical related reasons. I agree that it would be absolutely great if we didn't have to worry about getting one or even to have to request "non-HA" to begin. Although I hated the HA room and hope I never get one again, it won't change my life if I have to stay in one again...especially for only one night. Let's hope DVC changes their practice and stops giving HA rooms to those who do not request one.