No Standard view, accessible BLT studios

[castleri]

From things that I have seen posted the Lakeview accessible units are on the north side and do have the partial view of the MK. I of course can't guarantee that there aren't others on the south side or inside but so far every report I've run across has been that northside that many consider the best lakeview. It doesn't help for not having the units in all the categories of course.

We just returned from a visit and our LV 1 BR 7804 had a view of the MK from the living room and from the bedroom balcony if you leaned a little and looked left. It does give a weird view of the fireworks when you see how far behind the castle they are set off. I would hope that some of those rooms would be accessible and those who want that MK view might request north side, even number, high floor LV. I know it is just a request but it worked for us. Of course we didn't have an accessible room but it does seem there should be some on that side of the building.


I know it is disappointing to have to use more points but even being a BLT owner there is no guarantee that you could get the standard view even calling at 11 months since they changed the booking process and booking is now from day of check in and forward for 7 days. There is always the chance someone can book before you for that room you want. Do hope things work out and that you can have a great trip.

 

[LisaS]

Here is a list of the accessible rooms in Jambo House. This information came from the floor plans so may not be 100% accurate since there are cases of rooms in JH differing from the plans. Those marked with an asterisk have been verified by DIS'ers who stayed in one of these rooms.

Jambo House HA rooms with a roll-in shower:

 [u]Room[/u] [u]Size[/u]  [u]Category[/u]   [u]Trail[/u]   [u]View[/u]       [u]Comments[/u]
 5456  ST   Std View   Zebra   Pool    Roll-in shower
*5319  1B   Sav View   Kudu   Arusha   Roll-in shower, no tub
 5483  GV   Sav View   Zebra  Uzima    Roll-in shower in master bathroom
*6202  1B   Concierge  Lobby  Sunset   Roll-in shower, no tub. No kitchen island.


Jambo House HA rooms with a tub (no roll-in shower):

 [u]Room[/u] [u]Size[/u]  [u]Category[/u]   [u]Trail[/u]   [u]View[/u]       [u]Comments[/u]
*5010  1B    Value    Giraffe  Pool    HA room with tub. No kitchen island.
 5414  1B   Std View   Zebra   Pool    HA room with tub
 5205  1B   Sav View   Lobby  Sunset   HA room with tub
*5431  1B   Sav View   Zebra  Arusha   HA room with tub. No kitchen island.
 5216  1B   Sav View   Kudu   Sunset   HA room with tub
*6205  1B   Concierge  Lobby  Sunset   HA room with tub. No kitchen island.

* Information verified via a room report

 

[barrysprot36]

We just returned from a visit and our LV 1 BR 7804 had a view of the MK from the living room and from the bedroom balcony if you leaned a little and looked left. It does give a weird view of the fireworks when you see how far behind the castle they are set off. I would hope that some of those rooms would be accessible and those who want that MK view might request north side, even number, high floor LV. I know it is just a request but it worked for us. Of course we didn't have an accessible room but it does seem there should be some on that side of the building.


I know it is disappointing to have to use more points but even being a BLT owner there is no guarantee that you could get the standard view even calling at 11 months since they changed the booking process and booking is now from day of check in and forward for 7 days. There is always the chance someone can book before you for that room you want. Do hope things work out and that you can have a great trip.

Thank you, we had a Lake view 1 bed lasy year at the North end where we could partly see MK as well.

When I rang there was a standard view studio available for my dates, that's what is so frustrating.

Here is a list of the accessible rooms in Jambo House. This information came from the floor plans so may not be 100% accurate since there are cases of rooms in JH differing from the plans. Those marked with an asterisk have been verified by DIS'ers who stayed in one of these rooms.

Jambo House HA rooms with a roll-in shower:

 [u]Room[/u] [u]Size[/u]  [u]Category[/u]   [u]Trail[/u]   [u]View[/u]       [u]Comments[/u]
 5456  ST   Std View   Zebra   Pool    Roll-in shower
*5319  1B   Sav View   Kudu   Arusha   Roll-in shower, no tub
 5483  GV   Sav View   Zebra  Uzima    Roll-in shower in master bathroom
*6202  1B   Concierge  Lobby  Sunset   Roll-in shower, no tub. No kitchen island.


Jambo House HA rooms with a tub (no roll-in shower):

 [u]Room[/u] [u]Size[/u]  [u]Category[/u]   [u]Trail[/u]   [u]View[/u]       [u]Comments[/u]
*5010  1B    Value    Giraffe  Pool    HA room with tub. No kitchen island.
 5414  1B   Std View   Zebra   Pool    HA room with tub
 5205  1B   Sav View   Lobby  Sunset   HA room with tub
*5431  1B   Sav View   Zebra  Arusha   HA room with tub. No kitchen island.
 5216  1B   Sav View   Kudu   Sunset   HA room with tub
*6205  1B   Concierge  Lobby  Sunset   HA room with tub. No kitchen island.

* Information verified via a room report

Thank you for the information.

Caron

 

[Poohs Pal]

There are also NO fully acessable Grand Villas at BLT. I am currently trying to sell BLT because of this. I will purchase more points at AKV. I was told by 2 differnt sources prior to purchase that BLT would have a GV with a roll in shower. Found out recently this is not correct and not very happy. Thank goodness we love AKV GV. Susan

 

[SueM in MN]

I posted this in the same question on the disABILITIES BOARD and thought it might be helpful to add it here.

There is one other wrinkle.
The ADA says they have to offer comparable views/locations.
Because the actual number of accessible rooms required for the total number of rooms is small, a resort may choose to put many or all of the accessible rooms in a higher category or more in demand, in terms of view or location.

If you ask for Standard view, you should be charged for Standard view as long as there are any Standard view rooms available (not just any accessible Standard view).
Many of the resorts have few non-accessible rooms in the Standard view available. When guests who don't need an accessible room call and all the Standard view rooms are gone, they have a choice to pay for an upgrade or chose another resort.
When guests who NEED an accessible room call and all the NON-ACCESSIBLE Standard rooms are booked, it is legal to give them the same choices; either pay for an upgrade or chose another resort.

 

[barrysprot36]

There are also NO fully acessable Grand Villas at BLT. I am currently trying to sell BLT because of this. I will purchase more points at AKV. I was told by 2 differnt sources prior to purchase that BLT would have a GV with a roll in shower. Found out recently this is not correct and not very happy. Thank goodness we love AKV GV. Susan

That is disgusting, I'm really sorry you are having to sell your points.

I posted this in the same question on the disABILITIES BOARD and thought it might be helpful to add it here.

Thank you but that hasn't been the case with my booking; I could have booked a normal standard view studio but was told I would have to book a Lake view, using more points, as there are no standard view accessible studios.

Caron

 

[psac]

Thank you but that hasn't been the case with my booking; I could have booked a normal standard view studio but was told I would have to book a Lake view, using more points, as there are no standard view accessible studios.

Caron

If what was posted above if correct, then it sounds like MS doesn't know the rules properly, which wouldn't surprise me. Maybe try calling again and speaking to a manager? Good luck. Laws aside, I agree it's not fair to not have at least one accessible room in the category. I agree that the Jambo value rooms are a different situation, since those rooms are specifically smaller and that might provide challenges. No excuse at BLT.

 

[hakepb]

But, how does that legally work for a timeshare?

If DVC offered a "sale" and allowed all members to book all Lake View rooms for Standard points, then some members would not be able to use their points on any room, that is illegal. This is why free "upgrades" rarely happen in a timeshare as a cash reservation.

Its one thing if a hotel operator makes a profit-based decision vs denying a legal owner using their points.

I think DVD should be required to own more points (ie 4% instead of 2-3%) to properly serve members with needs

I am not at all against ADA. I feel really bad you are having to deal with this. Owners should of been told there are no SV/MK/GV ADA rooms upfront.

 

[barrysprot36]

If what was posted above if correct, then it sounds like MS doesn't know the rules properly, which wouldn't surprise me. Maybe try calling again and speaking to a manager? Good luck. Laws aside, I agree it's not fair to not have at least one accessible room in the category. I agree that the Jambo value rooms are a different situation, since those rooms are specifically smaller and that might provide challenges. No excuse at BLT.

I was put through to a manager when I called on Saturday after I had made my booking. He said that although he could understand my frustration there wasn't anything he could do about it. It was the manager that advised me to email the DVC Members Satisfaction Team. I was on the phone for some time, luckily it's a free phone no, even from the UK. I'll post back to this thread the response I receive back.

There must be accessible rooms in the Resort though for guests booking AKL rooms and not DVC rooms. We've stayed in AKL before but didn't need an accessible for our son then. He's now 19 and it's impossible to bathe him in a small bath with over head shower.

But, how does that legally work for a timeshare?

If DVC offered a "sale" and allowed all members to book all Lake View rooms for Standard points, then some members would not be able to use their points on any room, that is illegal. This is why free "upgrades" rarely happen in a timeshare as a cash reservation.

Its one thing if a hotel operator makes a profit-based decision vs denying a legal owner using their points.

I think DVD should be required to own more points (ie 4% instead of 2-3%) to properly serve members with needs

I am not at all against ADA. I feel really bad you are having to deal with this. Owners should of been told there are no SV/MK/GV ADA rooms upfront.

I agree we should have been informed in advance about the unavailability of accessible rooms in certain categories.

I don't want something for nothing ie a Lake view instead of a standard view, I just want what everyone else has the option to book and use my points in the same way.

Caron

 

[disneynutz]

Even if their are HCA rooms in each category, the odds of them being available are against you. It's like getting a HC parking space, sometimes I get one and sometimes I don't.

Bill

 

[Poohs Pal]

Even if their are HCA rooms in each category, the odds of them being available are against you. It's like getting a HC parking space, sometimes I get one and sometimes I don't.

Bill

I don't have a problem of not getting what's available it's when it isn't even offered that's the problem. As far as the BLT GV they do have a semi H/C which has grab bars for the tub and HC kitchen. Therefor they have provided for the HC GV but prior to purchase I was told there would be a GV with roll in shower. I have to bring caregivers for my son and it's just easier to have everyone in a GV rather than 2 or 3 different villa's. Disapointed yes but I will get over it as everyone in our group love's AKV GV. I just love the Magic Kingdom area location myself.

 

[barrysprot36]

I don't have a problem of not getting what's available it's when it isn't even offered that's the problem. As far as the BLT GV they do have a semi H/C which has grab bars for the tub and HC kitchen. Therefor they have provided for the HC GV but prior to purchase I was told there would be a GV with roll in shower. I have to bring caregivers for my son and it's just easier to have everyone in a GV rather than 2 or 3 different villa's. Disapointed yes but I will get over it as everyone in our group love's AKV GV. I just love the Magic Kingdom area location myself.

Same with me, I just want what everyone else has access to. If there are accessible accommodations and they are booked, fair enough. It's when they are not even there that's the problem.

Caron

 

[njanimalkingdom]

AKV has 1 value bedroom H/A room, but the shower was not a roll in. There was a connecting studio not sure if it was H/A

 

[hakepb]

Should BLT technically change the classification of the lowest LV accessible room to SV, and swap with a higher SV room that is next to a LV? Then total resort points remain equal, and more guests are accommodated?

 

[barrysprot36]

AKV has 1 value bedroom H/A room, but the shower was not a roll in. There was a connecting studio not sure if it was H/A

Thank you

Should BLT technically change the classification of the lowest LV accessible room to SV, and swap with a higher SV room that is next to a LV? Then total resort points remain equal, and more guests are accommodated?

That sounds like an excellent solution. I guess DVC didn't think anyone would notice there weren't accessible rooms in certain categories and haven't had any complaints about it.

Caron

 

[Chuck S]

How do you swap a physical view? Would you be willing to use the additional points for lake view, with nothing but a view of the side of the original Contemporary Tower?

That would be the equivalent of reserving a Boardwalk View and getting a parking lot view using the same points.

 

[hakepb]

How do you swap a physical view? Would you be willing to use the additional points for lake view, with nothing but a view of the side of the original Contemporary Tower?

That would be the equivalent of reserving a Boardwalk View and getting a parking lot view using the same points.

I know there are reports of some SV rooms that are right next to, or immediately below MK view. Those SV rooms are highly desired because you get 90% of a MK view at a great points discount. I imagine there are some SV rooms that are next to or lower than LV. I'm not suggesting taking the least desirable SV room, but one of the "better" ones because the current allocation is unfair to those with needs.

 

[dzorn]

AKV has 1 value bedroom H/A room, but the shower was not a roll in. There was a connecting studio not sure if it was H/A

No the studio attached was not HA. I would suspect that the AK value studio is just too small to make it HA.

Denise in MI

 

[Chuck S]

I know there are reports of some SV rooms that are right next to, or immediately below MK view. Those SV rooms are highly desired because you get 90% of a MK view at a great points discount. I imagine there are some SV rooms that are next to or lower than LV. I'm not suggesting taking the least desirable SV room, but one of the "better" ones because the current allocation is unfair to those with needs.

Aren't Lake View rooms inside the "C" and Standard View room outside the "C"? If so, there is no way to easily "switch" a lake view for standard view. If those "Almost MK" standard view room warranted the points, they'd be in that category. Apparently they are Standard View for a reason. If they were a good MK view, they would charge more points, AND that would give DVC more points at the resort to sell.

My Mom used a W/C in the parks, and we occasionally got an accessible room, so I do understand the OPs frustration, but I don't think there is an "easy fix." And the ADA requirements may not apply to timeshares, as they are not actually "public accomodations," but are technically owned by the members.

 

[barrysprot36]

Aren't Lake View rooms inside the "C" and Standard View room outside the "C"? If so, there is no way to easily "switch" a lake view for standard view. If those "Almost MK" standard view room warranted the points, they'd be in that category. Apparently they are Standard View for a reason. If they were a good MK view, they would charge more points, AND that would give DVC more points at the resort to sell.

My Mom used a W/C in the parks, and we occasionally got an accessible room, so I do understand the OPs frustration, but I don't think there is an "easy fix." And the ADA requirements may not apply to timeshares, as they are not actually "public accomodations," but are technically owned by the members.

Thanks for your input. There are Lake views on the outside on the North end that look over the tennis courts.The majority of rooms have a lake view, very few have standard views. That's why I was so pleased to get a standard view until I heard the bad news.

Caron