older hotels are exempted from ADA?

[Nalla]

I was told by some people at work that the oldest hotels (the Poly, Comtemporary etc) are exempt from the ADA because they were built before 71. I asked this in reference to the fact that the bathrooms for CMs in the poly were down a short flight of stairs, meaning the WC users wouldn't be able to use them.
I'm curious though. If that's the case and the hotels are exempted, then can they or do they provide accessibility to guests? I am considering booking my friend at the Poly, but if I can't guarentee that she'll be able to get an elevator in her building, an accessible room, etc then I won't bother.
I'd ask at work, but I feel awkward doing so.

 

[bookwormde]

The date is actually in the early 1990s fro the current standard, and they were not required to upgrade existing facilities as a whole until significant renovations were done. This does not exempt them from other situations, which are not limited by existing facilities configurations, and when any changes are made they must meet the ADA standards.

WDW has done a reasonably good job of retrofitting most of their lodging facilities, but most were designed for accessibility even before the standard was enacted.

I do not know that much about Poly but I am reasonably sure that they have a number of accessible rooms, CRO should be able to give you some information.

bookwormde

 

[Timon-n-Pumbaa Fan]

The Poly does have ADA compliant wheelchair accessible rooms, even in the concierge building! The same can be said of the Contemporary. We have used those rooms at both hotels.

 

[McCall]

There are several accessible rooms at the Poly and have been for as long as I can remember, and they redid them in the last renovation as well. You there is also elevators and elevators in the lobby. As for accessible restrooms for Cast members, I have no idea but I believe that IF the only employee rest room was down stairs with no elevator access, which I find hard to believe, but if it was then the employee in question could use the regualar guest restrooms on the other floors of the hotel and lobby. Those are all accessible. Older buildings are exempt only from having to make Major renovations JUST to comply, they must do anything that is not major and they must update to full compliance if they do any serious renovation to the property in question.

I know for instance that the Disneyland Hotel will be undergoing complete renovation of all the HC rooms, I believe in this coming year.

 

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

I have stayed at the poly many times, as I am sure other posters here have done. Every trip we have made, the w/c accessble rooms are used and we have see quite a few guests around the Poly in wheelchairs.

Don't hesitate booking there, its a great hotel. Plus, being on the monorail line, its a bit eaiser going to the Magic Kingdom, and over to transfer to the Epcot monorail line.

you will have a great time!!

 

[Timon-n-Pumbaa Fan]

Can I just add that monorail access is much easier and better laid out at the Poly than it is at CR? At the Poly, yes, you have to use an elevator to go up to monorail level, but the elevators seem easier to use and the area is much less crowded. Not to mention that you are so stinkin' close to the TTC that it's sometimes much easier just to go over there to catch the monorail or the ferry.

At CR, you have a very busy bank of elevators with very quick closing doors that are a nightmare to navigate especially if you are alone. Then, once you get to the right level, there is another elevator up to the monorail platform. The area that you back out of the elevator into is small and if the monorail has a long line of folks waiting to board, it's a pain in the buns. When you get off the monorail at CR, you have to battle stroller users and wheelchair/scooter users for access to the elevator, which makes for slow going at the end of the day. The flow of foot traffic at the CR when the monorail comes through is a bit of a challenge.

If given the option, I would go Poly when it comes to getting around on wheels.

 

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Can I just add that monorail access is much easier and better laid out at the Poly than it is at CR? At the Poly, yes, you have to use an elevator to go up to monorail level, but the elevators seem easier to use and the area is much less crowded. Not to mention that you are so stinkin' close to the TTC that it's sometimes much easier just to go over there to catch the monorail or the ferry.

At CR, you have a very busy bank of elevators with very quick closing doors that are a nightmare to navigate especially if you are alone. Then, once you get to the right level, there is another elevator up to the monorail platform. The area that you back out of the elevator into is small and if the monorail has a long line of folks waiting to board, it's a pain in the buns. When you get off the monorail at CR, you have to battle stroller users and wheelchair/scooter users for access to the elevator, which makes for slow going at the end of the day. The flow of foot traffic at the CR when the monorail comes through is a bit of a challenge.

If given the option, I would go Poly when it comes to getting around on wheels.

Good point....

but being able to view the fireworks is better at the Poly (my opinion!)

and the pool side bar has some REALLY good Pina Colavas!!!

hehehehehe

(I guess we all have our (selfish?) reasons for liking hotels!!) heheheheh

 

[mechurchlady]

I remember way back when the Contemporary did not have disabled access to the monorail but the Poly did.

http://train.spottingworld.com/Walt_Disney_World_Monorail_System

 

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

A PP stated that even now, getting around the contemporary is difficult at best, due to the elevator situation. (and I noticed that EVERY time I have ridden the monorail into the contemporaty, the line is very long, and the W/C access seems to be harder)

 

[mechurchlady]

The Poly had access way back in the 1990's but the Contemporary was an added on elevator that was only added to meet the needs of guests. They did not put in a large sized elevator but just a tiny one that from what one person said on another site was too small for some ECVs. The Poly has the monorail station situated so that guests cross a bridge from the main building and the Contemporary on the other hand until recently had no access for stroller or wheelchairs to the monorail. It is something sad that after the ADA and years of serving guest that it took them so long

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Nalla, I don't know about hotels but rides are like this as well. For instance, Peter Pan is not very accessible. Due to the ride design we cannot stop the ride to all you to transfer so you must be able to take a few steps. The ADA requires that lines be fully accessible as well. The way it was explained to me is that this is true of any new ride or any ride that goes through a major refurbishment.

My parents and I love the Poly. My mom doesn't use a wheelchair but has had some mobility issues related ot arthritis. The elevators for guests seem to be well placed. I can't tell you about the accessible rooms. I would talk to your manager. They should be able to give you the low down and recommend if it is a good place or not. Out of curiosity, where do you work? My first CP I had a roommate who was a seater at Kona. When I was in entertainment I was in Ohana a lot. Some of the staff there may remember when Mickey lost his pants in the middle of the dining room.

 

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Nalla, I don't know about hotels but rides are like this as well. For instance, Peter Pan is not very accessible. Due to the ride design we cannot stop the ride to all you to transfer so you must be able to take a few steps. The ADA requires that lines be fully accessible as well. The way it was explained to me is that this is true of any new ride or any ride that goes through a major refurbishment.

My parents and I love the Poly. My mom doesn't use a wheelchair but has had some mobility issues related ot arthritis. The elevators for guests seem to be well placed. I can't tell you about the accessible rooms. I would talk to your manager. They should be able to give you the low down and recommend if it is a good place or not. Out of curiosity, where do you work? My first CP I had a roommate who was a seater at Kona. When I was in entertainment I was in Ohana a lot. Some of the staff there may remember when Mickey lost his pants in the middle of the dining room.

Oh My!!!! poor Mickey!!!

The accessable rooms in the long house that I stay in are usually near the elevators (and thus have a bit more room to manuver a w/c)

Actually a pretty good set up. One year DW thought we were going to need one when she broke her foot and had to use a cane to hobble around on a walking cast, but as it turned out (luck? bad luck?) we had to cancel because of work related assignments for me.

Which brings me back to the other thing good about the Poly. Ohana dining and of course, Tonga toast at the Kona cafe!!!! Mmmmmmmm!!!