VWL Question re room assignments & early check-in

[Annie8387]

I have two 2-bedroom suites book in May. We have 8 adults and 4 kids - My mother has Alzheimer's disease and will be with us. It is really important that these two rooms are next to each other. I have put in this request and also mentioned the medical aspect. I realize that they can not guarantee anything.

Does anyone know the layout of the Villas well enough to know if the 2 bedrooms are even available next to each other?

If I use online check-in am I able to pre-assign the rooms I want (I don't ask for much, I know...)

Also, anyone ever traveled to the World with someone with Alzheimer's? My mother's case is "mild" but we will lose her if we don't keep track of her. Any suggestions are quite welcome. Thanks!

 

[Dean]

I have two 2-bedroom suites book in May. We have 8 adults and 4 kids - My mother has Alzheimer's disease and will be with us. It is really important that these two rooms are next to each other. I have put in this request and also mentioned the medical aspect. I realize that they can not guarantee anything.

Does anyone know the layout of the Villas well enough to know if the 2 bedrooms are even available next to each other?

If I use online check-in am I able to pre-assign the rooms I want (I don't ask for much, I know...)

Also, anyone ever traveled to the World with someone with Alzheimer's? My mother's case is "mild" but we will lose her if we don't keep track of her. Any suggestions are quite welcome. Thanks!

I don't know the layout well enough to tell you which rooms to ask for but I do know there is a room by room map out there. All you can do is ask, no way to guarantee their next to each other, close by or even on the same floor. If you've requested it, simply repeat your request and reasons at checkin. Check in fairly early, do not arrive late for such a request. I'm sure it'll work out, they still put effort into such request types.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I think dedicated would be a primary need so there isn't an additional door to the outer corridor from the second bedroom. You may want to install a door alarm of sorts on the villa door where your mother is staying. I know my mother never got any sleep at all with my father because he was always trying to go outside at all hours of the day or night.

A wheelchair may help with your mom to help keep track of her in case she decides to wander. Sometimes the resort will have wheelchairs that you can borrow, but you must leave a credit card for a deposit. They tear up the deposit slip when you return the wheelchair. Otherwise, rent one from a local vendor (check the DISabilities Board for info). Make sure you have an ID bracelet on her in the event that she does wander from you.

My husband is a runner (so is my son) and for Christmas presents I got both of them Road IDs. (roadid.com) You can get one to wear around her neck on a chain or a wrist or ankle type ID. There is room for name, address, telephone number, cell phone.

Online checkin won't reserve a room, just get you through the checkin process faster.

Bless you taking her for this family trip. I hope it goes well.

 

[disneynutz]

I think that Deb meant "Dedicated" not lock-off. Skip the on-line check-in. Contact the DVC Satisfaction Team and ask them what can be done to get your request.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I think that Deb meant "Dedicated" not lock-off. Skip the on-line check-in. Contact the DVC Satisfaction Team and ask them what can be done to get your request.

You are SOOO right. I'll change that.

 

[twinklebug]

Room map: http://www.jeffreyandjennifer.com/wlvillas_map.pdf

As for traveling with your mom... good for you! Enjoy her as much as possible.

Watching a person with Alzheimer's is almost akin to taking care of a toddler, but harder as they know they can do things (but really shouldn't) and they get frustrated with themselves when they can't.

To be respectful, there's only so much you can do to limit her. My only suggestions are to keep her dressed brightly - A nice orange baseball cap will do (make her a Clemson fan for the trip ) and take a photo of her as part of a group every day before heading into a crowded area. This is so you can easily identify her to the CMs who are awesome at finding misplaced people.

Good luck with the room request... explain your reasoning to the CMs you talk to because they might misunderstand that she'll have adults with her in the room all the time. To me it sounds as though you'll be swapping off and need to be close for that reason. It looks like it's possible to get 2 2 bedrooms close, however it will depend on the timing of others checking out.