Companion/Family Restrooms

[TapCat]

Are companion/family restrooms marked on the part maps?
Thanks.

 

[disney_me]

Not sure, but most family/companion restrooms are next to the regular bathrooms.

 

[Mumbling Jumba]

I have everyone of the maps, just checked them and they are not marked for companion restrooms, they are however marked for the regular ones... Sorry.

 

[HopperFan]

All of the Companion-Assisted bathrooms are listed in the Guide for Guests with Disabilities brochures. There is a different brochure for each park.

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

All of the Companion-Assisted bathrooms are listed in the Guide for Guests with Disabilities brochures. There is a different brochure for each park.

This is because the companion bathrooms are not intended for non-disabled park guests. For instance, I've seen people try to take small children in there just because there is more space, etc. I've also seen custodians directing those people away from the companion bathrooms, as they are intended for those with disabilities, not simply families that want a larger space.

NED

 

[timandlesley]

I never noticed them on the maps but in MGM they seemed to be in both restroom areas (one by Sounds Dangerous) and the other back by the food area near the backlot tour, they were right out front, we LOVED these. A family that pees together stays together : )


Lesley

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

I never noticed them on the maps but in MGM they seemed to be in both restroom areas (one by Sounds Dangerous) and the other back by the food area near the backlot tour, they were right out front, we LOVED these. A family that pees together stays together : )


Lesley

Unfortunately, they are not for families that want to "pee together".

They are for disabled guests who cannot use the restrooms without a companion.

They are akin to Handicapped Parking spaces. Yes, it may be empty, but the harm in using it for purposes other than it is intended is that people that truly need to use that room may not be able to while a non-disabled family casually takes turns going/washing/etc. They are there to be available to people that don't have a choice but to use them.

If everyone "peed together", then the people that truly need them wouldn't be able to get them, just like parking in a handicapped parking space because no one is using it wouldn't work either.

I'm sure this isn't what you intended, but it's just something to keep in mind on your next trip. Those companion restrooms are rare to find and for people that need them, they need to be available.

NED

 

[welovedis]

Those companion restrooms are rare to find and for people that need them, they need to be available.

NED

Thanks for posting this, because when they are not available and are needed by those who absolutely have to use them, then it becomes a disaster.

 

[HopperFan]

This is because the companion bathrooms are not intended for non-disabled park guests. For instance, I've seen people try to take small children in there just because there is more space, etc. I've also seen custodians directing those people away from the companion bathrooms, as they are intended for those with disabilities, not simply families that want a larger space.

NED

I absolutely agree with you, as the parent of a disabled adult of the opposite sex I had use them this trip since my DH was not with us.

My response was to make a brief explanation that I thought was a subtle way to say they are not family restrooms but companion-assisted, and they are listed in a disabled brochure - hence they are for the disabled.

I will say on my DS and I's week trip we only had two situations. Once in MGM a Mom and young very physically able daughter who left ahead of Mom had one tied up awhile and came out to see us and looked sheepish, and worse was the one in the lobby of CRT - everyone waiting for photos thought it was for them, we waited forever, each time the folks would stare at us, they go on in anyway, as we stood and waited a long time. Fortunately we made it in time.

I will say that I do not mind if a very young girl is taken in with a solo traveling father. I do not believe young girls who can not go into the women's alone should go into the men's bathrooms.

 

[timandlesley]

I honestly wasn't aware of that since they are marked companion restrooms I figured it was for families. When we are traveling and my husband is off getting fast passes and I have to use the restroom, have a stroller and two little ones, those never have lines so we run in and use them together quickly and are on our way, now I won't do that anymore, didn't realize. Thanks.

Lesley

 

[InstImpres]

I will say that I do not mind if a very young girl is taken in with a solo traveling father. I do not believe young girls who can not go into the women's alone should go into the men's bathrooms.

It is my understanding that this is one of the purposes of "companion" restrooms & I am thrilled as my X used to think DD in the mens room or by herself at age 5 in the ladies room is ok

 

[princesspwrhr]

Out of curiosity - how are the restrooms themselves marked at Disney? Not in the brochure but on the door. I know I've used them -solo with a double stroller and a 7 yo all gilrs and all at once - but I don't remember paying attention to how the door is marked.

The reason I ask is becuase here where we live and where we just moved from they are all marked as Family restrooms, not companion restrooms. There is indeed a distiction between the verbage, but honestly being used to seeing that sort of restroom marked 'family' I never paid attention to if the sign was different at Disney.

Fortunately we don't go during high crowds, but a good many of the restrooms at Disney don't accomidate a double stroller well and wrangling 2 'free' toddlers (2&3) in a public restroom is a stressful occupation. My only other choice is to leave my toddlers outside of the stall blocking the walkway where I can't see them and then take them in one at a time or use the handicap stall for all 4 of us. I don't like either option so I love the 'family' restrooms.

Another 2-3 years and the little ones can stand and wait like big sis and hopefully give me more notice then 'mommy pee pee NOW' and I'll be able to go back to regular restrooms, but for now 'family' is the only way I stay sane when making the potty stops. Now, if the restrooms and doors themselves are marked 'companion' that's different. (but you can bet my dh would use it if he ws left alone with the 'NOW' command and I was no where near)

 

[Simba's Mom]

The only one I know of is at Morocco, in Epcot. But there's gotta be more than just that one!

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

The reason I ask is becuase here where we live and where we just moved from they are all marked as Family restrooms, not companion restrooms. There is indeed a distiction between the verbage, but honestly being used to seeing that sort of restroom marked 'family' I never paid attention to if the sign was different at Disney.

There are no "family" restrooms at Disney. They are companion bathrooms. And contrary to what someone said above, they are not intended for daddies and daughters/etc (i've actually seen them turned away by viligant CM's). If one thought that through all they way, you'd realize that if this was the case, they would have many more of them, and pretty much everyone can come up with an excuse as to why they'd use them.

The few that exist are designated with both the companion restroom and/or the handicapped logo.

I'm sure it feels awfully convenient for you, but I cannot tell you how heartbreaking it is to have to take someone who is disabled out of the park and have to go back to the resort because they couldn't get to the bathroom in time because a "family" was in the designated Companion Restroom, washing hands, talking, etc.

I have actively seen Disney CM's correcting people as to this. There is a reason they are only listed in the handicapped guidebooks.

It's the same as saying, "Oh, I'll just park in this handicapped space at the grocery store, there aren't any crippled people here". It's incredibly inconsiderate. You may be incovenienced by using a regular bathroom like every other guest, but a companion restroom can be the difference between someone being able to stay at WDW or not.

I'm pretty passionate about this, because I was disgusted at the number of people I saw doing this in my last trip. I was especially incensed at this one woman who choose the only handicapped stall in one of the normal bathrooms, when there were ten empty regular stalls, and she admitted she "just likes more space". All this while my niece is about to pee her pants because she can't "choose" to want more space, she MUST have it or she can't go to the bathroom.

I know it's easy to think, "Oh, what harm is it for me to do this..." Well, it could cost someone their day at the parks, humiliate them, and if everyone did it no one would be able to use them.

NED

 

[mickeystoontown]

Hi there, The companion bathrooms are generally located right beside the regular bathroom facilities. They are large enough to accomodate two persons and a wheelchair plus a little more room. They are perfect for the family who have children in strollers too! Hope this helps, Lisa

 

[mom22boys]

I honestly wasn't aware of that since they are marked companion restrooms I figured it was for families.

The reason I ask is becuase here where we live and where we just moved from they are all marked as Family restrooms, not companion restrooms. There is indeed a distiction between the verbage, but honestly being used to seeing that sort of restroom marked 'family' I never paid attention to if the sign was different at Disney.

I can soo easily see the confusion. We have so many famliy restrooms around here and I think they are great! NED, thank you for clarifying. I am afraid I could have honestly made the mistake too. Just like I would NEVER park in a handicapped parking space, I would never intentionally use a restroom intended for guests who are disabled. Thanks for sharing the knowledge.

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

They are perfect for the family who have children in strollers too!

I can soo easily see the confusion. We have so many famliy restrooms around here and I think they are great! NED, thank you for clarifying. I am afraid I could have honestly made the mistake too. Just like I would NEVER park in a handicapped parking space, I would never intentionally use a restroom intended for guests who are disabled. Thanks for sharing the knowledge.

Yes, I can too see the confusion. I know I am a bit passionate about this topic, but I explained why on the last page.

The probelm is, there are SO few of these at Disney. For instance, off the top of my head I can only think of one at MK (Splash). I believe they mark the one at First Aid as one, but we found that one as cramped as a regular bathroom stall. Epcot has a couple. MGM has a couple. There are only a small handful in each park, and when there is one it's usually only one, maximum two.

I don't begrudge people with strollers, etc. going to the bathroom, LOL, but until Disney wakes up and makes more of them, it really is a concern for all the disabled guests who visit WDW. I'm just glad that I've been able to open up a few eyes! I have seen Disney step up enforcement, which did make me feel a bit better.

NED

 

[Cheshire Figment]

They all have a handicap-accessability icon next to the door. They are only marked on maps in the Guidebook for Guests With Disabilities. The only exceptions to this are the water parks which have a free-standing companion restroom outside the entrance gates.

 

[shellybaxter]

NED,

I see your point, completly understand it and think its valid. However, this is an issue (one of many) where Disney gives out conflicting information. A while back I had a concern with mothers bringing older boys into the women's restroom (I'm talking 12 year olds not 6 year olds). I personaly am uncomfortable with this practice so I emailed Disney to ask what there policy was on this situation. I got a call back from customer service.

They said they understood my concerns and hoped that their guests would be considerate of each other and not put people in uncomfortable positions, however, CMs would not tell a guest that they couldn't bring their child into a restroom. The lady went on to suggest that in situations like this the "family" restrooms should be used. I told her I was under the impression that those restrooms were from disabled access and she said they could be used by anyone, just like the larger stalls in the regular restrooms.

I'm not sure likening companion restrooms to handicap parking is a fair comparison. The parking spaces are governed by law and restrooms are not.

I think that we should all be considerate of one and other. Those who need the companion restrooms should have there use. Families with strollers should be allowed to easily use the restroom. Grown women shouldn't have to feel uncomfortable in the restroom because older boys are in there. Decency and common sense can not be legisilated by Disney or anyone else. We all need to choose to use them on our own.

 

[HopperFan]

Regarding my comment about the DDad and DDaughter, I did prefice by saying that I do not mind. Over 40 years later, I still remember going in the mens room with my father. Nothing inappropriate happened, except getting to see human parts I didn't need to see at that age. Until Disney does add Family restrooms or removes urinals and provides only stalls in the mens rooms, this is one exception that I think should be made by all.

I am basically the 24/7 caretaker of an adult son who is disabled. I will not permit him to go into the mens room alone, and therefore availability of companion bathrooms dictate everywhere we go. I am very well aware of the importance of their existence and their availability. I don't even use them when I have a male alternative with me. When I went to WDW alone with my DS, I made sure I knew all the locations and planned them into our day, taking him even when he didn't ask just so we would not get into a situation. There seemed to be plenty to me, and spread throughout the parks. In a week I only saw two being used by others.

In all my years at WDW I have never seen a CM tell someone not to use the Companion bathroom, although at CRT they should have because it was rampant. On this trip I even asked a CM where one was located per the guide, and they didn't even know what I was talking about. Yes is says Companion but maybe they should just change it to be purely Handicapped - because companion is a vague term. Those of us that live in the handicapped world know what they mean, most others probably do not.