Companion Restroom - How Do You Handle This?

[SDSorority]

Hi everyone! During our next trip to the world, my husband will be dealing with managing an "invisible illness" (aka Crohn's Disease). He gets bad anxiety when it comes to needing to use the restroom in public, so I suggested to him that maybe the Companion Restrooms could be an option. I printed off the locations from All Ears to keep with me, but here's my main question...

I know I shouldn't care, and neither should DH, but how do you handle the looks and judgy-ness of guests when they make comments or look at you like "why are you taking up this restroom when you clearly don't need it"? It's totally a mental game, and maybe people won't care, but I have just heard horror stories about other guests getting ridiculed and embarrassed because they don't LOOK like they need special accommodations. Our anxiety is high enough as it is, I don't want this to add to it.

TIA!!

 

[lanejudy]

Unfortunately, the best advice is to grow a thick skin and ignore others. Most people probably won't care or even notice, but there are times you run into a sourpuss.

However, I will caution you... if your DH has an urgent need, there can be a wait at the companion restrooms. He may get to a stall quicker at the regular restrooms. I'd make sure you know where any restroom is located closest to where you are in the parks. The companion restroom will be good if he needs to change an ostomy bag or something because there is a private sink and more privacy.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[gap2368]

You could also stand or sit out side and let people know that someone is in there and it may be a while. I find most people in the restroom to busy to notice how long someone is in there for so if it is just he needs more time then he can use anyone ( I am not saying for you not to use the companion restroom ) I would use what ever restroom you feel you need and if someone says something just tell them well some disabilities are invisible this will let people know he has a disability and he not have to share what it is.

 

[I Love Pluto]

I thought that Companion rest rooms were for a disabled individual who needs help in the bathroom itself. But - I have seen single users - no one with them.

But - I have noticed a great number of Moms or Dads using them who have children of both genders with them. It does make sense, although there is no disability involved.

So - I would go with the fact that your hubby does have a disability for which he needs a quiet place to empty himself. His needs are not fulfilled in the regular bathroom. He does not have to answer to anyone. He is definitely entitled to use the quieter room.

People have no right to question him. Tell him I gave him permission to use it!!!! There - now he has special permission to use the Companion rest room!!! Lol

 

[Mrsjvb]

I do not need 'help' to go but I use them anyway. it is far easier for me to navigate the WC through one door with little to no turning, dodging other people or other impediments.

quiet is irrelevant.

they are NOT restricted use restrooms.. not just for disabled, not just for parents taking an opposite gender child, not for diaper changing. they are public use restrooms for ANYONE to use.

interestingly enough, unlike Lane Judy I have NEVER had to wait to gain entrance to a companion RR. I think most people just don't realize they are there, although I have gotten a few impolite pounds on the door telling me to hurry up as they need to change their toddler's diaper. about half have the grace to look embarrassed when I propel myself out the door eventually.

 

[momimouse27]

I agree with the comment about having to grow a thick skin. My ASD 13 yr old son, depending on what kind of day he's having, could look like any other kid, but sometimes he needs help and I don't trust him in WDW with a bunch of strange men in the restroom.

Sometimes we have the opposite issue. If we aren't near a companion restroom, there have been times I've had to take him with me. When he was little, it wasn't a big deal. Now, I almost am scared to attempt it, and it's difficult to know what to do. If we have an emergency, I grit my teeth and do it. I know someone is going to go off on me at some point.

 

[SDSorority]

I thought that Companion rest rooms were for a disabled individual who needs help in the bathroom itself. But - I have seen single users - no one with them.

But - I have noticed a great number of Moms or Dads using them who have children of both genders with them. It does make sense, although there is no disability involved.

So - I would go with the fact that your hubby does have a disability for which he needs a quiet place to empty himself. His needs are not fulfilled in the regular bathroom. He does not have to answer to anyone. He is definitely entitled to use the quieter room.

People have no right to question him. Tell him I gave him permission to use it!!!! There - now he has special permission to use the Companion rest room!!! Lol

 

[HarleenQ]

I think the people that are rude enough and bold enough to say anything are few and far between. Enjoy your trip!

 

[powellrj]

interestingly enough, unlike Lane Judy I have NEVER had to wait to gain entrance to a companion RR. I think most people just don't realize they are there, although I have gotten a few impolite pounds on the door telling me to hurry up as they need to change their toddler's diaper. about half have the grace to look embarrassed when I propel myself out the door eventually.

Consider yourself very lucky. I have had to wait almost everytime I need to use one, and I don't get out much.

 

[SueM in MN]

I need to use the Companion Restroom with my daughter. She is in a wheelchair and needs to be catheterized.
If the ladies room is not busy and if it has a large handicapped stall with a sink, I might be able to use it. But, not all ladies rooms have that and her other issues make using a busy or noisy room busy.

At least half the time we have to wait, and waits of 10-15 minutes are not uncommon. Many people with disabilities need that much or more time to use the bathroom.
Many families without disabilities are bringing several children into the bathroom (which may be why they have chosen to use the Companion Restroom).
That takes time, so no matter who is using the restroom, plan that you may have a wait of 10-15 minutes or longer.

We do have people knocking on the door and/or trying the door most of the time when using the Companion Restroom. So, he does need to be prepared that might happen - don't get flustered, just do what you need to do.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

how do you handle the looks and judgy-ness of guests

Ignoring them works the best.

 

[KPeveler]

I use a wheelchair and there have been times I have used the Companion Restroom when the regular accessible stall was occupied and I was in a big hurry - I figured that even if it was full, I could always go back to the regular restroom. I did not have anyone in there with me - I just needed to go *right now*!!!

I have grown used to ignoring stupid/rude comments from others. There are many many reasons someone may need that stall that I may not be aware of, or are not visible. I figure it is not my business and I don't let rude people ruin my day.

In fact, I kinda pity them... they are in the happiest place on earth and all they seem to care about is where/when/how/if I go potty!

 

[married2mm]

I need to use the Companion Restroom with my daughter. She is in a wheelchair and needs to be catheterized.
If the ladies room is not busy and if it has a large handicapped stall, I might be able to use it. But, not all ladies rooms have that and her other issues make using a busy or noisy room busy.

At least half the time we have to wait, and waits of 10-15 minutes are not uncommon. Many people with disabilities need that much or more time to use the bathroom.
Many families without disabilities are bringing several children into the bathroom (which may be why they have chosen to use the Companion Restroom).
That takes time, so no matter who is using the restroom, plan that you may have a wait of 10-15 minutes or longer.

We do have people knocking on the door and/or trying the door most of the time when using the Companion Restroom. So, he does need to be prepared that might happen - don't get flustered, just do what you need to do.

I'm in the uk and they're not referred to as companion bathrooms here-however I rely like that title for the bathroom when we're on vacation.
We've had to wait several times for the companion room..
As you say; it's not always ideal inside the 'regular restrooms'

Anyhow-just yesterday I was in our city centre and I counted no less than 7 knocks/trying the handle of the bathroom...
The whole red occupied sign and the fact the door is not opening-maybe a clue it's busy; or perhaps not?!
A thick skin is most definitely required & it's your business & no-one else's.

On a funny side note-my dh once accompanied me & he's a wonderful patient man-
However; he could take no further interruptions and when we left the restroom he stated what a magical time we'd had in there!!!

 

[ElyseInWonderland]

First of all, I hope you both have a magical and fantastic trip! WDW can be a wonderful experience for guests with a wide range of disabilities, illnesses, etc. and I know you both will have a wonderful time.

One thing that helps me when I'm feeling self-conscious in the restroom (I have IBS) is putting my headphones in while I'm in there. It REALLY helps! It was a total game-changer for me; as I'm sure you're well aware, anxiety just makes everything worse, and music is relaxing. A companion or single-occupancy restroom is the ideal situation, but if that's not an option because of the line, consider some headphones for while you're handling business.

And ignore all those judgy judgers who don't understand the concept of a "non-apparent disability"-- why people care SO MUCH about who is in what bathroom and why, I will never comprehend!

Have a wonderful time!

 

[PatMcDuck]

Just to agree with others, the wait at the companion rest rooms can be long. I use them, I travel often with just me and my 26 year old handicapped son. And on occasion, he has a complete blowout disaster, and we will tie up that room 15 minutes or more. Clothing being changed, the whole 9 yards.

But you absolutely have every "right" to use it. Yes, I get slightly,very slightly annoyed when I see people use it to change a diaper, or just for no obvious reason (one time it was a family of 4 that exited, mom, dad, son, daughter. But who knows, there could have been some circumstance that made that work best for them).

It is funny, when we find one that is empty, no line, I would always say "SWEET" out loud to my son...... after a couple days, he would ALSO say "Sweet ,Sweet!" each time we entered one of the companion rest rooms. He is basically non verbal, so it is always cool to hear him pick up a new word (he is 26 years old).

 

[maxiesmom]

Hi everyone! During our next trip to the world, my husband will be dealing with managing an "invisible illness" (aka Crohn's Disease). He gets bad anxiety when it comes to needing to use the restroom in public, so I suggested to him that maybe the Companion Restrooms could be an option. I printed off the locations from All Ears to keep with me, but here's my main question...

I know I shouldn't care, and neither should DH, but how do you handle the looks and judgy-ness of guests when they make comments or look at you like "why are you taking up this restroom when you clearly don't need it"? It's totally a mental game, and maybe people won't care, but I have just heard horror stories about other guests getting ridiculed and embarrassed because they don't LOOK like they need special accommodations. Our anxiety is high enough as it is, I don't want this to add to it.

TIA!!

Are you sure he wouldn't be even more stressed by people trying the door while he was using the facilities? I have IBS that flares up when I am at WDW, and one of the things I like about their restrooms is they are so busy that no one notices how long you have been in a stall. And the restrooms are almost always noisy. For me it would be more stressful to be in a companion restroom with people banging on the door or trying the handle while I am in there.

 

[gap2368]

Are you sure he wouldn't be even more stressed by people trying the door while he was using the facilities? I have IBS that flares up when I am at WDW, and one of the things I like about their restrooms is they are so busy that no one notices how long you have been in a stall. And the restrooms are almost always noisy. For me it would be more stressful to be in a companion restroom with people banging on the door or trying the handle while I am in there.

I ould not agree with this more. I have problems going to the bathroom around other people ( peeing is fine if you get what I am saying) I had to come home yesterday after I could not go. but at disney I have have no problems at all the doors do not leave any gaps in them ( this is helpful to me problem not you ) and as the PP said people are too busy to notice there are quite a few stalls so it is not like there are just 2 or 3 ( where you would notice) If I have to go and I know it will take a few minutes I try to find one in the back. and the door are so if no one is in them they are opened some so you know if someone is in them and you do not have to wait ( the only time someone may notice is if you use the handicap stall. I will say it is up to you what you use ( or whom ever need are ) what they use I look perfectly fine and there are times even with my ear protectors on I can not stand the sound of the flushing or the amount of people in one space so then I will use the canpaionin restroom I hope we have given you/ when ever need this some great advice and that you/all have a great trip.

 

[Nanajo1]

After what seemed to me a long wait for the companion rest room I did knock on the door. I was concerned the user might need help. How long is it appropriate to wait. I once was trapped in a companion rest room when my legs spasmed and I couldn't get back to my chair. I would have appreciated a knock!

 

[SueM in MN]

After what seemed to me a long wait for the companion rest room I did knock on the door. I was concerned the user might need help. How long is it appropriate to wait. I once was trapped in a companion rest room when my legs spasmed and I couldn't get back to my chair. I would have appreciated a knock!

Our experience is that knocking often starts after only 1-2 minutes after we have gone into the Companion Restroom.
We've had as many as 10-15 knocks during the time we are in there. When someone knocks, I do usually go to the door and say loudly, "I am in here with a disabled person. We will probably be in here x more minutes."
Most make no comment or are very nice and thank me or say they are sorry they bothered us.
Some don't realize that I can hear them through the door and make comments to their companions, like "I don't know why she's not using the stall in the restroom instead of this family one......that's ridiculous - 10 minutes to use the restroom? ......What is she doing that takes that long?.....That's way too long. I'm going to keep knocking until she comes out."
Those are the minority, but you need to be aware it could happen; it usually does to us at least once per trip.

 

[seashoreCM]

(snip) room I did knock on the door. I was concerned the user might need help. How long is it appropriate to wait. I once was trapped in a companion rest room when my legs spasmed and I couldn't get back to my chair. I would have appreciated a knock!

Don't look now but someone knocking on the door could not get in to help you. You would need to be able to unlock the door, or to call for help using your cell phone.