Diaper changing facilities

[TammyC]

I would like to know more about the diaper changing facilities at the parks. Are they the wall-mounted pull down type or more like a counter? Do the have any table covers? So many changing stations have a place for the disposable covers, but NEVER have them. It would be great if I didn't have to pack a blanket or changing pad (I'm trying hard to travel "light"). Also are the changing areas in family restrooms different than the one in regular restrooms? Thanks!

Tammy

 

[WDWDaisy]

The DW & I have never used one of the restrooms to change the DD. We go to the Baby Care Center at each park and they have tables with paper to put down so your baby has somehting clean to lay on. The only one that we found to be small was the one at MGM. The one at the AK was huge, I think 6 - 9 tables for changing. In this area at each of the parks, there is a cast member there to help you if you need any thing. They sell every thing under the sun that you might forget to bring. Each of these Centers has private room for nursing mothers.

I would find out were each one is at and make sure to go there every few hours for changing & feeding.

Good Luck

 

[always dreamin']

Originally posted by TammyC
I would like to know more about the diaper changing facilities at the parks. Are they the wall-mounted pull down type or more like a counter? Do the have any table covers? So many changing stations have a place for the disposable covers, but NEVER have them. It would be great if I didn't have to pack a blanket or changing pad (I'm trying hard to travel "light"). Also are the changing areas in family restrooms different than the one in regular restrooms? Thanks!

Tammy

Are there really family restrooms? I have never seen them! How nice...where are they located?

 

[dcgrumpy]

Most of the restrooms I've used have a counter to change babies on and no covers.

 

[SueM in MN]

Originally posted by always dreamin'
Are there really family restrooms? I have never seen them! How nice...where are they located?

WDW doesn't have family restrooms. They are called Companion restrooms and are not noted on the maps. They are listed in the Guidebooks for Guests with Disabilities. Especially in MK and Epcot, they are the only restrooms that someone who needs to take a wheelchair into the bathroom with them or needs a care assistant can use. (The handicapped stalls in MK and Epcot are seldom large enough to bring a wheelchair into the stall and close the door. In a few where the door will close, the toilet will be touching the wheelchair and there is no room for assistance). Most of the companion restooms have a toilet, a urinal and a sink. Because of the urinal, they usually have a "moth ball" smell from the deoderant they put in there. They have a door to the outside (which people often try to open while I am in with my DD). Some of them have a changing table, but it's the bare stainless steel or tile kind without any covers. (There are some people/children with disabilities who need a changing table). So, I would not really call them nice, but since at MK and Epcot, DD can't get into any of the other stalls, I certainly appreciate them.

 

[njmousefan]

We are just back for WDW last month with our 5 month old ds.

The changing tables in the baby care centers are large sized padded changing tables in MK; Epcot and MGM..in AK, they are regular changing tables you might encounter at home. We used these whenever possible. They have a disposable paper lining that you can or the attendent will change after you finish diapering the little one.

We did see the companion bathrooms, but did not use them as we understood their primary purpose to be for families traveling with a disabled family member. We opted to use the regular bathrooms when we were too far away from the baby care center...MGM one is at the entrance of the park and I didn't want to make him wait til we walked all the way back there.

In the public bathrooms...the changing tables are large, metal..no padding..but I always carried a pad in my diaper bag and a receiving blanket and used them to cover the metal when I needed to. However, they were always clean and my pad and blanket worked well to give a layer of padding and warmth from the metal.

If you can arrange to get to the baby care centers that's the most comfortable and nicest environment, but when in a pinch..the regular bathrooms are fine.

Have a great trip!

 

[akline]

So .. do they really sell diapers, wipes, etc in the baby centers? What are the costs like? Do they sell individual items, or packs? Also, do they have facilities to heat up bottles, etc? Thanks!

 

[always dreamin']

Originally posted by SueM in MN
WDW doesn't have family restrooms. They are called Companion restrooms and are not noted on the maps. They are listed in the Guidebooks for Guests with Disabilities. Especially in MK and Epcot, they are the only restrooms that someone who needs to take a wheelchair into the bathroom with them or needs a care assistant can use. (The handicapped stalls in MK and Epcot are seldom large enough to bring a wheelchair into the stall and close the door. In a few where the door will close, the toilet will be touching the wheelchair and there is no room for assistance). Most of the companion restooms have a toilet, a urinal and a sink. Because of the urinal, they usually have a "moth ball" smell from the deoderant they put in there. They have a door to the outside (which people often try to open while I am in with my DD). Some of them have a changing table, but it's the bare stainless steel or tile kind without any covers. (There are some people/children with disabilities who need a changing table). So, I would not really call them nice, but since at MK and Epcot, DD can't get into any of the other stalls, I certainly appreciate them.

Thank you for clarifying this! I didn't think there were family restrooms. However, I was not aware there were companion restrooms either. How very nice for families with disabilities! I hope people respect the purpose of these restrooms more than they respect the purpose of handicap parking!

 

[SueM in MN]

You're welcome.
The Companion restroom are mostly used by people with disabilities and their assistants, probably mostly because you feel very out in the open. Because they have a door (with a lock) that opens right to the outside, you hear a lot of noise from people going by. That's kind of strange and doesn't feel very private. The urinals are a definite turn-off too unless you are traveling with a male.

 

[disneychick05]

We were in the baby changing station in MK. I was sooooo impressed. I couldn't believe how clean and nice it was. The things they had available for parents with small infants was amazing. I'm sure you will be more than satisfyed with the changing areas.