Family Bathrooms

[*pixie*dust*]

I guess I have never really paid much attention in the past, but now that my son is getting older as a single mom, I have to start thinking about this. Where are the "family" or "companion" restrooms? Are there some in every park? I am a WDW veteran but have not paid attention to this much. My DS is 6 and tall for his age, so I know that I need to start thinking about this. Thanks!

 

[JKMJ441724]

Here's a link to another thread that discusses. It was in the DISabilities section.

Hope it helps.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2769736&highlight=restroom

 

[PatsMom]

Officially Disney does not have "family" restrooms. They have companion restrooms. They are often the only restroom some people can use. So if you use it because you are unwilling to send your son into the men's room, please be as brief as possible.

They are not on the regular guide maps, they are on the guide for those with disabilities.

 

[DisneyFirstTimer10]

Thanks for asking- I was wondering the same thing!

 

[*pixie*dust*]

Officially Disney does not have "family" restrooms. They have companion restrooms. They are often the only restroom some people can use. So if you use it because you are unwilling to send your son into the men's room, please be as brief as possible.

They are not on the regular guide maps, they are on the guide for those with disabilities.

I would never abuse this or even consider doing this unless absolutely necessary. My son is tall for his age and we have a few times had people comment about him going into the ladies room with me. He is a young 6 year old, with social anxiety issues that I could not send into an unfamiliar restroom alone. My intention was not in anyway to start a debate or offend, so please don't think that was my intention. I appreciate your help.

 

[ThreeBeans]

I have a six year old son and I would not dream of sending him into a WDW bathroom by himself, neurotypical or otherwise. It is not in any way abusing the intended purpose of the companion bathrooms to use them as such.

My son is very tall for his age also (4'3"!!!!!!) and I have started getting the stink-eye in women's rooms. For small, private places (like empty restaurants) we have practiced going into the men's room alone while I wait for him, but in a crowded situation like WDW? No way. He's not old enough.

I am fortunate enough to have a male partner, but you are a single mom. You have to use the companion room. No one with any sense would give you grief about it.

 

[MWGreene]

Officially Disney does not have "family" restrooms. They have companion restrooms. They are often the only restroom some people can use. So if you use it because you are unwilling to send your son into the men's room, please be as brief as possible.

They are not on the regular guide maps, they are on the guide for those with disabilities.

So she should send a 6 year old into a men's restroom alone to convienience others? Ridiculous. To me, she has no other option but to use a family restroom in the same way a person with a disability has. My son is 6. And I agree that it is also not appropriate for him to use the women's restroom nor will he go in one anyway.

 

[Karbase8]

Hi,
I would take him in the ladies bathroom with you, if any woman has an issue with this they can go to he double hockey sticks as far as I am concerned. My son is 11 going on 12 I am a single parent also, he refuses to go with me at this age and about 8 or 9 did not want to do so, it's so nerve racking any time he has to go by himself and he is much older. 6 years old there is nothing wrong with bringing him into the ladies room anyone who says otherwise is not someone to listen to. The issue that I had was my son wanted to use the men's room we have a good system in place and I believe I felt very safe in Disney overall last year. But I would just take him with you, I wish Disney would consider family bathrooms as there are so many single parent families now Good Luck!!!!! In the future, what we do is have a meeting place in front of the bathrooms, I remind him a 100 times not to talk to any strangers in the bathroom or if he feels uncomfortable run, but we had no problems at Disney even though I am still very nervous and he is older. And like the previous poster said, use the companion bathrooms I see nothing wrong with this either and don't feel your inconveniencing anyone!!!!!!

 

[MikeandReneePlus5]

The family bathrooms are for a relaxing smoke break when you want to be alone for a few minutes.

 

[maxiesmom]

So she should send a 6 year old into a men's restroom alone to convienience others? Ridiculous. To me, she has no other option but to use a family restroom in the same way a person with a disability has. My son is 6. And I agree that it is also not appropriate for him to use the women's restroom nor will he go in one anyway.

Why do you say that like it is a bad thing, to think of others?

I think it is perfectly fine for you to use the companion restrooms, as long as you keep in mind that they are the only toilet in the park that some guests can use, and there are not many of them. I think 5 stalls in the whole of the Magic Kingdom. Use them for a quick potty break if you need to, but please don't use them if you know it will take a long while. Or as some thoughtless people do, as a place to change clothes, or as a time-out room.

Also, be aware that they are scattered around the parks, and there may not be one nearby when you want to use it. Add to that the fact that they are not listed on the regular park map, and you may have a hard time locating one. It would be wise to come up with a different plan for when the need to "go" strikes your son. You may not make it to the nearest companion restroom, and once you find it, it could very well be occupied.

 

[SueM in MN]

Just FYI, since the Companion Restooms are set up for people with disabilities, they have raised seat toilets. Most do not have a urinal.

Those of us who need to use those bathrooms would also appreciate if you check after your son is done to make sure he left it in 'ready to use' condition.

 

[candielips]

I have always found it so odd that WDW, the most accomodating place for families, have no family bathrooms.
Thankfully, we have one of each, so my DH can go with DS and vice versa.

 

[Millermom0606]

So, I'm curious, what would someone possibly need to be in the restroom longer than they 'need' to for??? We get in, go potty, wash hands, and get out..... its not that hard..... is it???

I've seen grown women leave a bathroom much nastier than a little boy the 'be a sweetie, and wipe the seatie' thing applies to all..... LOL

 

[njmom76]

We have the opposite issue - my husband goes a lot of places alone with our 3 year old daughter (he is a teacher and thus a SAHD in the summer). He has gotten a few looks about taking her in the men's room when there is not a family or convenience restroom available. And this problem is not likely to change as she gets older. I think it is fine to use the convenience rooms as long as your are quick and more than the issue of sending them into the restroom alone with you waiting outside is the issue of them waiting outside while you use the facilities!

In a mall by us, there are family/convenience restrooms that are constantly used by teenagers and people who are too lazy to get in the elevator (next to the restrooms) to go to the next floor to use the women's room. It is really annoying for those who the room is intended for, but I like the fact they consider them multipurpose. Disney should label theirs the same way!

 

[ThreeBeans]

I have always found it so odd that WDW, the most accomodating place for families, have no family bathrooms.
Thankfully, we have one of each, so my DH can go with DS and vice versa.

You are right; I didn't notice when I was there, but that is very, very strange! You'd think there would be family/companion baths everywhere.

We have two boys and one girls, so DH gets the lion's share of bathroom duty when we are out.

I figure that is fair because I pushed them all out of my delicates

 

[maxiesmom]

I have always found it so odd that WDW, the most accomodating place for families, have no family bathrooms.
Thankfully, we have one of each, so my DH can go with DS and vice versa.

WDW was built before family bathrooms became the in thing. I'm not sure where they could put them that wouldn't take away from the normal bathroom space.

I know not everyone feels this way, but if you think your child is too old to go into the opposite sex bathroom then it is time they learn to use the proper one by themselves. I think the ones at Disney are probably the safest to start this at. Much better than the ones at the mall, with all the security and families around.

 

[ThreeBeans]

I don't think a 6 year old is too old to go with his opposite sex parent. But he is so tall that people feel they have the right to make faces or comments. If people would mind their own business it wouldn't be an issue!

 

[MWGreene]

WDW was built before family bathrooms became the in thing. I'm not sure where they could put them that wouldn't take away from the normal bathroom space.

I know not everyone feels this way, but if you think your child is too old to go into the opposite sex bathroom then it is time they learn to use the proper one by themselves. I think the ones at Disney are probably the safest to start this at. Much better than the ones at the mall, with all the security and families around.

Just because it's Disney doesn't make it any safer than anywhere else in the world.

 

[morethananyonex]

WDW was built before family bathrooms became the in thing. I'm not sure where they could put them that wouldn't take away from the normal bathroom space.

I know not everyone feels this way, but if you think your child is too old to go into the opposite sex bathroom then it is time they learn to use the proper one by themselves. I think the ones at Disney are probably the safest to start this at. Much better than the ones at the mall, with all the security and families around.

Otherwise, you can get to the point where you have "children" that are of the age group who are usually going out without their parents, who still are not allowed to go to the bathroom alone.

 

[WantToGoNow]

Most women won't give a 2nd look if you take your 6 y/o little boy with you into the ladies room - it bothers people with they start to be 8-9-11 or older. There are a companion restrooms around the park but not many of them. And yes a single woman with a son or a single father with a daughter is a need for a companion restroom; they are set up for the disabled but they aren't "just" for the disabled.