Is it okay to use a handicapped stall or bathroom at WDW when you're not handicapped?

[WebmasterCorey]

FACEBOOK POLL:
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A DIS Unplugged Podcast listener from Taunton, MA asks:

"I have a question about use of handicap stalls in the bathroom,Is it okay to use the handicap stall if there is a line waiting to use the bathroom and the handicap stall becomes open there is no visible handicap people in line? I was in line last week and the woman in front of me did not want to use that stall, So I did not want to either so it made me think."

What do you say? Okay or not okay?
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[Mrsjvb]

I have no issues. I'd rather the line move faster by ALL available stalls being used. but please, if the next stall that opens is HA and the person (immediately) behind you needs it, be nice and let them take it. it won't be that much longer for the next regular one to open, hopefully.

my only real complaint is when they put the changing tables inside the HA Stalls which can be a PITA when you need to use it and you can't because it is being used to change a poopy diaper.

I should note that on my last trip to the National Zoo , going potty was an exercise in futility. the electronic( push a button outside the stall to open the door) system was DOWN in at least half the rest areas; the family restrooms had lines of strollers 3 and 4 deep and the door ways to get IN to a few others were NOT designed for someone in a chair. (tight corners,etc)

Luckily I was able to hobble my way in and out with minimal issue, but man it was the first time in about 5 years that it was such a widespread problem.

 

[Poohs Pal]

FACEBOOK POLL:
https://www.facebook.com/disunplugged?v=app_126231547426086&app_data={}

A DIS Unplugged Podcast listener from Taunton, MA asks:

"I have a question about use of handicap stalls in the bathroom,Is it okay to use the handicap stall if there is a line waiting to use the bathroom and the handicap stall becomes open there is no visible handicap people in line? I was in line last week and the woman in front of me did not want to use that stall, So I did not want to either so it made me think."

What do you say? Okay or not okay?
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As a mom of a son who has been disabled since age 13 I say yes. If you are next and it is available use it. The handicap person is in line waiting same as you. Now if you see someone handicap maybe one or two behind you and feel you may be in the stall for awhile I would then say offer the handicap person the use of the stall and you wait for the next regular stall. IMO it isn't the same as an able bodied person taking a handicap parking spot.

 

[Skywise]

Yeah. So long as there are no handicapped people waiting to use it I see no problem with it. That's a different scenario then parking in a handicapped space because you're not going to be using the toilet for any extended period of time.

Unless you plan on spending the day in there... or something...

Although maybe it should require a FP+ too...

 

[anonymousegirl]

I agree with the previous posters. It is okay to use it if it is open and no one in line needs that specific stall. Not okay to dawdle, change diapers, or change clothes in it.

 

[sksjasams]

The bathroom stalls are handicapped accessable, not reserved for disabled people like parking spots are. Completely different situtation!

 

[xipotec]

The bathroom stalls are handicapped accessable, not reserved for disabled people like parking spots are. Completely different situtation!

Exactly! Nice post...

 

[Talking Hands]

Perfectly ok but considerate if there is a person needing it please allow them to use it. Sometimes it is difficult to hold it

 

[joanchris]

Definitely ok to use, but it's not a party room, or a changing room.
Our last trip we were waiting for what seemed like forever (I did clock it, I believe it was almost 20 minutes, if I'm remembering correctly). There was nobody in front of us but it was occupied, by a group of people, like 5-6 (this was the separate companion rest room, but I've seen similar in the stalls in the regular rest room). They were making a lot of noise, possibly changing in there, then a few came out, leaving a few still in there, who came out several minutes later. Totally oblivious. THAT was annoying!

 

[alicat8]

I agree with the previous posters. It is okay to use it if it is open and no one in line needs that specific stall. Not okay to dawdle, change diapers, or change clothes in it.

If it's the only stall with a changing station, where do you suggest diapers get changed?

 

[Disneylvr]

My daughter needs complete assistance with using the restroom and she is nearly adult size. We always use the companion restrooms when available and and handicapped stall when not. Sometimes changing her clothes is necessary. It may be annoying to have to wait and wait for the only restroom we can use but like others have pointed out, it isn't a handicapped "only" stall. I do wish there could be restrictions on the family assist restrooms but I don't know how that would be done.

 

[Mrsjvb]

If it's the only stall with a changing station, where do you suggest diapers get changed?

which is why I hate it when that is where they are. they belong elsewhere.

 

[WantToGoNow]

Perfectly fine if its open and theres no one in a chair waiting. I don't remember seeing Disney changing stations inside of the stalls.

 

[alicat8]

which is why I hate it when that is where they are. they belong elsewhere.

I agree. I've never changed diapers at disney, but it's where they are in most public bathrooms.

 

[RobynPrincess]

No I don't think so, but I wouldn't say anything to anyone as many disabilities are hidden. I have had people really have a go at me for using them as I look 'normal' many times reducing me to tears.

 

[SteveMouse]

My perspective: if the stall for the disabled is the last one available, it's ok to use, but if another stall is open, please use it first.

Think of it like a fast food restaurant- do you take a table for 6 when there are only 2 people and there's a table for 2 or 4 available?

Please be right-sized.

 

[Mrsjvb]

Perfectly fine if its open and theres no one in a chair waiting. I don't remember seeing Disney changing stations inside of the stalls.

I am not always in my chair but I still need the HA stall for the higher seat and/or rails. a wheelchair is not the sole prerequisite for need of use of a HA stall...

 

[OurBigTrip]

I am not always in my chair but I still need the HA stall for the higher seat and/or rails. a wheelchair is not the sole prerequisite for need of use of a HA stall...

Very true, but absent a wheelchair, there really isn't any way for anyone to know that someone needs the handicapped stall, unless they step up and say something.

When it's my turn, if the handicapped stall is the next one to open, I use it, unless I see someone in a wheelchair that is waiting. There is no point in keeping it empty while people are lined up.

 

[powellrj]

Very true, but absent a wheelchair, there really isn't any way for anyone to know that someone needs the handicapped stall, unless they step up and say something.

When it's my turn, if the handicapped stall is the next one to open, I use it, unless I see someone in a wheelchair that is waiting. There is no point in keeping it empty while people are lined up.

While on the surface this sounds great, and I am not quoting this to call out this poster at all, BUT everytime this subject comes up on the DIS, EVERYONE always says this, but in actual life, I don't find it to be true. Many times the restroom will be empty and I have had someone cut me off on my way to the handicap stall. Granted I don't use a wheelchair out in public, but I do use a ECV, walker or cane when I am out so its pretty clear where I am headed.

 

[LilyWDW]

If it's the only stall with a changing station, where do you suggest diapers get changed?

I also do not think they should put them in the handicapped stall, but having done design work that includes public restrooms, I sort of understand it. Due to the amount of space one has to work with, often the only place a changing table will fit is in that stall. I do my best as a designer to NOT have to place it there, but honestly sometimes it is impossible. The laws and regulations for these things really makes finding the space difficult.

As for the use of the stall... In my opinion, as long as there is not someone who appears to need it, go ahead and use it. And this is coming from someone who would need to use it but it wouldn't be obvious to others in line atm (sciatic nerve issues so going from standing to sitting and sitting to standing is VERY difficult atm, but I am walking okay). If there are other stalls then please use those first before occupying the handicapped accessible stall.

And for the love of everything, the stall is NOT a changing room! It should not be used to change your little princess into her princess dress and do her hair before your reservation at CRT.