Question about using family/companion restrooms

[Disney1976]

Hello everyone,

Forgive me if I posted this in the wrong section -I wasn't quite sure where to put it. Anyway, my question is about the use of family/companion restrooms. Can these be used by any park guest, should they be unoccupied? Let me explain why I ask.

I am an avid theme park goer and Disney fan who has a sensitive medical condition that requires regular attention. It's a condition that's really only developed (and progressed) in the last 2-3 years, and while that seems like a long time, I admit that I'm still adjusting. Generally, if I am at the parks, I will seek out the companion/family bathrooms to take care of my needs, but I always feel awkward doing so. You see, from the outside, I appear to be a normal, healthy adult, you wouldn't likely be able to tell I have a medical condition if I didn't tell you or you looked very hard. I get around normally and I carry my necessary supplies in a backpack much like other guests. Thus, when I enter these restrooms, I always feel as if people are staring at me, because I'm not in a wheelchair or with a companion. Once, at Downtown Disney, when I was waiting to use the family bathroom near the old guest relations room, I was chastised by a woman who said "that's the bathroom for people with children and changing diapers, and you don't have a child, so you can't use it!" I know I've gotten strange looks from other people going in or out at other times. Because it can also take me awhile to take care of my needs, I've even had people knocking on the door, and one person went so far as to try and get a cast member to unlock the door!
Am I wrong to be using these restrooms? I mean, I don't use the regular bathrooms for a couple reasons. One, the stalls are usually too small for me to do what I need to do, and I want to leave the handicap stall for a person who really needs it. Two, there are too many people coming in and out, and I just feel self-conscious while inside even though I suppose most people really aren't paying attention.

I know I could use the first aid stations, but that seems even more embarrassing, telling a cast member what I need a room for, etc., and again, I think that's meant more for those traveling in parties with those who are severally disabled, while I am not. Like I said, I would consider myself the same as everyone else, just with this condition.

My other question is this -I am probably going to be visiting the parks again soon with a female friend. She's aware of my medical condition and has offered her assistance to me in the parks should I need it, which I am seriously considering, because truth be told, it's a heck of a lot easier to deal with when there's a second pair of hands involved. I just don't want to be seen as two healthy adults, one male, one female walking into a companion restroom and give people the impression that we're doing something we shouldn't be doing, lol! She's just a friend, and she's not my type.
My friend tells me I'm making too big a deal about this, that these bathrooms don't get a lot of use anyway during the day (so there won't be a line of people waiting, in other words) and that if people see us walk in or out, who cares, let them think what they want to think! I on the other hand can see someone misunderstanding and us getting kicked out of the park! Thoughts?

 

[Mermaid_Ariel]

It's such a shame that people have no manners. I think you have every right to use any bathroom (with the exception of the opposite gender room ) as you please! It's not a law or in the "rules", it's just a courtesy thing.

People really should mind their own business!!

 

[shellybaxter]

I have some needs that require more space than is alloted in a regular restroom stall; even a handicap stall is difficult for me. I use the family/companion restroom if one is available. I've been told by Disney that that is what they are for, for people who need more space.

 

[Mickiethepooh]

I have some needs that require more space than is alloted in a regular restroom stall; even a handicap stall is difficult for me. I use the family/companion restroom if one is available. I've been told by Disney that that is what they are for, for people who need more space.

That is exactly why they are there. For people with a medical need and for those that must take an opposite sex child to the bathroom. and diaper changes.

Tell anyone who questions you to mind their own business.

 

[Disney1976]

Hello everyone,

Forgive me if I posted this in the wrong section -I wasn't quite sure where to put it, and the first time I posted, it accidentally ended up in the "year of a million dreams" folder, lol! Anyway, my question is about the use of family/companion restrooms. Can these be used by any park guest, should they be unoccupied? Let me explain why I ask.

I am an avid theme park goer and Disney fan who has a sensitive medical condition that requires regular attention. It's a condition that's really only developed (and progressed) in the last 2-3 years, and while that seems like a long time, I admit that I'm still adjusting. Generally, if I am at the parks, I will seek out the companion/family bathrooms to take care of my needs, but I always feel awkward doing so. You see, from the outside, I appear to be a normal, healthy adult, you wouldn't likely be able to tell I have a medical condition if I didn't tell you or you looked very hard. I get around normally and I carry my necessary supplies in a backpack much like other guests. Thus, when I enter these restrooms, I always feel as if people are staring at me, because I'm not in a wheelchair or with a companion. Once, at Downtown Disney, when I was waiting to use the family bathroom near the old guest relations room, I was chastised by a woman who said "that's the bathroom for people with children and changing diapers, and you don't have a child, so you can't use it!" I know I've gotten strange looks from other people going in or out at other times. Because it can also take me awhile to take care of my needs, I've even had people knocking on the door, and one person went so far as to try and get a cast member to unlock the door!
Am I wrong to be using these restrooms? I mean, I don't use the regular bathrooms for a couple reasons. One, the stalls are usually too small for me to do what I need to do, and I want to leave the handicap stall for a person who really needs it. Two, there are too many people coming in and out, and I just feel self-conscious while inside even though I suppose most people really aren't paying attention.

I know I could use the first aid stations, but that seems even more embarrassing, telling a cast member what I need a room for, etc., and again, I think that's meant more for those traveling in parties with those who are severally disabled, while I am not. Like I said, I would consider myself the same as everyone else, just with this condition.

My other question is this -I am probably going to be visiting the parks again soon with a female friend. She's aware of my medical condition and has offered her assistance to me in the parks should I need it, which I am seriously considering, because truth be told, it's a heck of a lot easier to deal with when there's a second pair of hands involved. I just don't want to be seen as two healthy adults, one male, one female walking into a companion restroom and give people the impression that we're doing something we shouldn't be doing, lol! She's just a friend, and she's not my type.
My friend tells me I'm making too big a deal about this, that these bathrooms don't get a lot of use anyway during the day (so there won't be a line of people waiting, in other words) and that if people see us walk in or out, who cares, let them think what they want to think! I on the other hand can see someone misunderstanding and us getting kicked out of the park! Thoughts?

 

[Mickiethepooh]

The companion restroom is for anyone needing help so you and your friend are ok. They could not throw you out of the park unless they caught you "doing something"
as for using the room it is FOR people who need assistance, extra time or are taking a child of opposite sex to bathroom, or diaper change.
So you certainly can use it and tell anyone to mind their own business.

 

[Stitchfans]

That is exactly why they are there. For people with a medical need and for those that must take an opposite sex child to the bathroom. and diaper changes.

Tell anyone who questions you to mind their own business.

Yes, exactly. It is none of their business. Ignore the trouble makers.

 

[eternaldisneyfan]

You are a person that uses the companion restroom for a valid reason. It is meant for people with disabilities that need a companion (especially of the opposite sex) or the extra space to transfer and people that have special bathroom needs (catheter, colostomy, adult diaper, bowel/bladder problems). It is NOT meant for a mom and multiple small children, naps, changing into costumes, or baby/toddler diaper changes (every restroom has a diaper changing area). Another valid reason for me is a man traveling alone with a girl or bathroom emergencies.

You are totally justified!

 

[sue and co]

That is a totally justifiable reason for using one of these. I also have circumstances which mean whilst I usually use a normal restroom sometimes I need a much bigger space to 'make adjustments' and then I would use one of these as like you I do not really want to explain things to First Aid.

Sue

 

[Camster0307]

I wouldn't give one hoot what anyone else thinks! You know you need to use the companion restroom - that's all that matters! And, I also wouldn't be embarassed to use First Aid either. It would offer you more privacy and certainly the staff there would not judge you. Actually, this may be your better bet. You won't have to worry about people pounding on the door and then shooting you dirty looks when you get out. Their bathrooms are very roomy and you won't have to go into intimate details as to why you need to use it!

 

[OneLittleSpark]

As Camster said, if you want to use the First Aid room, do go ahead. They won't ask you for a detailed explanation of your medical condition. If anyone asks at all, just tell them you need to use their restroom because of medical problems. That said, it can be quite a trek to get to first aid sometimes, so if it's easier for you, use the companion restrooms. You're one of the many people these rooms were designed for, so don't feel in the slightest bit guilty (in fact, they're not really intended as 'family' restrooms at all, other than the situation eternaldisneyfan gave, so they've more reason to feel guilty than you have).

Have a great trip and ignore the idiots!

 

[Ms_Butterfly]

As others said, you're one of the valid ppl who the bathroom was intended for. Go ahead and use it all you need to! And if you get another comment about it being for normal moms and children, tell that person what the bathroom is ACTUALLY for.

I like the companion bathrooms because there's enough space for my service dog (as with the handicapped stalls) and the sink is right there in it so I don't have to move her about plus there is privacy for "going" (and the bonus of not having to hear the, "There's a dog in the bathroom!" comments [although I do chuckle when an amusing child asks his mom if the dog is using the bathroom, too, LOL!]). I can go in a handicapped stall in a group bathroom, but if there's a companion room, I use it instead (even if I have to wait for somebody to finish) because it suits my needs better.

 

[scotlass]

That is exactly why they are there. For people with a medical need and for those that must take an opposite sex child to the bathroom. and diaper changes.

Tell anyone who questions you to mind their own business.

I still take my DS(7) to the restroom with me because i still think he is to young to go by himself(that and because there was a terrifiying incident at our local store in the summer) and i always use the family room.no-one has ever questioned me but if they did i would ask them to mind there own and you should do the same.you abviously suffer enough from your condition so i say dont give it a thought and do what is right for you.

have a great time at The World..........

 

[Marie14625]

I agree that you have a need to use it. I have an anecdote. I rented an ECV, and usually parked it outside the restrooms and walked in. I usually went to the regular rest room, so long as there was a handicapped stall with grab bars, which I happen to need. I walk with a cane when out of the scooter.
Anyway, I was making my way to the handicapped stall, when another, more "able bodied" woman appriached to enter. There were other empty stalls. Another woman (a companion to the first} said "Hey, use another, there is a lady coming who will need that stall". So from that experience I would guess there will also be other guests who will look out for you too.

 

[Disney1976]

Thank you for all your wonderful replies and comments! You've certainly reassured me, and I know I'll feel more comfortable using these companion restrooms in the future and try not to care so much what other people may say or do. As I said, I was just worried because from the outside, I look just like any other guest, with no obvious disability, and so I didn't want to cause problems if I, or I and a companion, should they wish to help me, just strolled on in to one. I know how people think! Unfortunately, too many people think all disabilities or medical issues are visible, when we all not that's not always true.

As an aside, I can understand some parents who have children in diapers using those rooms. Some of the bathrooms which are labeled "companion restrooms" (like the two at Downtown Disney and at least one which I found at Epcot) actually do have changing tables in them, so I think they just assume they all must, and then once they're inside, they figure, "oh well, what the heck" and change their child anyway. I don't mind letting parents with young kids (diapered or not) go in front of me to use those restrooms, provided I don't have an urgent need to address my own medical concerns. I only have a problem when I'm inside and they're banging on the door trying to get in, oblivious to the "occupied" sign on the outside!

 

[TaraPA]

This got me thinking - I am travelling alone with DS7 to WDW next week - and I don't want him using the mens restrooms alone. Are there companion restrooms right along with all of the regular mens/ladies restrooms, or just in designated areas? If so, how are they marked on the maps - I don't see any special designation on the maps from last year. I'm fine taking him the ladies room with me but he may not like that at all. I'm also afraid that I will get stares & comments from other moms in there with school aged daughters, who aren't comfortable with a 7-year old boy in the restroom at the same time.

 

[shellybaxter]

This got me thinking - I am travelling alone with DS7 to WDW next week - and I don't want him using the mens restrooms alone. Are there companion restrooms right along with all of the regular mens/ladies restrooms, or just in designated areas? If so, how are they marked on the maps - I don't see any special designation on the maps from last year. I'm fine taking him the ladies room with me but he may not like that at all. I'm also afraid that I will get stares & comments from other moms in there with school aged daughters, who aren't comfortable with a 7-year old boy in the restroom at the same time.

Please be considerate about taking your son into the ladies room. It is extremely uncomfortable to school aged girls. We went with a family whose daughter was "peeped" on by a boy waiting for his mother. She was very upset. We had to go into each restroom and assure her that no boys were inside for the rest of the trip. I understand a mother wanting to protect her son, but please teach him the appropriate way to act.

Their are companion restrooms next to some by not all of the restrooms in all four parks (not sure about the water parks) and at Down Town Disney. I'm not sure how they are marked on the maps. I would ask guest services for a list of companion restrooms or you could do what I do and just look for them as your tour. I usually don't have too hard of a time finding one. Occationally I do have to use a regular handicap stall, which is difficult

 

[OneLittleSpark]

I only have a problem when I'm inside and they're banging on the door trying to get in, oblivious to the "occupied" sign on the outside!

Hey, some people are idiots, what more can I say?!

 

[disneyfantotheend]

I say whatever restroom works for you is the one you should use. The problem is I am sure you will have to just get used to the stares and comments, because many people just love to look for something to complain about while on vacation. Just do your best to ignore them and have a great trip. I am sure for every one of those complaining, you would find 100's who wouldn't say a word.

 

[SueM in MN]

As an aside, I can understand some parents who have children in diapers using those rooms. Some of the bathrooms which are labeled "companion restrooms" (like the two at Downtown Disney and at least one which I found at Epcot) actually do have changing tables in them, so I think they just assume they all must, and then once they're inside, they figure, "oh well, what the heck" and change their child anyway. I don't mind letting parents with young kids (diapered or not) go in front of me to use those restrooms, provided I don't have an urgent need to address my own medical concerns. I only have a problem when I'm inside and they're banging on the door trying to get in, oblivious to the "occupied" sign on the outside!

Many of them don't have a changing table in them. Since their locations are listed only in the Guidebooks for Guests with Disabilities and they are labeled as Companion Restrooms, the person who told you they were meant for parents and children was absolutely wrong. In addition, they have raised seat toilets and grab bars, which are not very 'child friendly'.
You don't need to feel like you have to let anyone ahead of them just so they can use it for a young child; there are changing tables in every regular restroom, so they have plenty of places they can take a child. There are only 6 or less companion restrooms in each park, not that many to go around for someone who needs the features of the Companion Restrooms.

Also, as others have pointed out, you can go to First Aid. You do need to check in and sign in at the desk. (They have to keep a log of people who use First Aid each day).
"I need to use a bathroom with a sink in the stall" or "I need assistance in the bathroom" is enough. You don't have to get into a lot of detail about why. They may also give you a list of Companion Restrooms; to some people that may feel like they don't want you to use First Aid, but it is to make sure you know the other restrooms are available, since coming back to First Aid all the time is not convenient.

My usual comment about Companion Restrooms being used as Family Restrooms is this:
NOTE: THIS IS NOT AIMED AT THE ORIGINAL POSTER. IT IS WHAT I POST WHEN THESE RESTROOMS ARE DISCUSSED AS FAMILY RESTOOMS AND IS MEANT TO EXPLAIN WHAT A COMPANION RESTROOM IS:

Please keep in mind if you choose to use the Companion Restrooms that there are not that many of them (there are about 6 in each park) and some people don't have the choice of whether to use them or not. At MK, for example, the handicapped stalls in the ladies rooms look large, but are not big enough in most cases to get a wheelchair into the stall and close the door.
They are the only toilet (not the only restroom with many toilets) in some parks that some people with disabilities can use - some examples (I'm sure there are others):

• a mother with an older son who is autistic and is too old to comfortably come into the ladies room with her
• someone who can't walk whose wheelchair doesn't fit into the regular handicapped stalls or doesn't fit into the stall in a way that alows them to transfer (so they can't leave it outside the stall and walk in)
• someone, like my DD, who needs room for a wheelchair and a helper (we don't fit in many of the regular handicapped stalls)
• an older man or woman who has to assist their spouse/SO who has had a stroke or other situation that makes assistance in the restroom necessary
• someone with a colostomy or other need that makes being in a bathroom with a toilet and a sink necessary

If you have other choices, please consider them instead of the Companion Restroom and keep in mind that some people don't have any other choices. I don't personally make any judgements about people coming out because I don't know why they used it and, just like wheelchairs or ECVs, some people have invisible reasons for using it.
All I hope people is using it consider whether they have other options so the room is free for people who don't have any other place they can use.

END OF EXPLANATION

It is very common for people to knock on the door. I don't know if they don't see the 'Occupied' sign or what, but we hardly ever use the room without at least one knock. In most cases, I'm quite sure it is a family, because when I say that I am in with someone with a disability and we will be at least 'x more' minutes, I usually hear something like "Billy, you'll either have to go in with dad or with me since there is someone in the Family Restroom."

So, the person who told the OP not to use the Companion Restroom because it is meant for families is totally wrong and this really does sound like the restroom that best fits the needs of the OP.