Restrooms

[Rubygoose]

Last year DS was in diapers, but this year he's potty trained but often tells me he needs to "go" with little time to spare. He often insists mommy takes him to the potty, but we're trying to get him used to going with daddy, for this trip specifically, so he won't have to wait in the longer lines for the ladies room. Any suggestions of where some hidden restrooms might be that don't often have long lines? DD loved the little potties in the baby care center, so we'll definately use those ones when we're in that area. Does California adventure have little potties anywhere? (didn't visit their baby care center last year.)

Also, how do people feel about letting toddlers cut in line for the potty? I haven't had to do it before (DD could hold it for days!) but may need to for DS. I was a bit surprised last year when a lady told several people in line (at least 5, including my DD4 and a pregnant lady) that her daughter just couldn't hold it, and escorted her daughter to the front of the line. But she wasn't a toddler... she looked like she was at least 9 years old!

 

[figment_jii]

I don't know if there are any "hidden" restrooms, but I would aim for the bigger ones.
1. Hungry Bear - it's downstairs, below where you order the food and often seems kind of quiet
2. Adventureland/Frontierland - it can be busy, but it's also pretty good size so the line moves fast.
3. Outside of Innoventions - often forgotten/overlooked
4. Hollywood Boulevard - at the end of the street; it's pretty big.
5. Outside the Maingate - there are bathrooms to the left of the turnstiles, near the outside lockers.

I would avoid the one at the end of MS (on the Tomorrowland side), New Orleans Square, and by Carnations (all smallish).

 

[theluckyrabbit]

There are family restrooms in DCA in Cars Land next to Flo's and in Bug's Land. If you search the Parenting in the Parks Forum on another Disney fan board (you should be able to find it through Google), there is a list of all the bathrooms in the parks. Then you can mark them ahead of time on a map, so you'll be comfortable knowing where to take your son in an "emergency".

As for cutting in front of a bathroom line, I think it all depends on the parent's behavior and attitude. Everyone knows that potty emergencies happen (for adults, too, sometimes) and people are willing to be gracious, most of the time. But I've seen a big difference in how this goes over when the accompanying parent is polite and courteous. I've also seen parents just push their kids to the front while ordering them to cut. No "excuse me" or "would it be OK if..." -- that doesn't go over well at all.

 

[lisachrystine]

As for cutting in front of a bathroom line, I think it all depends on the parent's behavior and attitude. Everyone knows that potty emergencies happen (for adults, too, sometimes) and people are willing to be gracious, most of the time. But I've seen a big difference in how this goes over when the accompanying parent is polite and courteous. I've also seen parents just push their kids to the front while ordering them to cut. No "excuse me" or "would it be OK if..." -- that doesn't go over well at all.

This happened to us and it made me so mad My DD2 had waited in the long line (dancing the whole time) and just as we're getting close to the front, this mom pushes her kid (much older than mine) to the next stall that opens, bypassing the whole line.

I also have an almost 5 year old that still has issues knowing when he needs to go and he's one of those that might not be able to hold it through a long line. So, I understand that sometimes there's a need. And, as long as parents are courteous and it's pretty obvious that the child is desperate, I probably wouldn't have a problem. But, as someone pointed out on another thread, adults can have this issue, too, and it's going to be A LOT more embarassing for them than for a toddler if they can't hold it.

So, I would say, have a map so you know where the closest restroom is, and then make sure you stop regularly before it gets to that point. That's how I handle my DS4. I make him try every couple hours (or when I notice a particularly short line). Usually (but not always!) that keeps the emergencies at bay. And, bring extra clothes just in case.

 

[Congo Queen]

There are family restrooms in DCA in Cars Land next to Flo's and in Bug's Land. If you search the Parenting in the Parks Forum on another Disney fan board (you should be able to find it through Google), there is a list of all the bathrooms in the parks. Then you can mark them ahead of time on a map, so you'll be comfortable knowing where to take your son in an "emergency".

As for cutting in front of a bathroom line, I think it all depends on the parent's behavior and attitude. Everyone knows that potty emergencies happen (for adults, too, sometimes) and people are willing to be gracious, most of the time. But I've seen a big difference in how this goes over when the accompanying parent is polite and courteous. I've also seen parents just push their kids to the front while ordering them to cut. No "excuse me" or "would it be OK if..." -- that doesn't go over well at all.

This is all good advice from Lucky Rabbit. One thing to add. There is one typically underutilized and sort of "hidden" potty (in that most people do not know its there) in the waiting area garden at the Tiki Room attraction. The restroom is at the top of the stairs right before you enter the attraction itself. It's not a large restroom, but I v rarely see anyone using it.

I remember well the I-have-to-go-NOW months in potty training for my kids. It didn't last that long thank goodness. My son was terrified at that time of the automatic flush toilets at Disneyland (so loud and unexpected deployment). Automatic flush was worse for him then the HM. He's 15 now, and we all have a good laugh about it every trip to Dland.

 

[PinkBudgie]

If you get to a restroom with a long line you could try saying, "Oh look, this one is full. See all the people? Let's go to Daddy and he can take you to the other one that isn't full." One of two things will happen. He will either back away saying no no no or he will go along to the other. You never know until you try, but it seems worth a try if the line is long. Also, don't ask, just tell him like you expect him to come. Often that gets better results. But, again, depends on the child.

Also, I have to say even during the summer, I rarely run into a long line in the bathroom. The bathrooms near the park entrances tend to be more crowded. I think I only ran into one long line while I was there for a week.

As a teacher to 3 year olds and mom to twin boys, I clearly understand the need for "emergency" line cutting and would have no problem with that situation. But like others said, ask and explain the problem. Generally people like to help. I think the chances of someone saying no in that situation is small because they don't want to look like an idiot to everyone else in line.

Good luck!

 

[mouseymommy]

Here is an interesting fact: A urologist told me that when children are learning to control their bladders, the bladder and spine sends the message that it needs to be emptied NOW. That is why they can go from "fine" to "emergency need to pee" in a split second.

OP, I think the bathroom between FL and BTR is always busy and I have never been there without a wait. The one by Troubadour Tavern is a good one, especially at night.

 

[rosie2283]

My DD 6, suffers from a nervous stomach. So when we surprised them last fall with a trip to DL it took her a good day to settle in. We made friends with every bathroom in the park that first day. When I realized what was happening, I armed myself with a park map and we utilized every restroom we passed. We never passed one without having to "try". Was much easier than getting in line and having that "mom, i gotta go!" moment.

 

[disneychrista]

How about taking the time to take potty breaks BEFORE he says he needs to go. And ask him after every ride, before you get in line for the next. And you could always get him pull-ups "just in case."

 

[lk2500]

I would make him go with your husband. I've only been to DL twice but it was crowded (end of June) and unless I have a very bad memory I don't recall waiting in any long lines to use the mens rooms. He might have to lift him up to use a non kiddy urinal if need be though.

 

[Malcon10t]

How about taking the time to take potty breaks BEFORE he says he needs to go. And ask him after every ride, before you get in line for the next. And you could always get him pull-ups "just in case."

The issue really is when potty training, you can take them like you suggest and they don't go or feel the need to go. It really is a sudden urge with most toddlers. On top of that, many toddlers get what we called "nervous bladder". And putting them in pull ups really can backfire.

I don't mind if someone with a small child needs to use the bathroom and cuts in an emergency. I don't like when parents use it as an excuse to cut. MOST Disneyland bathroom lines rarely take longer than 2-3 mins. They look long, but move fairly quickly. The bathrooms by Autopia are rarely busy.

 

[disneychrista]

The issue really is when potty training, you can take them like you suggest and they don't go or feel the need to go. It really is a sudden urge with most toddlers. On top of that, many toddlers get what we called "nervous bladder". And putting them in pull ups really can backfire..

I'll remember this when my grown/adult children give me grandchildren.

 

[BlueBayou]

The bathroom at Bugsland at DCA always seems to be busy. That has been the longest line for us. The other places I have routinely had to wait are next to the train station (behind POTC) in New Orleans Square and the one near the Materhorn next to Alice in Wonderland.But those two have enough stalls that they seem to move very quickly.

 

[KateDrake]

The bathroom at Bugsland at DCA always seems to be busy. That has been the longest line for us. The other places I have routinely had to wait are next to the train station (behind POTC) in New Orleans Square and the one near the Materhorn next to Alice in Wonderland.But those two have enough stalls that they seem to move very quickly.

I've noticed that that the Bugs Land bathroom seems really crowded, too, even during the off season. Same with that one between Fantasyland and BTMRR. I think it's just because there are so many kids in the area!

DD3 was potty training last year when we went, so I totally understand your situation! She preferred going with me (because she didn't want to go in the boys) but if there was a line, I'd make her go with her dad. We tried to stop every 1.5 hours or so and everyone had to try to use the potty, and it ended up working out pretty well. DD usually doesn't like to try unless she needs to go, but she seemed much more willing to go when the next ride was dependent on giving it a shot. So you may find your DS a bit more willing with that kind of incentive! I was actually really surprised, she made it through the whole trip with no accidents, which is better than she was doing at home at that point! I think taking them before they have to go is key, just because they always seem to get that sudden urge when you are about to get on a ride, etc.

Something else you might want to try is giving him a sticker or something when he tries even if he doesn't need to. I know my DD will do just about anything for a sticker And then just carry an extra set of clothes and some wipes in your stroller, just in case!

 

[Rubygoose]

Great tips, everyone! I'm going to print off a map and circle the bathrooms you have all suggested. As for the pullups, I'm going to bring some along just in case, along with lots of spare clothes.

 

[bumbershoot]

Also, how do people feel about letting toddlers cut in line for the potty?

The thing about lines for bathrooms is that it means *people have to use the bathroom*. A toddler's need might not be any more urgent than someone else's need. And it's going to be a heck of a lot more embarrassing for an adult or much older child to have an accident than it is for the toddler.

While waiting in line with DS, I have gotten many sympathetic looks while DS is talking about having to go, and as I talk to him, but I don't remember having anyone let us go in front of them. After all, they are in line because they have to "go", too.

The bathrooms by Autopia are rarely busy.

Agreed. But the walk up to them can feel like eternity! (though it's amazing how the toy shop just in front of it can make a child forget that they need to go!)



On trip we had to get out of the Jungle Cruise line two times because just as we hit a certain point in it (conveniently right near a gate to get out) DS had to go. We're not the types to work our way back to where we were, so we just gave up on the ride each time it happened. By the time we tried for the third time on the Cruise during that trip, we'd decide that DH would just wait by the gate and let us back in, LOL. It wouldn't be where we would have been, but he would be there, explaining to people what was happening at least. We were desperate to ride! Thankfully the third try was the charm, and he didn't have to exit the line. Whew!

 

[rokstedy]

Agree on avoiding the bugs land bathroom. Holy cow that place is busy!! Also avoid the bathrooms at the exit of Space Mountain, and the ones in Fantasyland by Casey Jr., where there is the transition to the backside of Frontierland. I recommend the bathrooms by autopia that is sort of attached to innoventions and the ones underneath Bear Country along the Rivers of America.

At DCA, skip the ones at the entrance. Now that I think of it, there are a few I've never used there. But the ones at Boardwalk Pizza aren't bad if memory serves. During the day, the ones next to the arcade at the rear of the backlot are pretty good too.

 

[Hoku]

I learned to watch my daughter for signs that she needed to pee. She may not think she needs to pee yet, but when she has trouble standing still it is a certain sign that she has to go, even if she isn't aware of it yet. At that point, I learned not to ask her if she has to go because the answer would be "no" (until it's an emergency). So I would just override her protests, take her to the bathroom, sit her on the toilet, and, behold! Pee! My 2yo daughter never had an accident or emergency for the 5 full days we were at disneyland.

 

[njmeisje]

Mother of two here.....just take them to the restroom regularly, and ask them to try. Oh, they protest, protest, ....I don't hafta....but usually.....when they try....they go. Too often parents value "a ride" over their children's needs.....and this doesn't gain them a FP to the front of the bathroom queue (IMHO).

It'll be fine. We parents have all survived this, you will too.

Have fun!

 

[lisachrystine]

As for the pullups, I'm going to bring some along just in case, along with lots of spare clothes.

Quick comment on the pull ups. When we went to DLR in December, my DD2 was very recently potty trained (as in, we promised her she could meet Tinkerbell if she'd start wearing underwear). What we decided on was to put the pull up on over her underwear. She was still wearing underwear and she'd most definitely feel it if she had an accident, but it limited clean up for me. We told her that sometimes there are long lines and long walks to the potty and we wanted to make sure that she was able to make it. She didn't have an accident the whole time we were there, but it sure was nice knowing when we were waiting in line that I didn't have to worry about accidents.