Toddler size toilets at WDW?

[maigheann]

Do the bathrooms at WDW have short toilet for little kids, or are they all adult size? Tell me also about family restrooms ... are there any? If so, is there generally one available when you need one?

Maggie

 

[IllumFan]

Each theme park has a Baby Care Center with kid-sized toliets and lots of othe amenities.

 

[LuvBaloo]

I generally used the handicap stalls when I had both kids with me. The family ones were harder to find, and often busy.

 

[Schmeck]

Actually, there are no 'family restrooms' designated at WDW, they are 'companion restrooms' and are designed for guests with disabilities whose needs cannot be met by using the standard restrooms. Do others use them? yes.

 

[katyjeka]

We got a childs potty seat at Target for $9.99. It folds flat, and is no bigger than a tv guide. It worked great at WDW, and I now carry it everywhere we go. They do have child sized toilets, but we always found them crowded and our youngest dd is one the these children that has to go NOW!! You still need to lift them up, but at least their not holding on to the sides of the yucky toilet. Janice

 

[SueM in MN]

Actually, there are no 'family restrooms' designated at WDW, they are 'companion restrooms' and are designed for guests with disabilities whose needs cannot be met by using the standard restrooms. Do others use them? yes.

and because they are designed for handicapped access, they have raised seat toilets, which are not the best for children.

 

[jessica52877]

Wow, I never knew the companion restrooms were meant for handicapped specifically. I thought they were for a father to take a daugther, etc, like family restrooms I have seen. So glad I have never used one. Thank you for this tip, I would be so embarrassed to have taken my son in and someone else been waiting for it.

 

[Syrreal]

They aren't specifically for handicapped use but are handicap accessible. These restrooms are for anyone who may need a companion including families (that's why they have changing stations in them as well). I've even had to use them as a single when I was pg.

 

[mommyof2princesses]

They are also great because they have a sink in them. I had a woman problem and needed a private sink and this came in handy.

 

[livndisney]

The companion restrooms are listed in the Disabilities Guide from WDW.

Perhaps the BabyCare centers may be helpful for you. Each park has one. I think the one at MK has a smaller potty. The MK restroom in the Babycare center is also marked as unisex. They also have several changing tables, and nice air conditioned play rooms.

 

[Schmeck]

They aren't specifically for handicapped use but are handicap accessible. These restrooms are for anyone who may need a companion including families (that's why they have changing stations in them as well). I've even had to use them as a single when I was pg.

They have changing stations in them because people with disabilites can have children and change diapers as well.

As I stated in my first post, these are designated companion restrooms, not family restrooms, and are designed to be used for guests that cannot use the standard facilities, even the larger 'handicap' stalls in standard facilities. They were not designed to be changing rooms for princesses, or family restrooms. Do people who do not specifically need to use these few-and-far between use them? Yes, they do. But people need to realize that others are limited to using just these restrooms, and do not have the luxury of a facility with 10-15 stalls.

WDW is a pretty tolerant place, I think. There are young boys with their moms in the ladies' restrooms all the time. I've never seen anyone give anyone else a hard time about it.

 

[Syrreal]

again, anyone who needs a companion, be it for a handicap or otherwise. Just because something is listed as being able to be used by someone with a disability, does not mean that it's the only use.

 

[DisneyKings]

I bought potty toppers to cover the seats when we go next week with our newly potty-trained DD. They are larger than the seat covers available at some public restrooms, have a plastic backing (not flushable) and a little sticky strip to hold in place. It's also a good idea to take post-it notes to put over any automatic flushing potty sensors so it doesn't go off at the wrong time & scare the poor kid! HTH!

 

[Disney1976]

again, anyone who needs a companion, be it for a handicap or otherwise. Just because something is listed as being able to be used by someone with a disability, does not mean that it's the only use.

At the risk of starting a debate (which wasn't the OP's purpose of this thread or the point of my post) I think what Schmek was trying to get across is that many people assume those companion restrooms are "family" bathrooms, but if that were the case, they likely would be identified on the regular park maps, and not just the WDW disability guide. While they can be used for other purposes, they have a specific purpose.

Can other non-disabled people use them? Yes, of course, you aren't going to violate any laws, but I think that as a courtesy to those guests who may only be able to use those companion restrooms (and there are very few per park) if you can use a regular restroom for your needs, you should try to do so.

For instance, many people use them to change their childrens' diapers -but not ALL of the companion restrooms even have changing tables in them, while almost all (if not all) of the regular bathrooms do -including the mens' rooms! Or, there is the baby care center. Others use the companion restrooms to change their children out of wet bathing suits, princess dresses, to brush their teeth in, etc. All of this can easily be done in a regular bathroom. I think someone on this board once posted that they even had to wait for a companion bathroom while a mother breastfed her child...which also seems like an awful choice to feed a baby.

I have seen the lines for the companion bathrooms get backed up, with 3 or 4 parties who clearly have a need for one arrive outside a companion bathroom and be made to wait while a parent changes a diaper, or dresses a child, etc.

Again, nothing wrong with non-disabled parties using the companion restrooms, but keep in mind that while you are using that bathroom, someone who can only use that restroom may be forced to wait for you, and if you can take care of your needs or your family's needs elsewhere, you should consider that first.

 

[SharkyGoddess]

This is not my list, I found it a while ago when we were planning and just dug it back up for you in case you need it. No idea where I even found it now. The best I can remember, the orginal poster said it had been passed around a bit, so hopefully it's still accurate. It's a list of the family/companion bathrooms at Disney.

Animal Kingdom

Discovery Island opposite Flame Tree Barbecue, just before DinoLand USA entrance on the right
Harambe Village in the Mombasa Marketplace
Chester and Hester's Dinosaur Treasures in Dinoland USA
Near Maharajah Jungle Trek on the left before the entrance
Inside Maharajah Jungle Trek to the right as you exit the Bat House
Conservation Station at Rafiki's Planet Watch

DHS

Opposite Star Tours
Right side of Millionaire building on Mickey Avenue
Rock 'N' Roller Coaster
Opposite The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Fantasmic! amphitheater
Right side of Lights, Motors, Action!

Epcot

Spaceship Earth On Left as you face SE
Spaceship Earth on Right as you face SE near Gateway Gifts
Future World West opposite The Land - Photo 1 -- Photo 2
Future World East opposite Test Track
Refreshment Port (right side of World Showcase - before Canada)
Morocco on the right
Germany on the right
Norway opposite the Viking ship

Magic Kingdom

Lower level of Cinderella's Royal Table in the Castle
Pirates of the Caribbean
Near Splash Mountain
To the right of Space Mountain
Mickey's Toontown Fair
Transportation and Ticket Center East Gate

ETA: THE LACK OF BABY CARE CENTER LOCATIONS

There is only ONE per park, except as listed below, making it an inconvenience if you are no where near one.
Baby Care Center Locations

Magic Kingdom® Park:
The Baby Care Center is next to The Crystal Palace restaurant on Main Street, U.S.A.

Epcot:
The Baby Care Center is inside Future World's Odyssey Center.

Disney's Hollywood Studios™:
The Baby Care Center is in the Guest Services Building inside the Main Entrance.

Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park:
The Baby Care Center is behind Creature Comforts in Discovery Island™.

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park:
There is no baby Care Center, but the restrooms do have baby changing stations.

Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park:
There is no baby Care Center, but the restrooms do have baby changing stations.

Downtown Disney® area:
There is no Baby Care Center, but the restrooms do have baby changing stations.

 

[SharkyGoddess]

I bought potty toppers to cover the seats when we go next week with our newly potty-trained DD. They are larger than the seat covers available at some public restrooms, have a plastic backing (not flushable) and a little sticky strip to hold in place. It's also a good idea to take post-it notes to put over any automatic flushing potty sensors so it doesn't go off at the wrong time & scare the poor kid! HTH!

Excellent tip!!!! My youngest DS hates the sound LOL I have started carrying black electrical tape for this reason.

 

[livndisney]

This is not my list, I found it a while ago when we were planning and just dug it back up for you in case you need it. No idea where I even found it now. The best I can remember, the orginal poster said it had been passed around a bit, so hopefully it's still accurate. It's a list of the family/companion bathrooms at Disney.

Animal Kingdom

Discovery Island opposite Flame Tree Barbecue, just before DinoLand USA entrance on the right
Harambe Village in the Mombasa Marketplace
Chester and Hester's Dinosaur Treasures in Dinoland USA
Near Maharajah Jungle Trek on the left before the entrance
Inside Maharajah Jungle Trek to the right as you exit the Bat House
Conservation Station at Rafiki's Planet Watch

DHS

Opposite Star Tours
Right side of Millionaire building on Mickey Avenue
Rock 'N' Roller Coaster
Opposite The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Fantasmic! amphitheater
Right side of Lights, Motors, Action!

Epcot

Spaceship Earth On Left as you face SE
Spaceship Earth on Right as you face SE near Gateway Gifts
Future World West opposite The Land - Photo 1 -- Photo 2
Future World East opposite Test Track
Refreshment Port (right side of World Showcase - before Canada)
Morocco on the right
Germany on the right
Norway opposite the Viking ship

Magic Kingdom

Lower level of Cinderella's Royal Table in the Castle
Pirates of the Caribbean
Near Splash Mountain
To the right of Space Mountain
Mickey's Toontown Fair
Transportation and Ticket Center East Gate

This list is from Disney's Guidebook for Disabilities. It lists the companion restrooms.

Guidebook for Guests With Disabilities

The Guidebook for Guests with Disabilities provides a detailed overview of services and facilities available for Guests with disabilities and is available at Guest Relations locations within all four Parks as well as Guest Services locations at the Walt Disney World® Resorts.

This booklet provides a detailed overview of:

The services and facilities available for Guests with disabilities, including information about parking, restrooms, auxiliary aids, telephones, transportation facilities and specific attraction entrance and boarding procedures.

The many attractions that allow Guests to remain in a wheelchair and those that are transfer accessible.

The locations of companion restrooms available in each theme park.

Companion-assisted restroom facilities are located at all First Aid locations, as well as at:

Magic Kingdom® Park
Lower level of Cinderella's Royal Table
Mickey's Toontown Fair
Next to Space Mountain®
Pirates of the Caribbean
Splash Mountain
Transportation and Ticket Center East Gate

Epcot®
East side of Spaceship Earth
Future World East Block opposite Test Track
Future World West Block opposite The Land
Near the Canada Pavilion
Near the Germany Pavilion
Near the Morocco Pavilion
Near the Norway Pavilion opposite the Viking ship

Disney's Hollywood Studios™
Fantasmic!
Next to Soundstage 3
Opposite Star Tours
Opposite "The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror"
Rock 'N' Roller Coaster® Starring Aerosmith
To the right of the entrance to Lights, Motors, Action!™ Extreme Stunt Show

Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
Asia near Maharajah Jungle Trek
Chester and Hester's Dinosaur Treasures in Dinoland U.S.A.®
Discovery Island opposite Flame Tree Barbecue
Harambe Village in the Mombasa Marketplace
Expedition Everest Area Restrooms
Conservation Station at Rafiki's Planet Watch

As previously stated none of these companion restrooms have small pottys. They are usually higher off the ground to assist the disabled.

 

[SharkyGoddess]

This list is from Disney's Guidebook for Disabilities. It lists the companion restrooms.

As previously stated none of these companion restrooms have small pottys. They are usually higher off the ground to assist the disabled.

I can assure you that is not where I got my information, nor was it mentioned where I was reading. Since I had printed straight from the page.

Furthermore, as the mother (who has a bad back) of a toddler who needs assistance in the restroom, having a higher toilet is an asset to me.

 

[Syrreal]

At the risk of starting a debate (which wasn't the OP's purpose of this thread or the point of my post) I think what Schmek was trying to get across is that many people assume those companion restrooms are "family" bathrooms, but if that were the case, they likely would be identified on the regular park maps, and not just the WDW disability guide. While they can be used for other purposes, they have a specific purpose.

Can other non-disabled people use them? Yes, of course, you aren't going to violate any laws, but I think that as a courtesy to those guests who may only be able to use those companion restrooms (and there are very few per park) if you can use a regular restroom for your needs, you should try to do so.

For instance, many people use them to change their childrens' diapers -but not ALL of the companion restrooms even have changing tables in them, while almost all (if not all) of the regular bathrooms do -including the mens' rooms! Or, there is the baby care center. Others use the companion restrooms to change their children out of wet bathing suits, princess dresses, to brush their teeth in, etc. All of this can easily be done in a regular bathroom. I think someone on this board once posted that they even had to wait for a companion bathroom while a mother breastfed her child...which also seems like an awful choice to feed a baby.

I have seen the lines for the companion bathrooms get backed up, with 3 or 4 parties who clearly have a need for one arrive outside a companion bathroom and be made to wait while a parent changes a diaper, or dresses a child, etc.

Again, nothing wrong with non-disabled parties using the companion restrooms, but keep in mind that while you are using that bathroom, someone who can only use that restroom may be forced to wait for you, and if you can take care of your needs or your family's needs elsewhere, you should consider that first.

I didn't mean to make it sound that the companion restrooms should be treated as a private restroom, just that it isn't purely designated for guests with disabilities, if it were, then it would be specifically listed as such.

In general, I use them when I am alone with my toddler and I need to change him but also need to use the restroom myself. He is quite fond of opening regular restroom doors (not fun when you're in the middle of things) so the added security of an actual lock works wonders on that. If I'm just changing him, I use the regular changing station in the regular bathroom (I even have a picture of one since it was the 1st place he ever turned around- at American Adventure). If I'm with other people that can watch him, I use the regular restroom as well. But if I need to use the companion restroom, I do that too.

 

[KEichman]

It's also a good idea to take post-it notes to put over any automatic flushing potty sensors so it doesn't go off at the wrong time & scare the poor kid! HTH!

WDW was the place that taught me about large stickers being helpful for automatic toilet flushers. Last time we went to WDW with our toddler, we were handed a big Mickey sticker at the ticket window, and the CM recommended we use it to cover the toilet sensors. I had never thought of it before then.