Will I get "called out" for using the companion bathroom without a companion?

[disney212]

I have Crohn's and at times need to use the companion bathroom in order to change and do other things that require me to go from the sink back to the stall a few times. I am on immune suppression therapy and recovering from cancer surgery so my doctor advised I use the companion since there won't be as many airborne germs. My husband stands next to the door with my bag and hands me the stuff I need. I have read a few threads were folks call others out for using the companion rooms alone. I am new to Crohn's and this would humiliate me. I would rather not have to use them but sometimes I don't have a choice. I did it 2 times on our last 7 day trip and Guest Services assured me it wasn't an issue. I just don't want to be humiliated since folks can not see my disability. I try to do everything I need to do in our room but sometimes it just isn't possible to get back to the room. If someone where to call me out I am not sure how I would respond or if I would just burst into tears. We normally go off season but this is our first trip during Christmas. I just want to know what to expect.

 

[of2dbeach]

I have read the posts too. I have IBS and I know some times you just need time alone to clean up and whatever. People should mind there own buisness but someone might be unkind. I would either not even say anything or just say something like sorry I had an issue I needed to tend to in private. I am sure others will have other ideas. Me I usually say somethign smart when people stare at my DD19 who has Autism and is holding my hand while walking or in a full tantrum. I say something like Wow Mike thoes girls thought you were Soooo Handsome they couldnt help but stare." but I am bold like that.. Wishing you the best trip

 

[LockShockBarrel]

I think you can never do anything to completely avoid some jerk somewhere saying something, even if it only happens once.

Could someone else in your party maybe walk with you to the companion restroom and enter for a second or 2, then wait outside the door? That might mitigate some questions or defer some of it so that the "fault" (can't think of a better word here) wouldn't fall entirely on you.

Another thought is I know some handicap stalls apparently have sinks in them, not just on the outside. Could you use one of those instead?

 

[jennyjinx3]

OP I feel for you and your nervousness about this issue. my mom has bowel problems, and often times needs some extra space too. I would certainly hope that no one would be s rude as to say something to you. I would not, you never know what issues someone is dealing with.

 

[utterrandomness]

I don't have any experience with this, but, as someone who gets called out for using accessibility accommodations quite frequently (including the accessible bathroom stall, which I use when I need the grab bars to stand up), I hope that people do not feel the need to judge you and accost you. I hope that nothing happens to make you feel embarrassed, and I hope that people remain conscious that not everything is as it seems.

Personally, I have taken to carrying cards explaining why I am accessing accommodations, but it's kind of a passive aggressive move.

 

[Buckimion]

Have to concur with an earlier poster. Some people are going to be jerks even when they should know better. I've run into "my handicap/condition is worse than yours" a few times but don't let it get to me.

 

[justtobeme2]

You will NEVER see these people again. Don't even worry about it, besides you have your companion is helping you through the door. But honestly I don't think anyone will say anything to you. Don't worry about it at all.

 

[LadyLibrarian]

Forgive me for asking this as I'm not at all familiar with Crohn's. But is it possible that your husband could just go with you into the bathroom and stand facing the door? Then he could help you out again and with two people coming out of the the companion room, perhaps that might make it seem (to the uninformed passerby, whom you're concerned about) a more legitimate use of the companion restroom? You could have all the supplies you need (from your husband), you could have another body in the restroom to make it truly a "companion" restroom, and you could still have some semblance of privacy.

I have Celiac Disease and before it was well under control, I would often get strange looks for spending long periods of time in bathrooms where there were (unfortunately) not many stalls and holding up the line. It's awkward, but you just have to accept that you need to do what you need to do.

There have been times when I've been to Disney when I've had a party member in a wheelchair, with their foot in a cast who legitimately can't walk or stand without help, and have been given dirty looks by mothers with strollers who want to fight me over using the "handicapped" restroom. Bottom line: some people will be rude. Just take it in stride and move on.

(One last thought - there are Baby Care Centers in each park with private restrooms - perhaps they would not object to you using their far more private bathrooms if you asked?)

 

[AllyBri]

I cannot imagine anyone saying anything to you. Just use the restroom that you need to use and don't worry about it.
Enjoy your trip.

 

[stackyallred]

First of all, I am sorry that you are dealing with all of this. I hope this trip is a great one!

I say just go into it with the attitude that you DO need it and if people don't understand, then just smile and say I am sorry it wasn't available when you needed it and then move on. Yes, some people may not like it and may try to bring you down but if you are prepared to just make the best of it, then you will be happier overall.

DH and I went to WDW when I was 5 months pregnant. We go every year and I planned the trip for when the weather should have been nice and when I was most likely not going to be dealing with morning sickness anymore. WRONG. There were record high temps and I was so sick the whole trip (my whole pregnancy, actually!). I felt horrible running into the bathroom and getting sick where kids could hear me- I actually heard more than one little girl make a comment about hearing me . From then on, if I saw an unoccupied companion restroom, I would use it and then spray my little travel lysol and hurry to get out (I too, had read on here about people not always being polite about this sort of thing so I was trying to be quick). One time at DTD, a woman and a child who was in a wheel chair were waiting when I came out of the bathroom. I had only been in there maybe 3-5 minutes (you get to be a pro after getting sick so much! ) but she started saying things about how I should be more considerate and there are people who REALLY need those bathrooms. I just said something like, "I'm sorry- I am pregnant and was trying to save others from hearing me get sick. I understand that it must be frustrating having such limited bathrooms." Of course, that isn't what I wanted to say but the woman just sort of looked shocked that I didn't argue and said thanks... Bottom line is, you know why you need the rest room and as long as you are as courteous as can be, you have done all you can. You deserve to enjoy your trip, too!

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Like a PP said, "don't worry you are never going to see these people again". No need to worry about what others might say. So hold your head high and enjoy your vacation.

 

[deegack]

Who cares what other people think. Honestly the only time I even side eye anyone in those bathrooms is when they go in wearing regular clothes and come out decked out like their favorite princess complete with a new hairdo and glitter. I suppose they could be using the restroom as intended and just happen to change clothes but not likely.

 

[snorris49]

Like a PP said, "don't worry you are never going to see these people again". No need to worry about what others might say. So hold your head high and enjoy your vacation.

I can agree with the other posters on here. And I completely understand where you are coming from, as I have Crohn's disease too. Since diagnosed over 3 1/2 years ago, I have learned that sometimes it's just one step at a time. At WDW, I've used both the regular restrooms and the companion ones. I also look for ones off the beaten path that are quiet or less busy (the one behind Journey into Imagination is a good one--very few people realize it's there), sometimes that makes me feel less stress of going to a companion one. I've never had anyone say anything to me about using one, but I'm sure those folks are out there. Normally, I just ignore rude comments but every once in a while, I will say that I have an autoimmune disease. Also, since you are on immunosuppresents, it's a valid reason to use the restrooms with less traffic or companion restrooms because you don't want to risk your health. When I have been on immunosuppresents I've ended up getting sick with H1N1 flu and a whole host of other things, so you can't be too careful.

If you ever need to talk feel free to PM me
Hang in there, and I hope you have a truly magical vacation. Whenever I'm there, I always feel better!

 

[Bete]

Your needs seem legit to me. You have already talked with guest services; so, you know it's okay.

I agree going in with hubby would be the best. I think he might be able to help better that way and you may get done quicker with his help. Of course, this assumes he can handle such affairs. As partners we need to do for each other. I would do this for my mom and I could get toilet paper for her or get the water started so it would be warmer. I would get paper towels, too. I would help clean her, too; we had a diaper bag with adult toiletries in them. Diaper bags make it quite obvious that there is an issue; so, this could make it more obvious to others that you need a companion restroom. Not sure, if you want to carry one around the park all day, but it could help. Even if hubby doesn't help much it's still useful for you to be together. Maybe, you need support in different ways. An extra pair of hands may help you balance yourself, as well. He could lead out after your done; thus, shielding you from whoever is waiting there as you exit.

Also, you can consider the first aid centers in each park which has a handicap accessible restroom. They are smaller than the companion ones, but often time are not in use. I would think there are less people using those facilities; so, this may make you feel more comfortable. I have used them for my mom.

The card idea could help, but I wouldn't do much more than saying you have an invisible disability. You don't have to tell anyone your business. The card might be enough to scoot away without getting any rude comments. Be prepared to rush out if you think there may be an issue with others. You can probably hear if there is any one complaining outside before you exit. Give a listen before stepping out. Let your husband lead out exiting and he can shield you some, as mentioned previously.

If you have a chance to find a companion restroom without a line then by all means use it. I don't know your triggers, but if it affects you shortly after eating, as an example, then try to get yourself on a schedule of sorts; so, you are not desperate about it. Then, you can find less crowded companion restrooms. There are some hidden gems that are less used at the parks; become aware of some of the off beat locations for companion restrooms. Look at the maps real careful about it. I knew someone when I worked with this condition. You could never tell he had a problem this way.

You may want to consider additional supplies while on vacation. There's a super large pad available from a company called Moliform. Do an internet search and see if this would help you in your situation. I would call this preventive measures. Ask your doctor for suggestions, too.

Finally, you don't have to explain yourself to anyone. Your life is not their business. If you have any issues waiting in line for a companion rest room simply get the help of a CM. Let them intervene for you and whoever is causing an issue about it. There are two of you; so, you can certainly stay in line while the other would seek out help this way.

I find Disney World to be one of the best places for anyone with a condition of any kind. Most people are kind and understanding there. The few rotten apples are not worth even thinking about.

 

[ttintagel]

YOU know you have a legitimate need. Shame on anyone who sees you and assumes you don't.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I see single people using companion/family restrooms all the time. It never occurred to me that someone might be offended by this.

These restrooms, as well as handicapped stalls in regular restrooms, may be used by anyone. Are they supposed to stand empty until a "qualified" person wanders by?

OP - do what you need to do and don't worry about what uninformed people think.

 

[Jonell]

My husband uses the companion restrooms when he has to deal with an issue with his ostomy. He's never been called out by anyone about it. There are many different reasons why someone would need that restroom. Go ahead any use if you need it.

 

[SueM in MN]

I need to use the Companion Restooms when I am with my daughter who uses a wheelchair, needs me to lift her in and out of her wheelchair (so some of he other handicapped stalls are too small for me to do this safely). She also has other issues that make the Companion Restroom important for us.

My attitude is that, on boards like this, I ask that people are using the Companion Restroom out of choice realize that some people have no choice and need[i/] to use that restroom. Some people may have a visible need, but some (like yours) may be largely invisible.
There is no way to tell when someone is coming out whether they actually used that restroom because they needed to use it or because they chose to use it, so I would never try to judge or say anything. It is what it is.
I hold the door for them as they come out, if they need it and many hold the door for us. Some of the parents with children feel guilty when they see Someone ith a wheelchair waiting because they did not realize.

Even though my DD has a visible need to use Companion Restrooms, we have gotten flack from using them. Sometimes from people outside the room who are waiting who have pounded on the door, asking what was taking so long. Sometimes as we come out, the person waiting will make a comment.
Almost all the comments have been from people with children in strollers - and many have been unkind- "you have handicapped stalls in the restroom. You people need to use those."
So, you may hear some comments - not often, but not nice. You just have to remember that you know what you need and the people making comments have no clue or regard for your feelings.

In your case, with your husband outside of the room, handing you things, I don't think you would get anyone questioning -or- if they do, your husband will be outside of the door to defuse things.
If you want to use a private restroom where no one will make any comments, i would not go to Baby Care - since you have no child with you, thy would most likely not allow you into their restroom, would not want your husband stnding outside the door and, because you are going over Christmas, it will be very busy in ALL restrooms.
Especially at MK, we usually have to wait in line for the Companion Restrooms. Since that park is visited more by people ith children, there is more competition for use of those restrooms.

First Aid may not be convenient, but you can use the private restroom at First Aid in any park. You do need to check in with the nurse at the front desk, just so they know who is inside First Aid and why. But, you don't need to go into detail - just let them know that you need to use their restroom for a medical need - that should be enough.

Also, if you don't actually need your husband nearby, just need a sink in the handicapped stall, you will find handicapped stalls like that in ladies rooms at AK and the Studio pretty universally. MK and Epcot have been renovating/adding handicapped stalls with sinks, but it's kind of hit and miss.

 

[I Love Pluto]

If you do get a stare or rude comment - (which you should NOT get) - start talking to your "invisible friend" who is with you.

I will guarantee that no one will say anything more to you. Plus - you will get a great laugh out of it all!

If only they could walk a mile in your shoes......

 

[QueenElinor]

I see single people using companion/family restrooms all the time. It never occurred to me that someone might be offended by this.

These restrooms, as well as handicapped stalls in regular restrooms, may be used by anyone. Are they supposed to stand empty until a "qualified" person wanders by?

OP - do what you need to do and don't worry about what uninformed people think.

I think you've got it right, here. Handicapped/companion stalls are for use by anyone, if there isn't a disabled person waiting to use it. I don't know why anyone would fuss over who goes in. For example, if there is a line out the door, it's amazing how many people won't use an unoccupied handicapped stall- but that's misplaced courtesy. Think of the ladies behind you!

It's hard not to worry about what others think, but the OP has enough other worries, this ought to be at the bottom of the list.