Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Sachin! Your trip is coming up so soon -- we are so glad you stopped by with another question.
I completely understand your concern. I was in a similar situation a few years ago when my son was 8. He felt he was too old to come into the ladies' room with me, and I wasn't sure how we were going to handle the restroom situation. In chatting with some of my fellow panelists, many of us have experienced this situation and we came up with a few ideas that worked for us.
You will find quite a few companion restrooms in the theme parks. Any Guest is welcome to use these, and you would be able to have your daughter stay with you. You can zoom in on
this interactive map to find the locations of companion restrooms. During your visit, use the
My Disney Experience mobile app to find the locations of restrooms. Click on the map on the home screen, then use the drop-down menu at the top to select "Restrooms". You can filter by park, and change from map view to list view. Once you have selected a particular location, the app will even give you walking directions.
When I traveled with my son, I took a restroom break whenever he did and gave him strict instructions on where he should stand if he happened to exit the men's room before I came out of the ladies' room. We tried to use restrooms that were a bit off the beaten path and less busy. Along those lines, you'll find restrooms inside most restaurants, including some Quick-Service restaurants. For example,
Columbia Harbour House,
Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café, and
Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe all have restrooms inside. Restrooms in restaurants such as these would be a little less "public" and out of the busier traffic paths.
A couple of times when my son needed to wait for me, I asked a nearby family if they wouldn't mind keeping an eye on him for a minute or two. I'm sure some other parents will understand your situation and be happy to help out; I know I would!
Sachin, if you feel you'd rather take your daughter into the men's room with you, that is perfectly fine as well. My now 16-year-old son assures me that the men's rooms at Walt Disney World are very clean and nice and have plenty of stalls for privacy.
It might also be a good idea to introduce your daughter to a Cast Member and show her how to recognize them by their distinctive name tags. This way if she happens to wander, she will know where to go for help.
Sachin, I know you and your daughter will have the most wonderful time! Please do not hesitate to come back to the Moms Panel again anytime you have questions. We are always happy to help.
Anne Marie