I Have an Unpopular Opinion About the NEW TOILET TIMERS in Tourist Destinations

I don’t know about you, but when I go to Disney World, I’m always thinking about the bathrooms.

I can’t be alone in this. I know you have your favorite bathrooms at the parks that you, and they’re the only ones you’ll use outside of the one in your hotel room. While we’re on the topic of restrooms, I know we talked about this recently, but have you heard about toilet timers? Well, I’m sorry to have say this, but I have an unpopular opinion when it comes to them and we’ve gotta talk about it!

Okay, so hear me out. Toilet timers might actually be…kind of great? I know, I know, it’s a bold take. The idea of being timed while you’re handling your business sounds like a plot point from some dystopian novel. But let’s step back for a second because if you’ve ever waited in a ridiculously long bathroom line at a tourist destination (say a stadium or theme park), you’ve probably had this thought: “Why does it take some people so long to leave the stall?”

Look, I’m not saying everyone’s guilty of spending too much time scrolling TikTok or solving life’s mysteries in the restroom, but if we’re all being honest, a little gentle nudge to keep things moving “might” not be the worst thing.

Why Toilet Timers Are (Possibly) Brilliant

Let’s rewind to where this all started: the Yungang Buddhist Grottoes in China, where restroom stalls got timers installed to manage the surge of tourists. As controversial as the idea was, it turns out that this wasn’t just about rushing people out. It had two goals:

• • Efficiency – When you’ve got thousands of visitors cycling through, it’s crucial to keep things moving.
  • Safety – If someone has a medical emergency in a stall, the timer can help alert staff to check on them.

It’s that second point that’s kind of hard to argue with. Accidents can happen anywhere, and a silent emergency in a bathroom stall might go unnoticed for hours without something like this in place.

And before you roll your eyes, remember this: versions of these timers already exist in places like Paris and New York City, where restrooms have automated doors that open after a set time limit, which is definitely an incentive to hurry.

Toilet Timers Everywhere

Now, imagine that we start seeing toilet timers popping up in some of the most crowded spots we all know and love. Think about stadiums during halftime or theme parks after the fireworks show ends. Wouldn’t it be kind of nice to know there’s a system in place to help speed things along?

I mean, who hasn’t done the infamous restroom line shuffle, counting the number of stalls and strategizing like it’s an Olympic sport? You spot someone going into a stall and think, “Please, let them be quick!” But then the minutes tick by, and you’re left wondering if they’re okay or just REALLY really invested in a Candy Crush level.

Having these timers could help ease that tension. They’re not really about rushing people unfairly. They’re about keeping the line moving for the greater good.

What About Privacy?

Now, this is a completely valid concern. No one wants to feel watched while using the bathroom, and the idea of a ticking clock overhead could stress people out. But let’s be clear: these timers aren’t about forcing you out mid-flush. They’re more like a subtle reminder to, ummm, prioritize.

In fact, the staff at the Yungang Buddhist Grottoes said their timers don’t actually kick anyone out. They’re just there as a safeguard and a gentle nudge. Plus, other versions of these timers, like the Sanisettes in Paris, have been designed with a balance of functionality and discretion.

Should We Get These in the U.S.?

I mean, honestly, why not? I could see that stadiums, concert venues, and even some airports could really benefit from something like this. The timers could help reduce lines, increase efficiency, and make the whole experience less frustrating for everyone.

This is especially true for a big game day or a concert intermission where every second counts. If timers can cut down on “stall-hogging,” that would means less waiting and more time enjoying the event you paid to attend.

Plus, if it comes with a safety feature, like flagging potential emergencies, it’s hard to see it as an overall bad thing.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, toilet timers aren’t as scary as they sound. In fact, they’re already helping people move faster and stay safer in bathrooms around the world. There’s no doubt that the idea takes some getting used to, but maybe it’s time we embraced the clock here at Disney World too?

Well, those were just some of our thoughts on toilet timers, and now we want to hear from you! In the meantime, stay tuned to AllEars for all the latest Disney news!

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What are your thoughts on toilet timers? How would you feel if they came to Disney World? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments! 

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