I have tried to stay away from this thread, but the ... the ... 'what am I missing? do these people have a clue?!' vibe was just too tempting.
Let me set the record straight for those who will apparently justify Disney doing anything.
The CM was very, very wrong. Even if that 'decision' came down from management.
You don't tell a guest they can't use a bathroom whether the park is closed or not. You certainly don't tell a guest that when they're at said restroom and it is an open, functioning facility available to select park guests.
I have read a lot of crazy responses on Disney fan boards in my days, but anyone who wouldn't get why this is sooo wrong really scares me.
The fact is it goes against everything Disney is known for in customer service, not to mention just plain common sense.
Now ... if it had been me, I'd have marched over, under or through the CM to get into the restroom and then I would have gone to City Hall and made a very big complaint (and despite what some folks here might think, that almost never happens). You just don't tell someone, a paying guest, that it's time for you to leave. If you had spent an extra $55 you'd be welcome to urinate, defecate or go pick your nose in the restroom, but since you didn't you'll have to hold it until you exit the park.
Anyone who believes otherwise really needs a healthy reality check.
I have no doubt Disney is getting people sticking around (and yes, even hiding in the crapper as people are pathetic) in order to get to see a Christmas Parade that Disney holds hostage for the masses until Dec. 23rd or holiday fireworks that they do likewise (stuff that is FREE for all guests at DL with paid admission starting this week and USED to be likewise at the MK).
But that's not an acceptable excuse to tell people they can't use a restroom. Frankly, the only acceptable excuse is the facility is either unsafe or closed. Otherwise, you need it, you use it.
If Disney were so concerned about stragglers getting a 'free' glimpse of the Christmas entertainment that used to be free to all, perhaps Disney should go back to what it used to do. Instead of allowing party guests into the park as early as (is it 4 p.m. now?) late afternoon, they could simply do a labor intensive hard close at 6 and reopen at 7 or 7:30 for party guests.
That also would be a better show experience for day guests who can be made to feel 'less than' especially by their kids if they can't afford or won't pay for the extra hour 'party'. Nothing like being forced out like cattle while party-goers are entering and the PA is blasting announcements that tickets can still be purchased.
It's not very magical.
It's not very Disney.
It is very WDW management of the 21st century, however.
Now excuse me ... I need to use the restroom ... outta my way Mouse!!!!!