Are Height Requirements Strictly Enforced?

[Bacrd]

I just measured my GS and he's 47 1/2 inches tall with 9 weeks to go till PBR and US!!! If he's a "smidge" below the 48" requirement....how strict are they?
Does "Pixie Dust" work for US ???? If so...let's hope for a small growing spurt!!

[WebmasterBarry]

They are. If you are 47 15/16" tall and the height requirement is 48", then you cannot ride unfortunately.

[Bacrd]

Wow...thanks for a quick reply!!
I jumped over to US website...and it looks as tho his height can get on all the attractions....perhaps just not alone!! So maybe he won't be disappointed!! Thanks again!

[SpideyHulk24]

but it's all for one's safety. But don't let it discourage you. There is ALOT to do for those under 48 inches.

Have fun!

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

two words: platform sneakers. :p

[the Dark Marauder]

He wont be able to get on Hulk, Dueling Dragons, or Doctor Doom's Fearfall. Those have height requirements well over 48". The only thing I can think of is the "must be 48" to ride alone" requirement, which is not that strict.

[kathleena]

You don't want to try to sneak up their height.

Platform sneakers won't make their body torso longer and I'm sure no one would want their child to slip through, or be strangled in, the restraints because they really weren't tall enough to ride it.

It's all about safety and the size of the body.

[TigerLilly's Mom]

I am a strict believer in obeying height requirements, but I wonder how strict they really are. My son was 52 inches EXACTLY, not a bit over or under this summer. However, he was not measured (or even glanced at) once on our whole trip. He did Hulk and Dueling Dragons. I find it hard to believe that the employees can tell just by looking at him that he was tall enough.

The same thing happened with my daughter last year at Disney. She was exactly 40 inches, and I nervously measured her every few days before our trip. We went on Test Track first and I had prepared her that they may say she was not tall enough. We walked right on by and I actually had to ask them to measure her because it was her first "grown up" ride, and I was nervous. She was never measured again on that trip.

Maybe the ride attendants can tell just by looking, but I would trust your own measurement at home and go by that. JMO

[ksdave]

Tigerlilly;
Actually, all of the ride attendants wear special contact lenses that can view a series of infrared beams that are shot at each rider to tell if they are tall enough ;) .



Actually, I think they can get a little lax on the height thing at times. I know my friend's son got on DD several times when he was at least an inch or two short. No one said a word. I think they also get tired of disappointing the kids and parents alike. Plus, all ride systems, just like other high-tech devices like airplanes, race cars, etc., have large margins of safety built into them. If it was truly unsafe for a person at 47" to ride, they would set the restriction at a minimum of 54-56".

[Bacrd]

LOL !! Infared Beams & Platform Sneakers!!! Maybe ya'll are on to something here!!
Just kidding!!! I would never jeopardize my grandchildrens safety under any circumstances and would never try to circumvent the "rules". I would; however, rather GS to be fully aware of the rules BEFORE we go...avoiding any major disappointments when we get there. I guess GM & GP are going to be riding a little more than we probably want to!!!

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Originally posted by kathleena
You don't want to try to sneak up their height.

Platform sneakers won't make their body torso longer and I'm sure no one would want their child to slip through, or be strangled in, the restraints because they really weren't tall enough to ride it.

It's all about safety and the size of the body.

I was only kidding ;)

[the Dark Marauder]

Though I'd personally like one of those contact lenses, I think it'd be a bit pricey.

Seriously though, it is common for ride attendants to be able to tell just by looking, because they "train their eye". Plus there are so many ways of being able to tell.

*buys a tape measure*

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

I'm kind of stressing over this issue myself! I have a dd who will be almost 4 at the time of our visit. She is dying to ride Spider Man, and Back to the Future. She's about 39" right now, I'm hoping for a growth spurt myself as we have exactly 30 days to go!

[Pkdcoastrs]

Originally posted by KIRSTIN'S MOMMY
I'm kind of stressing over this issue myself! I have a dd who will be almost 4 at the time of our visit. She is dying to ride Spider Man, and Back to the Future. She's about 39" right now, I'm hoping for a growth spurt myself as we have exactly 30 days to go!

Personally, I do not think a four year old should go on Back To The Future! Not for the reason of being scared, but because you get REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY knocked around (all those really's are needed lol!!). Last time I went on, everyone who got off was complaining that they got thrown around, and these were all teenagers to adults.

Spiderman she should be fine on! The movements are more flowing and don't jerk you around!

[SpideyHulk24]

He is very tall and was able to ride. But he DID NOT get knocked around....Dad did. I held him so tight that I could not hold on. I had a headache for about 1 hour....LOL.

But it was worth it. He loved it and we all had fun!

[JessicaR]

Spidey, when my son was 3 he wanted to ride BTTF also and was tall enough as well. I had the same exact thing happen that you did! He was just fine in the confines of my arm around him, me on the other hand....:eek:

[SpideyHulk24]

The things we do for our kids.....LOL :D

[Bacrd]

Do you think BTTF is a ride to be avoided for DH with back problems? Any others to be leary of?

[the Dark Marauder]

What kind of back problems? BTTF is bumpy and jarry, but it doesn't affect your back, IMO. Neck problems are a different story...

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

I swear I almost got whiplash on that ride once. :p But you only get that feeling if you are in the front row...if you are in the back, worry about a concussion. lol j/k.

Maybe pack some Ibuprofen with you... ;)

The first floor seems to be the roughest level, too. Maybe try the second level?

[Bacrd]

Herniated disc in the lower portion of the spine. We did the Star Trek Experience in LV and he didn't have any problems. This sounds similar! Good, too....cause Grandpa's gonna have to take his turn with the kids!! (Maybe we'll have soooo much fun...we'll be fighting over who goes on with them). he he he!!

[the Dark Marauder]

I have a herniated disk in my lower spine (I'm 22), which caused my right sciatic nerve to get pinched-OUCH! After getting the surgery, I avoided any coasters and whatnot for 3 months, then I braved Hulk and Doctor Doom. One year later, I'm still fine.

[Bacrd]

DH had same problem!!! He's been wonderful for over a year...but now he seems to be having trouble with scar tissue from the surgery getting pinched in the same way as before the surgery!! Chiropractor is trying to straighten him out...I want him in shape for this "whirlwind" vacation or he's gonna get left in the dust. (Don't I sound sympathetic!). But this (and FOTL) is the main reason for staying on-site. If it gets to be too much he can just head back to the room!! We couldn't ask for a better arrangement!! (Plus DH has 30 years on you :( )

[JessicaR]

I swear I almost got whiplash on that ride once. But you only get that feeling if you are in the front row...if you are in the back, worry about a concussion. lol j/k.

Toooooo funny!:p It's true too!

UGH! Avoid the back row if at all possible.

I have a majorly messed up back been avoiding major surgery for too long and BTTF didnt hurt my back although the sign says avoid it if you have back problems. I would worry about neck problems more like DM said.


Bacrd, your DH may want to avoid Jimmy Neutron unless sitting in the stationary seats, it was too much for me and I hurt afterwards.

[Bacrd]

I'm soo grateful for the wealth of information on these boards!!
Thanks Jessica....Jimmy Neutron & stationery seats !! NOTED!!!
Any other rides to be leary of?

[ksdave]

Yeah, the airplane or car ride to and from FL ;)