Are the WDW theme parks morbid obesity friendly?

I traveled with a friend who is on the large side, an d 7DMT was the only thing he couldn't at all do. He had comfort issues on Space Mountain and actually Buzz Lightyear (they couldn't close the front, but eventually did, much to the detriment of my friend's knee). He is quite tall though, and just big all around (broad shoulders and such), so experience may vary. Disney is generally very friendly and accessible for larger people and those with mobility issues. The bad knee may be a bit difficult for stepping down into certain rides (or up out of them), but the CMs are typically very patient and understanding. I hope you all have a great time!

Disneyland1084 said:

I know this is a touchy subject. We're going to WDW next summer for the first time and my DH's sister is coming with us. She's over 300 pounds, and on top of that, she has a REALLY bad hip. Is she going to be able to fit on any rides? I don't think she'd be able to handle any really bumpy rides either.

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I didn't read this whole thread, but if no one else has suggested it, might I suggest a subscription to TouringPlans.com? You can create touring plans for the park that will minimize walking, which would be of benefit to her.

There is 2 threads that used to be here that had part of the subject being "Ursula Sized" and "Pooh Sized". They are lengthy but it had a lot of people chime in about the rides, what to expect and how they fit. It might be worthwhile searching for them and takng the time to read them...

I fit the description of your friend except i'm taller so I don't think my experiences are going to help. What I will say is disney is very safe if there is an issue and they have the utmost professionalism when it comes to a guest that is challenged with riding something. You don't need to worry about any embarrassment and you'll probably see a few people walk into line with similar height and body types. If your really concerned about fitting on something, quietly ask the cm before you get into line (there is always a cm outside the ride) and they are very familiar with different body types being on the ride to give you a honest but professional answer...

I don't think there is going to be much if anything that will be in your way.. I get the concern as other theme parks there is less professionalism and less rides you can enjoy but body types is part of disney's design process and they do a pretty good job trying to not exclude anyone from enjoying it.

I don't think size will matter but a bad hip sure might! People really do underestimate how much walking Disney entails, especially if you walk from Adventureland to Tomorrowland then decide you want to go back to Adventureland and hey look Space Mountain wait time is down let's go! You don't realize it but it's a huge trek! Same with Epcot, especially going from Future World to World Showcase. Just make sure you state that the option to get a scooter or wheelchair is always there as you want them to have an awesome time, not a painful one .

In a word, yes. There are many rides that will accommodate her size. Frankly, I'm often surprised how some large people fit into some of the seats. The hip is a different issue and only she will know that.

What is your reason for going? If the purpose of your trip is to spend time with your sister in a fun location, then it won't matter how many rides you cover.

We have many trips to WDW under our belt. One of the smartest things we ever added to our trips was the pre-trip training! About a month before our trips, we take 30min daily walks. WALKING, not running. It might help to know, I've been to WDW with marathon runners who couldn't handle a full day of WDW walking!

It might also help to know that I've also been to WDW with folks who were unable to walk 10 feet.

A big reason to go to WDW is the simple joy of spending time together in a fun location.

Sometimes the highlight of our trip is running to Space Mtn at 1am at the end of 15hours in MK. Sometimes the highlight of our trip is a good meal, or sitting in the lobby of GF while the live band plays classic Disney show tunes. We sing along and watch little girls twirling in princess dresses.

Many folks simply can't imagine what WDW will be like until they go. They don't realize how spread out it is, how much it costs, or they imagine it is all coasters (also common to falsely Universal is all coasters), etc. It is also important to realize that STANDING all day on pavement is VERY taxing on your feet. I've seen all kinds of inappropriate footwear at WDW!

I completely disagree with everyone who says June is better than August. No way! In August, we are acclimated to summer. In May/June, we aren't. Ninety feels MUCH hotter when you aren't acclimated to it. (Winter is the same, but with the cold.)

I say, DO give EVERYONE in your family some pre-trip pointers: pack light; one pair of quality water tolerant, walking shoes, a second pair of quality walking shoes (to swap off), acclimate to the heat, drink water, discuss the costs in detail. Discuss/plan the value of early mornings vs.sleeping late vs. night time entertainment in the parks. Discuss thrill rides vs. shows vs. tame rides. Discuss crowd tolerance.

Last, consider renting a scooter. You could even rent a scooter with the idea that the two of you can take turns on it! Alternately....some folks save face by pushing a stroller over using a walker, or maybe you just skip some rides, or maybe you don't spend all your time together. Maybe plan (an early) dinner (at your WDW hotel) so sis can easily retreat while other family members return for more rides.

DH has a bad knee, bad hip, scoliosis and is overweight. He was miserable at WDW until I convinced him to rent a scooter. Now he actually looks forward to traveling with our family!

Does she ever use the electric carts at Walmart or grocery stores? That would be a major clue as to her needs.

Before we started renting one from outside places we tried to depend upon renting one at some parks such as Epcot but often found even at non-peak times such as fall and winter that they would run out. I'm sure this happens in the summer so I strongly advise reserving one from an outside place. Some websites offer rental discounts and all that I know of deliver to onsite and off-site hotels.

I am pooh sized and I fit everything, but as people have said, the 7 Dwarves Mine Train is tight (not in the bottom, but in the thigh area. The trick is to not pull the lap bar down all the way to your stomach--make sure it locks, but still have some room for the thighs and knees.

Primeval Whirl in AK is a no-no for me. The molded seats and the rough ride leave me all bruised up.

Concerning the hip, Primeval Whirl, Dinosaur, and the Kilimanjaro Safari rides are rough. Obviously, she can't miss the safari (if at all possible), so I suggest she ride that early in the morning, when she is fresh and the animals are active.