A Big Woman vs Big Rides

[asmit4]

I agree. What about kids? They won't fit in the seats if they are all made to large size. I can't sit in the large seats as I am very thin. There has to be a limit and there are likely weight limits for a coaster. There are also health risks involved, so sorry, they can't accomodate everyone!

Exactly...think about it- these rides typically have a 48 inch or 52 inch height restriction. My cousin is 8yo, entering 3rd grade, 50 inches and fits into a size 8 childrens. She is a tiny person- as most 8yos are-she's just a little kid.
YET- she is allowed to ride HUGE coasters. Meanwhile- someone who is a size 14 womens, even a size 20 womens, over 200lbs, and is 70 inches tall can also ride in the SAME seats. I'm a size 10 women's and 5'8 and I think it's a real feat that they can make a coaster that safely fits both she and I in the same seat/restraint.

The reality is that they have to make these rides fit a 60lb 8yo and fit a 200lb woman- that's a huge task. Asking for these rides to carry that same 60lb child and a 270lb man- that's nearing impossible.

It's about safety and they have to make a ride that fits perhaps 80% of the population. That's just the way it is.

 

[phamton]

FYI we just returned from Universal and IOA. My pooh bear hubby rode everything fine. He did use the modified seating (most of his weight is in his belly) on the Hulk and Dueling Dragons but otherwise everything was perfect. He did need to be pressed into Dueling Dragons a bit but he didn't mind at all.

That is good to hear. I hope you both had a great time.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

I don't really think weight is as much of a factor on the newer coasters as where you carry that weight. I'm 5'6" and have weighed a maximum of 230 pounds at a size 20. I carry a great deal of weight in my chest and stomach. Whether I was 160 pounds or 230 pounds shoulder harness rides aren't comfortable for me. The human shape is so variable that I can see ride designers just designing for the majority and not worrying about the rest. A 230 pound woman who carries her weight in an evenly distributed manner won't have the ride issues I have. On the other hand if she carried most of her weight in her lower half she might have a problem getting her rear into the seat but not have any problems with the shoulder harness.

You also have to look at the other problems with designing for a larger clientele. I don't remember what ride I was on but I think it was the Mummy. I was a single rider and the lap bar came down right at the top of my stomach. There were small children in the row with me and the bar didn't come close to them at all...because my size prevented it. On a more violent ride this might have been a problem.

 

[MrsSparrow..]

FYI we just returned from Universal and IOA. My pooh bear hubby rode everything fine. He did use the modified seating (most of his weight is in his belly) on the Hulk and Dueling Dragons but otherwise everything was perfect. He did need to be pressed into Dueling Dragons a bit but he didn't mind at all.

The only one we didn't do was Dr Doom's Freefall. We just forgot it. We have been on that ride 100 at six flags...it seems to be the same thing. Unfortunately hubby doesn't fit on the ones at six flags so we blew it off.

Hopefully everything at Disney will be just as friendly

Sounds like you had a great time!

I don't really bother with Dr Doom's anymore, there is no 'repeat ride' quality for me.

 

[phamton]

I don't remember what ride I was on but I think it was the Mummy. I was a single rider and the lap bar came down right at the top of my stomach. There were small children in the row with me and the bar didn't come close to them at all...because my size prevented it. On a more violent ride this might have been a problem.

It was probably Jurassic Park or Cat in the Hat, because both Mummy and MIB have individual lap bars. But I do understand what you're saying.

 

[Twilightlover]

It's really sad that all these modifications need to happen. I guess I'm selfish and horrible but I would be scared to be 200+ lbs and on a coaster at US or WDW. I feel like that is putting a lot of pressure on the restraints and on the ride itself. It makes it unsafe for the other riders too. I'm sure it is hard to be overweight but wouldn't your safety be a goal to loose the weight?

 

[donaldduck352]

It's really sad that all these modifications need to happen. I guess I'm selfish and horrible but I would be scared to be 200+ lbs and on a coaster at US or WDW. I feel like that is putting a lot of pressure on the restraints and on the ride itself. It makes it unsafe for the other riders too. I'm sure it is hard to be overweight but wouldn't your safety be a goal to loose the weight?

That was a heck of a quote:In fact kinda judgemental..But everyone has a opinoin and that was yours..

So here is my opinion:I've always wieghed over 200lbs since I was 14YO
I'm not FAT.Matter of fact I'm in pretty good shape...

I'm now 38 and wiegh 240,but I can still bench press 300lbs..

So the wieght factor should not be a issue.They design coasters now-a -days to handle the worst case scenirio!!

I have never seen one come off the tracks due to overweight people on them,have you???

 

[asmit4]

I am at a loss re: the above comment about safety and losing weight.

The reality is that if you are over 200lbs and you fit in the ride- trust me, you ARE safe. If a person doesn't fit due to weight issues, then the ride would be unsafe and since they don't fit, they can't ride.

On a side note- I'll bet my next DW trip that you are a person who has never had a serious weight problem. You probably are able to eat whatever you want and have no troubles with keeping weight off. Don't bother coming back to refute how you count calories, have lost 40lbs blahblahblah...no one will believe you.

In the future- people who are overweight or have any other disability or issue don't need your criticism so please avoid such posts.

Oh, and you were right on 1 thing...what you said is selfish and horrible.

 

[donaldduck352]

I am at a loss re: the above comment about safety and losing weight.

The reality is that if you are over 200lbs and you fit in the ride- trust me, you ARE safe. If a person doesn't fit due to weight issues, then the ride would be unsafe and since they don't fit, they can't ride.

On a side note- I'll bet my next DW trip that you are a person who has never had a serious weight problem. You probably are able to eat whatever you want and have no troubles with keeping weight off. Don't bother coming back to refute how you count calories, have lost 40lbs blahblahblah...no one will believe you.

In the future- people who are overweight or have any other disability or issue don't need your criticism so please avoid such posts.

Oh, and you were right on 1 thing...what you said is selfish and horrible.

Thank you for a better response on that,that poster just opened a can of worms that the CB board would blush on

 

[melanieh1]

Well, I am fat and I like to ride roller coasters. Just because I can't control my weight doesn't mean that I should not have fun also. Weight has always been an issue for me and continues to be. But, my weight is caused by an addiction to food (mainly chocolate and pepsi). Just like people who have addictions to cigarettes, drugs, alcohol, or whatever else and losing weight and keeping it off is easier said than done. I commend the people who do have the willpower to get it off and keep it off because I haven't found it yet. But, I don't think I should be punished or criticized.
Anyway, I have no trouble fitting on any of the disney rides (I am 5'5" and 280) but from reading some of these threads I am a little worried about Universal. I have read that if you pull the bar back with you as you sit down you will fit much easier. Do most of the rides do this or do you have to sit down first and then they release the bars once everyone is seated? Does anyone know if this will work for ROTM and the other rides? What about the new Simpson's ride? I heard they were turning some people away because of their size.

 

[Metro West]

Anyway, I have no trouble fitting on any of the disney rides (I am 5'5" and 280) but from reading some of these threads I am a little worried about Universal. I have read that if you pull the bar back with you as you sit down you will fit much easier. Do most of the rides do this or do you have to sit down first and then they release the bars once everyone is seated? Does anyone know if this will work for ROTM and the other rides? What about the new Simpson's ride? I heard they were turning some people away because of their size.

The only rides I think you really need to worry about are the coasters and Ripsaw Falls. The coasters (Hulk, ROTM and DD) have the test seats out front...make sure you try them out before waiting in line only to find you won't fit. All three coasters have "big boy" seats in the third and sixth rows on each train. On ROTM...they use a gauge at the lower part of the restraint. If you are unable to pull it down past a certain point, they will direct you to the back row where you have more leg room and will fit better. Ripsaw is just tight...for a lot of people. I'm not sure about The Simpsons but if you were able to ride BTTF when it was open, you shouldn't have any problems...it's the same seating configuration.

Just remember Universal's rides are more intense than Disney's so there are tighter seating sometimes. Try out the test seating whenever possible and hopefully you can ride them all and have a great time!

 

[melanieh1]

Thank you! I don't remember about the seat configuration on BTTF. I haven't been in 2-3 yrs and I have gained about 20-30 lbs. since then. So do you think you could pull the bar down with you as you sit down and lock it? That is the only one I am really worried about. I loved it!! I know I should be able to fit in the other 2 with the extenders. Is Ripsaw any worse than Space Mtn?

 

[Metro West]

Thank you! I don't remember about the seat configuration on BTTF. I haven't been in 2-3 yrs and I have gained about 20-30 lbs. since then. So do you think you could pull the bar down with you as you sit down and lock it? That is the only one I am really worried about. I loved it!! I know I should be able to fit in the other 2 with the extenders. Is Ripsaw any worse than Space Mtn?

I would Ripsaw is as bad as SM...if not worse. It aint a pretty sight watching me get my 6'2" frame out of either ride! On some rides you can pull the bar down as you're being seated...that might work for you.

 

[melanieh1]

Can you pull the bar down on ROTM as you are being seated?

 

[crashbb]

Are there any rides where a single bar covers both/all riders in a row? I'm pretty shrimpy (read - short) but will likely be traveling with my friend who is quite a bit bigger. Are there any rides where we might have a problem riding together? If we sit in the "big boy" seats, will I have a problem? Or is just one modified seat in each of the rows (I have a vague recollection that someone here said that).

 

[Metro West]

Can you pull the bar down on ROTM as you are being seated?

Are there any rides where a single bar covers both/all riders in a row? I'm pretty shrimpy (read - short) but will likely be traveling with my friend who is quite a bit bigger. Are there any rides where we might have a problem riding together? If we sit in the "big boy" seats, will I have a problem? Or is just one modified seat in each of the rows (I have a vague recollection that someone here said that).

I don't think you are going to have any issues. The "big boy" seats are only in rows three and six of each train...not every row. Just make sure your friend tries out the test seats in front to make sure they can ride. There are quite a few that will cover the whole row: Spiderman, JPRA, Cat in The Hat and Jaws just to name a few.

 

[crashbb]

Sorry - I left words out of my post. What I meant to ask is - would I be alright sitting in rows 3/6 if I'm not large. Or, if my friend needs the "big boy" seats, should be sit in different rows for that ride. Are all the seats within rows 3 and 6 (on those two rides) modified?

 

[Metro West]

Sorry - I left words out of my post. What I meant to ask is - would I be alright sitting in rows 3/6 if I'm not large. Or, if my friend needs the "big boy" seats, should be sit in different rows for that ride. Are all the seats within rows 3 and 6 (on those two rides) modified?

There is only the one modified seat in those rows but anyone can ride in them. The difference is two buckles instead of one. Most people wouldn't even know the difference. If your friend needs the modified seat, you certainly can ride with them.

 

[billwendy]

Okay not to beat the subject - but I want to make sure DH would enjoy US/IOA.

He is 6' and 340ish - he fits on everything at disney (including coasters) - he is bigger at the chest and tummy (size 50 waist) 3XL shirts. What do you all think? Do you think I'll need the big seats too? 240ish 5'6 pretty proportional.....are the test seats out front the modified seats?

Thanks!!

 

[melanieh1]

Okay not to beat the subject - but I want to make sure DH would enjoy US/IOA.

He is 6' and 340ish - he fits on everything at disney (including coasters) - he is bigger at the chest and tummy (size 50 waist) 3XL shirts. What do you all think? Do you think I'll need the big seats too? 240ish 5'6 pretty proportional.....are the test seats out front the modified seats?

Thanks!!

I'm not sure about DH but you should be fine. Last time I went, I was 5'5" and weighed probably 250 or 60 and fit on everything just fine. (didn't ride DD or Hulk though, didn't know about the seatbelt extenders)