I am taking my girlfriend to DLR and DCA for 5 days next week. She has never been to Cali as we are from the deep south of Alabama so she is VERY EXCITED. I am 6 foot 3 and right at 400 pounds. Most of my weight is def in my tummy area. I have small legs and arms for my size. I wear a size 50ish pants and a 3x or 4x shirt depending. I know I had no trouble riding anything even the fantasyland kiddie rides like peter pan and snowwhite and pinochio about 7 years ago when i was about 100 pounds lighter. I have spent all week looking for peoples comments on forums before deciding to just ask myself. I have seen sooo many different answers. I have seen at least 4 people mention being with someone my size and it wasnt a problem but ive seen people say avoid space mountain or matterhorn. Space Mountain is the one thing im looking forward to most since Pirates is gonna be down the whole time we are there. We were orginally gonna do both DLR parks and knotts and Univeral but i read alot of people smaller than me couldnt ride those rides, so im bummed to say the least. Any help is appreciated including info on whether or not a trip to Knotts or UHS would still be enjoyable at my size
I am a bit bigger than you and enjoy most attractions.
Space may be uncomfortable, but doable. I would suggest asking for the alternative loading there, that way you can take all of the time you need getting in and out, it helps a lot. Also, if you have difficulty, try crossing your legs at your ankles.
Splash Mountain, ask for the back.
For Guardians ask for the transfer seat, your legs/sides will thank me later and you will get a lot more air time.
For Star Tours, ask for the transfer seat and have them open the side.
Rise, have them open the side.
Soarin, ask for the end seats, they are quite a bit wider.
You likely will have a hard time with
- Silly Symphony Swings
- Goofy's Sky School
- Roger Rabbits Cartoon Spin (may be doable if you don't also have knee issue like me)
- Gadgets Go Coaster (again may be doable)
As for Knott's, if you enjoy characters, entertainment and historical things, it is worth it without ever stepping foot on a single ride. As for rides that absolutely will work (if running) for you are:
Big Foot Rapids
Knott's Berry Tales
Trains (including the kids one)
Sky Tower
Log Ride
Caurosel
May Work for you:
Ghost Rider
Sidewinder
Xcellerator
Jaguar
Hollywood Studios can be worth it if you get a deal and enjoy behind the scenes looks at movies, as the tram ride and Jurassic World will both definitely work. Likely Transformers, Minions and the Simpsons Ride will work. There are a few shows as well, those will obviously be fine too.
There will be some attractions where you will be more comfortable rising in separate rows. In some cases, like Haunted Mansion if you are both on the larger size, it may be best to sit in separate vehicles, but they will be one right behind the other and this is rare. Just use your best judgement looking at the vehicles and if unsure, ask a CM, they are generally happy to help you figure out what is best.