As feared Forbidden Journey is Not for Many

[damo]

The reason you don't hear many new complaints is because the locals are the ones going right now. They have already been there multiple times. The other day I counted at least 10 people within 5 minutes who turned away outside at the test seats. Wait till next week and it's packed. By the way, Uni has a TM who stands there by the entrance and marks a line on their clipboard everytime someone doesn't fit on the outside test seats. That sheet had alot of lines the other day. Considering their great attendance figures the last few years you would think they might want to fix this. And yes I'm being sarcastic.

That is weird because in my experience in our three days there, hardly anyone was even trying those test seats at the entrance. From what I could see in my time sitting outside the ride while my son rode multiple times in the single rider line, people of many ages and quite large sizes were coming off the ride absolutely thrilled with it. I am not saying that there won't be people who won't fit but it isn't as prevalent as people here are making it sound.

The people going last week actually weren't the locals. They are the people staying onsite or with packages. They seemed very happy from what I was overhearing. Lots of Brits, who were gobsmacked.

 

[PrincessOp]

I just wanted to post to THANK you for being so open about your size and even posting your picture! Not everyone would do that. So I wanted to make sure you know it's appreciated! Thank you!



I don't know how I missed this before, Bumbershoot! You're welcome! I'm actually pretty cool with my size (I've been really thin, and I've been this size - there are advantages to both - lol) My main concerns are just being in shape enough to easily be able to enjoy the parks and, of course, get on all the rides! I am glad my post and photo helped put some minds at ease - hope everyone has a wonderful time at WWOHP!

 

[CLPClarinet]

New here but I just wanted to add my opinion since I have actually dealt with the Forbidden seats. Chest and stomach size can be roughly 48-49 inches. Anything above will NOT fit. This is only if you are proportionately overweight. If you have a large chest or stomach that sticks out then you may not fit even at that size. A large rear can also cause a problem since the harness fits snugly against your thighs. If you have very large thighs, it could also cause a problem. As far as this being a soft opening, it doesn't matter. I have talked to many TMs and this is it for now. The seats in front of the ride are calibrated every day but may be a little off from those inside. Also there are many people who can't ride but they never even go through the line. They simply turn away once they get disappointed outside. Also if you fit on Sum of All Thrills at Epcot it does not mean you fit on Forbidden Journey. Bothe use the roboarm technology but the seats and harness at FJ are more restricting.

Just measured myself with clothes on. Went around the biggest part of my butt/stomach/hips and it came out to be 47. So if that's the biggest circumference of my whole body, I think I'll be fine. Waist was 37, chest at the biggest part was 42. I think I'll be fine. Just can't pig out at Epcot the few days before! eep!

 

[Liberty Belle]

The worldwide percentage of people like the aforementioned 5'8"/230 person who are considered medically obese is under 15% (Even in the US it stands currently at 31% and we are the highest worldwide). So yes, based on percentages, that is an extreme. As I stated earlier, when designing a ride like this you can not take into account the extremes but need to take into account the majority.

Using your numbers, 31% is almost a third. I stand by what I said.

 

[OrlandoUnited]

I went again yesterday. My weigh in before going was 258 pounds. My height again, is 6'3. Waist size 38 with a size XL upper. I still felt hunched forward in the seat, and this time I noticed the harness pressing more on my upper pectorals, with still plenty of room around my stomach.

I was turned away again. My wife got the green light though, but she didn't want to go on without me, so we did Hippogriff and Dragons instead.

I won't try again until I'm 245.

 

[Albytaps]

I went again yesterday. My weigh in before going was 258 pounds. My height again, is 6'3. Waist size 38 with a size XL upper. I still felt hunched forward in the seat, and this time I noticed the harness pressing more on my upper pectorals, with still plenty of room around my stomach.

I was turned away again. My wife got the green light though, but she didn't want to go on without me, so we did Hippogriff and Dragons instead.

I won't try again until I'm 245.

That stinks!

 

[contemporarymom]

Using your numbers, 31% is almost a third. I stand by what I said.

31% is for the United States only. Worldwide the rate is 15%. Universal has many overseas visitors.

For the sake of debate, using the US numbers, 31% is still a minority. Are you saying that the ride engineers should design a ride for the minority to the possible detriment of the majority? The overall ride experience needs to be focused on the largest number of users.

I'm also betting that the ride technology used for this ride has very specific weight and balance specs.

Bottom line is if you are considered medically obese you will probably not be able to ride. Believe me I'm bummed because my sister-in-law would probably love to try this ride when we go down in August.

 

[02134_HHN]

31% is for the United States only. Worldwide the rate is 15%. Universal has many overseas visitors.

For the sake of debate, using the US numbers, 31% is still a minority. Are you saying that the ride engineers should design a ride for the minority to the possible detriment of the majority? The overall ride experience needs to be focused on the largest number of users.

I'm also betting that the ride technology used for this ride has very specific weight and balance specs.

Bottom line is if you are considered medically obese you will probably not be able to ride. Believe me I'm bummed because my sister-in-law would probably love to try this ride when we go down in August.

I'm not sure why you keep quoting this 31%, or where you got it from, but it's incorrect. Here is what the CDC says about obesity in the U.S.:
"Percent of noninstitutionalized adults age 20 years and over who are overweight or obese: 67% (2005-2006)
Percent of noninstitutionalized adults age 20 years and over who are obese: 34% (2005-2006)"

Here is what the WHO says about obesity in the world, overall:
"Globally, there are more than 1 billion overweight adults, at least 300 million of them obese." (World population is 6,827,061,300 according to US Census Bureau)

 

[Albytaps]

If the problem is in the chest and torso length, can you maybe scrunch down a bit and get the bar to come down more? Can't you just pull it down hard and get it to click?

 

[contemporarymom]

I'm not sure why you keep quoting this 31%, or where you got it from, but it's incorrect. Here is what the CDC says about obesity in the U.S.:
"Percent of noninstitutionalized adults age 20 years and over who are overweight or obese: 67% (2005-2006)
Percent of noninstitutionalized adults age 20 years and over who are obese: 34% (2005-2006)"

Here is what the WHO says about obesity in the world, overall:
"Globally, there are more than 1 billion overweight adults, at least 300 million of them obese." (World population is 6,827,061,300 according to US Census Bureau)

I have been using the current percentage for those considered medically obese. This linkhttp://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/hus09.pdf#067 is the most current data online. My data is a bit more current. The 67% you are quoting are the medically obese plus those who are considered overweight. My posts have been directed toward the percent that is considered medically obese not being able to ride.

Using your worldwide numbers (Haven't had the time to pull the current stuff), that is still only 22.8% of the world's population that is considered obese.

People need to understand that overweight and medically obese are two totally different things. Having an extra ten or twenty pounds might not be optimal for someone but if otherwise they are in good health it won't kill them. Being considered medically obese just might.

Honestly this conversation is just going in circles and I'm done spouting numbers etc. The bottom line is this. If you're happy with yourself that's all that matters. If you go to Universal and try to ride Forbidden Journey and you don't get three clicks you don't ride, end of story.

 

[02134_HHN]

I have been using the current percentage for those considered medically obese. This linkhttp://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/hus09.pdf#067 is the most current data online. My data is a bit more current. The 67% you are quoting are the medically obese plus those who are considered overweight. My posts have been directed toward the percent that is considered medically obese not being able to ride.

Using your worldwide numbers (Haven't had the time to pull the current stuff), that is still only 22.8% of the world's population that is considered obese.

People need to understand that overweight and medically obese are two totally different things. Having an extra ten or twenty pounds might not be optimal for someone but if otherwise they are in good health it won't kill them. Being considered medically obese just might.

Honestly this conversation is just going in circles and I'm done spouting numbers etc. The bottom line is this. If you're happy with yourself that's all that matters. If you go to Universal and try to ride Forbidden Journey and you don't get three clicks you don't ride, end of story.

The data I presented is from the current CDC information, which as you know, can only be compiled up to a certain point. That's why your link, while reported in 2009, is reflecting data up to 2007.

wink.


My original point to you was that you have no idea by looking at someone if they are medically obese - not by weight and height, and not by someone's inability to fit into this particular seat. However you're using this seat as a gauge, and deciding that if someone doesn't fit in the seat, well, they're obese and shouldn't be on the ride anyway.

You COULD be obese and FIT in the seat. Or you could NOT be obese, and NOT fit in the seat.

I purposely included the overweight category to prove a point, that people who aren't of "normal" bodyweight, while not specifically obese, are the majority.

You have a prejudice, my friend, regardless of your charitable attitude towards your in-laws.

 

[bumbershoot]

Are you saying that the ride engineers should design a ride for the minority to the possible detriment of the majority? The overall ride experience needs to be focused on the largest number of users.

I'm also betting that the ride technology used for this ride has very specific weight and balance specs.

How could making MORE people go on it possibly be to the detriment of others? How?????

Many people who are bigger are married to people who are not. So it's detrimental to the family when only one can go on. OrlandoUnited's wife was really nice and stood in solidarity with him. I won't be that nice, I'll be going on it. DH has informed me that I MUST go on it, in fact. He wants to hear about it through me, as it's possible he will never be able to go on it, b/c even when much trimmer and to the point where his doctor says he's fine, he will still have his body shape, and he's like a linebacker in shape and size.

If there are specific weights and balances, they would be POSTED. "Unusual" shape and size isn't specific. It's not about weights and balances, it's about fitting in the restraint that THEY chose to use. This ride doesn't go upside down. And yet the restraints at WDW and DLR on the coasters that go upside down are not that, um, restraining.

Creating a few benches that have, say, 3 seats instead of 4, will *enhance* the ride for more families, it would be a positive change. And allowing for bigger legs will make it even better (totally self serving b/c of DH, LOL).

 

[contemporarymom]

You have a prejudice, my friend, regardless of your charitable attitude towards your in-laws.

As I said earlier, I'm done with this circular argument. There's no point in it because honestly most of the people I'll be traveling with can ride with no problem. I'll explain to my SIL before hand what the situation is and it will be dealt with.

That said, don't you dare assume that I have any type of prejudice. That I do take personally and don't placate me by calling me friend. Any type of true discrimination is disgusting to me. If you want to prove a point, prove it with facts and not accusations.

 

[damo]

I think more people will have their family experience dampered by motion sickness than by a member not being able to ride.

 

[Mcbruns]

Just a matter of time.....

Oh yeah - I might have to stay up late to get thru this thread!

 

[DBEAR]

So from a business stand point, 31% of the US may not fit. Sorry but Universal made a stupid mistake. I sure wouldn't want to alienate that % of visitors.

 

[DBEAR]

That is weird because in my experience in our three days there, hardly anyone was even trying those test seats at the entrance. From what I could see in my time sitting outside the ride while my son rode multiple times in the single rider line, people of many ages and quite large sizes were coming off the ride absolutely thrilled with it. I am not saying that there won't be people who won't fit but it isn't as prevalent as people here are making it sound.

The people going last week actually weren't the locals. They are the people staying onsite or with packages. They seemed very happy from what I was overhearing. Lots of Brits, who were gobsmacked.

Well things have changed some since your visit. They try checking all large people outside. I never said last week, I said the other day. I referenced people saying that hardly any in line are getting turned away. You could not sit outside and see all the large people coming off the ride. The chicken exit where they kick you out of line exits in the gift shop. EVERYONE comes out that way(the shop) even if they didn't ride.

 

[muffyn]

Creating a few benches that have, say, 3 seats instead of 4, will *enhance* the ride for more families, it would be a positive change. And allowing for bigger legs will make it even better (totally self serving b/c of DH, LOL).

now that would be an outstanding thing for them to do!

too bad they never do things that smart

 

[ggh]

I attempted to ride it tonight. I am 5'9", 230 and carry most of my weight in the upper half of my body. I was not able to get my third click in the seat and then escorted out what I called the "fat people door."

No one at the entrance suggested I try the seats at the entrance (and I even stood there talking to the attendants for a few minutes) and I waited in line only to be pulled off right after trying the seats well inside the line.

I did not try the test seats at the entrance because I have never had a problem fitting into any of the rides at Universal before. I am constantly going on the Hulk, Dueling Dragons, etc. without a problem. I assumed this ride would be the same. I was wrong and not very happy for a few minutes because I have been looking forward to this for quite a while now. It was a big disappointment.

I have decided to use this as the motivation to lose that pesky weight! FJ, I'll see you in December!

Another thing, the shops are EXTREMELY compact. which poses another potential problem for guests with certain dimensions, as well as everyone visiting. The biggest nightmare came when it started raining and, as usual, everyone crowded into the shops to escape the rain. I am not kidding when I say the shops are a tight fit. When the weather is not cooperating, this problem is compounded exponentially.

While the design of the area is meticulous and gorgeous, there are several major design and production flaws that I think will end up being a deterrent in the long run.

 

[Burnt Toast]

Now since I've been on it (twice) I'm only 5'10" 140lb... and *I* felt cramped in that seat. While granted the ride is rough, but with over the shoulder restraints I honestly think that there should be some vehicles that only have three seats, instead of four. I can't help but feel, based on how uncomfortable I was with how narrow the walls were that you sit between, that those seats originally were three-seaters and they made them four to up the hourly capacity.

Needless to say, my roommate who's 6'3" 315lb was not able to ride. However, he was smart and checked himself on the test seats outside.