As feared Forbidden Journey is Not for Many

[OrlandoUnited]

I'm going to try to go on this Friday morning, if they have it open to general public. I'm male, 6'3, 290 pounds, with a B cup.

 

[Burnt Toast]

And if they did would that technology have given us the same ride experience or worst?

Well, part of me wonders if they should have something like Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage has at Disneyland... the little room off to the side that allows you to basically "see" everything that you would have seen on the ride itself, without having to go into the little sub. It's designed for people with mobility issues, weight issues, or claustrophobia. However, it allows those folks to still experience the attraction and see everything that you would normally see (in HD) out the little portholes without putting themselves into vehicle that would make themselves feel uncomfortable.

Also, to the person that replied that "I'm glad normal-sized people can ride"... YOU could be normal-sized too. No one is stopping you but yourself, to be honest. It's a lot of work, but you can be normal-sized too (just do it in a healthy way and not use short-cuts because they usually fail). Besides, with the KULA or KUWA technology that they are using and seeing it in action in person, which is the same tech as the Sum of All Thrills at Epcot... I'm not surprised they have size/height/weight restrictions.

 

[Burnt Toast]

Our family doctor called me last fall and told me that my husbands test results came back bad, and if he didn't lose some weight, he was going to end up on blood pressure meds. So I changed how I cook and started making lunches for him to take to work. We also started walking every evening, and gradually my husband started adding to that by walking home from work as well. He lost 65 lbs, his blood pressure is down, and he's looking... really sexy, actually.

We're going to be doing lots of travelling this summer and fall, and it's so nice to be fit and have the extra energy to do it. And I've become kind of addicted to the walking. It's wonderful to just spend time together, talking. It reminds me just how much I love this guy.

Good luck with your weight-loss goals!

That's excellent! Good for you and your husband!!! Here's to much continued success in his goals!

 

[inkkognito]

Well, part of me wonders if they should have something like Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage has at Disneyland... the little room off to the side that allows you to basically "see" everything that you would have seen on the ride itself, without having to go into the little sub. It's designed for people with mobility issues, weight issues, or claustrophobia. However, it allows those folks to still experience the attraction and see everything that you would normally see (in HD) out the little portholes without putting themselves into vehicle that would make themselves feel uncomfortable.

There is absolutely no way they could give an equivalent experience, or even close, with something like that. This isn't a happy jaunt under the sea looking for Nemo. It's an experience created by the motion and rapid transitions between screens and animatronics. You just can't get that in a room. Those who have ridden it will understand what I mean. You can't properly dumb down certain experiences and this is one of them.

 

[famsen]

So I would like to know if someone has, let's just say a large chest (DDD ), would they not be able to ride this? This hypothetical person is 5'3" and only slightly overweight for a middle-aged woman except for the large chest. Would ride attendants be strolling the line looking for large chested women and then have the nerve to tell them their chest is too big? I mean there is nothing I, er, I mean this hypothetical person can do about their chest size.

 

[Burnt Toast]

I think the problem here is that lots of people are jumping the gun too quickly.

Case in point, my friend Chris is a pretty big guy. He's round with BROAD shoulders. We went to Six Flags Magic Mountain and was able to do most all of the roller coasters, including Tatsu (which is scary as heck) but wasn't able to do Riddler's Revenge because he wouldn't fit in the over-the-shoulder restraint correctly. Riddler's is a stand-up coaster, Tatsu is a flying coaster. I'd be more afraid of Tatsu if I came close to not being clicked in more then once then I would of Riddler's.

The fact is, while a good part of the US (notice I didn't say the world) is overweight, ride builders have to account for what's safe for a majority of their riders... which is, as one person put it, "normal-sized" riders. While some attractions like Small World or Pirates or Mansion or Spiderman can accommodate larger folks with no real added stress to the vehicle... something like a KULA/KUWA arm, that could be a LOT of stress and wear and tear on the mechanism.

Honestly though, in my opinion, I think it really has to do with the shape of the person in question and not a weight question. I'd bet it has a lot to do with the size of the person's shoulders if anything, since that's what the over-the-shoulder restraints rest on. You get a big broad guy with huge shoulders like my buddy Chris, he might not fit even though he can do most upside-down roller-coasters.

I think the dismissive attitude of some of the posters is rather insulting.

If Pete was turned away at 5'10" 230, then I will most likely be turned away at 6' 250.

I don't need anyone on these boards telling me to lose weight, I know I should. I don't need anyone telling me, or anyone else, that it's my own damn fault I can't ride the ride. You have no right to judge anyone other than yourself.

I am disappointed that I won't be able to ride this ride. I'm disappointed for myself and for others. I think what is going to be fueling a lot of the emotion here is that this seems to be a lower than normal bar for what is considered too large to ride. I've always considered myself chubby, but not fat. I guess what hurts here is that it's hard to say you aren't fat when you can't get on a ride like this.

Those of you who claim that you aren't trying to be insulting and you aren't trying to hurt anyone's feelings may not be trying, but I'm not sure you are succeeding. Honestly, saying something like "not to be a jerk" or "I'm not trying to be offensive" is basically giving yourself a free pass to go ahead and be a jerk or say something offensive.

If folks on these boards want to come on here and commiserate about the situation, please let us do that without all the moral posturing. We get enough of that in the real world.

 

[Burnt Toast]

There is absolutely no way they could give an equivalent experience, or even close, with something like that. This isn't a happy jaunt under the sea looking for Nemo. It's an experience created by the motion and rapid transitions between screens and animatronics. You just can't get that in a room. Those who have ridden it will understand what I mean. You can't properly dumb down certain experiences and this is one of them.

I understand that... but they would be offering an alternate experience for those people who can't ride for whatever reason; small children who don't meet the height requirement, people with size-issues, claustrophobics, etc. etc. At least there would be an option then the current option of no experience at all.

Universal's responsibility is that they use the technology that they licensed is used for an attraction that can be operated in a safe and responsible manner for a MAJORITY of their visitors. If they feel that the technology cannot support those with size issues safely, then it's their call to make. Even if it's a matter of having an "alternate experience" room off to the side or even see if they can utilize things like seat-belt extenders or whatever safely, then they should look into it... but if the attraction accommodates a majority of their riders safely, then they should have no obligation to try to find a jury-rigged way to to accommodate those that the ride might be unsafe for.

Who knows what the resolution will be, if there will be any, but I think people are jumping the gun here prematurely.

 

[Magpie]

I understand that... but they would be offering an alternate experience for those people who can't ride for whatever reason; small children who don't meet the height requirement, people with size-issues, claustrophobics, etc. etc. At least there would be an option then the current option of no experience at all.

Universal's responsibility is that they use the technology that they licensed is used for an attraction that can be operated in a safe and responsible manner for a MAJORITY of their visitors. If they feel that the technology cannot support those with size issues safely, then it's their call to make. Even if it's a matter of having an "alternate experience" room off to the side or even see if they can utilize things like seat-belt extenders or whatever safely, then they should look into it... but if the attraction accommodates a majority of their riders safely, then they should have no obligation to try to find a jury-rigged way to to accommodate those that the ride might be unsafe for.

I suspect the designers felt that the "alternate experience" was probably covered more than adequately by walking through the corridors of the castle, getting to explore the various classrooms, and see holographic Dumbledore, Harry, Hermione and Ron.

Who knows what the resolution will be, if there will be any, but I think people are jumping the gun here prematurely.

I agree... plus there's a lot of rumours flying around that have no apparent basis in reality (such as women with "great tracts of land" not being able to ride).

 

[mjohnson96]

So I would like to know if someone has, let's just say a large chest (DDD ), would they not be able to ride this? This hypothetical person is 5'3" and only slightly overweight for a middle-aged woman except for the large chest. Would ride attendants be strolling the line looking for large chested women and then have the nerve to tell them their chest is too big? I mean there is nothing I, er, I mean this hypothetical person can do about their chest size.

That is why I'm packing the ACE Bandages...be like hold on one moment and then wrap those babies up I can just imagine the look on the TM's face then.

Hmm....maybe I'll just do that anyways now

 

[disneyfav4ever]

That is why I'm packing the ACE Bandages...be like hold on one moment and then wrap those babies up I can just imagine the look on the TM's face then.

Hmm....maybe I'll just do that anyways now

How much do you want to bet people desperate enough to ride will do this if it helps? Now that you mentioned it, it actually doesn't sound like that bad of an idea.

 

[FINFAN]

So lets say you purchased this package for June 19th...do you still expect exclusive entrance to the area? The package read that you get it in the morning, not all day. What if they had the grand opening on May 28th, when the package started, again do you really think that the only people allowed in would be those that bought the package?

Maybe I'm one of the few, but I really don't spend more than 2 hours in a section of the park at US/IOA and even at WDW some areas are oh aww...move on! DH and I like to look, take pictures, ride something, take more pictures and then go on to the next area. I guess some really big fans would like to stay all day in the WWOHP area and never leave.

So you bought an exclusive package...you get an extra hour in the morning to see the parks...you get breakfast at the 3 broomsticks...you get the ticket....I have an AP and an hotel only reservations....I might get the 30 minutes in the morning on the 19th and that is it! No breakfast, no ticket, just crowds. So yes you are getting something that the basic onsite hotel only person is not getting, and you are getting something that the just day visitor staying offsite with no package is getting.

I guess I don't think Universal ever intended a package deal that allowed people to get into an area that was open to the GP but not allow the GP in? Might as well go back to the old ticket system for each ride then.

I am not a package holder either , room only, however, if I purchased a package that does not specify the time of day I am limited to , and THEN after the purchase that limitation is implemented, it is indeed a change not what was purchased. As far as you liking to change areas within 2 hours,, most do...but YOU are at liberty to choose WHEN in the day you are going to that area, which is of course something one would like to do on thier vacation. I am not disputing or suggessting more then the one hour early access, I am not disputing the timing of the breakfast, I am merely agreeing with the package holders that they should have the same access to the LAND that the post GO folks will have who are paying the same price for the same package, that they can access it at anytime they choose during the theme park hours. The land is functional...it is not enduring mechanical difficulties...the whole issue with closing it is becasue of the logistics to get to DC...so to keep the GP out of WWOHP but allow them DC ( which they should get to do)the package holders have to get limited access..and as I stated weeks ago, I felt it was going to be the minority who got the burn over the majority...and the package holders are the minority.

 

[Surroundedbyboys]

If they can't accomodate everyone in the seats they have, why not have another area/room that "shows" the ride? I haven't ridden this ride but I do know there are rides that have non motion seats to allow people with back problems, pregnant, wrong size/height, etc. to at least get to see it.

 

[lildamo]

If they can't accomodate everyone in the seats they have, why not have another area/room that "shows" the ride? I haven't ridden this ride but I do know there are rides that have non motion seats to allow people with back problems, pregnant, wrong size/height, etc. to at least get to see it.

The show building is MASSIVE -- there is no one single place that you could put non-riders that would give them any kind of effect. I think that walking the queue is an attraction in itself as a PP mentioned and designed as the alternative experience for those who do not wish to or can't ride (and from what I've heard, it's absolutely spectacular it itself).

 

[mommyarewegoingback]

I won't have a problem with fitting on FJ and neither will anybody in my party, but I kind of feel horrible for anyone being pulled out of a line because they are to large. How humiliating! We also have to remember that it is a soft opening for a reason, for the purpose to work out the bugs. Hopefully they can rectify the situation somewhat but restrictions maybe due to safety of the rider as well. We all want to ride but if someone gets hurt they are the first to complain. I guess what I am saying is that I can see US side and also guests in the parks complaints as well.

I agree and I hope that universal will do something about this. Have the testing outside the ride before the line. You are practically right before the end when they pull you out. I was horrified when they were doing this, especially after you think you're at the end of the line and ready to get on.

 

[stpetedisneydad]

So I would like to know if someone has, let's just say a large chest (DDD ), would they not be able to ride this? This hypothetical person is 5'3" and only slightly overweight for a middle-aged woman except for the large chest. Would ride attendants be strolling the line looking for large chested women and then have the nerve to tell them their chest is too big? I mean there is nothing I, er, I mean this hypothetical person can do about their chest size.

Where does one go to apply for this job. Heck, they wouldn't even have to pay me!

 

[Planogirl]

Where does one go to apply for this job. Heck, they wouldn't even have to pay me!

 

[bumbershoot]

You better believe it!

Although, to be honest, I thought he was pretty hot BEFORE he lost 60+ lbs (he started off at closer to 250). I like my men with some substance to them. But right now I got this thing about the way he crunches his abs...

Congrats to your hubby (and you, wink wink nudge nudge (since you made the huge tracts of land comment elsewhere I bet you'll get that))!

DH is 5'10"/11" and was around 240ish when we met, and obviously I found that to be quite attractive! He was a football player in HS, is a tae kwon do black belt, and if he were Japanese instead of Korean, his mom would probably have sent him off to a sumo stable, that's the sort of muscular build he has.

I'm hoping that FJ is going to give him the burst of motivation he needs; I think just doing Pilates will help... He works his rear off to lose this extra weight, but since a pituitary tumor is the cause of the extremely slooooow weight loss (and might have been the cause of the gain to begin with, though his docs were so busy just judging him instead of running the tests he was asking for for THREE YEARS, we don't know), it's very difficult.

 

[Magpie]

Congrats to your hubby (and you, wink wink nudge nudge (since you made the huge tracts of land comment elsewhere I bet you'll get that))!

DH is 5'10"/11" and was around 240ish when we met, and obviously I found that to be quite attractive! He was a football player in HS, is a tae kwon do black belt, and if he were Japanese instead of Korean, his mom would probably have sent him off to a sumo stable, that's the sort of muscular build he has.

I read this bit to my husband, who said something about "hara," which I think is some kind of sumo reference. My guy has done kung fu and aikido for years, but he's too busy with work these days.

I'm hoping that FJ is going to give him the burst of motivation he needs; I think just doing Pilates will help... He works his rear off to lose this extra weight, but since a pituitary tumor is the cause of the extremely slooooow weight loss (and might have been the cause of the gain to begin with, though his docs were so busy just judging him instead of running the tests he was asking for for THREE YEARS, we don't know), it's very difficult.

I'm sorry, that really rough. I hope the docs were able to treat him, finally!

And good luck with the weight loss!

 

[the Dark Marauder]

I agree and I hope that universal will do something about this. Have the testing outside the ride before the line. You are practically right before the end when they pull you out. I was horrified when they were doing this, especially after you think you're at the end of the line and ready to get on.

There is a test seat out front. All rides with "cramped" seating or OTS restraints have them: Hulk, Doom, Ripsaw, Dragons, Forbidden Journey, ROTM, Rockit.

It is encouraged (but not required) to use the test seats if you're tall/big. It saves a lot of potential embarrassment. Also, the TM out front may be able to encourage you on how to fit in the seat if you're using improper posture. This last statement is VERY common at ROTM and Ripsaw Falls.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Try telling that to a Universal Guest Relatons Host. Its already starting for them and things dont officially open untill June 18th. BTW telling someone who spent $2,000 on a vacation to see a new attraction, "If you dont like it go on a Diet"

not to mention it isn't only weight, it is also height.. cannot cut off your feet to shrink yourself...they have this height boo-boo on R3 as well