Asking A Sensitive Rides Question

[JustGottaGoDisney]

Asked over at WISH, but thought I better ask here too:

How friendly are the rides at WDW to people of size? I see several things I want to be able to do with my ds, but I'm worried and anxious. I hate to miss out.

Thoughts, Advice, Encouragement That It Will Be Okay?

Thank You!

 

[Sorcerer Figment]

I suggest you visit "WDW at Large" over on AllEarsNet.

 

[Family Fun Mom]

I think the rides are very friendly to Pooh Sized folks. I am Super Pooh Sized and I went on nearly every ride, without a single problem. I was worried too, but once I got there I saw it was just fine.

Have fun!

 

[RaySharpton]

Asked over at WISH, but thought I better ask here too:

How friendly are the rides at WDW to people of size? I see several things I want to be able to do with my ds, but I'm worried and anxious. I hate to miss out.

Thoughts, Advice, Encouragement That It Will Be Okay?

Thank You!

Hi, JustGottaGoDisney. Me, too. IJustGottaGoDisneyToo...lol. I am pooh sized, and I enjoy many of the rides. I learned all I know about rides for me from Deb Wills web site

Deb Wills has just written a wonderful book that, in my humble opinion, is a wonderful Walt Disney Planner for everyone. It talks about Walt Disney World with a focus towards anyone with special needs. If you love her website, www.AllEarsNet.com , you will love her magical new book called PassPorter's Walt Disney World for your Special Needs: The take-along travel guide and planner!.

Deb Wills lists pictures are a lot of the ride attraction seats, whether they be bench seats, overhead harness seats, low lap bar seats, theater seats, and more.

Deb Wills talks about every single attraction ride in Walt Disney World. She also rates each ride separately.

And in this book Deb does focus on special needs of all kinds, but I believe their are a lot of people that post about not understanding why some people go to Walt Disney World, could learn a lot about different special needs for many different people.

In my opinion, everyone deserves to experience the magic of Walt Disney World. And if anyone wants to know a answer to a question about what other people may experience while at Walt Disney World, then read this wonderful book.

I think that it can only enrich anyones magical experience at Walt Disney World. And more people can understand how and why others that may not be just like them may experience Walt Disney World with their own special needs.

Everyone read the magic and be thankful.

Well, IGottaGoToDisneyInDecember and I'll be riding a lot of rides.

Sincerely, Ray

 

[damom2daboyz]

Hi,
Let me please say this, I got stuck in the turnstile at the HM and the lined backed up behind me ( I am 5'3", was 326 pounds, with a waist that measured 64"). My problems surrounded the turnstiles. The rides themselves were not a problem for me. My only suggestion would be to use the gate entrance at TTA, CoP, and HM. I was totally embarressed but managed to shrug it off by joking with the people in line behind us (I told them to hold on a minute, there's a fat lady stuck in the turnstile, but we should be back to your regularly scheduled horror show in a moment)

HTH.
Debbie

 

[Spaceship Earthfan]

Yep, the main problem for my friend who is very pooh-sized were the turnstiles...most of the rides she was able to just walk through the gate entrances. Thankfully we knew ahead of time where the problems might lie ( ) so at a few rides I steered her to the handicap entrance. We used the handicap line at HM because I figured the turnstiles would be too small, and the CMs let us use that line with no problem. Same for Snow White. The problem with those rides is that once you make it to the turnstile, there's no gate entrance nearby to use, so you'd have to go back through the line...easier to just go to the handicap entrance. On all the other rides/attractions, I wouldn't even bother with the turnstiles, just go through the gates.

The only ride she didn't do was Space Mountain, but that was mainly because her knees wouldn't allow her to get into the sitting position.

Another piece of advice is that on the rides with seat belts, pull the belt all the way out before buckling it. She got onto Test Track and I told her to pull the belt out all the way...and I swear she had like 50 feet of seat belt in her hand ...I literally could not stop laughing the whole ride... But anyways, if she could make it into all of those rides, anyone of any size can do it!

 

[Ahrizel]

WDW is very size friendly, much more so then your average theme park. My size 28 5'9" self on my 2x 6'3" hubby do just fine at the world. Some turnstiles at the MK are a little tight, but there is very little you can't do. Best tip, when there is a seat belt pull it all the way out before you sit down, makes your life much easier. Have fun!

 

[bdklein]

Take a look at the people around you, and think about your trips to WDW. Think about not being around for them. Maybe it will be incentive to lose a few pounds, and avoid these issues (plus save some money on food).

 

[sweetinmaine]

Take a look at the people around you, and think about your trips to WDW. Think about not being around for them. Maybe it will be incentive to lose a few pounds, and avoid these issues (plus save some money on food).

This is usually the last thing the we Pooh-sized people want to hear when planning a fun trip. We think about our weight every single day. We know that we need to loose weight and have been told many times that we might not be around....Well....you thin people may not be around either. My health problem is my weight. No cholesteral problems (118). Normal BP. Happily married 27 years. Shall I go on?? We do not need to be "informed" or "lectured" about loosing weight. The OP asked for answers on riding the rides and enjoying the day at Disney. He/she did not ask for pity or persecution. Your remark "plus save some money on food" is insulting.

I have had the opportunity to visit WDW twice this year. People on the airlines (JetBlue) were wonderful as were the CM's at Disney. I had a wonderful time. I too worried about my Pooh size however MOST people on these boards really calmed my fears. Deb's All Ears "WDW at Large" was most helpful too. JustGottaGoDisney: Go and have fun making memories. Be happy, feel young and enjoy every moment with your DS. You and he will remember this for many many years!

 

[RaySharpton]

Take a look at the people around you, and think about your trips to WDW. Think about not being around for them. Maybe it will be incentive to lose a few pounds, and avoid these issues (plus save some money on food).

Hello, bdklein. I don't know IGottaGoToDisney, bdklein, but this person has asked a simple question of people who have had the same experiences visiting Walt Disney World. I would hope that in your heart that your answer was given in the same caring spirit.

I don't know you either, bdklein, but I see as of this particular post, that this is only your tenth post on the DIS under your name bdklein.

Your response seems simple.

Your words and sentences seem simple.

But it is amazing how words can sometimes mean different things to different people.

If you had lost someone due to being overweight, I am so sorry.

Take a look at the people around you, and think about your trips to WDW.

I presume that you mean my family and friends.

Think about not being around for them.

You mean if I am no longer alive.

Maybe it will be incentive to lose a few pounds, and avoid these issues (plus save some money on food).

I appreciate you concern for me, and maybe for the others.

If you are sincere bdklein, then this book could definitely help enlighten you and your family and friends. That is why I think Deb Wills new book, PassPorter's Walt Disney World for your Special Needs: The Take-Along Travel Guide and Planners for everyone. Not just me, bdklein, but for you too. I think it will help give you a better understanding of why everyone deserves the right to visit and enjoy the magic of Walt Disney World.

Ray

 

[sweetinmaine]

RaySharpton: Amen and congratulations on your 20lb weight loss. Your words to bdklein will hopefully be heard by others who do not realize the sensitivity that we carry with us.

 

[RaySharpton]

Thank you sweetinmaine.

This is usually the last thing the we Pooh-sized people want to hear when planning a fun trip. We think about our weight every single day. We know that we need to loose weight and have been told many times that we might not be around.

Me, too...me, too.

The OP asked for answers on riding the rides and enjoying the day at Disney.

And she will have a magical time with her son. And with the knowledge that you learn from everyone, she will feel more comfortable and be prepared and will only have to think about the laughter of son having a magical time with her mom.

I had a wonderful time. I too worried about my Pooh size however MOST people on these boards really calmed my fears. Deb's All Ears "WDW at Large" was most helpful too. JustGottaGoDisney: Go and have fun making memories. Be happy, feel young and enjoy every moment with your DS. You and he will remember this for many many years!

Thank you, sweetinmaine. Me, too. I love Walt Disney World. And no matter whether you are in a park or resort or a restaurant, or on a cruise ship, Disney will go out its way be make your trip magical. I know it has for me. That is why I eep going back. I even went on my first cruise last year because of the information from Deb's site and here on the DIS. And if you ever get a chance to meet Deb Wills, you will fall in love with her. She is one of the sweetest, kindest young ladies that I have ever met.

Sincerely, Ray

 

[RaySharpton]

We must be posting at the same time sweetinmaine.

 

[kmebee]

To the OP: Go to WDW and have a great time. The posters here are absolutely right in telling you to take a look at Deb Wills' sight Allearsnet - WDW At Large. Being a bit on the Pooh Side and having a friend that is moreso, we both got a lot out of what we read on that sight. She was so well prepared for our trip because of what she read. She made 5x7 cards with what rides she could and couldn't ride and how to get in to these rides. We had a fantastic vacation! We hope you do as well.

To bdklein: All I can say is How Insensitive!!!

 

[Ali]

Again I am amazed at the way people treat each other in cyberspace. I just wanted to say to the OP don't let the jerks make you paranoid at Disney - you will probably never see them again in your life, so if you want to ride a ride with your DS, do it! It doesn't matter what other people think. I will second the turnstile issues - I got stuck and a massive bruise at the Railroad turnstile at the MK - not fun, even turned sideways. So now I get on in Fronteirland or Toontown.

If you are going in to Pirates, unhook the little chain hanging there and go through the wheelchair lane - I do it everytime.

No advice for Space mountain becuase I am a chicken!

Alicia

 

[mommaU4]

I started a thread titled "dieting for disney" where I talked about how I was trying and unfortunately failing, to lose weight for our upcoming trip. And I recieved wonderful advice and support. I also asked a similar question about rides for "pooh-sized" people on yet another thread and got great support and encouragement. It's hard to lose weight, just as hard as trying to quit drinking or smoking, IMHO. But I am trying. And I can garauntee you that anyone who has a weight problem deals with it everyday and does not need anyone else pointing it out to them that they should lose a few pounds.

I'm just really tired of seeing larger people out at Disney or anywhere for that matter and watching others blatantly stare and talk about them. That's so rude. You wouldn't do that to a handicapped/mentally challenged person in a wheelchair would you?

Being plus-sized already makes me feel self-conscious and I don't know if people stare but I'm sure they do. We are staying at a resort off-site that is supposed to have 7 pools but because of how rude some people can be there is no way I'm putting on a swimsuit and swimming with my kids. Just like I haven't worn shorts in public for about 8 years now, not even when we went to Vegas in the month of June or FL. in the month of May.

I will continue with my weight loss struggle and slowly but surely will reach my goal. And maybe slowly but surely, people will be more accepting of others regardless of size, shape, age, color, etc.

 

[JustGottaGoDisney]

To all you wonderful and supportive people: Thank you so much! I feel like you have blessed me with a gift. I can relax now and look forward to my trip with my ds. It's hard to even have to worry about my weight and a trip, but at this point it is simply a fact of life. It's nice to know that others care and can sympathize and support.


To the poster who was so tacky: I would like you to know that I am working on my weight. I, as many others, do care about my health and others. What you don't know is that this was a spur of the moment surprise trip for my ds. Weight does not come off surprisingly fast for me. He will not miss out on Christmas at disney b/c I haven't reached my goal weight. Your comments were insensitive and unncessary. I did not ask to be lectured, but only to know about the rides. I would rather you not have posted at all. My ds deserves to see disney!

 

[bdklein]

It was not meant to be insensitive or tacky or mean. It was meant to be motivational. Oh well.

 

[krismas]

I agree with most of the posters and think that you will find most of the rides at WDW are very plus size friendly.

I just returned from a 5 day trip where I travelled with a large size family member. We rode nearly everything and the only ride she struggled with was Kali River Rapids at AK. That ride puts two people into one bench seat and has a single seatbelt to cover both riders. The problem was easily solved when my family member told a cast member that she would like a whole seat for herself. Instead of two of us crammed into a smallish seat and unable to buckle the seat belt, she had a oversized seat to herself and loved the ride so much that we rode it two more times!

Go and enjoy yourself with your DS and don't worry about the weight issue at all!

 

[JustGottaGoDisney]

It was not meant to be insensitive or tacky or mean. It was meant to be motivational. Oh well.

Thank you for clarifying yourself. Please understand though where I come from: I am trying b/c I want to be healthier and here for my family. However, thinking that I might die for example can be a motivation, but can also be a huge source of fear for many. Your comments made me feel reprimanded to be honest with you.

I appreciate you speaking up though and saying you did not mean to be insensitive!