Doing Disney overweight

[bratmomma]

I was really nervous about this and then chilled out but now I am getting nervous again.

I am in the process of losing weight but I am currently still 313 at 5' 10". I carry most of my weight around my waist and in my belly. I am terrified I won't be able to ride stuff, or ride with my DD who is 3. Our touring plan includes DH going off with DS's quite a bit to ride the "bigger kid" rides while DD and I hang around and do the little kids rides and girly stuff.

I have read about the tips concerning sitting on the front edge of the seat and sliding back into it, and fully extending the seatbelt before sitting, etc. I am just nervous because I have RA and I also have OA in my knees. What if I can't manuever myself? I don't want to be mortified at Disney.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

I was really nervous about this and then chilled out but now I am getting nervous again.

I am in the process of losing weight but I am currently still 313 at 5' 10". I carry most of my weight around my waist and in my belly. I am terrified I won't be able to ride stuff, or ride with my DD who is 3. Our touring plan includes DH going off with DS's quite a bit to ride the "bigger kid" rides while DD and I hang around and do the little kids rides and girly stuff.

I have read about the tips concerning sitting on the front edge of the seat and sliding back into it, and fully extending the seatbelt before sitting, etc. I am just nervous because I have RA and I also have OA in my knees. What if I can't manuever myself? I don't want to be mortified at Disney.

I've never been mortified at Disney!!!

Lots of places...but not Disney!

 

[kimblebee]

This is the best thread ever! I am a big girl and have been totally worried about not fitting on some of the rides. Now I have no fears about not fitting. I can relax and focus on having a great time with my DD8. The only question I have is regarding TSM. I have seen pictures of the ride but can't really tell if there is a lot of room. Has anyone been on the ride who can say if it is roomy or a tight fit? I looked on allears but no one is really talking about this one ride. Thanks for any answers.

 

[DisTwix]

This is the best thread ever! I am a big girl and have been totally worried about not fitting on some of the rides. Now I have no fears about not fitting. I can relax and focus on having a great time with my DD8. The only question I have is regarding TSM. I have seen pictures of the ride but can't really tell if there is a lot of room. Has anyone been on the ride who can say if it is roomy or a tight fit? I looked on allears but no one is really talking about this one ride. Thanks for any answers.

Hey there - I rode TSM as a size 22 in Feb and it was totally fine. The little buggies that you go in are actually quite roomy and if anything I was sliding around a little, which I think the ride intends you to do.

Also - it's a must-do ride - we had a BLAST on it, and wished that the line weren't so silly because we wanted to do it again (and that the fast passes hadn't sold out by 11am!).

 

[ShhhQ]

Last year we went to WDW and enjoyed 4 days with no problems riding anything I wanted to ride. I am a size 28(3x) and the only ride I didn't get to ride was RnR coaster.. but that's because it was closed when I tried.

This year we chose to go to Branson (my Mother's choice, seeing as we went to WDW 2 years running she wanted something different), but we also took a day and went to King's Island (for those unfamiliar, it is an amusement park near Cinncinatti, Oh... featuring several of the world's best coasters). AFTER DISNEY.. King's Island stank! They don't consider plus-sized patrons important. Almost all the rides had warnings that said

"Due to rider restraint system requirements, guests of exceptional size may not be accommodated on some of our rides. This may apply, but not be limited to, males who exceed 6'2", and those who exceed 225 pounds, have a 40" waistline or 52" chest or females who exceed 200 pounds or wear size 18 or larger. Each person has different body proportions, so it is impossible to determine exact size and weight."

I decided to try anyway, when we arrived I went straight to the newest coaster there.. the Diamondback rollercoaster... I knew that the odds of me riding this were slim to none, but wanted to try the test seat just in case. There was already a line a mile and a half long, but I walked up to the test seat and tried it out... the seat was tight, but I fit... however, the restraint wouldn't close.. I wasn't gonna be able to ride! Even knowing it wasn't likely, I still felt dejected... and said to myself... this would never happen at Disney.

I went to another coaster that I was told should be okay for someone of my size.. I barely made the cut (the ride op almost decided the bar hadn't closed enough on me, but seemed to change her mind and said it was ok)... Had mixed emotions after that... happy that I was able to ride something, afraid I wouldn't be able to ride anything else, and definately missing Disney...

The day was ok, but we left early and I told my Mother that next year we need to go back to Disney... she agreed!!!

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

Hey there - I rode TSM as a size 22 in Feb and it was totally fine. The little buggies that you go in are actually quite roomy and if anything I was sliding around a little, which I think the ride intends you to do.

Also - it's a must-do ride - we had a BLAST on it, and wished that the line weren't so silly because we wanted to do it again (and that the fast passes hadn't sold out by 11am!).

Another comment on TSM...There are stairs involved in the ride cue. I was shocked to see this. I kindof felt like I was going to topple over.

I'm really used to NOT complaining about situations that are fine for everybody BUT me, but I didn't like it!

 

[stemikger]

Posted by FebDisney
My family is going to Disney next month. I have never been (my dh has years ago) and neither have my children. I am overweight (size 24) and am wondering about larger people riding the rides. I would like to be able to ride some rides with my daughter. I am concerned about the seat sizes as well as any bars that might come across you (lock into place) to secure you in the seat.

Any information will be helpful. Thank you so much!

I haven't read all the threads, but the only thing I want to tell you is that Disney is one of those places where big people don't have to worry.

We are average size people who have to watch our weight very closely, but I see all shapes and sizes at Disney. My wife who is also average size is very unhappy with the extra 20 lbs she carries and I always tell her that Disney is one of those great places where nobody notices the size of others. It truly is a great melting pot when it comes to that.

Also, unlike other theme parks, most of Disney's attractions are comfortable for everyone.

Good Luck and Have Fun.

 

[TraceyDisney2008]

I am size 28 and have never had a problem, go have fun and don't worry so much.

 

[TeaForTulips]

I didn't read through the entire thread, but from what I did read I agree for the most part... My biggest suggestion is to seriously start walking before you go... Our latest trip earlier this year took all of the adults by suprise (even my father who is in average to good shape). Your feet and legs will be worn out after a couple days I would almost promise. Of course its worth it, but still. I wish we would have just simply started walking a mile or so a day and I think it would have helped a lot.

I am 5'8" and recently tipped the scale over the 300 lb mark. While at disney I wass prolly 280 or so. I can't think of anything I could not ride, but there were definately some uncomfortable moments. One that sticks out is Star Tours. I could not get the belt buckled for the life of me. I kind of had to blindly buckle it and it was not cooperating. I had my family member sitting next to me (cant remember which it was now... ) try to help me and it was just an akward position for them that for whatever reason they couldnt get it either. I was beyond flustered. The CM at the front had one little red lite which indicated my seat and could tell I was working on it ... but mean while as at least a minute went by everyone else was staring straight at me. It was really embarassing...

I wanna say tea cups were a tight squeeze, but I dont quite remember. I know its not too helpful but I recall a few rides where we just had to somewhat push or slam a bar a little harder than normal while I sucked it in. Ha. All my weight is in my belly middle section... rite where those dang lap bars wanna go. Also I have long legs so the combination just wasnt always right. I could only sit so many ways to have my stomach and my knees not be in the way...

Needless to say Im not trying to scare anyone who is pooh size, but I went going with the mindset that I was fancy free and set to go and really it wasnt that simple. By no means was I not able to ride anything, but there were a few that werent so perfect.

I will end my ramble.

 

[MissRoseDarrensAngel]

I am pooh sized, and the rides & attractions that I chose I had no issues with at all. Even when I shared a ride seat with my 9 year nephew who is slightly pooh sized but I think in a few years when he grows a few more inches, he may not be after a growth spurt. I managed at times to share some rides with either of my sister's kids without issues at all.

Although, my mother who is far from pooh sized and never has been, blamed my inability to keep up with her fast walking on me being pooh sized & my feet that have been problematic for many years even with walking shoes & special socks I got for the trip, and I even did some walking ahead of time to prepare myself.

 

[alicia080979]

Have any of you had any trouble with Primeval Whirl? I am a 26/28 at 5'7 and in 2004 I rode this with my friend and I was a 22/24 then and she was probably an 18/20 and we were crammed in there! Will they let you just sit 2 to a car instead of 4? I'm starting to get nervous! I was walking almost 4 miles a day a couple months ago but hurt my back so I'm just to about 1-2 a day now. We leave in 13 days...I hope I fit on everything!

 

[TPCShauna]

Have any of you had any trouble with Primeval Whirl? I am a 26/28 at 5'7 and in 2004 I rode this with my friend and I was a 22/24 then and she was probably an 18/20 and we were crammed in there! Will they let you just sit 2 to a car instead of 4? I'm starting to get nervous! I was walking almost 4 miles a day a couple months ago but hurt my back so I'm just to about 1-2 a day now. We leave in 13 days...I hope I fit on everything!

DH and I rode PW with just two in the car. He sat on one side of two seats and I sat on the other. He's not pooh sized at all but I am and I just asked to have the car to ourselves. There was no problem. I will say the ride was extremely uncomfortable as we were jerked about and I ended up with a bruise on my hip from shifting about in the seat. We both decided not to ride again but would choose the same method if we did.

 

[alicia080979]

DH and I rode PW with just two in the car. He sat on one side of two seats and I sat on the other. He's not pooh sized at all but I am and I just asked to have the car to ourselves. There was no problem. I will say the ride was extremely uncomfortable as we were jerked about and I ended up with a bruise on my hip from shifting about in the seat. We both decided not to ride again but would choose the same method if we did.

Thanks so much! I'm glad to know they are good about you having your own car. I wouldn't know about the moving around because they had my friend and I in there like stuffed pigs!

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

Thanks so much! I'm glad to know they are good about you having your own car. I wouldn't know about the moving around because they had my friend and I in there like stuffed pigs!

I rode Primeval Whirl with my sister and niece. They had one side, and I had the other. That meant that I had a seat for 2 by myself. I've ridden many rides with chubby me and chubby dh with no problem. If given a choice...choose being stuffed in there like pigs. I hated being tossed around.

 

[Mlissa88]

I'd like to take my little one on Dumbo when we visit in Dec. Has anyone had a problem with that ride? I guess my fear is that I'll weigh it down and dumbo wont go into the air....

 

[dancer4life22]

i noticed some rides that had special sections for people who may need more room. i think youll be fine though dont worry!

 

[Callalily6]

I'd like to take my little one on Dumbo when we visit in Dec. Has anyone had a problem with that ride? I guess my fear is that I'll weigh it down and dumbo wont go into the air....

I have never seen that happen. Im a size 24 and ride dumbo.

Tea cups are tight, snow white is very tight (the bar comes back too far and narrow so if im seated next to hubby who isnt big, its squishy).

silly question - are the space mountain seats the same size as the astro orbiter seats?

 

[Mlissa88]

I have never seen that happen. Im a size 24 and ride dumbo.

Tea cups are tight, snow white is very tight (the bar comes back too far and narrow so if im seated next to hubby who isnt big, its squishy).

silly question - are the space mountain seats the same size as the astro orbiter seats?

thanks! I thought I read somewhere that dumbo wont work correctly if you are overweight....whew.

I'm dreading the turnstiles at Iasw and HM....I've been posting for years that i wish they would change them. No luck yet.

 

[alicia080979]

I have never seen that happen. Im a size 24 and ride dumbo.

Tea cups are tight, snow white is very tight (the bar comes back too far and narrow so if im seated next to hubby who isnt big, its squishy).

silly question - are the space mountain seats the same size as the astro orbiter seats?

Oh no I had never heard about Snow White being tight...now I'm really gonna worry. If you are too big will the bar just not shut? I don't want them to have to stop the entire ride for me! Should/can bigger people ride alone?

 

[Jeanieblue114]

I have a haunted mansion comment. yeah, the turnstiles are a serious problem BUT there is a great upside.
You have to go to a gate on the right side of the outside ride entrance completely separate from the main cue and when the cast member takes you through the handicap gate (your entire group can go with you btw) you get to go in through the back "servant's entrance". It is the coolest thing! There are big old keys hanging inside the door and the wall paper is all in theme and the CM will make you wait against the wall for them and it's all very extra creepy and SO DARN FREAKING COOL! I actually really enjoy the separate entrance there. And they hold you back in the little hallway there and when the group of people enter for the next show they just let you in with them. But waiting in the creepy dead silence with a CM who is in character will really put you in the mood for the ride.

Btw, I think that this servant's entrance door (actually near the exit of the ride) is also called the Chicken door. I read the Kingdom Keepers Fiction novel and they call it that in the book. Because people who get freaked out in the ride get taken out through that door as an exit.

Nobody has mentioned it and I haven't been to it in a while, but I remember the Hall of President's turnstile being impossible (it was the same as the Country Bears one). There is a big door to the side that I just went in. I want to see the new updated show, but I'm assuming they didn't remove the turnstile in entrance. Did they?

WHY on earth can't they just put in the electronic turnstiles?

With the ECV's, does Disney have any for larger weight people? From what I saw, there are weight limits on them that don't meet my needs....for the Disney owned ones.
I saw some places that you can rent them from, but I have a car to take to the parks and the ECV's for larger people don't seem to be portable in a car ....they don't break down, and I only want it for 1 day and they require a 2 day rental so I would rather just get it from Disney Anyone have any details?

I have never used one and I'm trying to avoid it, but I would like the option if it does end up being needed this visit (in a couple of weeks). I have been diagnosed with a major Vitamin D deficiency in the past year and it has really made my joints hurt a lot...kinda osteoporosis feeling and being very heavy doesn't help matters. I just want the info on the ECV as an option.

I have gotten over most of the hangups with going through the gates,etc. Everyone can see me. They all have eyes. If I try to hide that I'm going in through a gate, is everyone suddenly going to think that I'm skinny? Nope. I'm on vacation. I want to see the ride/show. Open the friggin gate i wanna have some fun!