alvernon90
Two Decade Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2001
- Messages
- 1,647
Having done a lot of reading on this board about being too overweight to fit on rides at USO and IOA, I wanted to share my experience for others who come here to search for the same information.
I went to Universal over Columbus Day weekend 2015. My stats: I am a middle-aged male, approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall, and at the time of the trip I weighed approximately 285 pounds. Most of that weight is in my torso, specifically a large belly and a spare tire.
My experience was that I was able to fit on every ride without a problem, though sometimes in modified seats.
Dragon Challenge: rode both sides in the modified seats with no problems, needed no assistance to pull down the harness or buckle the restraint. Hulk was closed, but I assume I would have fit into the modified seats on that one, as well.
Spiderman/Transformers: no problems here at all
Revenge of the Mummy: I was worried because the test seat made it look like I was borderline, but this ride was no problem at all
Rip Ride Rockit: after the test seat I was told to ride in the modified row, but the station attendant put me in row 1 for my first ride. I then rode in row 3, and honestly I did not notice much of a difference. The restraint was snug (as it came around the largest part of me) but was not uncomfortable. As it turns out, though, I did not much enjoy the coaster, as the "flip" around the loop that keeps you from going upside down felt like the ride was trying to fling me out. I had a hard time trusting the restraint because it barely closed. Someone less paranoid than me would have no problem.
Escape from Gringots: I got a green light on the test seat for this one, and had no problem. Rode twice in the back row then asked to sit in the front. The lack of leg room in the front row made the ride somewhat less comfortable than the back row, though still not a problem. The experience is not that much better in the front, so if you are tall and big, go ahead and ask for the back.
Forbidden Journey: the attendant at the test seat told me I was good to go on one of the outside seats, and that I should say that to anyone inside who asked me. As it turns out, I was asked repeatedly about it. Have you already ridden this ride? When was the last time you rode it? Etcetera. I know they were just trying to keep me from being disappointed when I got to the loading area. Once I got there, I was able to get three clicks without any assistance or any tricks to squeeze in. I could not get a fourth click on my own, but I probably could have if I asked, because the restraint was quite roomy with only three clicks.
I hope this give some comfort to those who are looking for this info, because I know I was worried sick about it right up to the point that I went on my first ride, which was Gringots -- when I saw the green light on that, I felt confident that I would fit on all the rest. However, let me note one additional point:
I lost quite a bit of weight over the year before the trip, specifically hoping that I could fit on the Harry Potter rides. I went from about 370 to 285 with lots of walking and, crucially, a lot of strength training with free weights. Because muscle is significantly more dense than fat, and I had put on a lot of muscle, I was more "slender" at 285 pounds than someone who has not exercised in a long time might be.
I mention this because my research indicated that, generally speaking, people below 250 (regardless of height) had no problems at Universal, people over 300 had significant problems, and people who are in the middle were all over the map. I think that in that middle zone your level of fitness will make all the difference. Focus on getting fit, not just moving the number on the scale, and I believe you will have better luck.
Good luck to everyone struggling with their weight and hoping for a great experience at Universal Orlando. I thought Universal was way better and more fun than WDW, but only because I was able to ride everything. So get moving, and get ready for some spectacular attractions at Universal!
I went to Universal over Columbus Day weekend 2015. My stats: I am a middle-aged male, approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall, and at the time of the trip I weighed approximately 285 pounds. Most of that weight is in my torso, specifically a large belly and a spare tire.
My experience was that I was able to fit on every ride without a problem, though sometimes in modified seats.
Dragon Challenge: rode both sides in the modified seats with no problems, needed no assistance to pull down the harness or buckle the restraint. Hulk was closed, but I assume I would have fit into the modified seats on that one, as well.
Spiderman/Transformers: no problems here at all
Revenge of the Mummy: I was worried because the test seat made it look like I was borderline, but this ride was no problem at all
Rip Ride Rockit: after the test seat I was told to ride in the modified row, but the station attendant put me in row 1 for my first ride. I then rode in row 3, and honestly I did not notice much of a difference. The restraint was snug (as it came around the largest part of me) but was not uncomfortable. As it turns out, though, I did not much enjoy the coaster, as the "flip" around the loop that keeps you from going upside down felt like the ride was trying to fling me out. I had a hard time trusting the restraint because it barely closed. Someone less paranoid than me would have no problem.
Escape from Gringots: I got a green light on the test seat for this one, and had no problem. Rode twice in the back row then asked to sit in the front. The lack of leg room in the front row made the ride somewhat less comfortable than the back row, though still not a problem. The experience is not that much better in the front, so if you are tall and big, go ahead and ask for the back.
Forbidden Journey: the attendant at the test seat told me I was good to go on one of the outside seats, and that I should say that to anyone inside who asked me. As it turns out, I was asked repeatedly about it. Have you already ridden this ride? When was the last time you rode it? Etcetera. I know they were just trying to keep me from being disappointed when I got to the loading area. Once I got there, I was able to get three clicks without any assistance or any tricks to squeeze in. I could not get a fourth click on my own, but I probably could have if I asked, because the restraint was quite roomy with only three clicks.
I hope this give some comfort to those who are looking for this info, because I know I was worried sick about it right up to the point that I went on my first ride, which was Gringots -- when I saw the green light on that, I felt confident that I would fit on all the rest. However, let me note one additional point:
I lost quite a bit of weight over the year before the trip, specifically hoping that I could fit on the Harry Potter rides. I went from about 370 to 285 with lots of walking and, crucially, a lot of strength training with free weights. Because muscle is significantly more dense than fat, and I had put on a lot of muscle, I was more "slender" at 285 pounds than someone who has not exercised in a long time might be.
I mention this because my research indicated that, generally speaking, people below 250 (regardless of height) had no problems at Universal, people over 300 had significant problems, and people who are in the middle were all over the map. I think that in that middle zone your level of fitness will make all the difference. Focus on getting fit, not just moving the number on the scale, and I believe you will have better luck.
Good luck to everyone struggling with their weight and hoping for a great experience at Universal Orlando. I thought Universal was way better and more fun than WDW, but only because I was able to ride everything. So get moving, and get ready for some spectacular attractions at Universal!
