Flight of Passage + People of Size = Disappointing

[whiporee]

I'm guessing you're not fat because, let me tell you, people are bothered by fat peoplen all the time. I am overweight, and no, I don't appear thin when I'm walking around. But you say that like walking around fat isn't also sometimes embarassing for fat people. And it's entirely different for people to see you struggle to fit into something that most other people have no problem with. If I'm walking around in the world I'm not it's not like I have to squeeze myself into it. Do you seriously not understand that fat people are judged and ridiculed all the time? Yes, those people are jerks, but that doesn't mean it's easy to ignore and not be bothered by it.

I'm jumping off topic just a bit to say this: I've been fat since I was eight. I've lost and gained and lost and gained and lost and gained, so I have some experience with the subject. I'm someone who didn't fit FOP and had to be escorted out to the waiting room.

And I can tell you, I honestly believe other people don't care. Unless you're actively getting in their space -- crowding into an airplane seat, os scrunching them in a theater or something -- they don't care at all. They rarely even notice. And even in those situations, they forget about it soon after. I think the embarrassment comes mostly from us, that we assign other people a level of judgement and malice they don't really feel. I'm 50, and the last time someone actually SAID anything cruel to me about my size was junior high. They may have felt it, or they simply may not have cared. The shame and emotion I felt was strictly from me.

I'm not suggesting that your emotions aren't real, because I've felt them and still do. But I think we spend too much time worrying that other people are pointing fingers at us. Because, as much as we might feel embarrassed about our size, I honestly don't think the rest of the world cares at all.

 

[kenshinelite]

Just to add I'm 6'5 320lbs. I was able to ride FoP on the trip I just got back from. I have long legs and size 13 shoes. Hope this helps anyone with a similar body type. The only ride between Disney and Universal I couldn't fit in was Escape from Gringotts. Those left restraints are hell. Good luck to everyone FoP was the best ride I've ever ridden.

 

[Kindermouse]

I'm jumping off topic just a bit to say this: I've been fat since I was eight. I've lost and gained and lost and gained and lost and gained, so I have some experience with the subject. I'm someone who didn't fit FOP and had to be escorted out to the waiting room.

And I can tell you, I honestly believe other people don't care. Unless you're actively getting in their space -- crowding into an airplane seat, os scrunching them in a theater or something -- they don't care at all. They rarely even notice. And even in those situations, they forget about it soon after. I think the embarrassment comes mostly from us, that we assign other people a level of judgement and malice they don't really feel. I'm 50, and the last time someone actually SAID anything cruel to me about my size was junior high. They may have felt it, or they simply may not have cared. The shame and emotion I felt was strictly from me.

I'm not suggesting that your emotions aren't real, because I've felt them and still do. But I think we spend too much time worrying that other people are pointing fingers at us. Because, as much as we might feel embarrassed about our size, I honestly don't think the rest of the world cares at all.

The last time someone made a rude and and hateful comment about me for being over weight-3 weeks ago. What was I doing-walking across a parking lot. It happens to people all the time who are in no way encroaching on others space with their girth. Some people really do care in a hateful way and they think they have a right to let their opinions out sometimes too. I have even heard people say that they think making rude comments is good because maybe it will motivate people to do sometime about it. I dont think its fair to discount someone else's feelings and experiences just because you have different ones. I did fit on FOP and wish I hadnt been teased since middle school. It wouldnt surprise me to hear that someone was shamed because of their size at Disney. People who are jerks go to Disney too. Last week my son heard a few low lifes making fun of a quick service worker for not having good enough English and making a bunch of racist/xenophobic comments. He was very upset by it. I am glad for you if you have never seen someone be a blatant hateful racist at Disney but that doesn't change my families experience.

Now back to our regularly scheduled programming...sit up straight and wear flipflops when in doubt folks.

 

[Aflyingbuttress]

I'm jumping off topic just a bit to say this: I've been fat since I was eight. I've lost and gained and lost and gained and lost and gained, so I have some experience with the subject. I'm someone who didn't fit FOP and had to be escorted out to the waiting room.

And I can tell you, I honestly believe other people don't care. Unless you're actively getting in their space -- crowding into an airplane seat, os scrunching them in a theater or something -- they don't care at all. They rarely even notice. And even in those situations, they forget about it soon after. I think the embarrassment comes mostly from us, that we assign other people a level of judgement and malice they don't really feel. I'm 50, and the last time someone actually SAID anything cruel to me about my size was junior high. They may have felt it, or they simply may not have cared. The shame and emotion I felt was strictly from me.

I'm not suggesting that your emotions aren't real, because I've felt them and still do. But I think we spend too much time worrying that other people are pointing fingers at us. Because, as much as we might feel embarrassed about our size, I honestly don't think the rest of the world cares at all.

Well, I think you are extremely lucky if your experience has been that people don't care. People have spoken actual words to me that indicate that they do care. I'm talking about people who actually do and say things to people who are overweight. Last year when I was planning for disney I came across a youtube video of someone just filming fat people on scooters and shaming them for it. When that kind of thing happens often enough it impacts you. And the embarrassment comes from those experiences, not because we assign judgement and malice to people. On the contrary. I think most people are genuinely good people.

 

[Magpie]

The last time someone made a rude and and hateful comment about me for being over weight-3 weeks ago. What was I doing-walking across a parking lot. It happens to people all the time who are in no way encroaching on others space with their girth. Some people really do care in a hateful way and they think they have a right to let their opinions out sometimes too. I have even heard people say that they think making rude comments is good because maybe it will motivate people to do sometime about it. I dont think its fair to discount someone else's feelings and experiences just because you have different ones. I did fit on FOP and wish I hadnt been teased since middle school. It wouldnt surprise me to hear that someone was shamed because of their size at Disney. People who are jerks go to Disney too. Last week my son heard a few low lifes making fun of a quick service worker for not having good enough English and making a bunch of racist/xenophobic comments. He was very upset by it. I am glad for you if you have never seen someone be a blatant hateful racist at Disney but that doesn't change my families experience.

Now back to our regularly scheduled programming...sit up straight and wear flipflops when in doubt folks.

Just popping in to say that you're absolutely right, about rude/hateful people. Though we haven't had to deal with fat shaming or racism. Rather, my daughter was born with a large haemangioma on her face. When she was little (and it was at its largest), it was a bit startling to see and people would sometimes gasp when they saw her.

We got a fair few hateful comments, and I was once even accused of having "done something" to my child.

What was most distressing for me, though, weren't the outright attacks. Those I could easily brush off as coming from jerks and idiots. What got under my skin the most were the well-meaning comments. Such as the woman who ran up to me on the street to give me her homeopath's card, because he sold natural herbs and supplements that she was sure would "shrink" my daughter's birthmark. Or the, "Oh no, what happened?!" Or our doctor discussing what to do about my beautiful child's "deformity". Or, worst of all, the friend who said, in all sincerity, "It must be so hard to have a child like that!" Like what? I wondered. The child was bright, healthy, and happy. The only difficulties we were experiencing were with other people's opinions of her.

I could have gotten grumpy about it, I suppose. But I had the child to think about. So, I met every glance, curious or hostile, with a smile. I taught her to answer, "What happened to your face!?" with a cheery, "That's my birthmark! I was born with it. It doesn't hurt, see?" And she'd jam her finger in all the way up to her knuckle.

"Always assume good intentions" is what our church teaches, and I worked really hard on it! For my daughter, fortunately, it seems to have come naturally.

It's not easy when you don't fit the usual mold. People can be mean. And @whiporee also makes a good point in that we can reduce a fair bit of our own pain, if we can somehow learn to stop caring so much about what other people think. Don't change yourself to please them. Do it for yourself. My daughter was beautiful before her surgeries. She's beautiful now. Nothing anyone ever said, or will ever say, can change that.

 

[whiporee]

For everyone who jumped in, my apologies. Like I said, I've been fat -- really fat -- for most of my 50 years, and no one's ever really said a word since I was a teenager, even though I was sure everyone who saw me was judging me. I assumed that to be a nearly universal case, because my guess is I'm fatter than most. So, I'm both sorry to be wrong, and I'm sorry to have extrapolated my experience to anyone else.

 

[OhhBother]

Someone asked earlier about time and space to change into flip flops. I changed in one of the pre-show movie rooms. And then I put my tennis shoes in the storage bin -- plenty of room (I did put them in a Disney shopping bag so my grubby shoes wouldn't be sitting where people's stuff goes).

The first time I rode -- before I brought flip flops with me -- I tried to take off my shoes and ride in socks. The CM was having none of that -- said shoes are required. But I know others have ridden without shoes. So I think it just varies from CM to CM.

 

[Disneymomintx]

I just wanted to share my FoP experience I just had 30 minutes ago. This is a ride I have been looking forward to since the trip was planned. I’m a big girl so I had some reservations about fitting. I wear size 50 pants (men), 28 women’s pants, 52 chest, am approximately 5’10 and 330. I took all the advice I read on here and was able to barely fit. But darn it I fit! I sat up straight and took a deep breath then let it all out until she clicked the restraint in. If not for the CM I would not have been able to ride but thankfully I had one willing to try.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[MIChessGuy]

Someone asked earlier about time and space to change into flip flops. I changed in one of the pre-show movie rooms. And then I put my tennis shoes in the storage bin -- plenty of room (I did put them in a Disney shopping bag so my grubby shoes wouldn't be sitting where people's stuff goes).

The first time I rode -- before I brought flip flops with me -- I tried to take off my shoes and ride in socks. The CM was having none of that -- said shoes are required. But I know others have ridden without shoes. So I think it just varies from CM to CM.

I generally carry a bag around with me while in the parks, so I will give this plan a try. Every extra inch helps.

 

[maxiesmom]

Someone asked earlier about time and space to change into flip flops. I changed in one of the pre-show movie rooms. And then I put my tennis shoes in the storage bin -- plenty of room (I did put them in a Disney shopping bag so my grubby shoes wouldn't be sitting where people's stuff goes).

The first time I rode -- before I brought flip flops with me -- I tried to take off my shoes and ride in socks. The CM was having none of that -- said shoes are required. But I know others have ridden without shoes. So I think it just varies from CM to CM.

You are supposed to ride with shoes. I think it is in case you have to evacuate for any reason, they want you to have shoes on and not be barefoot.

 

[skullsplitter]

6 ft 315 lbs. Rode last week with no issue. Actually had a little movement after the leg restraints were locked. The too big glasses were more uncomfortable than the restraints.

 

[bjcaed]

Here is my worry. I am a big girl with really big boobs. Will this effect fitting in the ride? All of my weight is in the front so not too worried about the legs. Sure hoping I can make it work!!

 

[ShadeDK]

Someone asked earlier about time and space to change into flip flops. I changed in one of the pre-show movie rooms. And then I put my tennis shoes in the storage bin -- plenty of room

This is a great suggestion. There are two pre-ride chambers with videos where you stand on numbers - the first is about 5-7 minutes and the second about 2-3 minutes. So while Dr. Stephens is talking to you during the first one and checking your genetic code, scanning for parasites, matching up your avatar, introducing you to the other doctor you'll meet in the second video, explaining Pandora, fiddling with the camera, sharing family vacation slides, reciting the Iliad in full in Greek and English, taking your drink orders ... (seriously - that video goes forever), there's plenty of time to swap out shoes while everyone else is wiggling around for Dr. Stephens' multiple scans. Also agree that the cubbies have lots of room - no shortage of space.

 

[old feller]

Just to add I'm 6'5 320lbs. I was able to ride FoP on the trip I just got back from. I have long legs and size 13 shoes. Hope this helps anyone with a similar body type. The only ride between Disney and Universal I couldn't fit in was Escape from Gringotts. Those left restraints are hell. Good luck to everyone FoP was the best ride I've ever ridden.

Going to universal for first time in dec. What type of restraints are you talking about

 

[Wackdawg]

Was on FOP on 8/7/2017. I'm 6'3'' and weigh 320 lbs. I got in there with a little push from a very helpful cast member and was extremely grateful and enjoyed the ride very much. Best thing at WDW right now.

 

[1st*toright]

Here is my worry. I am a big girl with really big boobs. Will this effect fitting in the ride? All of my weight is in the front so not too worried about the legs. Sure hoping I can make it work!!

Boobs are not an issue on this one. When you sit forward, the support is on your stomach and back - all lower than boob level (and I'm really short, so its unlikely it would hit anyone else higher than me!). Unlike those over the shoulder harnesses at some places that are just hopeless - you should be just fine.

 

[bjcaed]

Boobs are not an issue on this one. When you sit forward, the support is on your stomach and back - all lower than boob level (and I'm really short, so its unlikely it would hit anyone else higher than me!). Unlike those over the shoulder harnesses at some places that are just hopeless - you should be just fine.

thanks!!!!!

 

[Dugette]

A data point for everyone, though not sure it really helps, since it seems there are so many variables at play on this. DH is about 5'9" and 350 and can ride everything else at WDW (though 7DMT was just barely). He had his trainer measure his calves prior to our trip and they are 20" and 20.5". Tried the test seat 3 different times with different CMs and 1 thought they could get the leg restraints to lock, one didn't, one didn't think so but kept saying the tester is only an approximation. We had fast pass yesterday, so decided to just try and ask the loading CM to do everything she could, so she really worked with him. Even let him take shoes off and try barefoot, but no dice. All the CMs said the leg restraint was the issue. He had to leave while DD and I rode. Our family all got two anything FP for AK that day (DH used one for NRJ and DD and I did FoP again, then we all did a night safari). DH was really disappointed, but we managed to still have a great AK day. Here's a pic for reference on the calves.

On another note, DD is just barely 44" and there was only 1 measuring our first time through, but she was pulled aside 3 times our second time - so not a lot of CM consistency. But she made it every time and loved the ride!

ETA - DH just mentioned he talked to the CM while he waited and she told him this happens A LOT.

 

[BonnieA]

OK, asking, I am 300#, 5'7". Lot of the weight in my stomach. Any advice?

 

[Jimmy Mouse]

I have been overweight most of my life. I'm 6'1" and my Heaviest was 269, wore XXL shirts with a 42" waist. I have never encountered anyone being rude or commenting on my weight. In January 2016 I had chest pains and thought I was having a heart attack. After spending 2 days in the hospital I was released with a clean bill of health. Ended up being a pulled muscle but being 50 and over weight I guess I panicked and worried myself to the hospital. The doctor told me I had to lose weight but told me not to go on a diet. He simply gave me a list based on what I told them I eat. The list was 10 things I wasn't allowed to eat until I lost 50 lbs. After that I was allowed to eat what I wanted on Sunday only. He called it reward day. I have maintained 205 for almost 2 years with a 36" waist and wear a large shirt now. The best part is I got to the point where I am able to jump on the trampoline and swing on the swing set with my daughters. Our 2 last Disney trips have been the best because I didn't have to worry about fitting on rides. I did gain 10 lbs last month on our 12 day vacation. I ate a lot! but just by going back to my good habits, I have already lost 6 lbs of that gained weight. We just got back 4 weeks ago and rode FOP no problem. I did see 2 people having a hard time getting the restraints to lock. Now I am by no means downing any person that is overweight. It has been my life for most of my life. I have always avoided going swimming but this year I actually took off my shirt and got in the pool at the Contemporary with my 2 girls. It was the most memorable part of our vacation. Disney builds rides for the majority of people, not all people. We all make choices and anyone can lose weight if they want to. Blaming Disney may not be the answer.