Has fitting on the Potter attractions and other restrictive attractions been remedied?

[Elias1901]

Hey all,

We have a big vacation planned next year and we’ll be hitting Universal Orlando for a few days next September. I’m just wondering if I really need to get on a more rigorous exercise regiment to hopefully thin down a bit by then or has the Potter attractions, The Incredible Hulk coaster, and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit been modified for larger persons over the years?

I haven’t been back to Universal Orlando in a couple years at least by this point, but I’ve had varied ups and downs with fitting into their restraints on those attractions... due to my ranging weight loss and gain, I assume. I’ve ridden all of them at one point or another, but I’ve also be rejected from all of them. More recently, I’ve even been rejected from riding Flight of Passage at Animal Kingdom when we were there this passed March, and while it was never overly comfortable with my leg positioning on that one, I was always able to fit until that time. I was able, however, after being rejected at Forbidden Journey in Florida (in 2016, I believe... was able to start exercising regularly and was able to fit on Forbidden Journey in California the following year in October of 2017.

I’m also fearful about the restraints on Disney’s new attractions coming up, particularly TRON, as I tried their test mock-up cars when they had them outside of Space Mountain in March and there was NO WAY the restraint would’ve been considered safely close as my big calves would block the dumb straight across locking bars from allowing the back brace to close on top of me...

But, yes, has Universal modded their vehicles on those particular attractions recently that anybody knows of? I know Forbidden Journey has the end seats that are apparently more accommodating but that has only gone so far for me. You see, it’s not necessarily my gut that is the issue. I’m a large dude... I’m 6’2’’ and my posterior is (ahem) quite “space consuming” and my legs are very beefy... they barely cram into the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train restraints... and even then when they do, it is quite tight and uncomfortable and if I’m wearing shorts, can pull on my skin and be quite annoying. Gringotts has always been a challenge, even when I was lighter. Those stupid ankle pads or whatever always stop the lap bar waaay sooner than it should since it hits my legs too early and trying to squeeze the bar down is a challenge. Some Team Members will try to help me by pushing down and some will refuse and just tell me to take a hike... but I am almost 100% confident, help or not, I wouldn’t fit at my current size. I’ve had to be ridiculous with that attraction before and hike up my feet at an angle just to trick the dumb padding to going lower and then potentially have my legs crunched up and holding that position there the the whole ride... and my legs are prone to cramping when held at awkward angles like that. Rip, Ride has been tough as well as with that one, it is my gut what gets in the way as those restraints close at a tight angle instead of a wide swing out and click... Hulk I assume my thighs perhaps stoped the shoulder restraint from going low enough, but it’s been ages since I rode so I can’t remember what the issue was but I know I definitely didn’t fit in 2016...

I don’t know... does anybody have any insight or advice on this subject? All I know is that in any case (unless they’ve REALLY changed their restraints especially the ones that have the overkill padding) I’m probably gonna have to get myself more active this coming year and hope for the best come trip time! :\

 

[Disxuni]

They have not changed their seating and unfortunately depending on the TM you may, or may not get assistance.

I think the actual rule is that people are intended to get into the ride vehicle and push it down themselves. As that is the general idea I get with how TMs speak and interact with me in the few times they do not. However, in most cases, TMs usually try to assist and give a push and if it clicks then asks if you're comfortable.

I'm glad you brought up the weight issue. As something yesterday reminded me of something that occurred to me and I wanted to warn people about it. I was going to find old post about weight / restrictive attractions to add this too, but you just made this one.

I wanted to share this story to avoid guests getting misinformation from TMs if this is stated regularly...

In September, I attempted to ride Gringotts. As I've been doing a little bit of a slow process weight loss journey. I had lost enough to fit onto FJ again as I was used to previously, so thought it would work on Gringotts. However, it did not work, especially as the TM on the ride insisted I keep trying to push the lap bar up myself, so no help. I accepted my fate and was not offended. However, one thing I didn't think was right is as she was escorting me out of the area she informed me that if I was going to plan on riding the Mummy that she automatically told me I would not be able to ride that attraction. As both ride vehicles are designed the same. I do not recall her even suggesting I try one of the test seats. However, I did not argue with her and left.

So, here's the thing. First of all, yes, they are designed similarly. With the design of how lap bars work, as well as the ways the legs are restrained, and the ride vehicle as a whole is similar. That is correct. However, the weight restriction is nowhere near the same. So therefore, her statement is either assumption due to the vehicle design, or something Universal tells their TMs. Either way, I've always never had issues with the Mummy. Except once awhile ago when I was at my biggest and didn't even realize it. And while I did not ride the Mummy that day. I went to the park soon after (no time for weight to change) and I did ride the Mummy with absolute ease and no assistance from a TM.

For those they don't wanna read all that, to summarize don't believe a TM when they state you won't fit into a ride vehicle. Always try, especially if you can handle possibly being rejected. As it's good to test it out. However, sometimes even being in the ride vehicle itself is the best. As I've heard people state they believe they're different. Also, a TM helps. And also, I do not know if FJ even has the "modified" seats for testing which would make a difference. Either way, always try.

But yeah, I recommend trying to lose a little bit of weight as nothing has changed. Gringotts has certain modified rows and for FJ the last seat is the modified seat. However, other than that, there have been no changes made to the seats, or other newer attractions have "modified" seating.

 

[Elias1901]

They have not changed their seating and unfortunately depending on the TM you may, or may not get assistance.

I think the actual rule is that people are intended to get into the ride vehicle and push it down themselves. As that is the general idea I get with how TMs speak and interact with me in the few times they do not. However, in most cases, TMs usually try to assist and give a push and if it clicks then asks if you're comfortable.

I'm glad you brought up the weight issue. As something yesterday reminded me of something that occurred to me and I wanted to warn people about it. I was going to find old post about weight / restrictive attractions to add this too, but you just made this one.

I wanted to share this story to avoid guests getting misinformation from TMs if this is stated regularly...

In September, I attempted to ride Gringotts. As I've been doing a little bit of a slow process weight loss journey. I had lost enough to fit onto FJ again as I was used to previously, so thought it would work on Gringotts. However, it did not work, especially as the TM on the ride insisted I keep trying to push the lap bar up myself, so no help. I accepted my fate and was not offended. However, one thing I didn't think was right is as she was escorting me out of the area she informed me that if I was going to plan on riding the Mummy that she automatically told me I would not be able to ride that attraction. As both ride vehicles are designed the same. I do not recall her even suggesting I try one of the test seats. However, I did not argue with her and left.

So, here's the thing. First of all, yes, they are designed similarly. With the design of how lap bars work, as well as the ways the legs are restrained, and the ride vehicle as a whole is similar. That is correct. However, the weight restriction is nowhere near the same. So therefore, her statement is either assumption due to the vehicle design, or something Universal tells their TMs. Either way, I've always never had issues with the Mummy. Except once awhile ago when I was at my biggest and didn't even realize it. And while I did not ride the Mummy that day. I went to the park soon after (no time for weight to change) and I did ride the Mummy with absolute ease and no assistance from a TM.

For those they don't wanna read all that, to summarize don't believe a TM when they state you won't fit into a ride vehicle. Always try, especially if you can handle possibly being rejected. As it's good to test it out. However, sometimes even being in the ride vehicle itself is the best. As I've heard people state they believe they're different. Also, a TM helps. And also, I do not know if FJ even has the "modified" seats for testing which would make a difference. Either way, always try.

But yeah, I recommend trying to lose a little bit of weight as nothing has changed. Gringotts has certain modified rows and for FJ the last seat is the modified seat. However, other than that, there have been no changes made to the seats, or other newer attractions have "modified" seating.

Thank you for sharing your insight and personal experience with this topic!

 

[Disxuni]

Thank you for sharing your insight and personal experience with this topic!

No problemo! If you search you can find all kinds of different threads about the topic with people putting their heights, weights, and even measurements and saying what they can and cannot ride. But as for the general question of if they changed things? Sadly no.

I'm surprised they didn't do one for Hagrid's, but I believe people said the bike is more comfortable for bigger guests than the sidecar.

 

[Elias1901]

No problemo! If you search you can find all kinds of different threads about the topic with people putting their heights, weights, and even measurements and saying what they can and cannot ride. But as for the general question of if they changed things? Sadly no.

I'm surprised they didn't do one for Hagrid's, but I believe people said the bike is more comfortable for bigger guests than the sidecar.

I’ll keep that in mind for Hagrid’s...

 

[maverik85]

I'd also recommend storing any coats and stuff you can in lockers before going on the ride as it will help to fit more easily. Last time I went with one of my friends she was able to ride with a little assistance one day, but wore a hoodie the next and couldn't' get the last click even with assistance. The fewer layers you can have on will mean less to have to fit under the restraints and can make the difference in the last click you need.

 

[jdrum3]

I learned from someone getting moved in front of me last weekend that evidently row 4 on Mummy is more accommodating to larger guests.

 

[maverik85]

A few of the rides have rows that are more accommodating for larger guests. Not sure which all but I believe row 4 on Hulk is the same Had heard there were some seats on Forbidden Journey as well but not sure. You can always ask at the entrance and request it when you get to the station.

 

[Zeta16]

Last time I went was in 2014, I am 6'3 and 290. I have lost 20 pounds since I last went. So was 310, last time I could ride everything except Hulk. This time Could not ride Forbidden Journey of Gringotts, but I could last time.

They don't really help at all with the seats and really will nit help you make it work. I passed the seat out of Forbidden Journey, but not inside, as it moves constantly and they do not help.

I could ride the Revenge ride and Hagrid's, on that twice no problem but my last today a different guy made me press it down even more to let me pass, so no clue what happened, as I rode it 30 minutes apart.

So my take lost weight but harder to fit than 6 years ago, also could ride Pip Ride Rocket then not now. I think over the years they upped the safe and it is harder for bigger people than ever.

 

[Disxuni]

Also, depends on weight distribution as well I think @Zeta16. Each ride has different problem areas on where you'd be affected. I've been losing inches in one particular place, but not in other areas quite, or at least I don't notice. Which is probably why I can ride FJ now, but not Gringott's again yet, as they're different ride vehicles. Also, getting assistance or not really does make or break whether you'd ride, or not if someone is bigger.

I learned from someone getting moved in front of me last weekend that evidently row 4 on Mummy is more accommodating to larger guests.

Also, the last seat. While I do not really need it I remember once when I was being sat in the last row (I was going to be the only one) and I was reminded to sit in the last seat when I tried to sit in the middle, because they stated that seat is more accommodating.

A few of the rides have rows that are more accommodating for larger guests. Not sure which all but I believe row 4 on Hulk is the same Had heard there were some seats on Forbidden Journey as well but not sure. You can always ask at the entrance and request it when you get to the station.

Yes, on FJ it's the last seat (when you're looking at the ride vehicle it is the left one) that is "modified seating".

 

[Zeta16]

The CM's outside where helpful, but no help getting on the ride on which seat to use. That would probably helped on FJ, but the seats on Gringotts are just to different. Also any ride with over the shoulder and has to be buckled is a no go for me. My shoulders are big and when they come over them there is no way it can work.