Height Requirements

[momslave]

Hey Everyone,

I have two boys, ages 3 and 4. My 3 year old is 40 1/4 with shoes. His older brother, however, is only 39 3/4 with shoes. How strict are they on that small of a shortage in height req? I really want them both to be able to hit the Splash Mountain and Thunder Mountain, but I also know that safety is number one issue. Maybe he should just wear a hat!

Thanks!

 

[Alex2kMommy]

My understanding (from other people who have posted on this topic previously) is that the child must meet or exceed the height restriction, or they will not be allowed on the ride. Also, say your child is exactly the right height for a ride; one person may measure them as OK to ride, another may say they are too short and deny entry. If the measurement is close, make sure your child stands up straight and hope for the best!

One more thing: The height restrictions are for safety reasons, but there is no restriction based on maturity level. My DS5 is tall enough to go on several rides that we will not let him ride because they are too scary for him. You know your child best, so either skip the rides that you think would bother him, or test the waters with similar type rides that are not as scary and see how he does. And HAVE FUN!

 

[TSRE]

This topic can get controversial, but in my experience it depends on the CM as to how strict they are. Most will make them hit the actual 40" though. There is no law against shoes that add height, though! I have 3 & 6 year old boys, and my youngest is almost in the same boat - he's 39" plus a little without shoes. I found some Buster Brown sandals at Famous Footwear that add more than an inch, and they don't look funny at all. They just happen to have a thick (and comfortable) footbed. I don't know if your "with shoes" heights already include tall shoes, but I would try that. The height requirement includes shoes, so if you do it that way, you shouldn't have any trouble.

I agree safety is paramount, but I think if you can get him close and they let him on, then you are good. Good luck!

 

[hlbtimes2]

They are pretty strict. Typically they will check heights at the begining of the queue, and again at the loading area. They have "T" shaped sticks at most rides. The childs head needs to come up to the bottom, and touch or they can't get on. Dont be surprised if they meet the test at one place, and dont at the other. Or they are ok on Monday, but not on Tuesday. It happens, and there isnt much you can do about it.

A hat wont help. Neither will spiking their hair. Shoes, however, can be helpful. Find some nice strudy thick soles. Its about all you can do.

 

[hlbtimes2]

Oh, one more thing- have them practice standing up as tall at they can. Stretch that spine out big and tall!

 

[Rapunsel]

They are right about a hat and girls with pony tails.. They push down on the hair and make them take off a hat...

My DS 4 was just tall enough for BTMRR and he was so happy.. We even rode it twice in a row...

 

[jemilah]

hiking boots! My six year old was so proud last rip because he was finally tall enough for all the rides he wanted to ride , he ran up to ever mesurement stick there!

 

[Michelle2]

Our son was so close too! He was 3 and almost 40 inches, so we got tennis shoes with the thickest soles we could find. Most of the rides he went on no problem, but yes, they are very strict about measuring them not once, but twice per ride if the child looks really close. He was only denied once on Soarin', but was able to go plenty of other times throughout our stay.

I still didn't like the lady cramming her fingers between his head and the top of the measuring pole to prove he was too short, because he wasn't at all. It was like she was out to prove a power trip or something. (He had no problems whatsoever going on any other height restricted 40 inch ride)...it was a good thing I wasn't there when it happened.