Height restrictions and a little person

[Jen_in_NH]

We're taking the family to WDW in November, and I'm looking at what my 3 1/2 yo DS won't be able to go on. He has some form of dwarfism, and is not quite 30" yet. We're planning on making sure he gets plenty of rides he can go on, but it may be tough as his big brother, as well as his cousin (who is the exact same age) can go on things he can't because of his height.

Are there ever rides that let little people ride, despite the height restriction? I look at something like Test Track, where everyone is in a separate seat belt, and wonder why he couldn't. I know not on this trip, particularly since he looks like an infant , but wonder when he's older, what the reasoning would be. Same question with Soarin - fasten the kid strap, and why would he not be safe?

Trust me, I'm not planning on sneaking him through, or looking to do something dangerous. I'm just curious, and figured someone here must have a little person in the family and have answered the same questions

 

[Talking Hands]

Height restrictions are for the guests safety. The restraints are not sufficient for those who are under that height be they child or adult. So no they do not make exceptions for dwarves

 

[KPeveler]

Unfortunately, these restrictions are created due to the structure of the ride, and have little bearing on the maturity of the rider. Disney does not make exceptions for little people/dwarves.

 

[bidnow5]

I was at I think it was Splash Mountain when a little person was being measured against the hight board and they said sorry the guy said he didn't think it was fair because he was 19 but they still said no. He tried telling them it was his legs that were short not so much his torso but still they said no

 

[LilyWDW]

Height requirements are based off of the restraint system and the safety of that system. Those under the height would not be safe. It doesn't matter if they are a young child or an adult. Since it is for safety there is no way for them to make exceptions. Disney doesn't want any of its guests to be hurt or in danger.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The minimum height and other safety standards are set by the manufacturer of the ride. These are safety requirements. At Disney the one thing that is drilled into all Cast Members is that Guest Safety takes precedence over everything else.

You will not find any CM do this as it will definitely cost them their job if they are caught.

 

[intheshadows]

For safety reasons, no exceptions are made in regards to height restrictions.

 

[WorldWacky]

I was at I think it was Splash Mountain when a little person was being measured against the hight board and they said sorry the guy said he didn't think it was fair because he was 19 but they still said no. He tried telling them it was his legs that were short not so much his torso but still they said no

He had a good point. If the restrictions are based on how the safety restraints will fit on a person, his legs would have little to do with how a seatbelt or the over the shoulder restraints fit him. Conversely, a child with long legs and a shorter torso may not be as safely restrained in a seated position.

 

[Jen_in_NH]

I was sure there were no exceptions, but thought I'd ask

He'll have fun anyways. When he's older, we'll have to look at alternatives, I suppose.

 

[DisneyMomChristine]

Jen_in_NH, my daughter has Achondroplasia and is 5 1/2, so I know where you are coming from. We were last at Disney when she was 3 1/2 and were able to go on basically all of the age-appropriate rides, which don't have height restrictions anyway. We are going again in May, and will be able to do Test Track now that she's a bit taller, but there will still be plenty of rides to go on. I don't have any great words of wisdom or advice, but if you don't make a big deal about the rides he can't go on, and talk up the rides he CAN go on, I bet he'll have a perfectly magical time.

 

[Mrsjvb]

Are there ever rides that let little people ride, despite the height restriction? I look at something like Test Track, where everyone is in a separate seat belt, and wonder why he couldn't. I know not on this trip, particularly since he looks like an infant , but wonder when he's older, what the reasoning would be. Same question with Soarin - fasten the kid strap, and why would he not be safe?

age has squat to do with it.. its HEIGHT.. purely a safety reason and there is no workaround.

 

[Experiment_626]

I was sure there were no exceptions, but thought I'd ask

He'll have fun anyways.

That's true — took our older son when he was still too small to meet height requirements on any ride that has them (when, in fact, he was still our only son). I was really surprised just how many attractions he could still ride, at least at the Magic Kingdom. Made for a full day.

Scott

 

[Queenie122]

My daughter was a 25 week preemie and is much shorter than she should be. I wondered about this often. I'm not going to lie, we had some disappointing times when others would be going on rides she wanted to go on but couldn't. Like, she was 7 and not able to go on a ride some three year olds could go on.

But we did like the others mentioned and just really tried to push the positives of what we could go on. It helped, a little.

I just wanted to chime in and tell you I feel your pain. Good luck with. Your trip to Disney! I hope you get some pixie dust sprinkled on you and your family.

 

[mistysue]

At 3 my kids have all been too short for anything with restrictions and so far nobody has cared. At 4 1/2 my son was barely 40" and still chose not to ride some, so as others suggested just dont make a big deal of it. We've had plenty to do.

 

[cobright]

As pp's have said, the height restriction is based on the physics and ergonomics of the ride and the physiology of the rider.

That said ... and take this as you will ... How close to the height requirement is he? There is margin assumed in any safety protocol. If you want to dance along that gray line and your kiddo is only a quarter inch short, modify your kids shoes with a stack of paper towel or something. He'll probably be fine.

He may not be. Is a spin on Barnstormer worth it? I won't judge.

 

[KPeveler]

Ok, this question has been answered. Though it is very frustrating and feels very unfair, Disney will never budge on height requirements. Time for this thread to close.