Height Sticks

[Blue32]

I know height requirements have been discussed on the boards before but does anyone know how tall the actual height sticks are for the height requirement rides? I assume that they add some height to account for kids wearing shoes but I didn't know if anyone knew how much they add?

 

[kristenm514]

It is my understanding that they are exactly as tall as the actual measurement. The height requirements factor in shoes, so they do not "pad" the measuring stick...however, if it is obvious that a child is wearing platform shoes or something, they will be asked to remove them before measuring. All that being said, it seems that some kids still come up "shorter" than they did at home, which I'm sure is dependent on several varying factors.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong

 

[starshine514]

In my experience at Disneyland, they've been pretty accurate and haven't made any adjustment for shoes. In fact, my youngest was able to ride the 42" rides earlier than I thought she would be (based on her measurements at home).However, she is really good about standing up straight and tall when a ride is involved (maybe not so much for mom).

I hear Jumpin' Jellyfish may be an exception to this, however.

 

[skiingfast]

It is my understanding that they are exactly as tall as the actual measurement.

That not exactly right. There is no buffer built in. But there is some variance. Through the resort there are many of these measuring areas, some attractions have them multiple times. Often the difference is in the ground it's over. If the ground isn't perfectly even the child could stand on a low or high spot.

If your child is close to the hieght of a ride, set the expectation that they probably can't ride it this time. This way they are happy if they can, and not dissapointed when they can't.

 

[Jkpark]

I have found the sticks are pretty consistent - CMs not as much. One told me that they need to hit their head. Another told me it is okay as long as the CM's hand doesn't fit between child's head and the bar?

Strange story: My DD4 likes to wear sandals (hates socks). Early in the day - she measured 42 at GRR without the whole "feet together and stand tall" thing but didn't want to ride yet. We walked down to GSS and she stood tall and hit her head on the bar. We rode that. Later that afternoon we went back to ride GRR and she wasn't allowed on. Same stick, same place, same child - feet together and standing tall - she didn't reach Our best quess was after walking on these cork like sandals for several hours, they got squished down a little bit?

 

[Girimama33]

Strange story: My DD4 likes to wear sandals (hates socks). Early in the day - she measured 42 at GRR without the whole "feet together and stand tall" thing but didn't want to ride yet. We walked down to GSS and she stood tall and hit her head on the bar. We rode that. Later that afternoon we went back to ride GRR and she wasn't allowed on. Same stick, same place, same child - feet together and standing tall - she didn't reach Our best quess was after walking on these cork like sandals for several hours, they got squished down a little bit?

I had this same issue during our last DLR trip. DD is 42" and had no problem in the morning hours to meet the height requirement for certain rides, but it took forever to get her measured in the evening. I just thought she was tired and took a while to stand straight. I was told that we shrink a little as the day goes on due to gravity and that was why it was not as obvious later in the day.

 

[busymom232]

i remember from another thread about this not to long ago another dis'er menjoned that you are taller in the morning then u are after walking with gravity all day.... seems weird but i guess it kinda makes sense

 

[Jkpark]

I will have to keep that in mind when we head to WDW in the fall. My DD6 is finally tall enough for Space (at WDW) and Expedition Everest. We will make sure we hit those early in the day. How strange but good to know.

 

[aluckyduck]

I read here a tip to making sure your little one is standing as tall as possible. Have them raise their hands over head. It pulls the back up a little straighter.

My ds was right at the height for one of the rides, but being 2 years old, he didn't really understand the 'stand up straight' command. I had him raise his hands and his head was clearly above the arm/thing.

 

[larina]

I thought you had to put your hands at your sides for measuring, for just that reason.

 

[nikkislaght]

When you are sleep, your sponge between the vertebra, the bones in the back, swell up normal since there is no pressure. In the day time when you upright, the pressure will compress these sponges and you become shorter.

 

[Disney Dreams]

When you are sleep, your sponge between the vertebra, the bones in the back, swell up normal since there is no pressure. In the day time when you upright, the pressure will compress these sponges and you become shorter.

... add to the above that the faster rides truly do push down on you and compress everything. You definitely are taller at the beginning of your Disney day than you are at the end of your Disney day.

If there is ONE ride you REALLY want to ride and a child is borderline height-wise, do it first thing. It's your best shot.

- Dreams

 

[obias]

We just got back and I was really nervous my 4 yr old that is 41 inches would not measure up. We had her in regular tennis shoes and she was measured on all the rides we went on that were over 40 inches. She always measures above the height requirement and she seemed to hit the same spot every time. I was so excited she was able to go on all the rides with us.

 

[LisaT91403]

I thought you had to put your hands at your sides for measuring, for just that reason.

The CM at Soarin' had my DS raise his hands up high (told him to reach for the sky)...and told him to do it again when we got inside. The CM inside didn't bother to measure DS, so we didn't have to use the technique. I guess it's up to the CM as to how they want to do the measurement.

And, for whatever it's worth, DS measured just fine for BTMRR, Splash, Soarin' (last ride of the night, after a very long day), and Silly Symphony Swings. However, he was NOT tall enough for Jumpin' Jellyfish.

 

[cgh]

Any tips for getting your child to stand up straight? Just raise arms?

DS is 39 7/8 inches tall at night barefoot standing up against a wall. We have a month, but I imagine it will be close regardless. I'm thinking now I should be working on the standing up straight part.

 

[Malcon10t]

DS is 39 7/8 inches tall at night barefoot standing up against a wall. We have a month, but I imagine it will be close regardless. I'm thinking now I should be working on the standing up straight part.

Standing straight is the big thing. ANd it is something very difficult to teach to a kid under 5. But the "reach for the sky" works.