I trust you people- what would you do?!

[katyringo]

So it’s no secrets I fell madly in love with Disneyland when we went in December.

We have a trip planned to universal Florida for November. And this tiny voice in my head keeps telling me “why not go back to Disney instead..” haha..

So anyway here is the thing. I’m plus size. I lost 50lbs prior to our Disneyland trip. I’m still committed to losing and becoming healthier but the things I’m reading about universal and not fitting on rides totally gives me anxiety.

Has anyone been to Harry Potter at universal Hollywood? Was kind of thinking of changing our trip to go back to Disneyland but taking at day to go to universal Hollywood to see Harry Potter.. and if my Pooh size but can’t fit on the ride then Disneyland will still be there to cheer me up. Lol! I know Hollywood isn’t nearly as big as Florida. We were planning 4 days at universal in Florida. So we would do 3 Disneyland lands days and one universal day if we change our plans.

Dates are the Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday after thanksgiving..

 

[Niltiac]

I know they have test seats outside the queue so you can see if you'll fit ok before waiting in line. I think I've heard that there's a modified seat too. If you do a google image search for "harry potter forbidden journey seats" you'll see a lot of pictures of various people sitting in the seats, so you might be able to get an idea from that.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

I love Universal in Florida, so would vote for that. But if you want the best of both worlds, perhaps 2 days Universal and 2 days WDW?

I am plus size and so is my husband and we found Universal fine. Gringotts didn’t exist when I visited, so I can’t comment on that, but at the time the only two rides I remember causing a slight issue were Forbidden journey, where from memory we had to sit in some outside wider seats (which were fine) and the log flume ride.
I can’t remember my exact concern over the log flume, but I do remember feeling worried that if I got in, I wouldn’t be able to get out. My heavier husband rode the log flume ride twice though and was fine. Perhaps it had something to do with where I hold my weight - all in my thighs and backside? Anyway, looking at how soaked my family were when they got off that ride, I had no regrets missing it

We didn’t try the biggest, scariest rides, so I also can’t comment on them, but I just loved the theming - particularly of HP World. We are going back to Florida at the end of the year and dedicating 3 days to Universal and 2 to Disney. My excitement at seeing Diagon Alley is palpable. I’ve told my family to brace themselves for hours of just wandering around both HP worlds window shopping and breathing in the atmosphere. They’re not the HP fans I am, but I’ve sold them on being able to have butterbeer again.

I did love staying onsite at Universal and getting the included express pass, which I felt made a huge difference to our enjoyment on the days we were there. Plus being able to wander around citiwalk at night was another bonus.

Good luck with whatever you decide. And congrats on all that weight loss.

 

[mamapenguin]

I love Disneyland, but there is no way I’d trade universal Orlando for universal Hollywood. I have a Florida trip planned for August after my DL trip. I love both universal parks in Florida. GL

 

[katyringo]

Thanks. I forgot to mention that I’ve been to universal Orlando before about 4 years ago. For just a day before a cruise. I did not fit on FJ or hulk. Now, I’ve lost weight since then but that’s where this anxiety is coming from. We still have a good time. Loved the theming and 3 broom sticks and of course now, gringotts is open. So I really am torn becUse I love HP as much as Disney.

I love Universal in Florida, so would vote for that. But if you want the best of both worlds, perhaps 2 days Universal and 2 days WDW?

I am plus size and so is my husband and we found Universal fine. Gringotts didn’t exist when I visited, so I can’t comment on that, but at the time the only two rides I remember causing a slight issue were Forbidden journey, where from memory we had to sit in some outside wider seats (which were fine) and the log flume ride.
I can’t remember my exact concern over the log flume, but I do remember feeling worried that if I got in, I wouldn’t be able to get out. My heavier husband rode the log flume ride twice though and was fine. Perhaps it had something to do with where I hold my weight - all in my thighs and backside? Anyway, looking at how soaked my family were when they got off that ride, I had no regrets missing it

We didn’t try the biggest, scariest rides, so I also can’t comment on them, but I just loved the theming - particularly of HP World. We are going back to Florida at the end of the year and dedicating 3 days to Universal and 2 to Disney. My excitement at seeing Diagon Alley is palpable. I’ve told my family to brace themselves for hours of just wandering around both HP worlds window shopping and breathing in the atmosphere. They’re not the HP fans I am, but I’ve sold them on being able to have butterbeer again.

I did love staying onsite at Universal and getting the included express pass, which I felt made a huge difference to our enjoyment on the days we were there. Plus being able to wander around citiwalk at night was another bonus.

Good luck with whatever you decide. And congrats on all that weight loss.

 

[dotfurio]

I think Harry Potter world is worth it even if you can’t ride. Walking through the castle is amazing and the whole area is themed and fun to see. I don't ride most of the rides at Universal due to motion sickness, but there’s still the tram tour and shows you can go to.

 

[bumbershoot]

Hippogriff coaster’s seat is totally different in Hollywood vs Orlando. Much tighter in Hollywood (they basically use the restraint from the mummy instead of the nice shared lap bar)

I like USH, but Orlando is something else. And there are different levels of plus size. I was 220 at 5’3” and fit everything. People can be taller and heavier and fit everything. People can be smaller and and not fit, depending on how their weight is distributed.