If they are 40.5 inches with shoes on...

[djp0630]

I've gone twice with kids just 40" and haven't had a problem on them getting on any rides. Good luck!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

What are people's experiences with being told you're okay at the first height check but denied at the second? How often does that happen and how much time do you end up wasting in line?

1) Everything from disappointment to anger to shouting.
2) But, the "Story Pole" (as it is called) is the ultimate decider.
3) And, yes, some kids are required to remove shoes if the CM thinks the soles are making the kid too tall.

NOTE: The restraint systems do not account for think soles. So, for protection, it is the actual height that matters. If kids are too short, then it is something the parents have to deal with, unfortunately.

 

[oohykitten]

I cant find much on it, but they did use to have a measuring system. It was in testing and I think it didnt go well. Look up Goofy's Magic Measure for what little is still out there.

 

[jormom1030]

1) Everything from disappointment to anger to shouting.
2) But, the "Story Pole" (as it is called) is the ultimate decider.
3) And, yes, some kids are required to remove shoes if the CM thinks the soles are making the kid too tall.

NOTE: The restraint systems do not account for think soles. So, for protection, it is the actual height that matters. If kids are too short, then it is something the parents have to deal with, unfortunately.

If it was truly a matter of the restraint systems being the whole reason it wouldn't have anything to do with your total height because you aren't STANDING UP on the ride. Not every child is the same measurement from hips to head just because they are 40" tall.

 

[GaryDis]

Not every child is the same measurement from hips to head just because they are 40" tall.

This is true, but they're not about to measure each child from hip to head or hip to shoulder.

The restraint system requirements aren't designed to come up with a perfect answer for everyone, just like child car seat laws are most often based on age, or else weight and/or height, and not individual measurements. It's a compromise, but what they're saying is "If the child is this tall, then we're confident the restraints will work, regardless of more detailed measurements. If the child isn't this tall, then it's possible that the restraint might work if they have enough torso height, possible it won't if their height is in their legs, and we're not going to spend the time holding up the line to decide which child is which."

 

[TheRustyScupper]

If it was truly a matter of the restraint systems being the whole reason it wouldn't have anything to do with your total height because you aren't STANDING UP on the ride. Not every child is the same measurement from hips to head just because they are 40" tall.

1) In a past career, we used to design rollercoasters.
2) Restraint systems are designed to fit an "ideal" body size/shape for the desired age group of the user.
3) Additionally, height requirements are set for the average body of the desired user, and take into consideration
. . . any or all of the five forces exerted upon the body during the ride cycle
. . . the placement of the body in the chair or vehicle
. . . the ability of the desired body size to absorb the calculated forces
. . . we calculate the forces during the design-stage
. . . we also use sophisticated equipment to verify forces, after the ride is built
4) This is why two seemingly similar rides could have different height restrictions and vastly different restraint systems.
. . . or why vastly different rides could have the same restrictions.

NOTE: Height limitations and requirements are not exact sciences. But, these are the best we can do across the spectrum. The choice for the guest is to accept them or return when the child is tall enough for the rise(s).

 

[chartle]

I cant find much on it, but they did use to have a measuring system. It was in testing and I think it didnt go well. Look up Goofy's Magic Measure for what little is still out there.

I have read that it was used at DLR as a test and used wristbands.

The issue was some parents were swapping the bands by bringing in scissors, tape and careful scrapebooking techniques to hide their handywork.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I have read that it was used at DLR as a test and used wristbands. The issue was some parents were swapping the bands by bringing in scissors, tape and careful scrapebooking techniques to hide their handywood.

Cheaters and scammers are everywhere.

 

[Golden Rose]

DD was right at 40 inches for our most recent trip, and was so close to 40'' that I actually didn't book us on any rides that I remembered required 40 inches. I had forgotten that Star Tours has a 40 inch requirement. It's not like a roller coaster, where I would think to worry about the safety of a too small child. Both my kids like Star Wars and are into Rebels right now, so I had happily booked Star Tours for all of us. I was pretty surprised when they measured her, but relieved that the first measurement taker thought she was just barely good to go on through. The second measurement taker, right at the ride, was dubious, and measured her, made her stand up tall, examined her shoes, and finally let her on. I was incredibly relieved, and very glad I hadn't tried to book her on any of the other 40'' requirement rides, because it would have been nerve wracking each time we walked to and through the line. She's hoping to be 44'' by next trip, because she has been eying Everest for years, but she'll need a big growth spurt to make it. At least she'll be solidly enough 40'' that I'll go ahead and book her Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain next trip, which will thrill her.

 

[Axelrodb1]

Good Morning!

I would absolutely practice, and a HUGE trick is to stand up big and tall and take a deep breath IN. That extra air really adds quite a bit. Test it out! Measure them without taking that big air in, then have them take the big breath it really helps!!!

We had height issues with my friends son at SW, this trick really helped!