Info on who fits/who does not - for FJ - post here if you've been

[SharkyGoddess]

Thought I would chime in with my experience. For me, the deciding factor was my butt and thighs. I fit fine and was able to comfortably ride once it took off and I slid back, but the restraint squeezed my legs a bit. As for my chest/stomach area, I was fine.

 

[FrancesK]

Yes, I don't understand the logistics of putting it on the garage either, but it makes sense to put it somewhere at the top of the hill rather than at the bottom of the escalator. It would be a good location for people approaching the park to see the castle, and they have a couple of years to figure out how to do it properly. The guy we talked to didn't have too many details - just that they get so many questions about it that they were told what to tell people. He also said that they were hurting in attendance and the sale of annual passes while Universal in Orlando was breaking records, largely because of Harry Potter. Hopefully it's not just a line to sell annual passes, and hopefully they are planning to include modified seats

 

[damo]

Yes, I don't understand the logistics of putting it on the garage either, but it makes sense to put it somewhere at the top of the hill rather than at the bottom of the escalator. It would be a good location for people approaching the park to see the castle, and they have a couple of years to figure out how to do it properly. The guy we talked to didn't have too many details - just that they get so many questions about it that they were told what to tell people. He also said that they were hurting in attendance and the sale of annual passes while Universal in Orlando was breaking records, largely because of Harry Potter. Hopefully it's not just a line to sell annual passes, and hopefully they are planning to include modified seats

Don't hold your breath waiting for it to happen. I think the guy was just wishful thinking. If there were even any rumours about it, it would be all over the press. There has not been even one peep about it anywhere, so how a little employee knows all these details is very sketchy.

 

[MangoChef]

ok, im 6'3 and 375 pounds. I did not fit, but the TM that checked me was real nice and took my 8year old to the front of the line. My guess is that Hagred would not fit either.

 

[ChoirBoy]

I'm 6'0" and somewhere around 275 lbs. Carry most of my weight in my hips and lower torso, I guess. Got the red light. Even if I wasn't "pooh sized", my shoulders are still broad. I'm not a fan of the huge dividers between the seats. It felt like what I would think being stuffed into a locker would feel like.

 

[futureteacher]

My family and I are headed to IOA soon and I've really been looking forward to the Harry Potter World but I am concerned about fitting into the rides. I am 5'8" and 330 lbs. Can anyone give me any advice on whether they think I will fit or not. I know it depends on each person but I would really like to know either way. Thanks!

 

[FrancesK]

My family and I are headed to IOA soon and I've really been looking forward to the Harry Potter World but I am concerned about fitting into the rides. I am 5'8" and 330 lbs. Can anyone give me any advice on whether they think I will fit or not. I know it depends on each person but I would really like to know either way. Thanks!

I am also 5'8 and about 320 lbs. At my biggest spot - my hips and stomach - I am 56" and other people have said they fit with that measurement, but other people who are taller and weigh less have not been able to fit, so you're right that it is different for each person. I am going this weekend for the first time, and I am nervous but optimistic

Either way, I know it will be a fun visit. I will report back on how I do, and include more body measurements to help you judge.

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

Just got back last week.

I'm 5'6", 220lbs (most of it in my lower body) and I was able to sit in the regular seats with no problem. I was also able to sit in the non-modified seats on Dragon Challenge as well, though it pinched my thighs a bit.

My mother is 5'2", 230lbs (mostly belly) and she was able to ride in the modified seats

 

[FrancesK]

I rode twice today in the modified seats. There was no line for modified seats - the outside seats on every "bench" have the modified harness. The width of the seat turned out to be no problem. My arm pinched a bit between the harness and the divider, but I just shifted it back and then it was fine. I did need help getting the 3rd click both times I rode, but it wasn't a big deal because the "wizards" doing the helping touched every harness to make sure they were on tight. They just gave mine a light push and asked if I was okay and that was it. I just measured myself and I am a bit bigger than I thought in the hips, which might be good news for people who are borderline like me. With clothes on: chest 50", waist 48", hips 59". Do try the test seats outside the castle - they are off to the side and most people don't notice them. I also tried the test seat for dragon challenge and the modified seat fit with my husband helping with the belt, but it felt tight on my hips and thighs. I hope that helps someone!

 

[phamton]

Thanks so much to everyone for reporting back. It helps us to know so people can plan accordingly. I know it's not always easy sharing our weight and measurements (I'm not sure my husband even knows mine) so I am really grateful for everyone who has been willing to share.

 

[bouncy54]

I just got back from Florida today and thought I'd share my experience with The Forbidden Journey.

I'm a short, round person. 5' 3", and weigh 230 lbs. Size 24/26 pants, 4T blouse and a 48C bra. (Sorry for the graphic talk guys, but this stuff is important to us women.)

Anyway.. I fit in the modified seat just fine. Kind of sucked the breath out of me when I pulled the harness down, but once the ride got going, my body shifted and it was easy sailing from then on.

For those who were asking questions about how ECVs are handled.. I had to transfer from my scooter to a WC and my husband pushed me through the regular line. I'm able to walk short distances, so when I got to the boarding area, I just hopped out of the WC and onto the ride. The WC was waiting for me at the exit when I got off.

The castle was awesome, the ride mechanism was fantastic. Not nearly as scary as I thought it would be. The spiders and dementors didn't bother me at all. I enjoyed it so much that I made my poor husband push me through that long line to take the journey again.

BTW: It's really weird to leave Orlando where it was muggy and so warm that we drove with the windows down at 5:00 AM on our way to the airport this morning and now I'm sitting in my home near Seattle watching the snow fall in my back yard. What a world!

 

[MangoChef]

BTW: It's really weird to leave Orlando where it was muggy and so warm that we drove with the windows down at 5:00 AM on our way to the airport this morning and now I'm sitting in my home near Seattle watching the snow fall in my back yard. What a world!

Hi bouncy, I live in Milton right next to you, Sure is cold

 

[toocherie]

I am 5'1" and honestly don't know my weight--last time I checked it was 240. I am extremely pear-shaped and did not fit. A friend thought the ride was very "jerky" and hard for her (she has a compressed disc) and almost threw up after it. Since I had gotten nauseous on Men in Black it was ok that I didn't fit! We meant to go back and do the castle walk-through but never made it. (I know--what were we thinking?)

 

[FrancesK]

A couple more notes after riding today:
1) This week will be extra busy. When we got in line for Islands of Adventure at 8:20AM this morning, they were handing out registration cards that they said we had to use to enter the Wizarding World of Harry Potter between 9:10 - 10:10AM. We could stay inside after 10:10 but they were staggering entry into Hogsmeade to keep the crowds under control. When we did get to the castle at 9:15, the wait for Forbidden Journey was already 60 minutes! Lines for all the shops and the Three Broomsticks were also really long at 9:15 AM. if you are staying at one of the resorts at Universal, you can get into the park before 9 and I think be able to ride Forbidden Journey before 9 as well.
2) I wore loose pants today and the fit in the modified seats was much better. I could even get the third click on my own. I think my tighter jeans were creating bulges and barriers on Saturday, so if you think you migt, have trouble, loose clothes might help.
3) The single rider line is a good deal for saving time - from what we could tell, the wait is almost nothing. You do miss a little bit of the castle and you do get separated from your group when you actually ride, but once you're in the seat, you feel like you're on your own anyway, so it doesnt make much difference. Once you are in the single rider line, be careful you don't get back into the general line around the lockers - that is easy to do! Also, when you are a single rider, you will probably ride in the far-right seat on your bench, which feels like a wilder ride than the far-left seat. I thought it was better, but it was too much for my husband, who did feel sick afterwards even though he was fine riding in a middle seat the two previous times.
4) As a side note, the seats in the IMAX theater in the City Walk at Universal are really roomy. I usually hate crowded movie theaters with everyone jammed into the seats, but the seats were very comfy and so big that I didnt even need to use the armrest I shared with the person next to me.

 

[PiperPizzaz]

Just wanted to let you all know I fit!!! I was so happy!
I am 5'9" female size 22/24 carry most of my weight in butt/thighs. I rode the modified seats the first time. The second ride I did single rider and they put me in a regular seat (I thought it was modified since it was on the end) I BARELY fit but, I did. The girl pushed down a bit to get the last click and it was fine.

Hope that helps someone. I really thought I might not get to ride but, all the stories had given me some hope.

PS take some dramamine before. I took one and still was nauseous. I should have taken two. DH never get sick on rides and he was a bit dizzy.

 

[Caz_&_Ryster]

Hi there


Just wondered if anyone would be willing to give thigh circumference measurements of what will fit and wont fit as I think this will be the real killer with me when we go at Christmas

Thanks

Cx

 

[stwyatt]

i don't think thighs matter as much as how huge your chest and shoulders are. rode FJ yesterday, i did NOT fit in the sample seat outside ride, but went anyway and fit easily in ride. I'm 6'4" 280lbs 52" chest. i'm not "pear" shaped and was worried about fitting, but I made sure I sat in one of the end seats on the ride and had no problem. the restraint fitting over your shoulders and chest is where you can have a problem

 

[aubriee]

i don't think thighs matter as much as how huge your chest and shoulders are. rode FJ yesterday, i did NOT fit in the sample seat outside ride, but went anyway and fit easily in ride. I'm 6'4" 280lbs 52" chest. i'm not "pear" shaped and was worried about fitting, but I made sure I sat in one of the end seats on the ride and had no problem. the restraint fitting over your shoulders and chest is where you can have a problem

Not necessarily. My shoulders and chest fit easily. When they had just the regular seats back in early Sept, it was my stomach and butt that were really snug. My thighs were just a tad snug also though. I just measured and the biggest part of my thighs is 24 1/2".

I was staying on property and arrived early to ride FJ several times every morning. Some of the CMs will help you get that third click and some won't. I usually sat in one of the end seats and the CM would have to give the restraint one more little push to get the third click. Only once did I not fit, so had to walk the 'fat walk of shame'. I had just ridden it a few minutes before with no problem, got off, went back through the single rider line, then got a CM who wouldn't push down for that third click, so suddenly didn't fit, and was escorted out. I waited an hour or so, then went back through the single rider line and got a different CM and rode it again several times. I was solo when I was there in Sept, but went back in Oct with my husband. Like most men he has no butt, but has a very big chest, shoulders and arms. He did fit in the regular seat with help, but was very uncomfortable, so on subsequent rides we just asked for the modified seats for both of us and we both fit with no problem, getting three clicks easily. I am losing weight now, but at that time was 5'6" and about 230lbs and my husband was 5' 9" and about 220lbs. I carry my weight in my butt, stomach, and legs, whereas my husband carries all of his weight in his chest and arms. The FJ seats were snug on both of us, but in different areas.

 

[FrancesK]

Hi there


Just wondered if anyone would be willing to give thigh circumference measurements of what will fit and wont fit as I think this will be the real killer with me when we go at Christmas

Thanks

Cx

Thigh circumference for me is 31 inches. The harness touched my thighs but it was not tight on my legs.

 

[VikingInMouseEars]

Anyone have more experiences to share. I will be there later this month and and am not looking forward to the walk of shame. I have fit on every ride except Kraken @ SW (I think I would have but the person closing the restraints wouldn't push like I asked him to) and Kumba @ BG. I have never been to IOA so I can't speak for any of those and RRR wasn't open yet when I was at US last.
I am a pretty big guy, 6'0", I wear 42 to 44 waist pants and either 3X or 4X shirts.
Any additional experiences or reassurances would be appreciated.

Thanks, Eric