IOA Rides for the Big Guys

[ferrethome]

I have a question regarding Dueling Dragons and the Incredible Hulk Coaster. My wife and I are both big folks (me, 6'2, 350lbs, her 5'5" 220lbs) Does anyone have some experience with people of our size having problems riding these coasters? I know they have the seat out front to "see if you fit". I know these aren't the most accurate seats in the world from experiences with other theme parks where I didn't fit in the outside test seat, but didn't have a problem on the ride itself.

Does anyone have any advice (other than lose weight, I'm down from 400, already)? Thanks!

 

[phamton]

I don't think you'll have any problem but there are rows that accomodate heavier peopl on Hulk.

Rows 3 and 6 are designed for larger individuals on Hulk. DD may have some too but I'm not sure.

 

[spewey]

Tha manufacturer of Hulk and Dragons - a company known as B&M - has tried wherever possible to accomodate larger guests. With the restraint system on both those coasters (horsecollars, or over-the-shoulder-restraints, or "OTSRs"), the problem is not weight so much as chest size. Most B&Ms built over the past decade have what are known as "big boy" seats, usually located near the middle of the train. I am positive both coasters at IOA have them, although it would probably be wise to check at the entrance.

On a related note, one of the most contentious issues in the amusement park industry is the new breed of coasters/rides that are not proving to safely accomodate "guests of size". There have been several high-profile cases of this - including a few fatalities - that have resulted in quite a bit of panic, and some would say over-reaction against larger guests. This problem is inherent to the design of the restraint system, and does not affect any of the rides at US/IOA, or Disney, for that matter ...

 

[Sandyincanada]

I agree, its mostly chest size that causes the problems. My hubby is also a real big guy. 6'2" and was about 320 last time we went. He has a huge chest but he was able to ride both of these rides. If I recall correctly (he goes on these 2 rides with the kids cause I refuse to go on them again, lol) he was put in a specific seat that accomodated his chest size. It was no biggie anyways. There wasn't a ride there he wanted to go on and couldn't go on, that much I recall.

Have fun!!

 

[johde]

I went in September and did not fit in the test seat of either ride. I am 6' 4" and about 355 at the time (I am now down to 337). The belt was about 2" short in the "big boy" seats. I might have been able to ride if I wanted the ride operators to shove me in but I need to be confortable to ride that type of ride. Good luck and let me know how it went.

 

[Sandyincanada]

I think I need to amend my statement. Ask DH and he said that the chest size plays into it but height will as well. He said the harness goes over the shoulders and hooks to the seat between your legs (if he recalls correctly). He found it a tight fit but enjoyed the rides anyways. He never mentioned it so I assumed it was fine. Give it a shot, you sound roughly the same size.