Overweight Rider

[Nicmill88]

Hey all... I'm sure this has been posted on here at least once by someone else but I can't seem to find an answer that will work in my particular situation. I am only asking about Disneyland Resort and California Adventure and all the responses I am finding are for WDW. I am 5'7" and 320#ish and carry my weight throughout but particularly in my stomach. I used to love Matterhorn, Space Mountain, and Big Thunder Railroad as a kid and now I'm worried I won't be able to fit in the rides... I was there twice last year and fit on Indy, it was tight somewhat but I fit (too scared to try the other rides and face possible embarrassment). I am totally mobile, no issues getting in and out of rides or anything like that, I'm most concerned with the seat belts and such. Any advice on the other rides? Anybody know the type of safety belts these particular rides have?

 

[Lesverts]

My biggest piece of advice (one I got from a DIS contributor) is that you should a) look at the people coming out of line and b) discretely speak to a Cast Member. They will know and it will save you a lot of time and embarrassment.

 

[SplashMo]

Here are some helpful links:

http://www.disboards.com/threads/tough-rides-for-pooh-sized-people.2945979/

http://disneylandinsideout.com/forums/disneyland/11200/pooh-sized-people-at-disneyland

http://www.mousewait.com/disneyland/lands-talk/136971/My-friend-is-pooh-sized-and-got-stuck

http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/showthread.php?43999-Pooh-sized-overweight-guest

 

[anonymousegirl]

Matterhorn using a belt; both Space and BTMR use a lap bar. If you are going to be with smaller guests or children, for the lap bar rides, get your own car. The lap bar will only go as far as your lap, and it might be a danger to young children riding with you.
To avoid a potentially embarrassing moment, IF your seat belt doesn't reach, just tell the CM that the belt is faulty. Once he comes over, you can quietly tell them the real reason--but I used to weigh just under your weight, and I never had a seat belt or lap bar fail to fit me.

 

[Allison]

You need to ask on the Disneyland board. This board is specific to WDW.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Welcome to the dis, Nic.

You might ask here also.

http://www.disboards.com/forums/disneyland-california.26/

 

[MissKIA]

There is a huge thread in the Disney Tips section of this board on everything pooh sized. It will be very helpful. And I don't think you will have any problems at all.

 

[BrianL]

Matterhorn in particular might be tight. The ride cars are similar to Space Mountain at WDW, except it still used seat belts. A friend of mine who is about your size did fit on Space Mountain, but it was not comfortable. On some rides, either the front or the back might be more comfortable (more legroom). I think on Space it was the front and Test Track (cars are pretty much the same as Radiator Springs Racers), it was the back (because of the wheel wells). CMs will likely know this information, and if you ask for a certain seat they'll get you in it even if you may have to wait an extra load cycle or two.

The only ride that was a 100% no-go for my friend was 7DMT, and there is no analogue to that at DL/CA so it's no concern. Generally, Disney rides are very friendly to the larger individuals. Universal on the other hand, not so much. Good luck to you. Have fun!

 

[Nonsuch]

...Generally, Disney rides are very friendly to the larger individuals. Universal on the other hand, not so much...

Disney should follow Universal (in Orlando) and place sample seats near the entrance to attractions.

 

[hlbtimes2]

My only recommendation is that when you step in to a ride, before you sit, grab the seat belt and pull it up. Then, sit down and buckle. I can be awkward to reach down and find the belt in the small seat when you are a larger person. I'm not that large, but I still find it easier and faster.

 

[BrianL]

Disney should follow Universal (in Orlando) and place sample seats near the entrance to attractions.

For certain rides maybe. Really it's only roller coasters that have a tight fit, so I could see those needing the tester cars. I think their reasoning is that their rides will accommodate everyone, and that is mostly true, even if it's not comfortable. Tester cars do make a good photo op too though.

 

[wilkeliza]

I know people about the same size and they were able to ride everything at Disneyland. Matterhorn was a little uncomfortable but they were able to ride. I second the advice of the PP to pull the belt up before you sit down so you have access to it easier.

 

[figment_jii]

Here's another thread that came up recently that has some good information:
http://www.disboards.com/threads/pooh-sized.3516535/

Matterhorn using a belt; both Space and BTMR use a lap bar. If you are going to be with smaller guests or children, for the lap bar rides, get your own car. The lap bar will only go as far as your lap, and it might be a danger to young children riding with you.

Space Mountain does use lap bars, but each seat has it's own bar. I like that much better than the single bench bar that BTMRR has when riding with small children.