PLEASE HELP! Forbidden Journey size freakout

[Pinkdiamond816]

Hello Dis Friends,

I am sure this has been brought up over and over again but I never come on the Universal boards and now I am sorry I did because I am sure I would know this and not be up at 1 am irrationally crying and wanting to throw something.

I am going to WWOHP on Friday to kick of an amazing 9 day Universal/Disney vacation with my friend. Being one of the "freaky" disney passholder people and proud of it I have been lovingly planning every minute of this trip. But the highlight for us geeks will be riding the new harry potter ride, because I am such a potterhead. I am pretty sure this was going to be the vacation of a lifetime.

Until I went to a dinner party and was told by three of the people there politely but honestly,

that I am not going to fit on the forbidden journey ride.

I am a pooh sized girl. I am a pooh sized actress. I have never had a issue with my body image. I go to Disney and amusement parks of various kinds once a month. I have NEVER been turned away from a ride. But now am I too big to ride the ride I was dreaming of reading these books when i was 12?

I've known people bigger than me who were turned away. I know all the issues this ride has been having. But am I going to be one of those people. I didn't think so!

My hips are 53inches and my chest is 48inches. Is there anyone out there who can calm my crazy self down who has ridden this ride and is similar dimensions? I know it's silly because who can tell unless you sit in the test seat, but i'd rather go in braced for it.

I am sitting here in hysterics ready to save the extra $500 I am spending to stay at Universal for three days and add more time to disney where I know i can ride the rides I want to and they make me happy. No ashamed embarrassed and felling bad about myself.

Worst of all is my friend who is even bigger than me, and wants to go to harry potter world more than anything, and this trip is a splurge to celebrate her 30th bday and being cancer free now. I want to save her that heartache too.

This would be our first day, and i can't dampen the start of our vacation like that.

Sorry for the crazy lady rant, but I am so upset right now and just need some comforting good news or the plain truth so i can settle my mind on it now and not kill my vacation on day one.

Thank you for the advice, good or disappointing, and thank you for reading this rant taking up space on the boards.

 

[fairyprincess88]

There is no reason to freak until you get there. I had myself freaked out as well when I went in July, reading all the size restriction threads. All for nothing as I fit perfectly fine.

Also, since then they have added benches with new restraints for larger people and my friend who just got back, who is a size 22 fit perfectly in the new restraints. Basically, once you get in the test seat one of three color lights will indicate your ability to ride. A green light means you are ok for the regular seat, yellow means you need an extended restraint(tell the TM at loading the you need it) and red means a no go. From my understanding, since the new restraints were put into place a few months ago, there has been very few turned away to ride.

Also, as a fellow Potternerd, please don't cancel your trip over fear of not fitting on the ride. The ride, while a lot of fun, is not the end all to be all of the WWoHP. The entire area is so amazing for any true fan, it is worth it, ride or no ride. Just being in the shops, in the streets of Hogsmeade, of seeing the Express, of drinking a butterbeer in the Three Broomsticks, it is not something to be missed. The ride is just a very small part of the magic of the WWoHP and while I enjoyed it very much, I found walking through the castle to be the best part and there is no size restrictions there. Just go and enjoy and soak in all the magic, regardless of what happens with FJ.

 

[tarrbear]

Like the previous poster has stated, you will be fine, now go have fun! haha

 

[ducky_love]

Not to rain on your parade but I have gone with people that still can't ride even after the updates. I am terrible at finding threads... but there is one where many people gave their exact sizes to help people know if they can ride.

 

[Magpie]

My husband talked to one man who couldn't ride, I didn't see any. (My husband just commented, "Yeah, he was not happy. He was sort of like Surly Smurf.") So maybe you'll be able to ride, maybe you won't.

However, I'd like to second the PP who said that the ride itself is not the be-all and end-all of the Wizarding World. In fact, it's a rather small part.

The things that I enjoyed most were not on the ride. Here's a list for you:

Sitting in the Three Broomsticks, trying to spot the shadows of the house elves and owls on the walls.

The Frog Choir (watch the subtle interaction between the singers - they're all great representations of their houses!).

Talking to the Team Members, all of them in character, many happy to point out details, such as the use to Actual Props inside the shops.

The Train Engineer is excellent, and you can have your picture taken with him in front of the Hogwart's Express.

The shops! Take your time and look up at the ceiling. There are many hidden details in the shops.

The Beauxbaton and Durmstrang performers (oh, those boys!).

The theming inside the castle. Walk through slowly and watch the portraits - there's a story happening there and most people miss it, because they're rushing to get onto the ride. And if you're lucky, Ron may make it snow.

Actually, all of the walks up to the rides are worth checking out for the details in the lines. I'm not a big coaster fan, but I still walked up the line for the Dueling Dragons in order to see the TriWizard Cup. And Hagrid's Hut can be seen in the Hippogriff line (make sure to listen for Fang!).

The Ollivander show (but only if you're going during a slow period, because it's only a few minutes long and so not worth waiting forever in line to see). If you want to try to get picked for the show you'll need to be very persistent. Stand near the front, make eye contact with Ollivander, and if all else fails, just keep coming back. Make sure you keep a running tally of your attempts and mention it in the hearing of Ollivander's assistant. By the time you've been through the show six or seven times, he may decide to have pity on you and arrange for you to be chosen.

The shop windows - well worth a leisurely inspection.

Listen for Moaning Myrtle in the bathroom.

And of course... Butterbeer!

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[dmslush]

We went to our first WWOHP trip about a month ago. Right as I was walking up, there was a man that was turned away. It set off my panic alarm right them. I knew I would be humiliated and heartbroken if I couldn't ride. My sizes are very similar to yours and I was able to ride. It was snug, but with all of the jerking and stuff, that just mad it feel more secure.

 

[Tink2Day]

Someone said the harness on the seats outside the queue don't lock so don't panic. Apparently there are other seats inside (?) to test that do lock and apparently the harness doesn't require a green light to ride, just 2 clicks?

I think they may pull you out if you look like you won't fit because getting on the ride is pretty quick, they check your harness but you're already moving.
I can't say for sure but you sound like you should be okay.

 

[coastgirl]

Fairyprincess and Magpie made some great points. I have no specific feedback, because we haven't been yet, but I am of the mind hope for the best and expect the worst... I'd plan on seeing the castle and enjoying everything else, and if you get to do the ride, it's a bonus. Personally I know I won't do Duelling Dragons (I'm not big into scary coasters--BTMRR is about the most I can stand), and I may not get to do FJ either. (I have a feeling my 7 yo may freak out.) But I plan to do both queues, slowly if need be, and look for details and soak up the atmosphere everywhere. And thanks to the previous posters, I have more to look for now.

Go and have fun.

 

[Tink2Day]

Actually I enjoyed the Castle tour almost as much as the ride. When I went through the queue to the ride I didn't have my camera and of course people are moving along to get to the ride. The single rider line, you don't even have time to think (at least we didn't because it just wasn't crowded at all).
The castle tour, I took time to listen to Dumbledore and Harry, Hermione, and Ron. You can almost imagine you're in the movies.

Most fun I had in WWOHP? Walking along in Hogsmeade, sitting down to drink my Butterbeer and listen to the music from HP films absorbing the ambience and the details there and there are a BUNCH of them so look closely.

The shops were somewhat crowded but a lot of time can be spent in there and I can just imagine all of the Hogwarts kids in Honeydukes shopping for candy or Fred and George in Zonko's getting ideas for their own shop!

As Magpie said, the queues to all three rides have something Potter related so check them out even if you take the chicken exit. The conductor of Hogwart's express is great as are some of the shopkeepers outside of the shops (mostly telling you the entrance is in the back, but very in character)
I was video taping and one of them got very into character nodding his head and flourishing his wand, hopefully casting a 'good' spell upon me.

If you are Potter fanatics, as you say you are? You will LOVE the whole atmosphere.

 

[SmallWorld71]

However, I'd like to second the PP who said that the ride itself is not the be-all and end-all of the Wizarding World. In fact, it's a rather small part.

The things that I enjoyed most were not on the ride. Here's a list for you:

Sitting in the Three Broomsticks, trying to spot the shadows of the house elves and owls on the walls.

The Frog Choir (watch the subtle interaction between the singers - they're all great representations of their houses!).

Talking to the Team Members, all of them in character, many happy to point out details, such as the use to Actual Props inside the shops.

The Train Engineer is excellent, and you can have your picture taken with him in front of the Hogwart's Express.

The shops! Take your time and look up at the ceiling. There are many hidden details in the shops.

The Beauxbaton and Durmstrang performers (oh, those boys!).

The theming inside the castle. Walk through slowly and watch the portraits - there's a story happening there and most people miss it, because they're rushing to get onto the ride. And if you're lucky, Ron may make it snow.

Actually, all of the walks up to the rides are worth checking out for the details in the lines. I'm not a big coaster fan, but I still walked up the line for the Dueling Dragons in order to see the TriWizard Cup. And Hagrid's Hut can be seen in the Hippogriff line (make sure to listen for Fang!).

The Ollivander show (but only if you're going during a slow period, because it's only a few minutes long and so not worth waiting forever in line to see). If you want to try to get picked for the show you'll need to be very persistent. Stand near the front, make eye contact with Ollivander, and if all else fails, just keep coming back. Make sure you keep a running tally of your attempts and mention it in the hearing of Ollivander's assistant. By the time you've been through the show six or seven times, he may decide to have pity on you and arrange for you to be chosen.

The shop windows - well worth a leisurely inspection.

Listen for Moaning Myrtle in the bathroom.

And of course... Butterbeer!

Have a wonderful trip!

I rode the ride once. HATED it! Had my eyes closed for about 95% of it. Never again! I am just too big of a chicken. I LOVED WWOHP, though. The details were incredible. We visited the land about 7 or 8 times in the course of our trip and I would happily return tomorrow if I could. In addition to all the attractions, we had a grand ole time just "playing." Taking pictures under "our" house crests, talking to the TM's, posing in robes, listening for moaning Myrtle etc... I've been dreaming of frozen butterbeer ever since....

 

[Pinkdiamond816]

Thank you all for your words of wisdom!
I am sure I will love the experience of WWOHP I just am a ride junkie, so I know it will be a huge disappointment to not get on. I'm happier being prepared for the blow than getting cold water thrown in my face there though, so thanks for your input.

For now, I am thinking I'll be a go, after reading reports here and hours of internet research, and finding the seat measurments and comparing it to a bunch of chairs in my house. But I guess I'll know for sure on Friday!

And if I don't fit I will be consoling myself by buying the $100 houserobe I promised myself I would not buy.

And of course, as pissed as I will be it will make pulling into Disney the next day all the better, because I'll be returning to my happy place where I fit every ride!

 

[karriemouse]

I'm not sure how the measurements pan out but I am pooh sized (but 2011 is the year I will NOT be by the end of it!!!), a 24 top and a 22 bottom and I fitted well but snugly into the regular seat. Hope that helps.

Hope you have a fantastic trip and get to enjoy FJ!

 

[bumbershoot]

the ride itself is not the be-all and end-all of the Wizarding World. In fact, it's a rather small part.

I got to ride FJ, and I completely agree with magpie. Just BEING in Hogsmeade is, in my opinion, a million times better than FJ. Just walking through the castle is better. The ride...meh. The feeling of flight was cool, and then there were giant spiders and I wanted to faint, and spent the rest of the ride trying not to throw up from the movement of the ride.

Apparently there are other seats inside (?) to test that do lock and apparently the harness doesn't require a green light to ride, just 2 clicks?

Cannot tell my husband that...he got a red light on the harness and when we all went into the castle (DS was too scared to ride (as well he shouldt be, that ride's images were scary!) and DH got that red light) no one ever asked DH to try another seat... Oh man if that red light on the seat outside didn't mean anything, he's going to cry. Not going to tell him...

 

[ducky_love]

Cannot tell my husband that...he got a red light on the harness and when we all went into the castle (DS was too scared to ride (as well he shouldt be, that ride's images were scary!) and DH got that red light) no one ever asked DH to try another seat... Oh man if that red light on the seat outside didn't mean anything, he's going to cry. Not going to tell him...

My SIL got the red light and I told her ppl get that all the time outside then get yellow inside. She walked the entire castle and go very excited. When we got to the test seats before the loading area she was stopped. The first little girl pushed as hard as she could on that seat then she got a bigger guy to shove on it... and it never turned yellow. It was so uncomfortable and I felt terrible for dragging her through the line just to get turned away. It was after the modified seats and I hadn't heard of anyone getting turned away or I never would have done that to her.

Sometimes red means red. You might have saved your DH from what my SIL went through. I really feel it is better to know in advance. She was so upset that she didn't give the rest of WWOHP a chance and now she wishes she would have.

 

[Tink2Day]

My friend who is larger tells me that the outside seats only light up and do not lock. I verified this via website info.
I also understand from her and reading that a yellow light will get you on, thus the 2 click comment.

There is another thread on here which has some more indepth information from people who go all the time.

 

[Coach81]

Good luck to you and your friend!

 

[HillPete]

I've never had the guts to measure myself, but I wear a size 22 and I was able to ride without problem 6 times in mid-December. No one ever asked me to try a test seat and only twice did I have to have a team member push the harness to get the three clicks. I could hear them as I pulled on it myself and always knew when I'd need help. It was worst the night it was chilly and I was wearing a fleece jacket (but I still fit!). You can see in the mirror what color the lights are on each seat as you pass. I always had green lights. Let me remind you, I am not small in any direction!! I am tall ((5' 7")and heavy and biggest in the hips/butt region and I never had a problem! I always aimed for an end seat just in case it had the modified harness, but I never found out for sure.

Have a great trip!

--H

 

[englishrose47]

Okay a little off topic but can someone please explain what the ride consists of!! I do NOT do Coasters but LOVE Soarin' and Dinasaur at WDW !!! From U Tube it looks tome like a cross between those 2 !!Am I close !!???

 

[fairyprincess88]

Okay a little off topic but can someone please explain what the ride consists of!! I do NOT do Coasters but LOVE Soarin' and Dinasaur at WDW !!! From U Tube it looks tome like a cross between those 2 !!Am I close !!???

Kind of but not really. It moves far more than Soaring, meaning it is far from a gentle swaying. You quickly move side to side, up, down and at one point you are on your back looking up. It is not rough movement though, smooth transistions but more quidditch flying than hang gliding. If you have seen the ride vehicles for Sum of All Fears, picture them but on a track. You do not go upside down, but you are basically on a bench connected to a giant arm that can quickly move you in any direction in under a second. It is not a coaster though. FJ also is part simulator, meaning they use movie screens. There is also live props like Dinosaur where dementors, spiders, dragons ect are suddenly in your face.

It's a great ride, and very fun, even for non-Potter fans(although it might not make sense to the HP unfamilar) but it is a thrill ride. Mild thrill, but thrill none the less. The restraints are needed as is the height requirement.

 

[kpalomino]

We just got back a week ago yesterday from Universal. We were there for 5 days. The first 2 days, we went in to Harry Potter world, but the line to get on the ride was over 2 hours long. The line to get in to the wand shop was over 2 hours long! CRAZY! We decided to go back right before closing to see if we could get on. We had been waiting to ride for 3 days now. The wand shop was still a huge wait to get in at 8:30 at night. We went right to the line for HP and were able to get right on. As we were about to get to the front, my husband was stopped and asked if he he had ever ridden the ride before. They told us to go on. My husband has very broad shoulders. He is 6 feet tall, weighs 300 lbs, and has a size 46 waist. They told him it wasn't his weight or height, it was his shoulders that would not give the green light. So, he wasn't able to ride. I don't really care for HP, but I rode it with my 9 year old son. I noticed a guy in front of me that was large. He was probably 6 feet 5 inches, normal size shoulders, but had a big middle and back side. He didn't get stopped. I am not small either. I am a size 18/20. I was scared because I had this very thick jacket on. I asked the attendant if I should take my jacket off, and she said I would have to carry it. So, I left it on. She was able to close the harness without any problems. I was so thankful. It is the most incredible ride I have EVER been on and like I said before, I don't even like HP. It is amazing. My son and I have been talking about this ride since we got off of it...and feel really bad for my husband because he was so looking forward to riding it. He also wasn't able to ride the Rip it roller coaster or whatever the name of it is. It is the dueling red roller coaster at the front of Universal Studios. Hope this helps a little bit. Go and have fun! If you don't get to ride, it won't be the end of the world. But, I bet you won't have any problems!