Question for Pooh sized people

[Maridw]

I have a friend at work who I would describe as "Pooh-sized". In fact when I mentioned this phrase as being used on the Dis boards, she said "I like that, I'm Pooh sized". She is 5'9" approx and just over 400lbs. She is currently trying to lose weight, but she knows for her it is very hard.

Anyway, she is thinking about going to WDW around April and I told her about being able to rent ECV's for a week as she has bursitis in her knees and knows that she could not do all the walking. Which rides will she not be able to ride because of her weight? I want to be able to give her as much information as I can so that her and her daughter will be able to enjoy themselves and she won't have to sit out of rides. She knows that there are some limitations, so she is kind of prepared. This will be her first trip since her daughter was 3 yo (now 29 yo). (She didn't realize that there was more than one park.)

She already has her eye on Epcot WS and MGM.

I appreciate any help any one can give me that I can pass on to her. I found a place that rents scooter for a week that will accomodate her and have given her that information.

I really want this to be a great trip for her as she is like family to me.

 

[Spaceship Earthfan]

I recently went to WDW with someone very similarly sized. She rented the ECV after trying to walk it the first day (pushing a stroller), and the ECV was definitely helpful. She was able to ride pretty much every ride, except for a few (Space Mountain comes to mind) that she knew she would not be able to bend her legs to get into. Also, some of the turnstyles were somewhat of a problem...but for those, she just went through the gate next to the turnstyles (or, in the case of HM and Snow White, went in the handicap entrance). Other than that, she was able to do pretty much everything with me!

This site is very helpful: WDW at Large. It's got pictures of a lot of the ride vehicles, which helped my friend's confidence enormously, as she knew what she would be getting into.

WDW is very Pooh-sized friendly!

 

[dawgfan]

The only thing I can say here is that your friend needs to get into as good a shape as they can get. Use this an a good excuse to get more fit.WDW has carriers for rent I believe. In any event your friend should focus on having fun but not over doing it. My sister is in the same Pooh sized range. She has avoided taking her kids because of this. I applaude your friend for doing this and really know she will have a great time. She will have limitations but she will be able to work around those. I am not sure of ride limits here but do not want to discourage her at all.

 

[Shells9]

Also, a note of encouragement for your friend. My SIL has been Pooh-sized most of her life. A few years back she lost 60 pounds. We took a trip to a non-Disney theme park and she was able -- for the first time since she was a teen more than 20 years ago -- ride a roller coaster. She was apprehensive about fitting in the ride, but when she got on and the seatbelt latched, she cried.

I hope the At Large site helps your friend, and that she has a super trip!

 

[SueM in MN]

I am not sure what the weight limits are for the WDW park ECVs (motorized scooters). They look fairly heavy duty, but are probably not rated to 400 pounds (probably rated for drivers up to 300 pounds). They also are first come, first serve, so there is no guarantee they will have one when she comes to rent.

I'd suggest she rent from one of the off-site medical rental companies. They do have heavy duty ECVs available, for weights up to 425-450 pounds (depending on the company). Besides being more heavy duty, they have a larger seat, so would be more comfortable to ride on. They would also have bigger batteries because how long the battery power lasts is dependent on how much weight the ECV is carrying.

If you follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES Board, check out the disABILITIES FAQs thread for more info on where to rent one. Follow the link to the rental companies and check out the FAQs for the companies.

The Passporter For Your Special Needs book covers Pooh sized guests' concerns very well, so I would recommend she take a look at that to decide if it's worth buying.

 

[Maridw]

Thank you to all who have offered encouragement. I did find a place offsite that rents ecvs for her size and she was encouraged with that news. She does have trouble walking and getting up & down out of low seats.

She recently had cortizone shots in one of her knees and is doing somewhat better, but know that she does have some limitations.

 

[Tinker74]

I think she will be fine. They cater for large people dont they. hope she has a lovely time.

 

[jim and meesie]

Also, a note of encouragement for your friend. My SIL has been Pooh-sized most of her life. A few years back she lost 60 pounds. We took a trip to a non-Disney theme park and she was able -- for the first time since she was a teen more than 20 years ago -- ride a roller coaster. She was apprehensive about fitting in the ride, but when she got on and the seatbelt latched, she cried.

I hope the At Large site helps your friend, and that she has a super trip!

I know the feeling. It was amazing when I could get on a ride and not have to ask the attendant for the special "large body type accessible" seat. Unfortunately I'm about 50 lbs heavier now so I'm anticipating skipping most rides on my next trip unless I get in shape quickly! Your posting may inspire me!

 

[Shells9]

I know the feeling. It was amazing when I could get on a ride and not have to ask the attendant for the special "large body type accessible" seat...I am anticipating skipping most rides on my next trip unless I get in shape quickly! Your posting may inspire me!

Well good luck to you -- I hope it does inspire you!

 

[minnie61650]

Thank you to all who have offered encouragement. I did find a place offsite that rents ecvs for her size and she was encouraged with that news. She does have trouble walking and getting up & down out of low seats.

She recently had cortizone shots in one of her knees and is doing somewhat better, but know that she does have some limitations.

My disabilites makes it hard for me to get in and out of low seats also. Therefore I think Space Mountain,Spash mountain and Pirates may be difficult for her. I would also recommend that she ride the hanicapped accesible Small World boat. She will be be able to ride most the other rides. She will be able to stay in her EVC until just before boarding a ride if she chooses. Hope she has a great time at Disney!

 

[Maridw]

I sent my friend the link to this thread and she is getting excited and was pleased with the responses. She talked to her daughter and now her daughter is also excited about it too.

It made her feel so good with all the words of encouragement. She is definitely going to start planning this trip so that she can't back out. They are also planning on making a side trip over to Ft Lauderdale to see a King Tut exhibit there.

Thank you all again.

 

[dizcrazee]

I just want to say that you're very kind for being concerned about your friend and for trying to make sure that she has a comfortable and fun time at WDW. As a "former pooh" myself, I know how difficult it is to endure the physical demands of WDW if you aren't prepared. But if she has an ECV and takes a break mid-day for a good rest, she'll be fine. She will also need to exercise caution to not over-exert herself or get overheated. Also, she probably does need to rent an ECV off-site since just getting from the parking lots to the parks is physically demanding.

It hurts me when I see negative comments about ECV and wheelchair users on the various disney boards. If it weren't for ECVs and wheelchairs, it wouldn't be possible for many "poohs" to tour WDW. Overweight folks using ECVs/wheelchairs aren't just being lazy. Obesity can cause serious foot, knee, and leg pain that makes walking and standing all day an impossibility. Everyone deserves a chance to enjoy their life. I hope that you all have a beautiful, magical trip!