Really heavy set person and rides...

[kimsuenew]

Hello! My SIL, her DH, and two children will be going to WDW with us (for one of our two weeks in December)!

They have never been. We have had two WDW vacations but I still am unable to answer the questions/concerns that she has.

MY SIL uses an ECV all the time due to severe knee issues/an inability to walk. She is also extremely overweight. While she has not shared her exact weight with us (its no ones business) my MIL told us it was 400 pounds. I am proud of SIL, who is going through the six month process now to have weight loss surgery!

I myself am a bigger person and also must use an ECV or wheelchair at WDW due to needing a hip replacement and two knee replacements but I am in no way near my SIL's size.

I had envisioned all of the kids and 2 DH's taking off to the rides while she and I explored the parks however yetserday she ask me if she would "fit" into rides. I know it is a worry for her, she shared her concernes in great detail with me.

I cannot help her a lot because I rode very little either trip, Kali (loved it) and one time on the train coaster at MK (did not love it, lol) would be my only two "thrill rides" so I have no idea about seat sizes.

My DH told me last that he does not think TOT, Saurin', or Aero RnRC are a possibility whatsoever. He was unsure about any others.

I have looked all around the Disboards and on All Ears for the answers but have not found anyone reporting on either fitting or not fitting into seatbelts or seats on the WDW thrill rides that were near her size.

Has anyone on here had personal experience with either themselves or a traveling partner near my SIL size?

I mentioned how fun exploring the parks was, taking in shows and parades, "sight-seeing", riding mellower (easily accessible) rides (like Haunted Mansion, Toy Story), ect... was but her heart is set on riding some of these rides with her kids!

Like I said before I am overweight but still 100+ under her and would never dream of attempting to get in/out of rides, but she really, really wants to so I am hoping to give her some good news! I remember worrying about this myself before our first 2007 trip to WDW and anything I tried to ride (I am not really much into rides) I had no problem with, however she is much bigger and also wants to ride rides that I would not get near for "lovin' nor money", so I don't know.

If anyone has info to share we would really appreciate it! TIA!

I know that she really wants to participate as this is thier BIGGEST & LONGEST AWAITED vacation ever... she wants to do "stuff" with the kids but does not want to be embarrased by not fitting as she gets to the loading zone. I am hoping that she tries the rides I know are possible! I am also hoping someone with experience may know others that are ok as well!

 

[TraceyDisney2008]

I am a large girl size 26/28 and the only ride I have ever had a problem with was Astro Orbitor, it was just hard to get out of. Allears.net has a fantastic section called Atlarge which even shows the kind of seating each ride has.

 

[Bete]

but I believe this will be very difficult to do; unless, her weight loss surgery has already started and she's smaller before you go.

I think the main problem is getting in and out of rides and I don't see how you can help her easily to do it and I'm having doubts she can do it for herself. It's one thing to be heavy and it's another thing having mobility issues. I'm pooh size, but I'm half her weight. I have some issues with getting in and out of rides and I'm grateful for a boost up by hubby or a rail I can grab to help myself out.

I will say there are rides where you can transfer to a wheelchair and then you can go on the ride with the wheelchair if someone will push her. Some examples are Jungle Cruise in MK, It's a Small World in MK, Buzz Lighyesr in MK, Nemo in Epcot, the boat ride in Mexico in Epcot and Toy Story Mania in DHS. It still may be difficult even doing some of these rides when you transfer to a wheelchair. I think on Toy Story Mania the Cast Members have to do the wheelchair into the ride and I'm not sure how kind they would be in this case. The same is true for the Nemo and Buzz rides. There's a ramp with a small incline and it may be tough for a cast member to do it and it could be embarassing for her, as well. I think it just depend on how brave she is with trying it this way. There is a wheelchair available on these rides, but you may have to talk to a cast member to get it. One ride that will probably work for her is Universe of Energy in Epcot, but it's not a thrill ride by any means of the imagination. I really think roller coasters of any kind are out of the question.

I'm not sure where you SIL lives, but maybe she should try a local amusement park and see how she manages with it. Even if they have to take a short weekend trip somewhere it might be worth it to see how she can do it. I will say Disney World is better than most parks this way, but it's not a miracle maker, either.

We don't know your SIL's true condition here on the boards, but if she has more stamina issues that knee issues, then maybe she could attempt a ride or two, but by no means will she be able to do all of what she wants to do from the way it sounds. Disney World is like no other in a way and there's a lot to cover every day just seeing the shows and for her condition it may be enough just to see the shows. She sounds like a younger parent; so, she may be more confident about it all, but until you are there you can't exactly comprehend it all.

I think the poster led you in a good direction at All Ears. We go with my Alzheimer's 89 years young mother and we are very content to enjoy the shows and such. We go almost every year and we like early December to go; because, it's not as hot and humid. At Christmas time it's even better with more shows. It's probably no use arguing about this with her, either. I'm a realist and it's not sounding like she is one; she may have to find out the hard way.

Maybe, others here can give you a better perspective than I, but I just don't see it.

 

[kimsuenew]

I am a large girl size 26/28 and the only ride I have ever had a problem with was Astro Orbitor, it was just hard to get out of. Allears.net has a fantastic section called Atlarge which even shows the kind of seating each ride has.

Thank you, I will direct her there to look! I did not see pictures before. What I read on there before writing this was written by a woman that was pretty close to your size and my SIL is so much larger so the narrative did not really help. I am hoping the pictures will help her decide or at least visulize the rides!

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

I just want to chime in as I was in your SIL's shoes one trip.
I know I was uncomfortable on the Tea Cups so I didn't ride them. I did ride Splash Mountain but it was a tight fit. My DD wasn't into thrill rides yet so we were content with Jungle Cruise, Pooh, Dumbo, Carpets, etc.
I knew I was having surgery and vowed to DD that we would ride the Tea Cups first on our next trip.
9 months later and over 100 pounds down, we did. I have great pictures and lots of great memories. Good luck to your SIL on her upcoming surgery.
Have your SIL rent the ECV so that she can stay with you longer and keep up. Enjoy your trip.

 

[kimsuenew]

I just want to chime in as I was in your SIL's shoes one trip.
I know I was uncomfortable on the Tea Cups so I didn't ride them. I did ride Splash Mountain but it was a tight fit. My DD wasn't into thrill rides yet so we were content with Jungle Cruise, Pooh, Dumbo, Carpets, etc.
I knew I was having surgery and vowed to DD that we would ride the Tea Cups first on our next trip.
9 months later and over 100 pounds down, we did. I have great pictures and lots of great memories. Good luck to your SIL on her upcoming surgery.
Have your SIL rent the ECV so that she can stay with you longer and keep up. Enjoy your trip.

Congrats to you!

Thank you for your reply!

 

[GrammyJudy]

i think Thunder Mt RR and Slash would be ok in MK...not sure what new Space MT is like. I have not done ExpEverest or Rockn Roller so I can not comment. Most important is for her to have fun and enjoy her kids joy and not be embarrassed. I am large but I have seen many people bigger than me at WDW so she will have a good time though may not do everything. The CMs can be very helpful too and twell her if there might be a problem.

 

[dancer4life22]

when we went to WDW last july (2009) i saw many many people in your SIL's positiion and none of them were having trouble!

I think the only time i saw anyone having trouble was at American Idol actually... the bottons to vote are kind of far back on the arm rest and were hard for EVERYONE (including smalller people!) to get to! the man sitting next to my mom had to have her push the button for him because he could not get it but other than that i never saw anyone with a problem!

 

[ShatteredByLoss]

Hello hello and hello!

I am not sure if it is alright to link this or not.. but here we go...

http://allears.net/tp/ridsiz.htm

Hmm.. that seems to have worked..

Okay! Basically it is a website called "Walt Disney World at Large" - if the link doesn't work, you can always google it.

It helped put some friends and family members at ease about what they could and couldn't ride.

Though some rides (Like Kali river rapids and/or Space Mountain) it may be better to ride alone or be really with anyone sitting in the next seat. For the most part, no one I've been with has had an issue on -any- ride.****

There are some nifty tricks that can be used to make your family feel more comfrortable. Such as pulling the seatbelt allllllllll the way out before sitting down and having the person next to them click it into place. Also, sometimes there are actual ride vehicles that you can sit in to 'check'. Then there is the sit on the edge of the seat and slide your way back to get comfortable in movie theater type settings.

Take a look at the website, and don't forget the links on the left. Just because people are Pooh sized, doesn't mean they can't go and visit Pooh!

Hope it helps and I know everyone is going to love their trip!



- Loss


**** With one tiny exception. At Disney Quest, they have Virtual Space Mountain. Someone I went with couldn't fit into the seat -after- they had gone through and made their ride. It was dissapointing. The CM gave them a free front of the line type fast pass as an apology. I think he felt worse than the person I was traveling with.

 

[danalee]

allears is wonderful! My nephew went with us on our last trip, and he is I would say you sil size, he to was worried. So I also did some checking and found he could do most things, but, it was the getting out of some rides that were a bit of a challange.

Space Mountain, Spalsh Moutain for example because they "Sit down in" so getting out was a little tough~

Test Track was a little tricky as well, but as someone else said he would pullll his seat belt the whole way out then sit down.

Muppets show in the Studios, the seat are small (nevermind she has a chair)

I dont remember him having any other problems, there were a few things he didnt try like Astro Orbiter (because of post I seen about it) and BTMR he thought he would be smooshed! oh and mission space he thought it would be tight and after riding it I think it was a good choice for him to skip it~

hope that helped a little

if I think of anything else I will let you know

 

[thumper08]

and has knee issues (it's a vicious circle).. the first few trips to Disney we rented the scooters and it was a tremendous help. Now he has his own scooter and we take it everywhere. The only ride he wanted to ride was Soarin but he was not able to because the seat belt did not fit. He knows because of his size he cannot ride the thrill rides because he is not safe in them. However on the "tamer" rides he was able to do because usually there is a seat that is bigger...like on the boat rides the last seat on the boat gives him more room than the others...the haunted mansion ride he rides alone so he has enough room. Cast Members are always very wonderful and accommodating when they can be. when he couldn't ride Soarin they gave him fast passes for the rides he could ride.

 

[kimsuenew]

Thanks Everyone!

We talked at great length after Church today, and she now realizes that while she can not ride every thing, she can ride some things and also do all kinds of fun activities!

I hope that this is a magical vacation for them! Disney is pretty awesome!

 

[JennyDrake]

How tall is SIL?? My friend that goes with me is 5'4" or 5'5" and close to 350#. She can do ALL the attractions at WDW!! As to Astrowhatever, I am not Pooh sized and only 5'1" and I thought _I_ was never going to get out of the vehicle!

 

[walkdmc]

I agree with the allears.net suggestion. I found the information there extremely helpful before my last trip to WDW.

 

[GypsyPearl]

Just want to add that the last time I was at WDW I was about 350#. I rode everything I wanted to but SpaceMountain (couldn't get in and out of the cars) and RocknRoller Coaster. Tell your friend to definately try Tower of Terror. Larger body mass = longer hang time. It was my favorite ride.

 

[Lthouseprincess]

I have been going for years and I have had major knee issues (rented ECV) and I was 410 pounds and 5’10. Never did the tea cups but I have tried all the rest of the rides. I did not like space mt because of my knee, not the seat. All of the rides the seats were just fine. I did not like all the rides Everest and rockin roller coaster made me sick. Now over at Universal was a different story and they did not do a good job for plus sized people!
I did have the surgery on 6/16 of this year and I am down 85 pounds. So good luck to your sister.

 

[Figmificent]

My mom is close to her size and while she's not on the boards, here's a list of what she was able to ride in 2007:
WDW Railroad
Jungle Cruise
Splash Mountain
Big Thunder Mountain
Haunted Mansion
Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor
Stitch
Space Mountain (before refurb)
TTA
Spaceship Earth
Mission Space (both sides)
Test Track (usually seated in front, more room)
Soarin'
The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Maelstrom
Star Tours
Indiana Jones
Studio Backlot Tour
Lights, Motor, Action
Tower of Terror
Fantasmic!
Kali River Rapids
Expedition Everest
Dinosaur

She recommends pulling the seatbelt out ALL the way on any ride you are getting on prior to sitting down. She says she also needed a hand from my dad on some of the lower rides. She was also in an ECV. Any more questions feel free to send me a PM

 

[kimsuenew]

I have been going for years and I have had major knee issues (rented ECV) and I was 410 pounds and 5’10. Never did the tea cups but I have tried all the rest of the rides. I did not like space mt because of my knee, not the seat. All of the rides the seats were just fine. I did not like all the rides Everest and rockin roller coaster made me sick. Now over at Universal was a different story and they did not do a good job for plus sized people!
I did have the surgery on 6/16 of this year and I am down 85 pounds. So good luck to your sister.

First of all ~ CONGRATS! Wow, 85 pounds... that is awesome!

Secondly, thanks for the information. As you both were very similar in weight, this will surely give her some joy about the upcoming trip!

I wanted to thank everyone that replied on here, you all are awesome!

WDW is so wonderful at including and accomodating everyone... big, little, young, old, challenged, ect... it is truly a magical place!

 

[jm-mom]

I wanted to chime in with my experience as I am in a similar position as your SIL. I"m not quite as large as she is but well overweight nonetheless and I have two very arthritic knees. At WDW I use a scooter rented offsite so I always have it available to me. We have been going down to WDW annually for several years now and I have NEVER had a problem with rides, getting around, etc. I was able to ride everything I wanted to ride. Some rides were a bit tighter than others but it was never so bad that I just simply wouldn't do it. The only two rides I had some difficulty getting out of was the motor cars ride at Magic Kingdom and the Jungle Cruise. Both required a bit more knee strength than I had. The cast members just took my hand and helped out and it was very easy. I have difficulty raising my knee and then having to step up onto a platform or stair. This is how you exit many of the rides. I don't recall having trouble though at any others. Rides like It's a Small World require a fairly sizeable step up and with compromised knees it could be hard BUT they have rails to grab onto and hoist yourself out and away you go.

I didn't even attempt rides liike Tea Cups, Barnstormer or Dumbo because I get motion sick too easily so I can't comment on those. There are still plenty of rides to enjoy with your kids though. I went on Peter Pan, Snow White, Pooh, Small World, etc. with my now 7 year old with complete ease.

Don't let your size stop you from at least trying to ride whatever you want. I have found Disney to be very friendly to overweight people, or to anyone really who just needs a helping hand. I'll be there in December doing it all over again!

 

[kimsuenew]

Thanks everyone!

I printer her copy of these pages (as well as having spoken with her about them) and you have all helped to put her mind at ease!

While she knows that she may not be able to ride everything, she can definately partake in a lot, and enjoy this trip with her kids!