Rides for Plus Size People

[Montegut]

Husband and I are planning an anniversary trip next year, and we are wondering what rides we will and will not be able to ride.

We are plus sized in waist, not so much in height. I'm 5'2 and husband is 5'11.

We will be able to walk the park, though slowly, but would love to ride as many rides as possible.

Are there any rides we will definitely be restricted on?

I loved the Peter Pan ride when I was a kid, and I'm betting I won't be able to go on that one, but if I can, that would be great! I also loved Thunder Mountain, and hope I can ride that one, too! Mr. Toad was a favorite, but I heard that one's closed. But if there is a similar one that I can ride, please advise!

I haven't been to Disney since Epcot first opened, almost 30 years ago, for our honeymoon, and we are planning a seven day stay, so I want to see as much as I can!

Thanks for any advice or links!

 

[clomahony]

I am a Pooh sized person (5'4'' and 250 lbs) and I can ride every ride at Disney. To be fair some of the bars get pushed into my stomach but I does latch so I don't worry so much about the rides at Disney. I actually ride Peter Pan with my kids. I've been to a few amusement parks where I had to get off a ride with my kids because I could not fit and it was humiliating. I'm trying to lose weight but it's been challenging to say the least. So my hats off to the Disney imagineers for thinking of us Pooh sized people - enjoy and don't worry - you'll be fine.

 

[hops&dreams]

First, Congratulations on your upcoming anniversary. And what a terrific place you've chosen to spend it! There's so much magic there!!!

My advice for you would be to start walking now to get your body used to it over a long period of time. It's rather normal for people to log 7-ish miles a DAY! If you start a walking regiment now, it'll give your body time to acclimate, and give you a better chance of enjoying the parks and seeing as much as you can while you're there. Remember, 10 mins of walking beats 10 mins of sitting.

Also, check out this article:
http://allears.net/tp/ridsiz.htm

Hope that helped! What an exciting visit you'll have!

 

[goofyernmost]

Shouldn't be a problem...I'm 5'10" and weight close to 300 (mostly in my mid-section) and have not found a single thing in WDW that I cannot ride comfortably. Have fun!

Slight edit...I don't do Space Mountain. I can fit in it but have trouble getting out. Kind of embarrassing! Not just weight but bad knees.

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

I'm plus sized (18/20) and the only thing that is a tight fit is Sum of All Thrills at Epcot Innoventions and there is a seat to try to see how it is before you get in line. Other than that I've not found any rides at WDW uncomfortable to fit in the seats. At Primeval Whirl make sure not to squeeze (literally) more than 1 person in one side of the car or it can be quiet uncomfy and as PP said Space Mtn can be difficult b/c of stepping down into the car. RnR can be also hard to step in and out of for the same reason and a little tight on that gals if you know what I mean, make sure not to pull the restraint all the way down, give em a little breathing room.

 

[jerlove]

5 foot 10 and 325 lbs and no problems here for anything.

Just thought I would share as it was a big worry for me on my first trip. I love how I do not have to worry at Disney.

Have a great time

 

[joshiesdad]

When I last went I was 5'10 353. (Have lost 106lbs so far this year yeah me) I did not have any issues. I do have to say I dont do the major roller coasters sicne i am a chicken. I have done splash and Btmrr with no issues. I never thought twice about it at Disney. Other local parks yes but not there. I want to second the starting the walking program. That is one thing that I had not done the last time and I paid for it. I did not realize how tired i was gonna get real quick.

 

[sharadoc]

Peter Pan has plenty of room for you both! You may have to go sideways through a couple of turnstiles.

Read that Allears page for a lot of great info! I'm around a 22/24 and have absolutely no trouble. I've been bigger and still could fit, just a little tighter!

Happy Anniversary!

 

[Jacie]

Disney, unlike Six Flags, Universal, etc, is made for all shapes and sizes! You will more than likely encounter zero restrictions!
Have fun and don't worry about that!

 

[walkdmc]

Last time I visited I was a 22 and Sum of All Thrills was my only problem. I fit but barely. There's a "test seat" off to the side, for you to try out before getting in line. I rode everything else, no problem. I didn't like Space Mountain and looked odd to say the least, trying to get out of that car.

I also checked the aforementioned allears.net info. on/by plus-sized folks before going and felt so relaxed about my trip. Read that info, it'll ease your mind. The last time I checked, they even had pertinent photos of the rides.

 

[rndmr2]

BTMR seats may be a little tight for you to ride together but other than that there shouldn't be any issues with the rides. A lot of the issues people have is leg room so since you aren't all that tall you should be ok.

Some of the show/theater seats are a little tight due to the arm-rests but if you sit on the front edge of the seat and slide back it is an easier fit.

 

[Amy Mouse]

Another tip....on rides where belts pull across (TT and Dinosaur), pulling the belt all the way out before you sit makes it a while lot easier to buckle on the other side.

 

[goofyernmost]

Another tip....on rides where belts pull across (TT and Dinosaur), pulling the belt all the way out before you sit makes it a while lot easier to buckle on the other side.

Very good advice. If I might carry it a tad further...pull the belts all the way out, while still held out sit on a slight angle, close to the edge of the seat and buckle it, then slide back into the seat allowing the belt to tighten on it's own. So much easier and quicker.

 

[book_junkie]

Plus sized here, and the only thing that was a problem was the Sum of All Fears- it wouldn't close but I knew that ahead of time. Everything else was fine. The CMs were wonderful, and if you had any problems getting in or out of the seat they were more than willing to wait or lend a hand.

Go, have fun, don't worry.

 

[vikkii19]

I wear a size 20 and had some problems at the theatres with armrests. I remember having a huge bruise on my thigh after muppet vision 3D. After that I would sit on the edge of the seat and then back into the seat, that way I wouldn't get bruises from the armrests. Other than that I had no problems whatsoever.

 

[DustyPixie]

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This is excellent advice, regardless of size. It helps tremendously to start walking frequently, and for increasingly longer periods, for several weeks before you go to WDW. Not only does it help your body prepare for long days on your feet, but it also helps you break in good walking shoes and know which ones are the best to take along.

I recommend breaking in at least two different pairs of very comfortable walking shoes and taking both along. Alternating shoes every day will help you avoid blisters and extremely sore feet. Also, take along some soothing foot lotion to rub on your feet just before bed. Helps them rejuvenate for the next day while you sleep. There are also anti-chafing products, like Glide, that you can find in sports stores. Runners use these products, because they help protect feet and other areas that could be prone to chafing, and many here on the DISboard will agree that such a product is essential at Disney.

Thinking ahead to do everything you can to ensure your comfort is important for spending several days at WDW, and will help you have the best possible vacation. Enjoy every minute!!

 

[jesswindsor]

You won't have any problem fitting in the rides at Disney, I am Pooh Sized and I can ride everything.

 

[Taja]

Have to reiterate the walking program at home. I'm pushing Pooh-sized for my height (classic pear shape, with the bulk of the weight on the bottom), and tend to be rather sedentary. Although I do low-impact aerobics and Pilates, I just don't walk distances very often.

When possible, I begin my walking program at least three months before visiting WDW. I usually begin with two laps around the block, then gradually extend the distance every two days or so. It really does make a big difference!

I've visited a WDW on the spur of the moment a couple of times--less than two weeks notice!--so I have a direct comparison.

You'll be able to do nearly everything you want to do at WDW--and have a wonderful holiday!