Self-conscious about my weight

[jpkenyon]

I'm joining family in December for a cruise on the Fantasy and am working hard to lose weight by then, but am very self-conscious about my size. Are there any places where I won't be welcome or things that I can't do?

 

[Parkerpirates]

First off, congrats on working to be healthier! Second, although I haven't sailed on DCL yet, I'm sure everyone will be more than welcoming and won't even think twice about whatever you are self conscious about!

I am also using our October cruise to motivate me to lose weight and just be healthier. We just finished a month long vegan fast and I have been working out out 5 days a week for the last 3 or 4 weeks. I've lost 8 lbs so far but have about 35 more to go!

You can do this and don't worry about anyone else! You'll be healthier and happy for trying!

 

[moomy-san]

You will be welcome everywhere! I could stand to lose oh, say... 100 lbs+ and I have never felt any different or any scorn on board. I ask for a seat without arms in the dining room on the first night, and there is one at my spot every night thereafter. The seats in the theatres can be a tight fit, but for 45 minutes a night, I'll squeeze myself in like I've been vacuum sealed if I have to!

 

[kfamilylovesdisney]

Disney cruisers come in all sizes

I know the feeling - I'm "top heavy" and always feel self-conscious (especially in summer clothing). But really, there are many different sizes, shapes, clothing styles, ethnicities... it's all good.

I hope you enjoy your cruise...

 

[pllanez12]

I'm a pretty big guy ...I sailed on the Wonder late last year with my wife and kids and there was only one place I had a minor issue. The live shows in the theatre and movie theatre the seats are not too wide. In the back they have metal fold out chairs. That's where I sat for the shows and movies. Just get there early for the shows because they do tend to fill up early. I was there right when they opened the doors. I had a great time on my cruise and there pretty "Winnie the Pooh" friendly. I've never been on the Fantasy but my wife and I want to sail that ship next. I hope this help. Have a great cruise.

 

[sweetlovin']

I can feel like that at times as well. It hurts more when people say mean jokes about your looks. In the end, I think you are probably your own worse critic. Hang in there and I hope you can accomplish whatever your goal is to feel more comfortable in your own skin.

 

[lizabu]

I think in life we tend to judge ourselves more than others do. I suggest not being so hard on yourself. I would bet others don't think about your size at all.

 

[lulucornbread]

There has always been people of all sizes at Disney World - you will be fine! You do have plenty of time if you want to lose weight before your exciting trip!! You are worth it!

 

[lulucornbread]

I think in life we tend to judge ourselves more than others do. I suggest not being so hard on yourself. I would bet others don't think about your size at all.

.

I agree!!

 

[tynkerbell]

I think in life we tend to judge ourselves more than others do. I suggest not being so hard on yourself. I would bet others don't think about your size at all.

Agreed. And may I also add that no matter what your size, own it! Life is too short to worry about what other people are going to think of you.

 

[BetsyRNBSN]

I totally understand what you are saying, I am "fluffy", or "pooh sized", whatever you want to call it.

I have been on the Dream and the new Magic, and LOVED every minute of it.
Like someone else said, ask for a chai at dinner with no arms and all will be well every night.
Regarding the theaters, in the Walt Disney Theatre, there are the folding chairs in the back, but what I also found out is that the chairs on the aisles are several inches wider than the rest of the seats in the row. I picked a seat in the closest section, more like orchestra right in a regular theatre, and sat on the aisle. I had a comfortable seat, an un obstructed view of the stage, and lots of great company!!
The Buena vista theatre is pretty good, again, the end seats are a bit wider than other seats, but I have sat comfortably in seats in the middle of the theatre.

Hmmm, my only other issue was when we went to the adult bars after dinner (late seating) was that many of the seats were designed for skinnier bottoms, lol. But there were plenty of other seats to sit in. I recommend you check out some areas during non-busy times and try a bunch of different seats to see what works for you.

I did use the shower in the Rainforest several days, I had teenagers using my shower, and I really appreciated the extra room and quieter area.

You will have a GREAT time!

 

[rentayenta]

Don't worry about what other people think. Get healthy/lose weight for you. I echo the sentiment that Dec is a ways away, you've got time if that's something you want to do and would make you feel more comfortable.

 

[BetsyRNBSN]

There are absolutely no areas you won't be welcome, trust me, I am terribly self conscious about my weight. Cast members were always respectful and I never had any issues with any other guests... I think my constant smile at just being there helped, I am smiling just thinking about it!!!

 

[Ravenne]

Those who matter don't care. Those who care don't matter.
I've always found that Disney is very size friendly. I called to inquire about the sizes of life jackets for water based excursions and they told me their sizes run from a child's xs to adults 4x. It's easy to feel self conscious, but remember, you're on vacation. Try to just enjoy yourself. Disney sponsored excursions will list the activity levels on their website so do what you feel you'd be comfortable doing and have a blast!

 

[jpkenyon]

Thank you everyone!! My cabin will be shared with my sister and my niece (hopefully). But my son, DIL, grandchildren and several of their family will also be going, some of whom I've never met. All in all, I think we've got about 12 cabins on Deck 7 -- I really appreciate your words of encouragement.

 

[twindaddy]

Great thread. I could loose a lot of weight, probably one entire person. I am a big guy.

Our muster was in AP, the chairs were murder. That was about the only problem I had. When we walked into the dining room, our server went and got a chair without arms without making a big deal at all. He had it ready in all 3 dining rooms at our table, very easy. I found out later you can request this in advance through DCL, just like you request a specific server.

The chair inside the buffet have no arms, the ones out on deck do, a tad tight but if I could fit you can too.

The chairs in the theater were tight but not unbearable, I sat in the back a few times. I found the aisle seats at the front of the section were the best, so I got there early.

As far as in the pool, I just wore a shirt (I burn, so I would do that anyways), no one cared. I have been on 3 cruise lines...I will say Disney has the most normal sized people. Lots of fluffy dads and moms in sarongs, no big deal. Carnival was more of a meat market.

My issue in the shower was I was too tall, my head rubbed against the ceiling, and I am only 6 foot even.

Just go, have a great time. No one will give you second look.

 

[rentayenta]

Great thread. I could loose a lot of weight, probably one entire person. I am a big guy.

Our muster was in AP, the chairs were murder. That was about the only problem I had. When we walked into the dining room, our server went and got a chair without arms without making a big deal at all. He had it ready in all 3 dining rooms at our table, very easy. I found out later you can request this in advance through DCL, just like you request a specific server.

The chair inside the buffet have no arms, the ones out on deck do, a tad tight but if I could fit you can too.

The chairs in the theater were tight but not unbearable, I sat in the back a few times. I found the aisle seats at the front of the section were the best, so I got there early.

As far as in the pool, I just wore a shirt (I burn, so I would do that anyways), no one cared. I have been on 3 cruise lines...I will say Disney has the most normal sized people. Lots of fluffy dads and moms in sarongs, no big deal. Carnival was more of a meat market.

My issue in the shower was I was too tall, my head rubbed against the ceiling, and I am only 6 foot even.

Just go, have a great time. No one will give you second look.

Normal sized people?

 

[jlemieu1]

I'm joining family in December for a cruise on the Fantasy and am working hard to lose weight by then, but am very self-conscious about my size. Are there any places where I won't be welcome or things that I can't do?

I'm another pooh sized cruiser. If you are on the new ships, I love riding the Aquaduck.

I highly recommend doing an advance search on DCL group for "Pooh sized". You'll learn that there are plenty of them out there and answer some questions you might have.

 

[twindaddy]

Normal sized people?

Yes. Every time I post in this kind of thread, I always get that response from someone. You know what I meant, stop trying to be offended.

Most people have curves, bumps, blemishes, freckles, scrapes, cuts...some more than others. A good majority of the population does not look like they did when they were 20. Notice I did not say everyone or all. If that does not apply to you, good for you!

To the OP, in general, Disney is less of meat market than other cruise lines. You will be fine.

 

[auntlynne]

I sat on the back row of the Buena Vista Theater a few times, wondering why they made the distance between rows so tight.

Then I moved closer to the screen and realized it was just that row!

The seating in D Lounge is a challenge - just keep moving around until you find something that works for you.

If you find the showers tight (or don't like the cold shower curtain touching you as you try to move away from the grab bar - consider taking your showers in the Spa. There is no fee, you don't have to buy their products/services - and the showers are much bigger. There is moisturizer, q-tips, razors... in the ladies' room. Lots of towels.

I find that most people are more concerned with themselves than they are with everyone else (but yes, there are those who do make fun of others, sadly).