Sensitive Subject - Size and Rides

Nana2Callie

DIS Veteran
Joined
Jan 6, 2011
Messages
987
My traveling friend is large - 3X size. I want to avoid any embarrassing situations with rides and attractions. Please advise anywhere this could be an issue so I'm prepared in advance.
Thank you for your kindness.
 
My daughter was that size, and she was anxious about 7 dwarfs... it's tight and Flight of Passage.
We didn't ride either, as she was afraid to be embarrassed and disappointed after waiting in line for so long.
Everything else was no problem at all.
 
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I’m generally a 3x (5’9”, 280lbs). Seven Dwarfs is tight, Space Mountain is hard to get out of. I have had no issues on anything else, including Flight of Passage.
 
I knew Space Mountain is hard to get out of; hadn't thought about 7 Dwarfs. Thank you.
 

WDW is generally very pooh size friendly. Some are tight. Very few are too small.
Space is hard to raise up and out of. As is Rock n' Roller Coaster.
Astro Orbiter is another that is tight fit. I don't like it so I don't ride it for that reason, not because of fit issues. Same with Space. I don't ride it because it's too rough on the old bones, not because of fit issues. I do ride it in DL. Much easier ride mechanics there.
Body shape vs size is more of an issue on Flight of Passage. Very long legs or very large legs or large legs and large middle could be a problem. There is a vehicle out front to check prior to riding so you can avoid both any weight and any possible embarrassment if you think something like that would bother you.
 
Skipping Flight of Passage for the reasons mentioned above.
Do consider trying the test seat first before deciding. I am exactly the worst body type: long thick legs, lotsa booty, buxom chest. I read ahead, did all the tricks like sliding as far forward as possible, smooshing myself on the front part, and positioning my feet far forward, too. The CMs were super delicate and slow as they pressed in the back piece, and I was afraid they would not click me in being so gentle. I was about to tell them to go ahead and put their backs into it, do their worst, they wouldn't hurt me...And then it clicked. The most uncomfortable part was actually my calves, probably because of positioning. Torso felt fine, including the chest. Glad I went. GL
 
I'm 3X, but specifically I'm 5'8, 250lbs. Space Mountain is the only ride I find uncomfortable at WDW. Getting in and out of a low vehicle quickly is very uncomfortable. There are very rides that I haven't tried, but those are like ROTR, Smugglers Run, FOP, MMRRR, which all appear made for adults. If nothing else, make a list of the rides you plan to hit, then find ride videos on YouTube for those rides that you're unsure about.
 
My husband was 300+ on out last trip, hes lost about 60 pounds this year and is thrilled to get to tour the parks more comfortably this year. That said, he didn't have any fit issues. He rode FOP, Space, SDMT, even barnstormer lol! Like those cat memes when it comes to my husband...if it fits, he sits!😉
 
SDMT is VERY tight, and we were reminded of that this week. Even our 100lb teen daughter said she thought it was tight. DH and I are pooh sized - we all agreed we will not ride it again. We aren't in love with it so we are fine passing it next time.
 
I'm 5'6'' 190 (not muscle). I have never had an issue at my weight, which is all in the middle, with rides. The issue with me is I am so sedentary that walking 10 miles a day destroyed my feet by day two in February. Made the rest of the trip kind of miserable by midday each day. You might consider that when bringing larger folks. It may not be the ride cars that ruin it for you. I am moving around and walking more now that I know I can't do Disney like I used to when seated all winter
 
Reiterating that FOP seems to be about the legs. All my weight is in the middle & I have skinny legs. So, FOP has been fine for me. I’m also ok in 7DMT, but i would agree that tight is a good word for the feel of it. I avoid Tomorrowland Speedway. I can fit it in fine, but trying to climb back out of it is an embarrassment that I feel no need to repeat.

As for the leg foot pain, it’s real. I don’t think it’s exclusive to the pooh sized, but it’s worse for us. I would recommend getting compression socks/sleeves to wear. And having a change of shoes for midday always helps for me.
 
There was a woman two seats away from me on FOP. She seemed to be having a hard time and the CM had to come and help her. I think it was her legs giving her problem. Her husband was between us too so not 100%. I know there is a seat outside of the ride - one can tested. Don't feel embarrassed. If you fit, go and enjoy. Don't over think it. I understand what you are saying - I would feel horrible if I was turned away - but as far as a CM coming to help out - I would not worry.
 
On rides that use a seatbelt, your friend may have an easier time getting it around and buckled if they pull the belt out as far as it will extend and hold it there while they buckle it, then let it contract until it's snug. I think you can also ask a cast member for an extender. There are some very kind folks who have posted their experiences and tips on You Tube. Pammie Plus Parks is one I've watched. She shares great tips for both plus size folks and those with mobility or sensory issues.
 
I can only go by my personal experiences. I fluctuate between 2X and 3X and have for the last 15 years. At WDW, I have found nothing that I couldn't "fit". Yes, 7dmt was tight, but not all that bad. Besides it's a very short ride so it is quite tolerable. I think that it depends more on where one is carrying the weight. Mine is mostly up front (belly), however I would think that if the weight is more across the hips it might be really tight. Space mtn. is out for me, but that is because of the effort it takes to get out of it, I still fit in. Sadly, I have been excluded from the Harry Potter stuff at Universal by perhaps an inch. If I could hold my breath for about 10 minutes I probably could have faked it.
 
On rides that use a seatbelt, your friend may have an easier time getting it around and buckled if they pull the belt out as far as it will extend and hold it there while they buckle it, then let it contract until it's snug. I think you can also ask a cast member for an extender. There are some very kind folks who have posted their experiences and tips on You Tube. Pammie Plus Parks is one I've watched. She shares great tips for both plus size folks and those with mobility or sensory issues.
Yes, a very good tip I figured that out after a couple of embarrassing, panic filled moments mostly on Test Track. If you pull out the belt and sit on a partial angle so the buckle connection is in the open and accessible, it is easy. Pull out the belt, sit partially at an angle, click in the belt and move into the regular seating manner and let the belt adjust itself by slowly letting it return to the needed place.
 
I'm 5'6" 220-225 but it's all in my legs and butt. The only ride I refuse to try to ride again is 7dwarves. It is not made for thick thighs.
 
I'm 5'6'' 190 (not muscle). I have never had an issue at my weight, which is all in the middle, with rides. The issue with me is I am so sedentary that walking 10 miles a day destroyed my feet by day two in February. Made the rest of the trip kind of miserable by midday each day. You might consider that when bringing larger folks. It may not be the ride cars that ruin it for you. I am moving around and walking more now that I know I can't do Disney like I used to when seated all winter
My DIL had the same problem. She is a 2x and was really hurting by day 2. My son kept telling her to do what I do, which is to take a couple of Aleve to start the day, a couple more mid-day and a couple before bedtime. I'm 65 and with bad knees and osteopenia in my spine and was getting around better than her.
 
My son is 6’3” and 300+, wears 3XT. He can do all the rides at Disney - 7DMT is tight because of his long legs so he’s crammed in there, but it’s fine. FoP they do need to give the extra push for it to click for him, but he’s been on it 6 times (had one close call when one CM had a difficult time with the push but she got it). Now, Universal - that’s a completely different story and wish we knew that before wasting our day there.
 



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