Splash Mountain and 40 inch height req

[StrollPatrolMom]

Hi everyone!
My 3.5 year old is currently measuring in at 38 inches without shoes. We'll be heading down in late Sept, and all she keeps talking about is riding Splash Mountain. I'm hoping for a little growth spurt to help boost her up, but was also thinking about a little wedge-type pair of sandals that might give her a boost to 40 inches. DH says there's a height req for a reason and thats not a "safe" idea Do they make then take their shoes off to "measure in"? Obviously I'm not going to do anything to put her at risk, but if she's sitting next to me and its one little inch, I personally do not see the harm She's already been on a very similiar flume type ride at an amusement park here in NH called Story Land. To make matters worse, we're traveling down with friends and their same-aged DD who is my DD's bestest little friend will be fine on the height req....any suggestions here?

 

[punkin]

I am always flamed when I post this but we used those ugly spongebob clog sandals from walmart when my DD needed a boost. They do not make them take off their shoes. As far as safety, that's your call.

 

[dqpowell]

It is a misconception that strict enforcement of height restrictions are there for safety. The truth is that Disney would never set a height restriction right at the border for safe riding. In other words, if they say that you must be 40" to ride, then the height required for safety is at least a few inches shorter than that. As any engineer will explain, all safety restrictions have a built-in "safety margin." The cables designed to support elevator cars can actually handle at least double the maximum loaded weight of the car + accelleration/decelleration forces. If the maximum safe output level of a nuclear submarine reactor is x, then it will be rated somewhat lower... which is why they can, under emergency circumstances, be run at "105%" or some other output level above 100%.

Not only that, but Disney often sets minimum height requirements for reasons totally unrelated to safety. They sometimes adjust the minimum height requirements in an imperfect attempt to keep children under a certain age from riding. Since they can't very well ask for proof of age, they use height as a sloppy guideline.

That said, you won't make it if she's only 38". You can't get two inches out of thick-soled sandals or shoes.

David

 

[huge mickey fan]

I say they set the height requirements for a reason and one little inch should make a difference. I agree with your husband. Besides where do you draw the line? If one inch is okay then 1 1/2 or 2 should be okay right. The line is 40 inches. I consider those wedge shoes lying or cheating and I guess it is alright if you want your child to learn that rules are okay to break if they want to.

 

[LilyLake]

My sister put my niece in some heels, too. I think they were some kind of tennis shoe with platforms. She was 5 at the time, and needed a little boost - she's very petite. My sister was sitting next to her on the ride, like you said, so it didn't seem like a risky situation. She rode several times and loved it.

 

[StrollPatrolMom]

It is a misconception that strict enforcement of height restrictions are there for safety. The truth is that Disney would never set a height restriction right at the border for safe riding. In other words, if they say that you must be 40" to ride, then the height required for safety is at least a few inches shorter than that. As any engineer will explain, all safety restrictions have a built-in "safety margin." The cables designed to support elevator cars can actually handle at least double the maximum loaded weight of the car + accelleration/decelleration forces. If the maximum safe output level of a nuclear submarine reactor is x, then it will be rated somewhat lower... which is why they can, under emergency circumstances, be run at "105%" or some other output level above 100%.

Not only that, but Disney often sets minimum height requirements for reasons totally unrelated to safety. They sometimes adjust the minimum height requirements in an imperfect attempt to keep children under a certain age from riding. Since they can't very well ask for proof of age, they use height as a sloppy guideline.

That said, you won't make it if she's only 38". You can't get two inches out of thick-soled sandals or shoes.

David

[/I]

Thanks, I appreciate this information...basically figured that was the case. I actually already have a cork bottom wedge type sandal in mind my friend has for her DD (not for the height, but because they are cute) I'm pretty sure we would get a 2 inch boost from them. Gotta love women's shoes, they make you taller from toddler-hood on...

 

[dqpowell]

I say they set the height requirements for a reason and one little inch should make a difference.

You're suggesting that Disney should take a huge liability risk and set the minimum height requirements within 1 inch of the actual, true safe height? How quickly do you want to see Disney flooded with a series of lawsuits from injured or killed riders?

The plain truth is that there is a particular height at which Disney can be ensured a particular ride is safe at a 99% confidence interval. But I guarantee you that height is never a nice round number like 40", 44", 48", etc. It might be 36.4" for one ride, and 45.1" for another. When those numbers are determined, they then set the minimum requirement considerably higher... the first one 40", and the second 48".

Besides where do you draw the line? If one inch is okay then 1 1/2 or 2 should be okay right.

Nobody here is "drawing a line." I'm stating a fact, that many people don't want to hear because it takes away a convenient excuse they use with their children. Somebody that's truly short enough for the ride to present a real safety risk couldn't possibly get on even if they wore tall-heeled SpongeBob sandals, stood up perfectly straight and got measured first thing in the morning before their spines compressed the small amount they do during the day. But a child that is close to the stated minimum -- somebody 39.5", for example -- will not be in any danger if they wear the tall shoes and get on the ride. Disney wouldn't have it any other way.

David

 

[HayGan]

Do you really think it is a good idea for a 3.5 yr old to be wearing 2" heels around an amusement park all day

 

[punkin]

You're suggesting that Disney should take a huge liability risk and set the mSomebody that's truly short enough for the ride to present a real safety risk couldn't possibly get on even if they wore tall-heeled SpongeBob sandals, stood up perfectly straight and got measured first thing in the morning before their spines compressed the small amount they do during the day. But a child that is close to the stated minimum -- somebody 39.5", for example -- will not be in any danger if they wear the tall shoes and get on the ride. Disney wouldn't have it any other way.

David

Let's not confuse the flamers with facts, shall we?

 

[dqpowell]

Thanks, I appreciate this information...basically figured that was the case. I actually already have a cork bottom wedge type sandal in mind my friend has for her DD (not for the height, but because they are cute) I'm pretty sure we would get a 2 inch boost from them. Gotta love women's shoes, they make you taller from toddler-hood on...

Something as obvious as 2" heels will not work. The CMs will make her remove them before measuring. In this particular case, I wouldn't get her hopes up. Simply explain that she's too far below the minimum required height, but that she'll probably be able to ride the next trip you make to WDW. Don't set her up for even bigger disappointment by getting in line to ride and then being rejected at the height-measuring area.

David

 

[punkin]

Do you really think it is a good idea for a 3.5 yr old to be wearing 2" heels around an amusement park all day

That I agree with 100%. That's why the heels got slipped on when we were alsready on line and the comfy shoes got put back on at the exit.

 

[brymolmom]

I was in the same position in March with dd...at home she was just at the 40'' mark with her sneakers on...but at the SM height measuring stick - she was JUST under it - could barely see a space between the top of her head and the stick - but it was obvious that her head wasn't really touching it (because she could easily move her head back and forth and basically - walk under it while standing tall). So we got the NO GO.

You might be able to do it with the shoes you're referring to, however, I would get her prepared just in case you are refused. 2 inches seems like a LOT to gain from shoes, and IMO the measuring stick is slightly above the height that they're trying to measure (at least it's a little different than ours at home). Instead of talking about it - I would say 'wouldn't it be great if we could ride it? But if not - it'll still be great because we'll go ride XXX (insert name of favorite ride here) two more times! Also, they'll give you an 'I can ride next time' pass that is pretty cool and lets them know that they'll be able to ride it on your next trip.

Our next trip is fast approaching in August...I'm still not 100% positive that dd will be able to ride this time around. I THINK we'll be fine, but I'm not planning on it.

 

[StrollPatrolMom]

Do you really think it is a good idea for a 3.5 yr old to be wearing 2" heels around an amusement park all day

They are not heels, they are wedge sandals...and she's a crazy little princesss who wears dress up heels half the time anyways. as I said, I'm hoping for a little growth spurt...

I can see I've touched a nerve with this discussion. I guess the bottom line is that you have to do what you as a parent are comfortable doing. I tend to be more of a "risk taker" in terms of my personality which is bound to rub off on my kiddos a bit. Thanks everyone for your input!

 

[stacy6552]

Some rides are easier to fudge than others. Star Tours has a 40 inch requirement, but seatbelts are invloved. However, Splash Mountain does not have any form of restraint, riders brace themselves on the drops with their legs. If your daughter is too short it may be more dangerous on that ride than others. I really suggest that every time your child bring up this ride, or anything else with a restriction that you tell her now, that she probably is not tall enough to ride. If she is in the end, its an added bonus, but if shes not, you dont want her melting down then and there.

 

[HayGan]

They are not heels, they are wedge sandals...and she's a crazy little princesss who wears dress up heels half the time anyways. as I said, I'm hoping for a little growth spurt...

I can see I've touched a nerve with this discussion. I guess the bottom line is that you have to do what you as a parent are comfortable doing. I tend to be more of a "risk taker" in terms of my personality which is bound to rub off on my kiddos a bit. Thanks everyone for your input!

I'm really not trying to flame you! I'm just wanting you to think about it from a different perspective. Big thick shoes whether they be wedges or heels aren't a very good shoe for such a small child to be walking around on in a place like WDW. Wearing dress up shoes around home is one thing but 8+ hours in an amusement park (and especially WDW) is completely different. Women are "persuaded" to wear such torturous shoes as adults - why subject such a little girl to the same?

I can understand wanting your child to experience SM and other rides. However, the rules are placed there for a reason and they aren't posted just for the fun of it. My kids are daredevils and love the thrill rides but I would never put them in any situation where they might be in harm's way. If you were talking less than 1/2 of an inch it would be one thing but 2" is quite a big difference to make up. As others have mentioned, many CM's will notice such large shoes and deny entry on to the ride.

 

[DebbieB]

I would prepare her for the possibility that she may not get on. I saw a dad and little girl one time at SM and she was a little short and they refused to let her go. She started crying her eyes out. I've also seen where they measure again on the loading platform, so if you make it past the first one, there's still the possibility of being re-measured.

 

[dqpowell]

Big thick shoes whether they be wedges or heels aren't a very good shoe for such a small child to be walking around on in a place like WDW.

I agree with this.

As others have mentioned, many CM's will notice such large shoes and deny entry on to the ride.

Again, agreed. 2" seems like too much to make up -- your success rate at getting by will be close to zero. While this might make for a lesson in accepting that which cannot be controlled, I can't see repeating such a lesson over and over again.

Bring your daughter to rides that there is no question she will be able to ride. The next time you visit WDW she'll probably be tall enough for the others...

David

 

[KimWDW]

Regarding Storyland... The drop at Splash Mountain is MUCH more severe than the Bamboo Chutes. It's not the same thing.

I would just put her in her regular comfy shoes and hope for the best, but tell her now that she's not big enough. So she goes NOT expecting to be able to ride. Then, if you show up and she has had a growth spurt... great! But if she's not big enough... no biggie, she wasn't expecting to go on anyway. Avoid the tantrum.

 

[DVCMama]

Our last trip our daughter was asked to take off her Crocs by one CM to measure. She is a very petite little thing and looks young for her age. This was for Test Track (which she had actually already been on several times and loved). The CM decided she make it but only by a hair without the shoes. This was the one and only time they asked for her to remove her shoes but she was often checked on her height.

 

[BamaFan121s]

Our last trip our daughter was asked to take off her Crocs by one CM to measure. She is a very petite little thing and looks young for her age. This was for Test Track (which she had actually already been on several times and loved). The CM decided she make it but only by a hair without the shoes. This was the one and only time they asked for her to remove her shoes but she was often checked on her height.

Wow! With Crocs? That's wild! They are pretty 'flat' shoes...they don't give you a lot of lift!? Interesting.