Taking a large friend to WDW - need ride feedback

[SpectroMan71]

Hi All,

I'll be bringing my friend to WDW next month and he's never been. He's about 6'2" and in the 350 range, with most of the weight being in the belly and chest. We've had issues with lap and shoulder bars fitting on Six Flags roller coasters and I'm a bit concerned that he might miss some of the best rides. Could anybody in this height/size range provide feedback on their experiences? In specific, I'm looking at Rock & Roller Coaster, ToT, Everest, Mission Space, and Test Track. Thanks in advance.

 

[ckdsnynt]

Hi All,

I'll be bringing my friend to WDW next month and he's never been. He's about 6'2" and in the 350 range, with most of the weight being in the belly and chest. We've had issues with lap and shoulder bars fitting on Six Flags roller coasters and I'm a bit concerned that he might miss some of the best rides. Could anybody in this height/size range provide feedback on their experiences? In specific, I'm looking at Rock & Roller Coaster, ToT, Everest, Mission Space, and Test Track. Thanks in advance.

Sounds like your best friend is my DH but I know he isn't going to DW until Nov.

Seriously, WDW doesn't present him with challenges except, he has some knee problems and has for years so rides like SP and SM that you have to use your knees to push off with to get out of the car, are rather difficult for him. Probably because the car you sit in is below the place you have to step up to and get off. Make sense? Stepping down into the car isn't a problem, stepping up is. WDW seems to be much better than say, Universal. We tried universal 1/2 day and he could only ride one ride because most of their really fun rides had contraptions that went over your head and shoulders and had to lock at a specific point. They wouldn't reach that point on DH! Disney's on the other hand, will lock upon contact with your shoulders. Much better system. Go for it and don't worry. I can't think of a single ride that he can't ride due to his size. You and your frend will have a blast.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

I am a little lighter and A LOT shorter. The rides aren't the problem.

Walking is the problem.
Even with A LOT of stopping, you'll walk 3 to 4 miles a day if you spend 8 hours in the parks. Some people walk as much as 10 miles per day.

Since its a lot of stopping and starting, the walking doesn't bother me much on the 1st day, but the pounding on the feet is cumulative, making the walking harder every day. Muscle cream and walking socks are essential.

I would start by letting your friend know that the average person walks 5 miles a day, and gauge his reaction. Be most concerned if he refuses to believe that others walk 5 miles per day.

Also, don't be surprised if your friend wants to stay away from the pools and waterparks. A guy may not care, but you won't find many really big girls in a bathing suit.

 

[OneLittleSpark]

OK, here's a few links from All Ears that might help you:

The Big Picture

There are also links to other articles on doing Disney as a larger person, in the bar on the left side of the screen.


Attraction Vehicle Photo Gallery

This gives you pictures of all of the ride cars, so you can see for yourself what they look like, and how spacious they are.

Hope this helps!

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Hi All,

I'll be bringing my friend to WDW next month and he's never been. He's about 6'2" and in the 350 range, with most of the weight being in the belly and chest. We've had issues with lap and shoulder bars fitting on Six Flags roller coasters and I'm a bit concerned that he might miss some of the best rides. Could anybody in this height/size range provide feedback on their experiences? In specific, I'm looking at Rock & Roller Coaster, ToT, Everest, Mission Space, and Test Track. Thanks in advance.

I'm an inch taller than your friend and have about 50 lbs on him. I didn't have a problem with any of the rides you mention.

I can't do most roller coasters at Six Flags or Busch Gardens because of the restraints. I don't have that problem with anything at Disney, though.

My only tight squeeze this trip was the tea cups. I made it, but it was tight.

The only thing at WDW I can remember being specifically excluded from because of my size is the Segway tours. The weight limit on the Segways is something like 200 or 250 lbs.

 

[kimblebee]

Thank you so much for this thread. I'm a big girl and have been worrying about not fitting in a ride. I can't imagine anything more embarassing than having to get out of a ride because the seatbelt/restraint doesn't fit. I have read a few threads about the same topic and they have taken most of my fears away. One question I do have though is about TSM. I have seen pictures of the ride vehicle but haven't heard any first hand accounts. I leave in 9 days so I really hope I get an answer before that. Thanks so much


Kim

 

[Debbie Jean]

Thank you so much for this thread. I'm a big girl and have been worrying about not fitting in a ride. I can't imagine anything more embarassing than having to get out of a ride because the seatbelt/restraint doesn't fit. I have read a few threads about the same topic and they have taken most of my fears away. One question I do have though is about TSM. I have seen pictures of the ride vehicle but haven't heard any first hand accounts. I leave in 9 days so I really hope I get an answer before that. Thanks so much


Kim

I'm also pooh sized and love TSM When you sit down just pull the gun as far as it will go... it's not necessary for it to be all the way down for it to work... if you have a belly like I do if will rest just fine on that.

Disney is has done a wonderful job of accommodating "people of size" ... if you ever see a turn style that looks "tight" just go through the handicapped gate... the one for POC has been replaced but I don't know about Haunted Mansion which I had trouble with in the past...I use an ECV now so it's not an issue...

Enjoy!

 

[kimblebee]

Thank you so much for the quick reply. That was my one 'worry' ride and now that you have given such an accurate answer I will stop worrying about it.


Kim

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Disney is has done a wonderful job of accommodating "people of size" ... if you ever see a turn style that looks "tight" just go through the handicapped gate... the one for POC has been replaced but I don't know about Haunted Mansion which I had trouble with in the past...I use an ECV now so it's not an issue...

The tightest one I remember is Carrousel of Progress.

 

[Debbie Jean]

The tightest one I remember is Carrousel of Progress.

Oh my, yes, I forgot about that one

 

[LockShockBarrel]

I think anything that might be of concern would have a test vehicle available, so you could try it out and see if you can fit/are comfy/be safe and all that. Usually they're in discreet spots if my memory serves. I'm somewhere between Pooh sized and as Stitch says "cute and fluffy" and I've never had a problem at all, and I've seen people of all shapes and sizes get on those rides. Plus Disney is great at handling it, unlike Six Flags Darien Lake, where I had some punk kid say "Too big, get off."

 

[SpectroMan71]

Thanks everyone for your really helpful responses. I feel better about the trip now, knowing that we probably won't face any situations where he can't ride things that look good to him. We did have good employees at Six Flags who had him move to different seats/rows where apparently the seatbelts were slightly longer than the rest, and even had them push down on the bars in tandem (looked like they were operating on him, LOL) to do whatever they could to let him ride, but it didn't work. In one case, they took our name and said we could go to a different coaster for a ride without waiting. We'd already been on that one so it wasn't needed, but it was a nice gesture, especially considering that the Park really didn't do anything wrong.

 

[bratmomma]

I am happy you got answers that eased your mind! I hope you and your friend have a magical vacation!!

I did want to mention something that a PP brought up. I know a lot of larger women won't wear a bathing suit but I don't want anyone being shocked at POP in two weeks when you all see me in one! I am going to Disney World and I am going to have fun! Part of that is swimming with my kids (and its awesome for my joints after a day at the park, I have RA). So, if anyone reading this is a "pooh-sized" woman, don't worry, I'll be wearing my suit too, so wear yours and ENJOY THE POOL!

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

I am happy you got answers that eased your mind! I hope you and your friend have a magical vacation!!

I did want to mention something that a PP brought up. I know a lot of larger women won't wear a bathing suit but I don't want anyone being shocked at POP in two weeks when you all see me in one! I am going to Disney World and I am going to have fun! Part of that is swimming with my kids (and its awesome for my joints after a day at the park, I have RA). So, if anyone reading this is a "pooh-sized" woman, don't worry, I'll be wearing my suit too, so wear yours and ENJOY THE POOL!

That's always my attitude, too. I never think twice about going to the pool in a bathing suit/shirtless. I'm there to have fun. If someone's taking the time to take note of my size or what I'm wearing, that's their issue, not mine.

 

[SpectroMan71]

Oh, he's not at all embarassed to swim in hotel pools. I appreciate that, too, because there's nothing worse than being with someone who's too shy to enjoy themselves while worrying about everybody else's thoughts

 

[LockShockBarrel]

I still can't do the bathing suit alone thing. I wear a one piece and shorts, not so much because I care what other people think, but because I don't like watching my white thighs wiggle. I'm a size 18-20 and I actually find I let myself go just a little more at Disney because I figure I'll never see these people again so who cares right? My only issue with the whole Pooh sized thing and bathing suits is one of taste. I'm all for comfort and personal style and not discriminating against size...but can we please draw the line at the 350lb woman in the American flag bikini with the ties on the side? Not exaggerating, saw it at POP.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

I am happy you got answers that eased your mind! I hope you and your friend have a magical vacation!!

I did want to mention something that a PP brought up. I know a lot of larger women won't wear a bathing suit but I don't want anyone being shocked at POP in two weeks when you all see me in one! I am going to Disney World and I am going to have fun! Part of that is swimming with my kids (and its awesome for my joints after a day at the park, I have RA). So, if anyone reading this is a "pooh-sized" woman, don't worry, I'll be wearing my suit too, so wear yours and ENJOY THE POOL!

My intent was to tell the op what he and his friend could expect, and to not necessarily build a lot of pool / waterpark time into the itinerary.

I personally do not feel comfortable in a bathing suit.

 

[robandniki]

I have been so heartened to read all your posts i am probably a little more than Pooh Sized and i am so worried as I love rides and really want to do the the bigger faster rides but had resigned myself to sitting out as i didn't think i could take the embarrasment of being turned away. will a short 350lb person fit in the rides?????

thanks

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

I think you'd have a really good chance!

I would definitely say that you could ride BTMRR.

 

[billyvmom]

we are flying a southwest. and now we are scared about the very public Pooh size problem with the seats where they refused to let a large person on without even checking the lap restraints first. I will die if they turn my husband away he is right at the extender size and he will be sitting next to my 4 year old who won't mind if daady is taking up her personal space cross your fingers for us Pooh kind unite. we are bringing a tape measure to prove his width just in case though.