The Everything Pooh Sized Thread

[VroomVroomLightning]

I wonder how the new Seven Dwarves Mine Train seats will be? I am hoping they are as "friendly" as the rest of the rides at Disney are!

 

[Stellaluna]

Hi there! This will be my 4th time to Disney and Universal, and there are a few rides that I have never tried, but want to go on this time, as my 11 year old cousin is coming.
I don't want her or me to be embarrassed if I get through all the queue then find I can't ride. I am a UK size 22/24, so US size 20/22? I carry all my weight round my waist, and on my thighs.
Can anyone tell me their experiences, or what the seats are like? I did go on the Disney at large site but I did find it outdated.
The rides I have never ridden are Buzz Lightyear, Splash mountain (since they changed the seats), Journey of the little mermaid, Gran fiesta tour in Mexico, Kali River Rapids, Malestrom, Star Tours.
Overall, I feel fairly confident in Disney, now it's Universal and Islands of adventure that fills me with fear.
I have never ridden Despicable Me, E.T, Kang & Kodos, and Transformers, The amazing adventures of Spiderman, Jurassic Park river adventure, Popeye and bluto.

I always pretend that I don't want to get wet, or that I don't fancy those particular rides. I am in the process of loosing weight, but it's not happening very quickly.

I'd be really appreciative of any advice any of you have.

Thank You.

Preview
At a US size 22/24 I have ridden all the Disney rides you mentioned just fine. I think I remember The Little Mermaid being a bit snug but not significantly so. You should be comfortable and do fine. I too carry most of my weight in my midsection and the only issues I have really run into are those where you share a lap bar if a much smaller person (like a young child) is next to you (Think Big Thunder Mountain).

As far as Universal I haven't been myself, but I hear dismal reports from other larger friends who have been. I figure the rides aren't made to fit me so they don't want my money and I won't be giving it to them

 

[AthenaBolina]

Preview
At a US size 22/24 I have ridden all the Disney rides you mentioned just fine. I think I remember The Little Mermaid being a bit snug but not significantly so. You should be comfortable and do fine. I too carry most of my weight in my midsection and the only issues I have really run into are those where you share a lap bar if a much smaller person (like a young child) is next to you (Think Big Thunder Mountain).

As far as Universal I haven't been myself, but I hear dismal reports from other larger friends who have been. I figure the rides aren't made to fit me so they don't want my money and I won't be giving it to them

I did universal four years ago and was very uncomfortable. I was a size 18 and about 266 (i'm 5'9") and found the rides to be quiet snug. I was able to do them all, but I wasn't very comfortable. We were going to go to Universal on our trip in may, just to do Harry Potter, but we decided on an extra day at WDW instead..i'm disappointed, but kind of relieved as well because I am about 15lbs heavier now I plan to hit up universal in a few years when I'm "hopefully" down some more weight. I'm not too worried about WDW

 

[mikkithemouse]

Thank you for your replies. I have managed to ride Forbidden journey twice, it was really great. I know that Hulk is a No No for me, I can get my bottom in the seat, but my hips won't go in, so am usually designated bag holder for that one!

 

[AthenaBolina]

Thank you for your replies. I have managed to ride Forbidden journey twice, it was really great. I know that Hulk is a No No for me, I can get my bottom in the seat, but my hips won't go in, so am usually designated bag holder for that one!

I was able to do both of those, and LOVED them! but the hulk...wow that was a tight squeeze

 

[Laurin612]

Mikki,

When I visited Disney World in 2011 I was a 28/30 / 4X and I had no problems in Buzz Lightyear, Journey of the little mermaid, Gran fiesta tour in Mexico, Kali River Rapids or Maelstrom,

I did not go on Splash Mountain (because I'm a scaredy cat, but my family didn't think my size would be an issue) or Star Tours (because it was closed for refurbishment).

I haven't been to Universal Studios since 2001 but I was around the same size then (and pregnant) and had no issues with the E.T. ride. The other rides are newer so I have not been on them.

20/22 is not that big, so I really don't think you'll have a problem. Have a great trip!

Laurin

Hi there! This will be my 4th time to Disney and Universal, and there are a few rides that I have never tried, but want to go on this time, as my 11 year old cousin is coming.
I don't want her or me to be embarrassed if I get through all the queue then find I can't ride. I am a UK size 22/24, so US size 20/22? I carry all my weight round my waist, and on my thighs.
Can anyone tell me their experiences, or what the seats are like? I did go on the Disney at large site but I did find it outdated.
The rides I have never ridden are Buzz Lightyear, Splash mountain (since they changed the seats), Journey of the little mermaid, Gran fiesta tour in Mexico, Kali River Rapids, Malestrom, Star Tours.
Overall, I feel fairly confident in Disney, now it's Universal and Islands of adventure that fills me with fear.
I have never ridden Despicable Me, E.T, Kang & Kodos, and Transformers, The amazing adventures of Spiderman, Jurassic Park river adventure, Popeye and bluto.

I always pretend that I don't want to get wet, or that I don't fancy those particular rides. I am in the process of loosing weight, but it's not happening very quickly.

I'd be really appreciative of any advice any of you have.

Thank You.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

You shouldn't have trouble on anything.

Do start walking though.

That was the one thing I struggled with even back as a 20/22.

It's hard to go from light/moderate exercise to walking 35 miles in a weeks ti e.

 

[scoopmorgan]

Do start walking though.



It's hard to go from light/moderate exercise to walking 35 miles in a weeks ti e.

How long in advance to you recommend walking to get ready? We are going in October. Is it too soon to start?

 

[Ali]

It's never too soon to start walking because it's good for your health. If you are only going to walk in preparation if Disney I would give it a few months to build up stamina.

 

[scoopmorgan]

Thanks. I guess you can see why I am pooh sized! lol. I lost over 100 pounds before my last WDW trip. I have about 50 to go, so I planned this trip to get in shape. Putting the cart before the horse, maybe... But I know nothing else has inspired me to walk and get in shape like WDW!

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

As someone said, its never too early to start walking.

As a young 20/22 year old, your feet may not be in awful shape until day 3 if you make no preparation what so ever.

I've heard that if you want to go to Disney and not be bothered by the walking at all...you need to be able to walk 6 miles in one stretch.

I've never done that in my life...but I've never gone to Disney without needing a bit of a reprieve.

I worked out pretty consistently for 6 months one time and consistently walked 3 miles everyday on the treadmill. I could have probably walked 4 or 4.5 miles without stopping and could have definitely taken a 30 minute break and walked 2 or 3 more at the time. (I didn't go to Disney for another 3 years.)

So...yeah...6 months!

 

[jheater07]

Does anyone know if there are any size restrictions on Characters in Flight in downtown disney? We leave for our first trip in 11 days and Groupon is offering a decent discount on Characters in flight but I don't want to get it if I can't ride it.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Does anyone know if there are any size restrictions on Characters in Flight in downtown disney? We leave for our first trip in 11 days and Groupon is offering a decent discount on Characters in flight but I don't want to get it if I can't ride it.

I'm about a size 18. I didn't see anything about any restrictions when I went on in Dec. it was just me, my 10 year old DD and 2 other guys when we went on early one morning-just after 10am. There were no issues at all about it being a tight fit.

 

[jsmith654]

Hi everyone! I'm sure this has been discussed, but with the search not working, I'm not able to find my answer. I'm terrified of flying! Not the actual flying part, just fitting on the plane.

We booked through Southwest, and now I'm keeping myself up at night worrying about the embarrassment of the plane ride. We are traveling with a large group (6 adults, 5 kids), but Southwest does not guarantee seats together. I think if I do get a seat next to my kids, it won't be a problem, but I'm nervous that if I don't sit with them they'll charge me an extra seat (I do not have the extra money for this!).

That's another issue in itself. My 5 and 8 year old have never flown. I don't really want them flying next to strangers! Anyone else "pooh-sized" able to sit with their children and be fine? Any tips to making sure I sit by them? My older one has terrible anxiety, maybe a doctor's note requiring her to be next to family?

If it helps, I am 5'5", about 280 but losing, and between a 24/26 pants size.

 

[Cptnkirky]

Hi everyone! I'm sure this has been discussed, but with the search not working, I'm not able to find my answer. I'm terrified of flying! Not the actual flying part, just fitting on the plane.

We booked through Southwest, and now I'm keeping myself up at night worrying about the embarrassment of the plane ride. We are traveling with a large group (6 adults, 5 kids), but Southwest does not guarantee seats together. I think if I do get a seat next to my kids, it won't be a problem, but I'm nervous that if I don't sit with them they'll charge me an extra seat (I do not have the extra money for this!).

That's another issue in itself. My 5 and 8 year old have never flown. I don't really want them flying next to strangers! Anyone else "pooh-sized" able to sit with their children and be fine? Any tips to making sure I sit by them? My older one has terrible anxiety, maybe a doctor's note requiring her to be next to family?

If it helps, I am 5'5", about 280 but losing, and between a 24/26 pants size.

Hi there! I can tell you I have been flying SW for many years, with a weight of anything from 200 lbs to 316lbs (30/32 size). It does worry me each time I get on there, but I have never been asked to buy an extra seat or anything from them, thank goodness. They will usually only ask for that if they have extra seats anyway, which most of the time they don't anymore as the plane are most often booked full. I have had to ask for seatbelt extenders before, which I hate doing as I think it draws attention. Therefore, I finally bought myself my own extender years ago and travel with it now. Security doesn't ever question. You can find them on ebay and amzon (i think), for SW or other airlines for around $30.
As for the seat, I have always traveled with someone, usually my DH. He is is somewhat larger as well and tall. We have never had issues together. I usually try to carry something with me in front when getting on and stay close to the person in front of me, hoping I won't stick out. If you are going on with kids and get on and don't see seats together, ask a flight attendant. They will ask for someone to move so that you can be together knowing you shouldn't be separated. However, to help save from that, you can purchase the early boarding from them (totally worth the $ to me, its 12.50 pp per way) so that you guarantee you are getting on in the first group usually, or early enough that you can get seats together. Either way though, SW attendants are very good about getting parents with their children.
I hope this helps. I know flying is stressful no matter what for us pooh sized, but just do some preparation if possible and stay confident when getting on and you should be okay. Have a great trip!!

 

[scoopmorgan]

Most airlines allow pre-boarding for people with special issues. A note from your daughters MD regarding her anxiety should be sufficient to prove a need. The entire group may not be allowed to pre-board, but you and your two children should have no trouble. Call Southwest to ask if the note is enough, or if you need something more, but in the past I have just mentioned a need, and I have been accommodated.

As for fitting in the seat, I was up to a size 32 and 340 pounds at one point. I I needed a seatbelt extender, but with my husband next to me for bleed over room, I was fine. It was not comfortable, but it was doable. I think you should be fine.

I am now down to an 18! Disney seems to be my best motivator to lose weight. I suggest you start walking to improve your stamina, or rent an ECV for touring the parks. On our first trip I rented one from an outside vendor. It was delivered to our hotel, and waiting for me upon arrival, and I could use it no matter where we went. If you rent from the park, you cannot take it out of that park, so if you want to park hop, it can be a nuisance. It was also useful around the resort. Enjoy your trip!

 

[Anna114]

I would suggest early bird check in for you and at least one other person you can sit with. I have never flown SW with EB check in and not been in the A group. As long as you are in the A group I'm almost completely sure you will sit next to that person, there will be two empty seats together. It should alleviate some of you stress.

 

[ppony]

I know SW got their "you-know-what" in a ringer several years back when they publicly humiliated a gal that was 260 in front of the entire group of passengers before she even boarded the plane insisting she buy another seat. I weigh more than she does and I've always felt, albeit, uncomfortably into a seat w/ the arm rests down adn usually w/o any extenders. So someone smaller than be getting humiliated freaked me out! I had never flown w/ SW to that point as they were new to my airport, but I did immediately write them to tell them how I felt and that unless they changed their policies to not humiliated people, I wouldn't even try. At that point, they gave me the whole safety and comfort schpeil. Since then, they have instituted "passengers of size" guidelines. I don't think other passengers should have to deal w/ people thta overlap into heir space either. That isn't remotely fair. But if you don't do that and couple that w/ flying w/ your children that take up MUCH less room than an adult, it *should* even out IMO. At least if you are allowed to sit next to them, which, IMO, all airlines SHOULD make allowances for. It's not only for the child's safety, but their fear too.

Anyway, I might give them a whirl next time if I can figure out a way to at least be assured of sitting next to my autistic 6 year old. He can't talk and there is no way I'll be letting him sit on his own. Why airlines deem it OK to do this is unconscionable in my eyes. But they all do it. the world isn't one size fits all and was never meant to be. And even for those that do fit loosely into 17 inch seats, do you REALLY enjoy sitting that close to someone else? I didn't when I was that small. And I don't now either.

 

[ppony]

I would suggest early bird check in for you and at least one other person you can sit with. I have never flown SW with EB check in and not been in the A group. As long as you are in the A group I'm almost completely sure you will sit next to that person, there will be two empty seats together. It should alleviate some of you stress.

Anna? Can you tell me how EB check in works w/ them? I didn't know about this before. I was under the impression that the more you flew w/ them, the better group order you were put in. But if you can pay a bit to get moved up, that would alleviate some stress. Then again, I'm strongly considering first class w/ a discount carrier that doesn't change a ton for that upgrade. It might just save my sanity. Even though my budget will cry.

 

[Disneylvr]

I know SW got their "you-know-what" in a ringer several years back when they publicly humiliated a gal that was 260 in front of the entire group of passengers before she even boarded the plane insisting she buy another seat. I weigh more than she does and I've always felt, albeit, uncomfortably into a seat w/ the arm rests down adn usually w/o any extenders. So someone smaller than be getting humiliated freaked me out! I had never flown w/ SW to that point as they were new to my airport, but I did immediately write them to tell them how I felt and that unless they changed their policies to not humiliated people, I wouldn't even try. At that point, they gave me the whole safety and comfort schpeil. Since then, they have instituted "passengers of size" guidelines. I don't think other passengers should have to deal w/ people thta overlap into heir space either. That isn't remotely fair. But if you don't do that and couple that w/ flying w/ your children that take up MUCH less room than an adult, it *should* even out IMO. At least if you are allowed to sit next to them, which, IMO, all airlines SHOULD make allowances for. It's not only for the child's safety, but their fear too. Anyway, I might give them a whirl next time if I can figure out a way to at least be assured of sitting next to my autistic 6 year old. He can't talk and there is no way I'll be letting him sit on his own. Why airlines deem it OK to do this is unconscionable in my eyes. But they all do it. the world isn't one size fits all and was never meant to be. And even for those that do fit loosely into 17 inch seats, do you REALLY enjoy sitting that close to someone else? I didn't when I was that small. And I don't now either.

SW has recently changed their customer of size policy to be a little more friendly to us Pooh sized folks. We are giving them a try next month after not using them for well over 10 years. We have an 11 year old DD with autism who will be sitting between two pooh sized parents. Just to cover all bases we did purchase early bird check in although DD will be allowed preboarding.