Very disappointed in Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ride

[DisUniversal]

Just got back from Walt Disney World. Overall, I had a great time but this part was a bummer. Being tall and big I was unable to ride the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ride. I've never had this problem before with any other Disney ride. The problem is in the ride design and the restraint bar (if you're over 6 feet, it is a very tight squeeze) that pulls down over your legs. It's way too small and tight. Disney should have used a "T" bar instead. That would still make it safe and more comfortable for more people (me especially). Or at least have the last seat in each mine train with a "T" bar. I don't know why Disney didn't think of this in the first place?

I hope Disney gets the message now (more people need to speak up) so future rides will be done right for everyone to enjoy. Remember, Walt wants everyone to have a good time.

If it's any consolation, you didn't really miss much.

 

[lizard1]

Was that with the adaptive seat? I remember reading when the ride first opened and a blogger rode it with an adaptive seat of some kind.

There is an accessible car, however the seats in it are still the same. The difference is that the door opens wider (similar to the tea cups or Dumbo).

 

[Deanie1]

I would like to ride this ride on our next trip but now I am concerned. I have had a knee replacement. Do your legs have to bend more than 90 degrees?

 

[lizard1]

I would like to ride this ride on our next trip but now I am concerned. I have had a knee replacement. Do your legs have to bend more than 90 degrees?

No. You are seated in a normal seat. The issue is that your legs (if you are an adult, and especially if you are Pooh sized or are taller) are squeezed together under the lap bar. The issue from my post above was that due to the bag being under my child's legs, they were unable to bend them the 90 degrees and were more extended. Apparently that was a safety concern, even though it didn't interfere at all with the restraint or change the position of the restraint when her legs were changed to bend at 90 degrees.

 

[lbart]

If it's any consolation, you didn't really miss much.

It's not a good ride. My kids will be so disappointed

 

[crostorfer]

Sounds to me like the problem is more with girth than height. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey has the same issue, loads of people complaining that they couldn't ride. On a positive note, that spawned blog after blog of people committing to a healthy lifestyle and dropping weight, just so that they could ride that ride. Perhaps the 7DMT will do the same.

 

[Toffeewoffy]

So, someone like me who is short, poo-sized and with dodgy arthritic knees is probably advised to steer well clear, then? It's a shame.

 

[Amanda999]

In case this helps someone who also has trouble with being confined:

I'm 5'6", 130lb female, and I thought it was tight. Rode 3 times. I felt a bit claustrophobic at the end if you wait baking in the full sun in front of the cottage (for trains in front of you to unload). I felt packed in.

Keep in mind they fill every spot. I go with my two kids. They ride together, and they put a stranger next to me. You are much closer to that stranger than in any ride I can think of. Add "real feel" temperatures of 107 to 109 these past 5+ days and you can imagine the problem if you are sensitive to smells or sweat getting on you plus confined spaces. It wasn't horrible - I'd ride again in such heat for the kids - but wouldn't bother otherwise.

HTH someone.

 

[skatalite]

Some taller people have described issues with being uncomfortable on the Mine Train, but the major issue is for people with wide/thick legs due to the narrow space in between the bars:

Since the lap bar wraps completely around the legs, some larger riders are experiencing major discomfort during the ride. And some people just can't ride at all.

This doesn't just go for the Pooh-sized folk, as it also depends on how you're built and where your body stores its chunk. You can also be a muscular football player and still have issues with the comfort level on the ride.

It'd be great if Disney put a test vehicle somewhere near the attraction so those nervous about fitting can test it out for themselves.

 

[kaybird]

I have a fully fused spine and a knee replacement. I was able to get in and out without issue. It is a cute ride, and like most rides, improves with multiple trips, as you see a lot you missed the first time. I would not wait for 2 hours, but my favorite is Everest, and I wouldn't wait 2 hours for it either.

 

[tfc3rid]

It's not the most comfortable but it seems like the new reality for more 'thrilling' type rides to have some closer tight seating...

For me, 5'11" and 250, it was tight around my legs (which are not huge)... But it's better than ta Universal, where I had to have the 'modified' seat for all roller coasters and both Potter attractions.

 

[csm101]

I'm 6' 5" and I find most rides a tight fit. I can take the pain so to speak for a 3-5 min ride but after that I'm more pissed than happy. I get it though, mymheight puts me in the minority. I hope i can get a chance to ride in 2015 our next trip, if not.....

 

[Indio]

My husband is 6'6 and didn't have any problems.

My nephew is 6'6" also - didn't have any problems at all.

 

[csm101]

Excellent - thanks for the good news!!!

 

[asmit4]

I'm not really sure what is the 'cut off' for issues on the ride. I've seen pictures of people who have said they were able to ride....some were around 5'6 and weighed 300lbs or more. I was THRILLED that they posted pictures. It helped me figure out that I will indeed fit.

I have also seen that 6'5 basketball players can ride too....so exactly where the problem lies with certain shapes? I don't know.

 

[smokeyblue]

Some taller people have described issues with being uncomfortable on the Mine Train, but the major issue is for people with wide/thick legs due to the narrow space in between the bars:

Since the lap bar wraps completely around the legs, some larger riders are experiencing major discomfort during the ride. And some people just can't ride at all.

This doesn't just go for the Pooh-sized folk, as it also depends on how you're built and where your body stores its chunk. You can also be a muscular football player and still have issues with the comfort level on the ride.

It'd be great if Disney put a test vehicle somewhere near the attraction so those nervous about fitting can test it out for themselves.

By far the most helpful photo I've seen. I don't know if I'll be able to do this one. Usually I'm good at "making myself small" despite my size, but I don't know if I'll be able to manage this one. My boyfriend is generally not a complainer, but he gets really irritated when rides hurt his knees. I think we are going to have to discuss the realities of this one and make a decision if we even want to try. It's just difficult because we were looking forward to the new ride and were bummed that it wasn't open when we were there earlier this year. I don't want to make this sound like a huge drama, but I do want to spare the negative feelings this could cause us.

 

[Brad Bishop]

It may help to cross the lower part of your legs. There are a few older coasters that I've ridden where crossing my legs and perhaps tucking them back a bit has helped in similar situations.

Another one that REALLY sucks for loading: Dudley Do Right Ripsaw Falls at IoA. I don't think the restraint moves at all but you have to stiffen your body and, at the same time, kind of slide in.

I rode it once. The ride was great. The awkward loading system is such that I'll never ride it again. It's hard to believe that someone, 20+ years ago, thought, "You know what would be a great idea???" and came up with that.

 

[tallguy001]

I am 6'7" and rode it 3 times in July. Had no issues.

 

[kittyninja]

I have become a little more Pooh Sized than I'd like and when my sister and I rode this at the 24 Hour Event this year (she is also Pooh Sized) we were pretty uncomfortable!! We were really worried that we wouldn't fit! She also almost had the same problem on Forbidden Journey and I did this year as well. They moved me to the modified seat and I kinda cried a little because I've fit so well in the past!

Meanwhile The Mummy and a couple of others at Uni were a little tight as well, mostly in the legs. I think this is where most of the problems lie. And Space for me right now is impossible.

All of this has pushed me even harder to get in shape! I vowed that the next time I ride FJ I will NOT be put in the modified seating!!



ETA: I agree riding single on Mine Train wouldn't have helped, those seats are just tiny!!

 

[DisneyFive]

It's not a good ride. My kids will be so disappointed

Maybe you can manage their expectations a little.

Set them up for it being a ride that you've heard mixed things about. That way they aren't expecting to be blown away and might come away from it appreciating it more.

Just a thought.

I'll probably be telling my kids that this isn't supposed to be a "big" coaster (by WDW standards) like RnRC... more like Barnstormer with some cool stuff to look at on the ride. Then we'll see what happens.

Dan