mine ride for BIG PEOPLE..

[WondersOfLife]

I always wonder if Disney ever remembers about larger people in their design rides.. I alway think in the back of my head that they forget about these people, but they end up squeezing in o-o

Interesting.

 

[Tobe]

I'm 5'8" and about 280lbs, with fairly heavy thighs. I fit, but it definately WAS uncomfortable - fortunately (?) it is for less than 2 min, and the ride is very smooth, so it was tolerable. Over all, I would say that Disney is probably the most accomodating for "people of size". I've had to do the "too fat to ride walk of shame" several times at Six Flags and BG parks; the ONLY ride in WDW that I cannot do is SoaT...

Sorry I am probably overlooking the obvious but I have checked several acronym sites and cannot find "SoaT".

 

[tacotico]

Sorry I am probably overlooking the obvious but I have checked several acronym sites and cannot find "SoaT".

I believe it's short for Sum of All Thrills: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/tag/sum-of-all-thrills/

 

[Tobe]

I believe it's short for Sum of All Thrills: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/tag/sum-of-all-thrills/

Thanks! I had never heard of it before at least not called that before anyway.

 

[heliumalias]

I rode this during previews and I was worried before I got on. When I go to universal I either cannot ride or it is a very tight squeeze. (On a side note I have found universal team members to, in general, be quite rude and insensitive and lacking team communication when dealing with this issue). I am 5'7, around 250lbs and a 24 pant. To ride 7dmt I had to squish my legs together and my legs initially felt squished lengthways but I didn't actually have any problems getting into the seat with the bar down. If the ride had been jerky I would have been worried for my knees but it's probably the smoothest ride at Disney so that wasn't a problem. Not much room for bags but you certainly don't need a bag holder on this. Even on everest gravity will keep your bag in. I think dinosaur is the only ride that bags are really at risk on.

 

[ASilmser]

The ride can clearly accommodate very tall people, as we saw the Orlando Magic riding on opening day.

For anyone who is too overweight to fit, perhaps take that as a sign that it is time to get in shape and lose the weight. Disney cannot, and in my opinion should not just keep increasing the size of ride vehicles to fit increasingly obese guests. It is sending the wrong message.

I'm a big dude. I don't mind going to a theme park and not fitting on a ride, nor do I expect that I should in every situation. I'd just rather get the information BEFORE I get on.

I think most people who've been posting here just don't want to wait in line forever, only to find out that they've wasted their time, especially if they can fit into other similar rides throughout the parks. Also, they'd rather not be holding up the entire train, trying to adjust and squeeze, only to have someone kick them off and everyone stare at them while they disembark. That's embarrassing and stressful, no matter what the reason.

I know I'm overweight, and I'll deal with those consequences. No one is expecting Disney to keep increasing the size of its ride vehicles. They just want to know if these particular ride vehicles are SMALLER than what they are used to at Disney, especially if there are no notices or trial vehicles at the entrance.

 

[Mr Anderson]

I'm a big dude. I don't mind going to a theme park and not fitting on a ride, nor do I expect that I should in every situation. I'd just rather get the information BEFORE I get on.

I think most people who've been posting here just don't want to wait in line forever, only to find out that they've wasted their time, especially if they can fit into other similar rides throughout the parks. Also, they'd rather not be holding up the entire train, trying to adjust and squeeze, only to have someone kick them off and everyone stare at them while they disembark. That's embarrassing and stressful, no matter what the reason.

I know I'm overweight, and I'll deal with those consequences. No one is expecting Disney to keep increasing the size of its ride vehicles. They just want to know if these particular ride vehicles are SMALLER than what they are used to at Disney, especially if there are no notices or trial vehicles at the entrance.

I totally agree with you... they should definitely let you know ahead of time what to expect, whether it's a sign showing measurements or a body type or a seat... something. I can't imagine how embarrassing it must be to be in front of the CM and everyone in line to hear "You're too big to fit", no matter how delicately they put it. I'm certain Disney handles it MUCH better than Uni does... The story @cw1982 told about her experience at Uni was just AWFUL and I can't see that happening at Disney. Also, this forum post kinda opened my eyes a little... as much as I love Disney, I can't imagine looking forward to a ride for months/years, finally getting to Disney, and then it's FINALLY my turn to ride it and I'm told "Eeek, sorry, ya don't fit." How immeasurably disappointing; I'd be heartbroken. Never thought of that before.

And by the way, I appreciate your very mature attitude about it, to quote "I know I'm overweight, and I'll deal with those consequences". Not many people are that real these days, or willing to accept what comes along with it; good on ya, @ASilmser for that alone. My best friend growing up is a big dude who keeps it real and doesn't make excuses either, but I digress. I'll have to partially disagree with you where you said "No one is expecting Disney to keep increasing the size of its ride vehicles." In all actuality, there are several people on this forum post alone bad-mouthing Disney for not adding plus-sized cars on SDMT. I wish more people had your attitude about it, to be perfectly honest.

And also... someone asked me... and I am beyond stumped... do they have little plaques at the ride entrances that have written out information about ANY size limitations for the rides at Disney besides height requirements? I have never looked, because we're usually running by trying to get in line so I have just never noticed.

 

[ASilmser]

I'll have to partially disagree with you where you said "No one is expecting Disney to keep increasing the size of its ride vehicles." In all actuality, there are several people on this forum post alone bad-mouthing Disney for not adding plus-sized cars on SDMT. I wish more people had your attitude about it, to be perfectly honest.

And also... someone asked me... and I am beyond stumped... do they have little plaques at the ride entrances that have written out information about ANY size limitations for the rides at Disney besides height requirements? I have never looked, because we're usually running by trying to get in line so I have just never noticed.

I guess I shouldn't have said "no one." There are some of those on this post. However, I've been impressed by the general tone of the posts. It seems like people just want to know how it compares to other rides.

There are signs on the rides, and they do mention that size limitations may be a factor. They are also geared towards those who may have mobility issues and be unable to load and unload properly. I have never stopped to look at the exact wording. Frankly, US Disney parks are the BEST theme parks I've been to for accommodating a wide range (no pun intended) of body sizes. I think the anxiety of some people on these posts is caused by the possibility of their being able to fit on most every other ride in parks, but NOT this one.

BTW, I fit on the mine train. I am 6'2" and 320 lbs. The issue is that the seats are narrow and partitioned. Compared to other Disney coasters, It's not really about the height of the individual or the size of their middle. I can see how someone with A LOT of their weight in the rear and thigh area, even though they are not tall, might be unable to squeeze into the seat or pull the bar down comfortably. Even so, we are probably talking about a very small percentage of the population. Even the majority of the overweight population should be able to ride.

 

[righttrack]

Despite the pictures, you need to get the bar a few inches over your knees. Thin people, will get this bar well over the knees and thighs, big people will just get it a few inches over your knees. It's acceptable that way. The bar locks very quickly and solidly. It doesn't hurt either, despite the tight fit because the ride is smooth and not bumpy and the bar is well-cushioned. I would say the "test" would be if you can fit on both Splash and Everest you should be fine on this. If you can't fit on Splash, then maybe the space is too small for you. If you can't fit on Everest, then maybe the bar is the issue. I will say that you have to pull this bar even less forward than Everest.

 

[dadddio]

For anyone who is too overweight to fit, perhaps take that as a sign that it is time to get in shape and lose the weight. Disney cannot, and in my opinion should not just keep increasing the size of ride vehicles to fit increasingly obese guests. It is sending the wrong message.

I think that you are confused about the message that Disney is trying to send. I'll try to make it clear.

Disney wants all of us to come to their theme parks and spend money. They are not trying to send a message that only fit and thin folks are welcome. In fact, I suspect that they would prefer those who have less control, foodwise, since those people will spend more money. Nothing makes Disney happier than when people come and give them lots of money for way too many meals plus loads of treats and maybe even more tshirts because the old ones no longer fit.

So here's Disney's message: Come here. Be happy. Leave us your money.

 

[WDWDad13]

I've ride it about 8 times already...the lap bars are poorly designed. Very small and uncomfortable me to put both legs in for adults. I broke my sunglasses in my pocket when the bar came down as well.

The ride is good (although of the 8 times I've only seen the Snow White dancing 1 time, not good) but the lap bars are not designed well for a family ride

 

[MKCP 1985]

well Kids, I just got back about an hour ago , 10 days at WDW.. On Sunday, we ran to the mine ride when the park opened.. we were about 30th in line.. my wife gets in and there is no problem.. HOWEVER, I can't close the bar.. I am too big for the split bar to fit over my knees.. So my wife rode alone.... this and one poor meal were the only downfalls of TEN GLORIOUS DAYS seeing the mouse..

Not to minimize your issue, but one poor meal and one unavailable ride experience in 10 days would rate an A+ vacation for me, personally. I hope you will share your positive experiences in a trip report or another thread.

Now as to the ride not accommodating large people - that will be a problem if they don't try and make adjustments. If you could ride every other ride but not this one, someone dropped the ball, so to speak.

 

[cw1982]

So, for anyone who is wondering, DH and I rode last night. He commented on the bar being a tight fit but he rode just fine. If he could fit, I'm going to say most people will be fine, albeit a tad uncomfortable if you're built like him. They could have made this more adult friendly very easily... but for most it will probably be more of an annoyance than a question of whether or not they get to ride.

 

[Mouse_Trap]

I think that you are confused about the message that Disney is trying to send. I'll try to make it clear.

Disney wants all of us to come to their theme parks and spend money. They are not trying to send a message that only fit and thin folks are welcome. In fact, I suspect that they would prefer those who have less control, foodwise, since those people will spend more money. Nothing makes Disney happier than when people come and give them lots of money for way too many meals plus loads of treats and maybe even more tshirts because the old ones no longer fit.

So here's Disney's message: Come here. Be happy. Leave us your money.

I dunno about that. I would bet there are plenty of people types they wish wouldn't come, but they obviously could never say that publically.

 

[cw1982]

I think that you are confused about the message that Disney is trying to send. I'll try to make it clear.

Disney wants all of us to come to their theme parks and spend money. They are not trying to send a message that only fit and thin folks are welcome. In fact, I suspect that they would prefer those who have less control, foodwise, since those people will spend more money. Nothing makes Disney happier than when people come and give them lots of money for way too many meals plus loads of treats and maybe even more tshirts because the old ones no longer fit.

So here's Disney's message: Come here. Be happy. Leave us your money.

I see your point, but I'm not so sure that I fully agree about them wanting people who overeat to be at the parks even more. With overeating comes health risks. The last thing they want is for someone to have a heart attack because they're eating too many turkey legs and ice cream bars. Talk about bad publicity. Also, overeating makes many more lethargic, so they end up moving slower and causing more congestion. In a park like MK, congestion can be bad enough already.

And I'm not sure I understand the comment about shirts not fitting. Maybe I'm taking it too personally because I used to be bigger, but suggesting that people who overeat are more likely to buy clothes there because what they brought doesn't fit is borderline offensive, and far from accurate. Even heavier people would generally have to make quite the effort to gain enough over an average stay to need new clothes.

I do agree that Disney generally wants everyone to feel welcome and that they want to squeeze out every penny possible from every guest, but surely your comments are hyperbolic at best.

 

[Absimilliard]

Regarding having T bars on the ride, take a look at this screenshot from a WDI video...

My hunch is that something happened very late in the design to force Disney to retrofit a U bar in the space originally designed for an individual T bar. I have my suspicions on what that that event was, but the end result is that you have U shaped bars in a tiny space.

On a similar note, I rode Tokyo Disneyland Splash Mountain in April and guess what they have installed recently? Expedition Everest U bars! Made it nearly impossible for someone who is 6'3 with long legs to get the bar over my knees, but the kids LOVED IT! It dropped the height restriction to 35 inches tall minimum.

 

[bjlc57]

Hey.. I had an OUTSTANDING TRIP.. and I rode splash mountain , with no problem BIG THUNDER, three times.. NO problem.. Test Track no problem. in fact, Only WInne the Poo was the only other ride that I had a problem on but I rode it.. with my knees somewhere between my throat and my shoulder blades.. or the back seat of the cart.. (in fact, my knees were just sent back to me via USPS right from Disney yesterday.. and they arrived in good shape).. maybe I could have squeezed my knees together more.. but trust me, they wanted that bar much lower then 3/4 of an inch.. and I give my trip an AAAA++++ grade..there are no sour grapes with the exception that you guys should know the situation.. and that Disney, already removed others like me in testing.. ( that's from a WHITE SHIRT in charge of the ride.. and not just a CSR...)

 

[Dwarful]

Just got back and rode 7DMT multiple times. Every day we were in MK it had issues...broken down on Sunday creating super long lines, delayed openings two other days..thankful for FP's. But, we were able to ride it and enjoyed the ride. Although, my husband is a big guy, he could ride the ride but not comfortably. The lap bar and partitioned seating seemed to be the issue. He has been able to ride all the rides at WDW and Universal.

I will say that CMs at MK were going through the line with ice water and ice water with lemon for those poor souls who were waiting in the 4 hour line.

 

[Mr Anderson]

And I'm not sure I understand the comment about shirts not fitting. Maybe I'm taking it too personally because I used to be bigger, but suggesting that people who overeat are more likely to buy clothes there because what they brought doesn't fit is borderline offensive, and far from accurate. Even heavier people would generally have to make quite the effort to gain enough over an average stay to need new clothes.

No, you're not alone; that's pretty absurd. You'd pretty much have to sit there and literally spend your entire vacation eating, eating, eating for that to happen. And even then, I really don't know if it's possible.

 

[RSoxNo1]

Regarding having T bars on the ride, take a look at this screenshot from a WDI video...

My hunch is that something happened very late in the design to force Disney to retrofit a U bar in the space originally designed for an individual T bar. I have my suspicions on what that that event was, but the end result is that you have U shaped bars in a tiny space.

On a similar note, I rode Tokyo Disneyland Splash Mountain in April and guess what they have installed recently? Expedition Everest U bars! Made it nearly impossible for someone who is 6'3 with long legs to get the bar over my knees, but the kids LOVED IT! It dropped the height restriction to 35 inches tall minimum.

Pure speculation, but I wouldn't be surprised if the restraint change had to do with the height requirement.