Plus Size Experience

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jannerUK

Active Member
Original Poster
We are heading out very shortly to the parks for our Orlando experience. Obviously this is hard to gauge without getting in the tester seats. That is the only full guarantee. The other half is 18.5 stone, 5'7 in height. Body shape is narrow shoulders, not thick in legs but carries most of her weight forward on stomach.

Anyone able to state (from experiences) if her body dimensions would fir into the category of those that would struggle.

I know it's hard to predict t but guess trying to a bit.
 
nickys

nickys

Premium Member
OK, having just googled a question about correlation of weight and U.K. dress size, I’m guessing she’s about a size 20/22 (UK)? In which case I’d say she should be fine for most rides.
She might end up having to ride alone on a few rides - to do with a lap bar or other waist restraint. The CMs will help if she needs to adjust anything. But she won’t stand out, there are plenty of large sized people in the parks. Enjoy!
 
James J

James J

Well-Known Member
In the Parks
No
nickys said:
I’m sure Universal is equally geared towards larger size guests.
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In our experience, it's unfortunately not the case. My wife is similar to OP's partner though it's usually her chest that's the problem, and whilst she has no issues with any ride at WDW, Universal is a different ball game. When we last went, rides like Velocicoaster, Gringotts, Rip Ride Rock-It, Hulk Coaster and Forbidden Journey were no goes.
 
J

jannerUK

Active Member
Original Poster
They tend to say its more build than in Weight- she carries most of it in stomach rather than hips and chest (guess you were referring to chest as in upper proportions)

Yeah I knew Disney would be a OK but was u sure about Universal.
 
J

jannerUK

Active Member
Original Poster
I think we will be fine but it does worry now and again and sit in back of mind that it might not work out. I think fact her thighs are not large and fact she is her build with E Chest, we may get away with it.
 
mary2013

mary2013

Active Member
My sister is 5'6 and 239, so close to what you're asking. She also carries most of her weight on her stomach. She was able to ride everything she wanted to go on. This was a couple of years ago, so I can't answer for Velocicoaster.

There are also a few rides that have a specific row for larger guests. I know Hulk has it.
 
R

Raidermatt

Active Member
I *think* she will be ok, but I would say just be prepared. I am 5'5" and while less now I have visited at about that same weight. I was always able to fit in everything, but several were tight, and Rip Ride Rocket was downright uncomfortable. Velocicoaster, Gringott's and Hulk were tight but ok. Since your SO is a bit taller maybe she will have an easier go of it.

It is definitely a different experience than at WDW.
 
Tom Morrow

Tom Morrow

Well-Known Member
Eric Graham said:
Disney is very accommodating for larger sizes. I know for certain because I've been there in the past. Universal not so much....
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The actual reason for this* is that Universal's rides, for the most part, do more movements than Disney's rides and thus require more robust restraints. If people think Universal is restrictive, they clearly haven't been to any other theme park besides Disney.

*there are a few odd exceptions like the Secret Life of pets ride in Hollywood which has restrictive restraints for no apparent reason.
 
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Eric Graham

Well-Known Member
I was shamed at Universal on Despicable Me. Not even a ride. And told to go to a different level, when someone else was heavier than me. I had a lot more weight back then as I do now... Wasn't the best experience..
 
Tom Morrow

Tom Morrow

Well-Known Member
Eric Graham said:
I was shamed at Universal on Despicable Me. Not even a ride. And told to go to a different level, when someone else was heavier than me. I had a lot more weight back then as I do now... Wasn't the best experience..
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Well first off, Despicable Me IS a ride. Second, they didn't do it to "shame" you, they couldn't safely get you restrained in the seat you were in so they moved you to differently sized seats where you could fit so you could still ride it. Sometimes back rows are more accommodating than front rows due to the seats being positioned higher off the floor. If the park didn't care about your experience, they would have just told you to leave without trying more options first. Note that sometimes there are no other options, though.

Third, it isn't about overall weight, it comes down to body dimensions.
 
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R

Raidermatt

Active Member
Eric Graham said:
I was shamed at Universal on Despicable Me. Not even a ride. And told to go to a different level, when someone else was heavier than me. I had a lot more weight back then as I do now... Wasn't the best experience..
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You were not shamed, you were moved for your own safety and so you could still experience the attraction.

I have had the same thing happen to me on a couple of other rides in the past. Any shame I felt was not the fault of the team member doing their job to keep me safe.
 
A

Andyjshort

Member
There are some good techniques to help you get on rides. Things like holding the lap bar against your legs as you sit down so your tummy is on top of it.

Cross your ankles before you sit down so your thighs lie flatter on the seat.

Plenty of guides on Youtube with tips for bigger people. I got on everything, but wouldn't have if I didn't know all the techniques.
 

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