Weight Challenged Friendly rides and attractions

[Raven66]

Well, I'm 5'2 and still waiting for my height to catch up to my weight. Yeah I know it's a little late now. :lookaroun Anyway, I do have trouble getting out of space mountain, but I think for me it's because I'm short and can't get enough leverage to push me up. :lol: As for some of the other rides, I have a sure fire way of getting out quickly, my husband holds out his hand and I grab it.

 

[tigger248]

Well, I'm 5'2 and still waiting for my height to catch up to my weight. Yeah I know it's a little late now. :lookaroun Anyway, I do have trouble getting out of space mountain, but I think for me it's because I'm short and can't get enough leverage to push me up. :lol: As for some of the other rides, I have a sure fire way of getting out quickly, my husband holds out his hand and I grab it.

I think everyone has trouble with Space! I hadn't realized how common it is, until reading this thread. I know my mom and aunt have trouble because they have bad backs, knees, and ankles (mom has arthritis and my aunt is overweight with diabetes and has problems with her legs). My brother has trouble because he has spina bifida. I have a little trouble because I'm like 6 feet tall and just don't have much leg room to manuever my way out.

 

[BG Rugger]

I'm 6'3" 300lbs. Good for scrums, not so good for theme parks. The only rides I would avoid would be Space Mountain, maybe Splash Mountain and Mission: SPACE and definately the Tea Cups. I can fit in them but its a tight squeeze and I dont even bother with the Tea Cups. Even if you have trouble on a few rides, anyone out there who is a big person like myself loves going on Disney rides because so many of them are accomodating to larger people. Have you ever been to Busch Gardens or Cedar Point? I was able to ride maybe two or three rides due to either my tummy or just simply being too large. And believe me, not only is it kind of embarassing but very frustrating considering for two or three dollars more I could have bought a ticket to the Magic Kingdom and had an entire day of unrestricted fun.

 

[Theresonly1]

Weird how I got negative feedback for sharing that an overweight individual may use the wheelchair entrance so that they will not be hindered by a turnstile.

To whomever you may be, since you were not brave enough to leave your name, giving advice and letting others know helpful information on this forum is not cause to leave negative feedback.

This is what "No name" left as a comment for me...
Quote:
"Just because Americans are stupid and overweight does not mean Disney- or anyone else should encourage or support it. I think it's obscene how large people are and then get mad they are fat. Take responsibility for your own life!"

Well, whoever you are, I think it's obvious what you are:zipit: . I would like to encourage you to be tolerant of others whether you agree with their lifestyle or not. There are many different people in the world that have special needs. In America we are free to live our lives the way we choose (Don't be jealous:animwink: ) and because we have those choices, we also have the drive to protect that choice even if it means creating longer lap belts for larger people so that they too can enjoy rides in the most magical place on earth.

And just because you are ignorant, I'll let you in on a little secret...not all obese people are obese due to lifestyle choice. When I was younger, my next door neighbor was diagnosed with arthritis. She was 8. Her medication made her swell and she was always in pain therefore basic exercise was not an option. By 11 years old she weighed 300 pounds and she was around 5 ft. tall. Her weight gain wasn't a choice. Should we have denied her a trip to Disney World? Should we have hid her from public view? Or was she just some stupid American kid?

By the way, I didn't read one post on this thread where someone stated that they were angry because they are fat. They don't blame you for making them this way so back off and enjoy the forums. They are for entertainment and knowledge not for your scrutiny.

Positive points from me too!!!

 

[longfamily]

Thank you guys for being so supportive. I just hope that poeple learn to be kinder to one another especially here on these forums.

 

[barnum42]

Thank you guys for being so supportive. I just hope that poeple learn to be kinder to one another especially here on these forums.

Whenever you get a group of people together there is nearly always someone who enjoys creating discord. Don't fret about them. :wave:

 

[awalkinthepark]

Oh, those Pirates turnstiles...I tell you, I'm 5'8" and 160 lbs, what I would consider thin, and I find those turnstiles irritating. I feel like they were designed only for people under age 8. I have a 31" waist and almost break my pelvic bone if I try to walk through those turnstiles--no problem on any other rides that I recall, but those are a pain! Spend a few bucks to upgrade to the non-mechanical turnstiles!

Logan...however true your post may be, it was a bit harsh...Disney should accommodate as many guests as possible (as long as safety isn't an issue, as it might be on a ride like Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, where you need to be safely restrained). I would certainly not say that Disney goes out of their way to help anyone on their diets! All those monster brownies and 1 lb. rice krispies treats...evil! I can almost smell Main Street, U.S.A. right now

I have to agree about Pirates....I was a bone thin 135lbs and I still had to tilt to the side to go through this thing....

 

[BeachClubVillas]

I think the worst is at Islands of Adventure when they put a roller coaster seat outside of the ride for people to sit in to see if they fit. First of all, there's always a crowd around, and lots of kids like to get their pictures taken sitting in the "big kid" car. I would find it really embarassing to have to test out a seat in the middle of a main pathway like that. I always found that kind of insensitive.

 

[DisneyMemories]

I think the worst is at Islands of Adventure when they put a roller coaster seat outside of the ride for people to sit in to see if they fit. First of all, there's always a crowd around, and lots of kids like to get their pictures taken sitting in the "big kid" car. I would find it really embarassing to have to test out a seat in the middle of a main pathway like that. I always found that kind of insensitive.

Cedar Point in Sandusky Ohio is a very nice park on the shores of Lake Erie,but they to have the tester seats right out in the main path at the entrance to it's roller coasters and other weight challenged attractions,it's not a weight challenged roller coaster park,but they do have a guest with disabilitys telling guests what rides to avoid who are weight challenged,their web site is www.Cedarpoint.com it's only a few hours from me,but i'd rather be in disney.

 

[DisneyMemories]

Rides aside, your friend will have to consider the incredible amount of walking he will be doing in the parks. I'm about 5'7" and weighed about 180 on our last visit (lost 20 lbs since then). My desk job doesn't give me a lot of time on my feet. After 2 days in the parks, my feet looked and felt like two pounds of ground beef, with broken blisters, hot spots, etc. And the heat can take a tremendous toll on you if you're not used to it.

He should get to a doctor before the trip to make sure he can handle this kind of activity. It will be much more strenuous for him because of his size, and he will be prone to bone spurs, knee problems etc., just from the walking. Make sure he has comfortable, well fitting shoes, even if they're expensive. Make sure the Doctor checks his blood glucose levels. If he's developing diabetes, the strenuous activity could just push him over the edge.

Sorry to sound like a party pooper, but my clinical training leaves me worried for him.

If the doctor gives approval, he should go and enjoy himself, and to heck with what other people think.


As for me, FIVE WEEKS AND COUNTING!!!

Thanks i'll tell him,maybe he's not thought of that. l know when l was there two years ago ,the heat was bothering me it felt well over a 100% that day. But that is good advice for everyone and thanks.

 

[dxwwf3]

Well I am a 6'4" 260 pound guy that most wouldn't consider to be largely overweight, but I do have my fair share of problems at WDW and UO.

I can no longer do the Tea Cups because my legs are too long and I also can't get in Barnstormer anymore.

Space Mountain is a problem in that I guess my legs are too big for the lap bar to come all the way down to my lap. It's never been a problem for me, but as others have said, SM was not designed for tall/large people.

I am also too talk to share seats in the Fantasyland dark rides. Especially Pooh and Snow White where I have to sit sideways in order to fit. I have also maxed out on boat rides like It's A Small World and Pirates of the Caribbean. If my legs get any longer, they could be a no go. But at 20, hopefully I'm done getting taller.

I have found that the seats on the roller coasters at IOA (Hulk and Dragons) are a snug fit for me. They just aren't that wide at all. I can ride fine, but it's not extremely comfortable.

I can only sit in the front seat on Dudley Do Right's Ripsaw Falls. Ever since the rehab of the logs a couple years ago that gives ever rider a back seat (instead of every 2 people), it has been very hard to sit in any other seat. Maybe my legs are too big, but it is definately a tight fit for my legs around the back of the seat in front of me. And the bad thing about the front seat there is that it is hard to get out of at the exit because there isn't alot of room in the front either (but it doesn't have a seat in front so it has the most room for me). I almost have to sit Indian style in the log because of my height.

I would have to say that overall the Orlando theme parks aren't the most large size friendly places to go, but from what I've seen it seems that tall people will have more trouble than overweight people. I just don't see why some new rides aren't designed with larger people in mind. I can see why older rides might not be as accommodating because it seems that people are alot taller now than they used to be, as a general rule. To me there is no excuse for attractions like Dudley Do Right's Ripsaw Falls to be so un accommodating to large people. Even the Team Members there found it odd how snug the seats were on me. From looking at me they didn't think there would be any way I would have to maneuver around to fit (I ride Dudley first thing in the morning so there is nobody else in there but me so I had time to talk to the Team Members about this). One guy even said to me: "Man they sure didn't design these things for tall people, did they?"

So I would say good luck to anyone that thinks they might have problems at the parks. The attractions I mentioned are just a small fraction of all that WDW/UO have to offer. So if you have to miss out on a ride or two, don't let it bother you. There is PLENTY of other things to do.

 

[HennieBogan1966]

I would think there are very few rides that he would have any problems with.

 

[DisneyMemories]

I'd like to take this time and thank everyone again for your help and insights on this thread, l know it helped me alot and learned alot from it that l never knew before,and l know it will help my friend whenever he decides to go down this year. So again Thanks and may God Bless you all.

 

[mowsluver]

We Could Support Each Other !!!!

Hey! Anyone out there want to 'join together' to support each other in LOSING weight! I am planning on a special trip in Oct and want (NEED!!!) to lose weight before I go. I have been putting off dieting but I think if I had some support, I could do it...anyone interested?
I am VERY heavy and don't want anyone to feel embarrassed about how much they weigh....it could be a good thing for all of us! Checking in everyday, every week, whatever works best for us.

My email is:
mfilanosky@hotmail.com

 

[cherrynegra]

There's actually a support group here.
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=36342&page=1&pp=15
Lots of good people all trying to reach their goals of living a healthier lifestyle in a lighter body. Best of luck to you!! :wave:

 

[Gail Hayden]

Gave you some points to make up for the senseless negative ones. Hope they help!! :wave: Or at least I tried. I shall remember to hit you again with some positive feedback.

Oh, by the way, one bonus to becoming a Premium Member is that you know who leaves you positive and negative points. Something to consider.

Ah, yes, becoming a Premium Member is worth it's weight in gold and also keeps this site alive.

 

[Gail Hayden]

I think the worst is at Islands of Adventure when they put a roller coaster seat outside of the ride for people to sit in to see if they fit. First of all, there's always a crowd around, and lots of kids like to get their pictures taken sitting in the "big kid" car. I would find it really embarassing to have to test out a seat in the middle of a main pathway like that. I always found that kind of insensitive.

Better that way then to get to the front of the line and not fit. I would find that even more embarassing. No one is forcing anyone to sit in the test car, it is an option.

 

[Gail Hayden]

Thank you guys for being so supportive. I just hope that poeple learn to be kinder to one another especially here on these forums.

I tried to give you positives, but, I have to spread some more "love" around first.
I think you suggestion was helpful and I am sure it was mentioned in a very nice way.
Consider the source for the neg. If they don't have the guts to leave a name, then don't even worry about it. You don't need to battle wits with the unarmed.

 

[HennieBogan1966]

Hey Gail

Is it me, or is it a full moon this weekend?

Was that okay to say?


:kiss: :wave:

 

[Gail Hayden]

Is it me, or is it a full moon this weekend?

Was that okay to say?


:kiss: :wave:

As long as you are not a player for the NFL or AFL.