The Happiest Place on Earth welcomes everyone
Being plus-size is not easy, even more so when guests just want to visit the Happiest Place on Earth and enjoy a fantastic ride they've been looking forward to for a few months. Sometimes, having a large body can actually put a stop to the fun: a lap bar might not go all the way down, or the seat belt might not lock into place.
Honestly, there is nothing to be ashamed of. We all come in different shapes and sizes, and sometimes a ride vehicle is just too old, or maybe the sheer nature of the attraction makes it hard for plus-size people to enjoy it. Don't despair! Disney World has hundreds of rides, and most of them are size-friendly.
Keep a few things in mind before reading our ride tips: there isn’t a weight limit to any Disney attraction, although there are height requirements. A lot of rides also have the ride vehicle positioned near the entrance, which makes it easier for you to test it out and see if you are comfortable inside before even entering the queue.
We want to share a few rides that might give plus-size people a hard time, maybe because the vehicle isn't comfortable, or the seat belt is just way too short.
Watch out for these rides!
Space Mountain (Magic Kingdom): seriously, the vehicle is not comfortable at all for… any guest, I think? Seats are very tiny and you don’t even have a lot of space for your legs. The lap bar goes down just a tiny bit, even for guests that aren’t considered plus-size.
Tron Lightcycle Run (Magic Kingdom): The very nature of the vehicle makes it uncomfortable for some guests. You need to be seated and bent over a motorcycle. The good news is that they also offer a traditional vehicle with a lap bar, which might be perfect for some guests.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (Magic Kingdom): Seats are pretty tight and there is not a lot of space for your own legs. You could ask to be seated on a single row so you can have more space for yourself. Cast members almost always listen to this, since they want you to have a good time!
Test Track (Epcot): Another attraction where the vehicle might feel like a box of sardines. Test Track puts three guests on the front row and three guests on the back row, and it’s even hard to spot your seat belt most of the time. Much like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, you could ask a Cast Member to be seated with a single guest next to you.
Mission: Space (Epcot): Going to Mars is tough. The ride is already tight and claustrophobic for most guests, even more so since the front panel actually comes down and may look like it's about to squeeze your stomach. I wouldn’t recommend this one for plus-size guests.
Tower of Terror (Hollywood Studios): The vehicle here is a big elevator with several rows where people get seated. The best strategy is to save two seats for you only. You can ask a cast member about this.
Rock N’ Roller Coaster (Hollywood Studios): I really don’t like the seat here. It’s tiny and pretty claustrophobic. Entering the vehicle is already very hard, and you don’t have a lot of space for your legs. Plus-size people have a tough time with this one.
Avatar Flight of Passage (Animal Kingdom): Much like Tron, the vehicle here resembles a futuristic motorbike. The good news is that you are riding it alone, but a lot of plus-size guests complain about the stomach area. There is a ride vehicle outside the main entrance, so it might be a good idea to test it out first.
DINOSAUR(Animal Kingdom): The vehicle isn’t very comfortable, and it can be hard to secure your seat belt in place. It also shakes and bounces a lot, which will constantly keep throwing you to the sides.
There are still a lot of amazing rides that are completely size-friendly, like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Expedition Everest. Do you have any recommendations of more amazing rides that plus-size guests can enjoy? Make sure to send us a message and share your picks! We would love to read your opinions. Until the next one!
