I would describe my body shape as a pear. Not the organic, no pesticides kind, but the genetically modified, six for a dollar variety. For people like myself, of size, visiting a theme park comes with some concerns. No one wants to do the walk back down the line because they didn’t fit in a ride vehicle, and that’s just the start of it. There is also the issue of heat, distance to be walked, and slowing their family down.
Here are six tips I have found useful while visiting the Disney parks, and, if you are like me, will help put your mind at ease. Has a pear ever lied to you before? Of course not, it’s a fruit and they don’t talk.
1. Do your research before you go, because it will help avoid uncomfortable situations. Years ago I knew I want to take the Segway tour at Epcot. I was nervous there would be a weight restriction, and the possibility I would be singled out over it. Before booking the tour I took the time to check out the requirements, and noticed I was about sixty pounds over the limit. No amount of holding in my stomach and ignoring safety regulations, was going to hide that. I was disappointed, but I then simply booked another tour instead. If I hadn’t taken the time to check I would had been short the money for the tour, and gained some serious disappointment.
Another great thing guests should learn in advance is what type of harness, seats, and lap bar the various attractions use, so they can judge for their body type. I know personally I would rather ask Google those questions, instead of the size three ride attendant. This goes for tall people too. By checking out the overall size of a vehicle, the guest can avoid being crammed into a ride.
2. Trust that the cast members deal with this situation many times of day. They are trained to know if you fit better in the back, middle or front of a ride. For example, a man roughly 400 pounds stood in front of me at Splash Mountain in Disneyland last summer. He was with a lady roughly half his size. The cast member recognized the situation and simply assigned the man to stand on the number that would result in him sitting in the back larger seat. Then placed the smaller women in the seat in front of him. Simple. There was no mention of weight, and no one was singled out. The cast members know their ride’s requirements, and will adjust accordingly.
Similarly, front seats of attractions like Rock n’ Roller Coaster tend to have more leg room for those on the longer side. Trust that Disney has it under control.
3. Something I have always found useful is checking out the people who have already ridden the ride. Take a moment to look at the guests walking out of the exit area. If I see someone my size or larger talking about how amazing the ride was, then I know I’m good to go. It’s a safe bet if they fit, I fit. It gives me piece of mind so I’m not worrying in line if I will fit or not.
4. Always pay attention to your feet and wear broken-in comfortable shoes. You may not be used to walking those kind of distances, and pains in your feet can easily turn your day bad faster than an evil queen can poison an apple. It may be easy for your ten year old to run all day, but carrying around an extra 100 pounds makes a big difference.
5. One of my favorite new things at theme parks is that several attractions offer sample ride vehicles for you to try beforehand. These tend to be situated out of view for privacy, so keep your eyes open for them. To embarrassed to try ? Then make a game out of it with your kids. Everyone test out the chair, because its “a magic chair.” What a great picture opportunity. These sample chairs have saved me from wasting time waiting in line for a ride not made for a person my size.
6. That evil word: chafing. For those who are larger in size, chafing is a very real possibility. When we get into the heat and start sweating, it can quickly turn uncomfortable. This can be helped with commercial anti-friction products. I recommend Body Glide, and swear by its results. You can find it at pharmacies, running stores, and mega department stores.
Also for ladies, wearing spandex shorts under dresses will make the world of difference. Plus it gives you the added bonus of playing during the day with your kids. You don’t have to worry about the wind picking up and exposing your Cinderella underwear when you clearly tell everyone you are a Belle fan.
Here’s my final word on this, regardless of what size you are: you’re amazing. You deserve to have the same great experience as everyone else. And, with a few slight adjustments you will have no problem achieving it. Disney Parks are about family, and that’s what most important. If a situation with your size appears just remember you will never see any of these people again. You will however see your family. Do you know what they will remember? They will remember the good memories you made together, and the Disney Magic.
About the author: Genevieve is a freelance writer and can be found on twitter HERE and/or her website HERE .
