The “Fluffy” Side of Walt Disney World by Guest Blogger Tempest Storm
We all see the posts asking about weight restrictions and being comfortable on rides if you are a certain size so I thought a little informative experience might be helpful. I am 6’2 and I weigh 310 pounds. I am from Texas where everything is bigger so it should come as no surprise that I was nervous my first trip to WDW. I have been to other theme parks that are not fluffy friendly and it is so embarrassing to be singled out when a ride won’t accommodate you. I had given up trying to ride and just enjoyed watching my family.
I had read about Walt Disney World being accommodating to the fluffy sized and gathered up my courage to ride Peter Pan’s Flight with my hubby. I had all the typical fears and the not so typical ( what if I was so heavy the ship broke from the track and we fell). We got in and I was so happy at the room and being able to fit. I almost cried. I was going to get to experience what my family did!!
The next one I was scared of was Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. I had heard good and bad but I had to know so off I went. I could see the seats a I was a little nervous but when our time came I found it to be ok. There isn’t much leg room but the waist area was doable. I had a blast!!! We rode it 3 times.
The ride that really made me nervous was Aerosmith’s Rock’n’ Roller Coaster. I have had problems with this type of harness before. The over the shoulder ones that usually take 2 people pushing down on to latch. We got in our limo and when the harness came down it latched!!! Nobody had to push down, no uncomfortable holding of breath, and no alarms telling the attendants there was a problem. WooHoo!!!
So all in all, I can honestly say that I have yet to find an attraction, ride, or show at WDW that I can not do. It has not mattered whether it was in the theme parks or the water parks, I can do it all.
Some tips if you are fluffy and planning a trip:
- Start walking..a lot!! You walk miles at WDW and if you’re fluffy and not used to it, it can really take a toll.
- Drink lots of water. Whether you buy bottled water or refill water bottles. Stay hydrated.
- In some theaters, sit on the edge of the seat and slide back. You will be more comfortable and some places will have a chair available to use.
- Step down into the ride cars to sit or step up up to exit. This really helps with balance and knees.
Never let being fluffy stop you from anything. I hope you have a great trip and this helps. FLUFFY POWER!!!!
Tempest Storm lives in Navasota Tx and is a wife and mother of 4 and soon to be grandmother. She is a Disnerd and is passing the love of Disney to all she can. She loves meeting fellow Main Streeters so say Hi when you see her.
TMSM Note: “Fluffy” and “Pooh Sized” are terms generally used to politely self-describe oneself in a Disney manner when concerned that you may not be the smallest bunny in the den!
Images Courtesy Disney Parks, Disney Parks Paris, Pinterest
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All fantastic tips! Terrific article! I am 5’4″ and about the same weight as you and the only ride I find truly uncomfortable in all the parks is 7 Dwarves — the seats are plenty wide enough but you are supposed to keep your knees between the poles of the pull down seat bar and it was a super tight squeeze for me — I am guessing that because of your height your legs are much thinner than mine. Luckily that is a very short ride so it wasn’t too horrible. I especially agree with your tip about theater seats. You can even place your purse, bag or backpack behind you and lean against it if sliding all the way back into the seat is uncomfortable. When riding Soarin’, Tower of Terror, Star Tours and other linear seated rides, it is perfectly acceptable to ask to be seated at the end of a row if you feel you will be more comfortable. In fact, I have rarely had to ask — when the CM’s see a fluffy guest they are generally wise and kind enough to ensure you will have an end seat without having to ask.