The Everything Pooh Sized Thread

[disneychic33]

(Now to everyone)
Last year I was down close to 40 lbs and had no issues with a single ride. I never do SoAT though bc my "girls" are a little bit too big for that ride. It is literally the only ride I cannot go on, and it wasn't even bc of my weight. It was my chest! Argh! Anyway, I've done Disney at my biggest weight, and now that I am losing weight, and both were fine. I did find everything was easier being lighter though!!! I got my seatbelt buckled on the plane without an extender!!! Woot, woot!!! I even left it on during the whole flight bc it was so comfy!!! Can't wait to lose more!!!!![/QUOTE]

Congratulations on the weight loss! Doesn't it feel great when you start to lose it and see the results?

[Bubbles331]

Originally Posted by disneychic33

I'm so glad you posted this, I was wondering about prime evil whirl. I've never been on it and wanted to try it with the kids this time.

I fit fine in it (pull over harness) and I'm 28/30, but I sat with my 6 year old. However, because I'm big in the torso the bar stopped right in front of her face. I don't even know if she could see over the bar. The ride is really jerky and she actually hit her mouth on the bar. That is the only thing I would be really careful about. It really wasn't a favorite ride of mine....then again it could have just been because I was worrying about my little one getting hurt.

[BethanyF]

Anyone ever fly Virgin America? I'm booked with them to DLR this summer. Just wondering how the seats are.

I occassionaly need an extender on some carriers, but never had a real problem width-wise with any of the seats. Being in the middle usually sucks, but the arm rests can come down completely; it's still snug but not totally unbearable.

[angelgp]

Originally Posted by Bubbles331

Sadly, I'm back from vacation, but I am happy to report I was able to ride everything I wanted. Woohoo!

Here are the rides I went on:

Pirates of the Caribbean
It's a Small World
Little Mermaid ride
Buzz Lightyear
Peter Pan
Expedition Everest
Safari
Tower of Terror
Rock n' Roller Coaster
Star Tours
Toy Story Mania
Great Movie Ride
Mission Space
Nemo
Soarin'
Spaceship Earth
Norway ride
Mexico ride

Theater Seats:
Muppet Vision
Nemo Musical (bench seats)
It's a Bug's Life (bench seats)
Little Mermaid show
Mickey's Philharmagic

Rides I was worried about or have a comment about:

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad - No problem at all. I was with my 6 year old and yes there was a huge space between her and the bar, but I just held her against me and she was fine.

Haunted Mansion - No problem at all. The bar touched my stomach, but barely. I wasn't squished at all.

Winnie the Pooh - First time I went on, I sat in the front. I had no problem getting in or out. Second time I went in the back. That was a little challenging. The problem is the bar that goes up and down is in the way of the door. That's why I found it difficult to get in and out. **If you're worried sit in front.

Space Mountain - This is the one I was the most worried about. I got in fine the lap bar was fine. Yes, getting up was difficult, but I did it. I wouldn't be afraid to try it again. However, I wasn't a big fan of that ride anyway.

Dinosaur - I fit! Getting the seatbelt buckled was the biggest issue for me

Test Track - I fit! Getting the seatbelt buckled again. I thought this ride was hard to get out of...good thing there are bars to grab onto everywhere.

Primeval - It is a pullover bar. I went on with my daughter. I don't recommend that at all. When I pulled the bar down it basically stopped in front of my daughter's face where it hit my stomach. When we were riding it she hit her mouth on the bar. My brother was with his 8 year old and didn't have this problem, because they are skinny Minnie's.

I think that's it. The only ride I avoided was Sum of all Thrills, because it sounds like a lot of people have problems with that one. Like others have said, don't worry about the rides. You'll be fine!!! Just remember to pull that seatbelt all the way out.

Thank you so much for your review, Bubbles! I am getting ready to go to Disney World for the first time since I was a child and I am going with my husband and our 6 year old son. I am of course worried about fitting on the rides. My measurements match yours very closely. Everything I have read on here based on yours and others reviews, make me think I may be okay but I can't help but be worried about it. I don't want to be turned away from a ride...especially in front of my son.

I want to be able to ride everything but for some reason I am most worried about BTMRR, Splash Mountain, Expedition Everest and Test Track. I just fear the bars won't close or seatbelts won't buckle. Can you explain more about your experiences on these rides? Any problems with the bars coming down and latching? Were you comfortable? I am big all over but carry most of my weight in the middle (thighs, behind, stomach) and only being 5'4" make me wonder if it will be a problem. I have seen people who weigh more than me say they have no problems....but they are also taller so probably carry their weight better where lap bars aren't a problem.

[jroof13]

We are going to WDW in June for the first time since I was 11. I was really happy to find this thread. I am plus size and a little bit nervous about some of the rides. Last year my fiancé and I went to Holiday World and I had fit into the test seats but when I tried to get on the rides I couldn't fit. It was the most mortifying moment of my life. I am 6'1 and at that time probably about 320. I and now down a size and about 304. I was just wondering if anyone had any tips or problems with any of the rides? I am scared to death, we are going for our honeymoon/ family vacation. We are taking our 4 yr. old son with us.

[Blackbeltdisneygirl]

Originally Posted by jroof13

We are going to WDW in June for the first time since I was 11. I was really happy to find this thread. I am plus size and a little bit nervous about some of the rides. Last year my fiancé and I went to Holiday World and I had fit into the test seats but when I tried to get on the rides I couldn't fit. It was the most mortifying moment of my life. I am 6'1 and at that time probably about 320. I and now down a size and about 304. I was just wondering if anyone had any tips or problems with any of the rides? I am scared to death, we are going for our honeymoon/ family vacation. We are taking our 4 yr. old son with us.

Congrats on your weight loss, and welcome yo the Disboards! At my heaviest I weighed 324, and I fit on everything. I am chesty and bigger in the stomach area. Everything is more comfortable now that I have lost a lot of weight. The only thing I have trouble with is Sum of all Thrills bc of the girls. It doesn't look that appealing to me anyway. You will be fine, and you never have to worry about being mortified at Disney. Remember, they are all about Pooh, so they make sure he can ride the rides.

[hardrocker1]

I may have posted to this thread already way back months ago, but don't feel like going page through page. Anyway, we have a family member who is very very pooh sized (around 420 lbs) who is reconsidering even going now as she thinks she won't be able to fit on any rides. Plus she doesn't know how she is going to get in and out of them and I'm concerned about this too. She originally was supposed to have weight loss surgery last fall and she had complications and they had to put it off until probably sometime this coming fall. What do you all think?

[disneegrl4eva]

I'm it's really hard to say with this one ....I'm really short and the highest I ever got was 353....once I hit 328, I stopped going because it was really hard getting in and out of rides...I gave up on splash (DL) altogether....I would have to say it depends on her height, where she holds most of her weight and whether or not she has a lot of strength in her legs ....I know I didn't ....it wasn't till I got down around 285 when I even attempted splash and SM is virtually impossible for me to get out if when I'm that heavy...wish I could help more but I just don't know in this case

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

[bxccah]

Hi, all!

I never used to be pooh sized, but two break-ups, a week in a psychiatric facility, family issues and general self loathing has finally taken its toll on me. I'm around 270 (I haven't even weighed myself for a few months, but my XXL slacks are getting tighter...)

Anyway, I just wanted to write about my experiences.

I was able to pretty much ride everything without an issue. Splash was shut when I was there, so didnt get to try that.

Space Mountain was rather uncomfortable, but I also had a backpack as well as my tummy to fit in!

Test Track was a bit of an issue, mainly because I single rode and sat next to another pooh sized couple, and I was sort of squashed (again, though, bags were an issue, they had 4 bags between 2 of them) and I struggled to get my belt done up. I actually really panicked the first time I rode as the car started and I was unbuckled. I didn't know there was a seat belt check!

Soarin was also a bit uncomfortable but I was already in pain, I had to wait around 40 minutes with my FP with aching legs, blisters and a twisted ankle so I was in a bad mood anyway.

I used the gates at the ticket turnstiles.

A rather sarcastic CM asked me to get into that jail cell type thing after Buzz, then noticed my size and said 'maybe not.' I laughed it off, but several teenage girls heard and gave him dirty looks. I guess it was a joke, but it upset me a bit!

I can't remember anything else being an issue. I avoided the waterparks as I didn't feel comfortable, but I'm going to brave it for the next trip. Although I'll have a fairly new tattoo so I won't be swimming- just the slides (I HOPE). What is the situation on us pooh sized folk on water slides? I'm sure it's been mentioned but my iPhone is on 10% and my charger has gone for a stroll, so I can't really scroll though!

Love and hugs to all!

[angelgp]

Originally Posted by bxccah

Hi, all!

I never used to be pooh sized, but two break-ups, a week in a psychiatric facility, family issues and general self loathing has finally taken its toll on me. I'm around 270 (I haven't even weighed myself for a few months, but my XXL slacks are getting tighter...)

Anyway, I just wanted to write about my experiences.

I was able to pretty much ride everything without an issue. Splash was shut when I was there, so didnt get to try that.

Space Mountain was rather uncomfortable, but I also had a backpack as well as my tummy to fit in!

Test Track was a bit of an issue, mainly because I single rode and sat next to another pooh sized couple, and I was sort of squashed (again, though, bags were an issue, they had 4 bags between 2 of them) and I struggled to get my belt done up. I actually really panicked the first time I rode as the car started and I was unbuckled. I didn't know there was a seat belt check!

Soarin was also a bit uncomfortable but I was already in pain, I had to wait around 40 minutes with my FP with aching legs, blisters and a twisted ankle so I was in a bad mood anyway.

I used the gates at the ticket turnstiles.

A rather sarcastic CM asked me to get into that jail cell type thing after Buzz, then noticed my size and said 'maybe not.' I laughed it off, but several teenage girls heard and gave him dirty looks. I guess it was a joke, but it upset me a bit!

I can't remember anything else being an issue. I avoided the waterparks as I didn't feel comfortable, but I'm going to brave it for the next trip. Although I'll have a fairly new tattoo so I won't be swimming- just the slides (I HOPE). What is the situation on us pooh sized folk on water slides? I'm sure it's been mentioned but my iPhone is on 10% and my charger has gone for a stroll, so I can't really scroll though!

Love and hugs to all!

Thanks for sharing your experience! I am sorry that CM was being a jerk. Was he trying to show off for the teenage girls? Either way...disgusting behavior.

You mentioned that Soarin was uncomfortable. What was uncomfortable about it? Was it the seat or the seatbelt that was uncomfortable?

Also...Test Track. I am glad you mentioned the seatbelt check being further away so I will know not to freak out if it starts moving. Was it difficult to get it buckled because all the bags and people and so it was difficult to maneuver? Or was the seatbelt tight? I really want to ride this ride and am hoping there is plenty of seatbelt slack.

Did you ride BTMRR and Expedition Everest? Any problems with those rides?

[Chuckers]

Originally Posted by angelgp

Did you ride BTMRR and Expedition Everest? Any problems with those rides?

BTMRR and EE have the best seats for us larger folk. BTMRR is a bench seat with a pull down lap bar and EE is a pretty darn wide single seat with a pull down lap bar.

EE is probably the most comfortable roller coaster I have ever ridden.

[bxccah]

Originally Posted by angelgp

You mentioned that Soarin was uncomfortable. What was uncomfortable about it? Was it the seat or the seatbelt that was uncomfortable?

Also...Test Track. I am glad you mentioned the seatbelt check being further away so I will know not to freak out if it starts moving. Was it difficult to get it buckled because all the bags and people and so it was difficult to maneuver? Or was the seatbelt tight? I really want to ride this ride and am hoping there is plenty of seatbelt slack.

Did you ride BTMRR and Expedition Everest? Any problems with those rides?

TT, the seatbelt was fine after I fully pulled it out, but I actually found once I was properly sitting down, it was very difficult to actually pull it all the way out and then get it over my body to plug in. The best way for me (which I shared with another pooh sized man who looked very worried when he couldn't seem to stretch it) was to actually pull the seatbelt all the way out before you sit down, and then turn towards the plug bit instead of trying to plug it in 'blindly'. After that, there was no issue. They don't let the cars proceed up the track (the hill with all the neon lights) until they've checked everyone's seat belt.

Thunder and EE were very comfortable. On Thunder, I saw a very pooh sized couple of women (around 400) who openly asked if they could sit on the front and behind row rather than next to each other, i imagine they were worried about fitting. CM didnt have an issue. On EE, I could only pull down my bar a tiny bit, and I couldn't get it over me anymore but there was actually a gap between me and the bar lower down, and I found myself flying out of my seat on the drop. I think that's because my chest and stomach area is bigger than my thighs and butt (I carry my weight on my front part of my body mainly) and so I couldn't pull it down more. I didnt feel unsafe though. It was actually quite a liberating feeling :

I can't remember if I said, but in my experience, front seats are bigger on Space Mountain and RnR. I didnt ride 'at the front' on RnR but when you're in the loading area, you'll see what I mean by the front. Ask a CM, it was more comfortable. Same with Space Mountain, although the CMs tend to sit the larger folk at the front anyway.

Soarin I can't remember too well as I did that on one of my first days, but I believe it was the seat itself. I think it was mainly my hips. That could've just been me in a bad mood though, as I didn't see many others having issues.

[angelgp]

Originally Posted by Chuckers

BTMRR and EE have the best seats for us larger folk. BTMRR is a bench seat with a pull down lap bar and EE is a pretty darn wide single seat with a pull down lap bar.

EE is probably the most comfortable roller coaster I have ever ridden.

I don't think I would have any problem with the width of the seat on EE...it does look roomy. I think I was most worried about the lap bar. Some people said they had trouble getting their legs squished together between the lap bar so it comes close enough to them. Does it lock in to place pretty early or does it have to be pulled very close to your body? Maybe my legs will fit fine...just worried that they won't.

Also...does BTMRR lap bars click pretty early?

Originally Posted by bxccah

TT, the seatbelt was fine after I fully pulled it out, but I actually found once I was properly sitting down, it was very difficult to actually pull it all the way out and then get it over my body to plug in. The best way for me (which I shared with another pooh sized man who looked very worried when he couldn't seem to stretch it) was to actually pull the seatbelt all the way out before you sit down, and then turn towards the plug bit instead of trying to plug it in 'blindly'. After that, there was no issue. They don't let the cars proceed up the track (the hill with all the neon lights) until they've checked everyone's seat belt.

Thunder and EE were very comfortable. On Thunder, I saw a very pooh sized couple of women (around 400) who openly asked if they could sit on the front and behind row rather than next to each other, i imagine they were worried about fitting. CM didnt have an issue. On EE, I could only pull down my bar a tiny bit, and I couldn't get it over me anymore but there was actually a gap between me and the bar lower down, and I found myself flying out of my seat on the drop. I think that's because my chest and stomach area is bigger than my thighs and butt (I carry my weight on my front part of my body mainly) and so I couldn't pull it down more. I didnt feel unsafe though. It was actually quite a liberating feeling :

I can't remember if I said, but in my experience, front seats are bigger on Space Mountain and RnR. I didnt ride 'at the front' on RnR but when you're in the loading area, you'll see what I mean by the front. Ask a CM, it was more comfortable. Same with Space Mountain, although the CMs tend to sit the larger folk at the front anyway.

Soarin I can't remember too well as I did that on one of my first days, but I believe it was the seat itself. I think it was mainly my hips. That could've just been me in a bad mood though, as I didn't see many others having issues.

As I just mentioned above...my concern with EE is the lap bar and if there will be enough room for my legs to fit between the lap bar. I read some people who said they couldn't get their thighs between the lap bar to pull it close enough to them to click. You mentioned that you could only pull the bar down a tiny bit. Was that because your legs/thighs stopped it from being able to pull closer to you? Did the bar click pretty early?

Thanks for your input. Great tips on Test Track! When you pull it all the way out before sitting down, does it start retracting and locking as you are trying to latch it?

[Rokwynd]

Yet another thread I am glad I found before I realized I needed to find it. I am very Pooh-sized and while I got my food habits mostly in control between exercising when I can and stocking retail for 8+hrs a night I am still hovering around the 350 mark.

I was starting to get a little worried thinking about what I could actually do at the World when I found this thread. Since I do so much standing at work I wonder how much training I need to do, I went to the World as a teenager but life has changed quite a bit since then.

Right now the best 2 tips I found have to be the gates at the turnstiles and the seatbelt trick.

[bxccah]

Originally Posted by Rokwynd

Yet another thread I am glad I found before I realized I needed to find it. I am very Pooh-sized and while I got my food habits mostly in control between exercising when I can and stocking retail for 8+hrs a night I am still hovering around the 350 mark.

I was starting to get a little worried thinking about what I could actually do at the World when I found this thread. Since I do so much standing at work I wonder how much training I need to do, I went to the World as a teenager but life has changed quite a bit since then.

Right now the best 2 tips I found have to be the gates at the turnstiles and the seatbelt trick.

That's fantastic to hear you've got your eating under control!! I wish I was that strong! I hope I'll be able to be a bit healthier in the 6 or so months before my trip. I'm not overly bothered about losing loads of weight, but I do want to be healthier. I was I'm AGONY walking 8-14 hours a day! Even on my rest days (which were far too frequent and I felt I wasted so many days) my feet were swollen and sore. I spent hours alternating between the tub and ice packs for relief.

If you feel you can comfortably walk around all day (obviously with rests) then you should be okay. I'm going to start walking for 30 mins per day, slowly increasing to around 2-3 hours per day until I'm able to walk that much without my feet swelling up and blistering.

I'm glad you've found some tips helpful! Please don't hesitate to ask us if you have any questions regarding certain rides/parks. First Aid in all parks will give you a dose of paracetamol/ibuprofen and ice for free, and will let you sit down in an air con room whilst you ice any injuries you may have. I found this really helpful! The amount of ibuprofen I had to buy from walmart was unreal.

Also, ANTI CHAFING GEL! It was honestly a saviour! My mum and sister both forget theirs and were in pain after 4 hours at MK. They didn't realise I brought it to the parks with me (as well as baby powder) and both disappeared to the restrooms for 10 minutes and came back out much happier. I always take a first aid pouch with antiseptic cream, anti chafing gel, baby powder, antihistamines and painkillers as well as band aids and stuff. I know these are more general tips than pooh sized but I think my weight actually caused more of my pain than anything.

Always take your time when getting out of the low rides (test track, space mountain etc) and try to hold on to something as you stand up. I learned the hard way and hurt my back when I felt rushed to get out of my space mountain vehicle.

To everyone who's also visiting universal/IOA- BEWARE. I didn't fit on the Harry Potter ride very comfortably, I didn't fit on the duelling dragons, I also needed help from staff to get my Hulk restraint down which was embarrassing. The test seats seem to be out in front of everyone as well which is quite awkward. Universal's rides seem to be a lot smaller than Disney's. I've never not been able to ride anything at disney- the most trouble I had was fitting into space mountain but once I got my legs in, I was fine.

Hope you all have amazing trips and don't ever think you shouldn't go because you're pooh sized. Disney is fun for all shapes and sizes! My whole family are pooh sized (apart from SIL) so we've all used these tips.