Weight Restrictions on Rides

Question

Hi,

Someone in my party is currently 230lbs (he was 287lbs) and is 5ft 10 and carries most of his weight in his middle. When we went previously (before he lost weight) he struggled to fit on Forbidden Journey and we didn't even bother to try Flight of Passage at Animal Kingdom.

I was just wondering if there was anyone around the same build as him who has ridden these rides without any issue?

Thanks

Answer

It's completely understandable to have concerns about fitting on certain rides, especially when it comes to attractions that have size or weight restrictions. While most theme park rides do not publicly share exact weight limits, many have seat designs or safety measures that accommodate a wide range of body types. That being said, different rides have different restrictions based on comfort and safety, so it's great that you're asking about specific ones like Forbidden Journey and Flight of Passage.

Forbidden Journey: This ride, located at Universal Studios, has seats with a very specific design to accommodate larger individuals, but it's known for being a tight fit for some guests, especially in the lap bar and shoulder harness area. There is no official weight limit listed, but the ride has been known to be snug, and the seats are designed to be somewhat restrictive to secure the rider properly. If your party member carries most of their weight in their middle, this could potentially cause discomfort, as the harness and restraint system are focused around the lap area. However, there are also reports of guests who are a similar size (230 lbs, 5'10") riding without significant issues, so it might come down to comfort and the fit of the restraints at the time of the ride.

Flight of Passage (Animal Kingdom): Flight of Passage, the Avatar-themed ride at Disney's Animal Kingdom, has a similar concern for larger individuals, particularly around the fit of the ride vehicle. The ride has a seat with a back and hip restraint that could be a tight fit for some guests. Again, there isn't a stated weight limit, but the seats are designed to provide a secure fit, and larger guests may feel cramped, especially if they carry weight around their waist or midsection. However, many individuals around the same weight (230 lbs) and build have reported that they were able to ride without issues, though some might have had to ask for extra assistance to get the restraint properly secured. It's worth noting that the ride has a "test seat" outside where guests can try the seat before getting in line to see if the fit is comfortable for them.

Test Seats: Both Universal and Disney have test seats at their attractions (like Forbidden Journey and Flight of Passage) to allow guests to try the ride vehicles before committing to waiting in line. If you're unsure, it's always a good idea to try the test seat first to gauge the fit.
Alternative Rides: If there are concerns about comfort, there are plenty of other amazing rides in both parks that do not have the same tight restraints or issues. At Universal, rides like the Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts or Transformers are good alternatives, and at Disney, attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean or The Haunted Mansion offer a more relaxed experience.
Rider Assistance: Both Universal and Disney offer rider assistance programs for guests who need help with seat fit or accessibility. It's worth asking a cast member or team member if you have any concerns, as they are trained to provide assistance and can guide you to the best seating options.

Other Tips: Since your party member has lost weight, they may find the fit more comfortable on these rides this time around, but it's always a good idea to test the seats beforehand. Some guests have found that having a bit more room makes the ride experience more enjoyable, while others who had trouble before found they fit better after losing weight. If you're still concerned, taking advantage of the test seat option will give you peace of mind.

Overall, both Forbidden Journey and Flight of Passage are popular rides with different seat designs, so the best advice is to try the test seats and ask for assistance if needed. I hope this helps, and I wish you a fun and comfortable experience at the parks!