Size restrictions at Universal Florida

[FloridaNewbie]

Hi, I am hoping for some advice.

Please don't judge me.

I am going to Universal in 5 months time and am getting very anxious about not getting on the rides.

I am size 26/28 in the UK with a 55 inch tummy. I am hoping to lose weight before I go but I have a disability making exercise hard so I doubtful that I will lose much.

My bust is likely more than that but I am too much of a wimp for roller coasters so, from what I have read, that won't be much of an issue.

I would really appreciate any advice and hints on what rides I may or may not get on and also which rides I should go on next to young children as the loose bars may make them move a lot and scare them.

I believe Disney is more generous in sizing than Universal so it's Universal I am really worried about.

I appreciate any help you can offer. I have been saving for years to go to Disney and Universal and am getting really worried I won't be able to get on anything and my niece's will be upset.

Thank you

 

[RamblingMad]

Hulk seems unlikely. Forbidden Journey also seems unlikely.

Test chairs are available. I recommend trying them out.

 

[Newbie500]

My neighbor had a similar concern when he went to US and IOA last year. There were only a handful of rides he couldn't do. There are so many rides and attractions at the two parks that you and your nieces(?) will be able to enjoy together. Check with guest services about size restrictions when you get to the parks. Have a wonderful time!

 

[TommyJK]

If you do a search on youtube for "universal studios plus size" you will find a lot of videos by larger individuals testing things out and it will give you a good idea about the attractions and their size restrictions

 

[a1tinkfans]

Have a great trip and Safe travels!!! Enjoy!!!!

 

[AJA]

As another poster said, YouTube! There are a few plus size vloggers, PammyPlusParks is a good plus size female vlogger (for chest size comparisons). They will give their clothing size and body dimensions for comparison in the test seats.

 

[Skywalker3]

Pammie plus parks has some really good videos for Universal. She's also on twitter, and a few other places.

 

[Carrie in AZ]

I am sorry you are experiencing this anxiety. I can share with you that I visited for the first time last weekend and did see two men on two different rides unable to ride. I will admit, it was difficult to witness as they looked deflated and embarrassed. I am a large woman and my anatomy is such that some of the restraints did not fit well across my mid-section. I would have liked them to fit better but those were on the big coasters so none of it may factor into your experience. I was blown away by so much at Universal and truly impressed. I hope you have a wonderful holiday!

 

[MIChessGuy]

In reference to Hulk, doesn't that ride have some seats with the twin seat belt thing that provides more room? I recall trying out such a test seat years ago and being surprised that it worked. (And then I was too much of a chicken to ride anyway, and in fact still haven't.)

 

[starlionblue]

Hulk seems unlikely. Forbidden Journey also seems unlikely.

Test chairs are available. I recommend trying them out.

True, the test chairs are right outside the ride entrances. Try them first. One warning: Escape from Gringotts is NOT "Hagrid friendly". I'm not even 5'9" and worried that it would be a tight fit because the seat has TWO sets of bars: one for the shoulders and one for the legs. I don't understand why it has restraints for my legs. A simple adjustable lap belt combined with the shoulder bar would have done just as well. One thing to note: Gringotts is not a traditional roller coaster. A German amusement park company won the contract to build it because it was the only one that would do it to Universal's odd specifications. They are actually like those spider shaped arms you see at carnivals with spinning seats. That's pretty close to how they work. And yes, the entire platform can swivel 360 degrees. At the time it opened, Gringotts was considered unusual, at least over here. Since the ride is actually moving along a set of railroad tracks, I don't understand the need for such paranoid restraints. The only thing dangerous is when it drops but it's not long. Everything else is mostly gentle with no jolts or brutal jumps.

 

[starlionblue]

Forgot to add: you could watch a few videos by Youtuber "Theme Park Express." His videos are informative but one small warning: he is more than halfway through a major diet so try clicking on old videos to get some idea of how the seats will fit.

 

[Goldelpack]

I visited Universal a few weeks ago and found that lots of the rides can be challenging for us larger ladies. Be aware of the ride restrictions - many of them list a 44" waist as a limit (or in that area) - and do take a peek at the seats on exhibit outside some of the rides. You could always remain with your party through the entire queue and simply opt out of riding - you get the experience of the waiting and not the worry of the ride. I rode almost all the simulator rides - on the Simpsons I had to sit towards the middle of the vehicle rather than on an end. I don't usually have trouble with plain lap bar type rides but I'm usually prepared to exit.
One other thing to add.. I have mobility issues and use an ECV (scooter) and found that Universal was absolutely horrific in providing any assistance to me. There's maybe 2 or 3 attractions where I could bring the scooter in - and the other one's will lend me a wheelchair - but I no longer have the strength to roll myself in the chair.. I can walk with it, but not easily. The option was to request an escort from Universal to push me - but I'd still have to park my scooter outside and walk to and from it. That causes me a lot of problems. I hadn't anticipated having issues like that because I've NEVER had any issues at WDW.

 

[mlreed328]

I would like to add in a purely nonjudgmental and supportive way that you mentioned exercise being hard... I get that. Get MyFitnessPal and concentrate on diet vs. exercise. That has always been key for me in losing weight. Diet is fundamental, exercise is gravy. Good luck! You can do this!