MarriedToWildflowers

Greetings mortals! I have returned from the unknown just as I have promised to provide you with the amazing details and helpful hints from our anniversary trip! Now, I am going to be as open and honest about our experience in hopes that it will help you plan for an amazing vacation yourself. This year, we decided to go to Universal Studios in Orlando Florida, and boy, do I have some deets for you. Let me start by saying that everything you heard about Universal Studios and fat people is true. If you are in the plus-size category, and you are wanting to go to Universal, I’m going to provide some tips that will hopefully help you have an easier time and save you from taking the walk of shame. Let me help you, boo!

First, there are many Facebook groups such as Universal Studios Plus Size Riders that have a lot of tips and tricks on how to comfortably fit on tighter rides. I actually joined this site a couple of months before we went because I love having anxiety. 🙂 To save you time and trouble, I’m going to make a list of the rides that you can feel comfortable getting on vs the ones that you need to maneuver. Please also remember, test seats that are located outside tend to stretch out so if the seat is tight outside, it will be tighter indoors. I have also heard of situations where people have fit outside but were unable to ride indoors so to better help you adjust, I have provided a list that you can refer back to.

Second, I do not want to be one of those people but if you are concerned about fitting on the rides, I would advise you to start dieting as soon as you even think of going to Universal. Most rides are created to accommodate 250lbs and below but 250 can look different on individuals based on height. You’re pretty much safe to ride everything if as a woman your pant size is 16 and below and as a man, your waist size is 44 and below. This isn’t saying that people who are larger than those sizes can’t ride, I’m just suggesting that if you want to avoid the test seats, those are the safest options. After all, Universal said this themselves…

Third, I hope this chart helps you prepare for your trip ahead and if you have any questions, feel free to send me an email under the contact tab. I’m here to help. Please keep in mind, safety is way more important than being able to ride a ride so don’t get discouraged if you are asked to leave a ride. Being safe and prepared is better than being injured!!

TIPS AND TRICKS BY LOCATION: I did the work so you won’t have to!

Universal Studios –
Revenge of the Mummy – Ask for a modified row, pull the bar as you sit down. Any click counts so if you hear a noise, you’re in.
Escape from Gringotts– Ask for modified seating. As soon as you sit down, pull the bar. There will be a little yellow tab on the left side near your calf, if you can see ANY of the yellow, you can ride. Keep in mind, the workers aren’t allowed to help you so when I say pull, pull but don’t hurt yourself.
Despicable Me – Sit back as far as you can (the bar will come from above your head) & suck in if you need to. Most will not need to but it’s a 4D ride so there will be a bit of bumping around.
Jimmy Fallon – This is more of a car seatbelt but, if you’re concerned, you can ask for a seat extender when you get on the ride.
Rip Rocket – Try the test seat first. The ride has to click at least once for you to be able to ride. When you get to the platform, as for a modified row, once in the seat sit as far back as possible and pull the bar. A worker will come by to make sure you’re comfortable & you’re good to go!

Islands of Adventure–
Hulk Coaster – Ask for modified seating. This seating has 2 seat belt holds so as you’re sitting down, pull the bar and grab your seatbelts. The workers aren’t supposed to help you buckle but sometimes they do. If you’re with a friend, you can ask them to quickly help you buckle before they sit down. Most of the people at the Hulk ride are awesome so they understand.
VelociCoaster – This bar comes over your head due to the many loops. Your best bet is pulling the bar as soon as you sit down. Once it’s locked, it’s locked.
Harry Potter Forbidden Journey – Sit all the way back and pull the bar over your head. This ride can be a tight fit but it’s AWESOME! The workers aren’t allowed to assist here either but sometimes, they “accidentally” bump into your bar.
Dr. Doom Fear Fall – This ride is scary and I didn’t even attempt it but this involves a bar that goes over your head. Pull down as you sit and fasten that super scary belt. That’s a huge NOPE from me though!
Dudley Do-Right – This isn’t as much about getting in as it is getting out. This is more of a bobslead seated ride so your legs will be around the person in front of you. I don’t like spaces like this so I didn’t ride but I have faith in you, lol.
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure – THIS RIDE IS THE BEST – This ride has test seats but I would recommend the bike. For the bike, you sit down and pull the handlebars toward you. I love this freaking ride.

I’ve posted some photos below of our time there but of course, I didn’t want to bore you with all of them, lol. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my tips and tricks page because it took forever to type because I had the attention span of a squirrel so what you see is what you get. I’ll be back to posting about my interesting life in no time.