Overhead restraints

Image: Disney

Attractions that use overhead restraints are where guests often run into issues involving their size. Restraints are situated at certain heights in attractions in ways that are engineered to accommodate as many guests of varying sizes as possible. This usually means meeting in the middle of an older child and an at least somewhat tall adult. Unfortunately this design means that some guests may not be able to ride (due to their heights or body proportions) the same way a child who does not meet the height requirement may not be able to ride.

Image: Disney

As Disney is generally very size-inclusive, the level or comfort or ability to ride will always go back to where one’s weight is distributed. Overhead restraints do not tend to cause problems for guests who carry extra weight on their lower halves, but a guest who is more top-heavy may have a more difficult time. One rollercoaster at Walt Disney World with an overhead restraint is Rock n’ Roller Coaster, and there is a lot of give in how little or far the restraints go down on each guest and plenty of legroom. Rock n’ Rollercoaster does not have a test seat, but it is very accommodating to many body types and worth giving a try despite your apprehensions about it. 

Image: Disney

The other overhead restraint coaster you may choose to ride while in Walt Disney World is Primeval Whirl. This attraction can accommodate guests with various body types, however guests with larger hips or thighs may find the seats a bit tight, and guests who are heavier on top may find the restraints tight. More than likely, you will not have a problem physically fitting into the ride, but if you fall into either of those categories it may be a big uncomfortable. Although the restraints do keep you “separate” from the other guests, if you feel uncomfortable about being right up against someone given the tight seats, do not feel embarrassed to ask the cast member seating you to leave the seat next to you empty. Cast members hear all kinds of requests throughout the day, and they will not think twice about you preferring to spread out.

Benches 

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Rides with bench seating may not initially come to mind when thinking about which rides will fit or be comfortable, but it is something to consider. Guests who are tall may find bench seating (on rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain, Frozen Ever After, etc..) to be uncomfortable if most of their height comes from long legs. (If you are tall but your height is due to a long torso this will not be as much of an issue). Additionally guests who are larger on their lower half may find bench seating to be uncomfortable depending on how close they are to the guests next to them. 

If you don’t feel comfortable being really close to other guests, or think you’ll need to take up more leg room by sitting at a slight angle, do not hesitate to ask a cast member for your own row. You may feel strange making such a request, but it happens and cast members will not think anything of it.