PLUS SIZE GUIDE TO DISNEY WORLD

Two weeks ago, we had the most magical vacation. So many rides, so many treat, and so much joy was had for our little family of three. But I can’t lie. I was really nervous about going to Disney World and being plus size.

I did so much research before hand, and it helped calm my nerves so much! I wanted to give you guys a run down of my own experience, and link a few of the most helpful resources I found. If you are planning a trip to Disney World and have some junk in the trunk, fear not! It is the happiest place on earth. And the most inclusive theme park I have ever been to.

Just a little bit about me and my body. Not only am I plus size, falling at a 24/26 pant size, I am also VERY tall. At 5’10” and plus size, I was very afraid of having the humiliating experience of being told to get off a ride. Everyone is proportioned differently, but if you are similarly sized to me or smaller, this guide should be good for you!

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THE RIDES WE RODE

I wanted to share exactly which rides we rode, and if I had any negative experiences on them in terms of squishing my body into the seats. I obviously can’t comment on rides that we didn’t try. There are a lot of shows, too, and all of those are clearly inclusive!

There were really only a few rides that I ended up feeling a little stressed about fitting on, but I managed to ride each and every one of the below! Those that were a snug fit, have additional commentary.

MAGIC KINGDOM

• PETER PAN
• SPACE MOUNTAIN – Space Mountain was my biggest fear at Magic Kingdom. I watched a ton of YouTube videos, and decided to go for it, and hope I could pretzel myself in. I think that this ride is going to be hardest for taller people for sure. Because it is so low and just awkward to get your legs in. But once I wiggled a bit, I had PLENTY of room. It is a little awkward to get out, and you will need to use your arms to pull yourself up, but don’t fear your size on this ride!
• THUNDER MOUNTAIN – I was nervous about this ride, but I had plenty of clicks on the bar. My oldest sat next to me and was secure, despite the lap bar being a little high up for him. I just kept my arm on his lap.
• TOMORROWLAND SPEEDWAY
• MAD TEA PARTY
• BUZZ LIGHT YEAR’S SPACE RANGER SPIN
• ASTRO ORBITER – I was VERY afraid of not fitting in the “kid ride”. But I rode on my own (my oldest was with Mr G), and could have easily ridden with him between my legs! This goes way faster than I expected, FYI!
• HAUNTED MANSION
• PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN

ANIMAL KINGDOM

• KILIMANJARO SAFARIS –
• AVATAR FLIGHT OF PASSAGE – This is the number one ride people have problems on. And it is all going to come down to body composition. I had an AMAZING attendant who went above and beyond, but know that they are NOT required to help your seat click in. Many people have issues with the leg straps locking. They come around your calves. I didn’t have any issues, and the clicked right away. My back lock did not click on it’s own, however. The ride attendant had to give it a very strong push, and it finally clicked in place. But I was REALLY worried it wouldn’t snap in. I carry most of my weight in my midsection, and that is what gave me the most problems. This is a ride you can ask to check before waiting. The attendant at the end of the line should be able to direct you to where you can sit in a trial seat to find out if you fit. Don’t be embarrassed to ask!
• NA’VI RIVER JOURNEY
• DINOSAUR
• EXPEDITION EVEREST – Zero issues on this big coaster and one of my favorite rides!

HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

• ALIEN SWIRLING SAUCES
• MILLENNIUM FALCON: SMUGGLER’S RUN
• STAR TOURS – I think a lot of people are also worried about this ride. It is mainly because of the seats and how they are positioned. But there is plenty of length on the seatbelts, and it is only a few minutes of squished hips!
• THE TWILIGHT ZONE TOWER OF TERROR

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CAN I HANDLE IT?

This is something I really can’t say. I went into Disney World walking an average of 15K steps, or 6 miles, a day just in my normal life. In addition to hitting the gym regularly. I wouldn’t say that I am in my peak physical shape, but I am by no means a couch potato.

I WAS NOT PREPARED FOR HOW MUCH MY FEET WOULD HURT

we averaged around 12-14k steps each day, so not much more than I do on a regular basis, right? But I don’t even think it is the excessive walking that kills you. It is the all day standing, never sitting down, and waiting in line that does a number on your feet.

TIPS FOR MANAGING LONG DAYS
AT THE PARK

• PACK TWO PAIRS OF SHOES – This was the biggest life saver for me. I brought my favorite Adidas UltraBoost and a pair of Vionic sneakers. It was so nice to switch between the two. Even though they are my most comfortable shoes, your feet appreciate a change!
• BRING COMPRESSION SOCKS FOR SLEEP – I brought knee high compression socks, just in case. And while I didn’t feel like I had a lot of swelling, the compression on my feet while getting into bed felt like pure heave.
• TAKE MID DAY BREAKS – Just do it. I know you want to get your money’s worth. But misery is not worth it, and you will get the most out of your trip with a little relaxation!
• POP IBUPROFEN LIKE IT’S YOUR JOB – I was unable to take any Advil or Ibuprofen on our trip, and man… I wish I could have! It will help to alleviate any swelling or inflammation from all the walking and pressure on your body.

RESOURCES

I’ve only ever been to Disney World once, so I am by no means an expert. I am also fully aware that there are those with physical limitations and plenty who exceed my size that are still really worried about Disney World and if they can manage it.

The resources below helped me IMMENSELY in prepping for my trip and not being overcome with anxiety about my body being too big. These women and men are doing great things, and I am so grateful for their blogs and YouTube channels that helped calm my fears.

PAMMIE PLUS PARKS

This amazing woman right here made my entire trip a DREAM. I truly would have been so worried about fitting on rides, being embarrassed in front of my son, that I would have politely declined riding most rides by saying something like, “Oh, I don’t like roller coasters.” Or some other Nonsense. Pammie goes to all the parks in Orlando and tells it like it is. I love that she also comments on the wheelchair accessibility of the rides she reviews! Her YouTube channel is a must visit if you are plus size and planning to go to Disney World.

PARKS IN YOUR POCKET

He has great reviews of so many of the rides from a Big & Tall perspective. While Pammie is super informative, she is also a totally different body type and size than I am. And I was real worried about the booty AND the legs fitting. Seeing reviews from a guy who was larger than I was ride the rides I had planned, was a big help!

PLUS MOMMY’S GUIDE TO DISNEYLAND

Disney Land and Disney World were pretty much the same in my eyes, but man are they different. Hello, giant Disney world! I’d been to Disney Land as a kid, and wasn’t even prepped for how much bigger Disney World was. But Plus Mommy is a west coast girl and has THE MOST INFORMATIVE blog post for plus size people at Disney that I have found. It was super helpful, very detailed, and she gives lots of tips to help you happily and comfortable navigate the park. All of her tips can be applied to Disney World!

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A year and a half ago, I decided to take back my life and stop letting my body dictate what I did or didn’t do. This trip is the prime example of that. I came. I saw. I rode. I conquered. And I didn’t let the size of my body define what I did and how I enjoyed this once in a life time trip with my family.