If you happen to be Pooh-sized and you’re concerned about fitting on certain Walt Disney World attractions, we’re here to help.
Historically, until Seven Dwarfs Mine Train opened in 2014, guests hadn’t had many issues fitting in the various styles of ride vehicles. Since then, a few of the more recently opened attractions have presented some size-related issues.
Being overweight at Walt Disney World may make a select few attractions concerning to fit on—and may make other attractions just slightly uncomfortable or tight. But, we view the tremendous number of steps we take daily on a Disney vacation to be play a much bigger factor worth planning around. If walking multiple miles per day would be too taxing on your body, I strongly recommend considering a third-party scooter/wheelchair service. Getting your ECV delivered straight to your resort will allow you to eliminate the stress of renting one at a park each day of your trip—and most importantly, will help you eliminate as much walking as possible.
Now, let’s get back to our size-constraining attraction vehicles. These are the rides to review before your trip if you’re a Pooh-sized guest:
Magic Kingdom
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: This attraction’s seats are TIGHT! While Pooh-sized guests can fit, it can be uncomfortable to ride. Since these seats are sculpted and rather narrow, having a large bottom or large thighs (when pulling down the lap restraint) could make for an extra tight squeeze.
- TRON Lightcycle / Run: This attraction is very important to talk about from a size-related perspective—arguably, the most important of any at WDW. If you’re worried that you may be a bit too large to fit, I recommend watching videos of other guests trying the test seat outside the attraction’s entrance—and try that seat as well when you get there. Though I luckily fit without a struggle, I will admit the initial attempt of getting on the lightcycle can be nerve-racking. With good maneuvering and some practice, even Pooh-sized guests can fit. However, there are some Pooh-sized guests who just can’t fit. But, even if the standard lightcycle seat doesn’t work for you, you can still ride this attraction! There are a few handicap-accessible seats on a few of the ride vehicles—though you’ll need to wait a bit longer than all other guests, a Cast Member will direct you to the proper row/waiting area after approaching the loading station, and you’ll get to ride stress-free.
EPCOT
- Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure: If you’ve experienced this attraction between its opening in 2021 to early 2023, you might remember its individual seats (in a row of 3) being fairly tight. Luckily, these attraction vehicle benches have been modified to remove the dividers for each seat, allowing you to sit freely in the row, now making this a very size-friendly attraction.
- Frozen Ever After: While this attraction is, of course, Pooh-size friendly, there is a comment I think could be helpful for certain guests to consider. Personally, I find the last row of this attraction to occasionally be uncomfortable on my lower back (mainly during our ascent after visiting Sven/Olaf and the family of Trolls). That lift can be rather bumpy and I’ve noticed that far less in the other rows.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- No problems to report here!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- Avatar – Flight of Passage: While this attraction vehicle is similar to that of TRON Lightcycle Run, it’s still a bit less complex in that you only need to sit as you would on a bike and move all the way forward. If you have large calfs, those corresponding restraints may be tight on you. But, while this is overall less of a challenge than TRON, it can still present problems for larger guests.
- Kali River Rapids: Seat belt extenders are available if needed.
