the heights are set because that is the minimum height in which the engineers who designed the ride has determined it is safe. If a cm thinks a child is wearing shoes to intentionally add height they can ask them to remove the shoes to measure them. (I have seen it done.)
So to answer your question, yes I think you are crazy to consider it. There are plenty of rides that your younger children can enjoy where they don't have to have their safety compromised.
Actually DH was a engineering intern at a firm that designed roller coasters and other rides. He has since opted for a different type of engineering but, the height is the minimum height the engineering team has determined is safe. They take into account weight variations, height distributions and a factor of safety.Although I wouldn't suggest trying to cheat for extra height. I have to say that the above is ridiculous. If an engineer calculated that a ride wouldn't be safe until 40 inches and 39 wouldn't be safe there is no way the ride height would be 40 inches It would be set at 44 at least. Otherwise you would actually have to look at other factors such as height distribution (because if your sitting in the ride the length of your legs matter less then the lenth of your torso for safety harnesses. On other rides it is actually more based on weight (that by 40 inches someone would definitely weigh enough to be safe... however that doesn't mean a slightly heavier 38 inch kid would be safe). Not to mention if they cut the numbers that close the first time a height stick was a tiny bit off and a kid that was too short was let on by mistake they would get sued to no end...
As for the OP:
How far away is your trip? They easily could grow that much before then anyway. Also since shoes do count don't go with anything outrageous (platforms) but if your youngest is just at 40 by then make sure he is wearing sneakers and not thinner sandals. Oh and make sure he knows to stand straight and try to touch the bar... I have seen kids that were afraid to hit there head so they didn't stand straight.
Actually DH was a engineering intern at a firm that designed roller coasters and other rides. He has since opted for a different type of engineering but, the height is the minimum height the engineering team has determined is safe. They take into account weight variations, height distributions and a factor of safety.
No ride is worth compromising my child's health and well-being. And trust me, I get it...I have an 8.5 yr old that is only 47 inches tall...this is a constant battle, but I wouldn't risk her safety to be able to get on a ride.
We are hoping next year is her year, LOL.I also think its an important lesson for kids, that rules are usually there for a good reason and its best to follow them.
Of course the child might get a bit annoyed and moan but at the end of the day they're the child and you're the adult. You have to make the decision and I think its best to set a good example.
As the post above me says, one day they'll be tall enough to ride and that will be a lovely milestone
Actually DH was a engineering intern at a firm that designed roller coasters and other rides. He has since opted for a different type of engineering but, the height is the minimum height the engineering team has determined is safe. They take into account weight variations, height distributions and a factor of safety.
Anyone done this? Am I crazy for considering it? Anyone know which shoes have the tallest soles? My boys are just shy of getting to do some great rides! My 4 yr old in 43 inches! And my almost 3 yr old is 39 1/2! Oldest boy is well over 50 inches...