Hello,
I wanted to share my story of how I fit in various seats at Universal. I had a lot of anxiety prior to going to the park, and wanted to pay it forward and thank those who shared in forums so that I knew what to expect. This might be extra helpful for those of you with large thighs.
Me by the numbers:
- 5’8
- 250lbs
- Size 18 or 2x on top (usually)
- Size 20 on bottom
- Chest: 46”-47” but very compressible
- Waist (smallest part): 40”-41”
- Belly: fluctuates, but 49”ish
- Hips: 50”-51”
- Thighs: 32” each at largest point
Harry Potter – Forbidden Journey: Ive used both the modified and unmodified seat, but prefer the modified seat. They were nice when I used the tester seat out front (got green) and I was not pulled from the line to try the inside tester seat which is very publicly on display. If this ride weren’t going to fit, it is very apparent that my thighs would be what prevent the shoulder bar from coming down far enough.
Harry Potter – Escape from Gringotts: I was a surprisingly close fit according to the tester seat. I had to push down firmly to get the green light and even then it went between red and green. The bar had issues with my thighs, not my stomach. I have heard the tester seat is not as generous as the actual seat and had no issues fitting on the ride. I was in the last row both times which is set up for longer legs – my feet didn’t even touch the floor.
The Hulk: The most uncomfortable seat of all the rides. A rigid seat that is probably about 15” wide. I was able to painfully squeeze into the seat itself, which is the same size for the modified and the regular seat. I opted for the modified seat because I didn’t get a chance to try the regular tester as kids were in it, but the shoulder bar fit fine. I estimate I had about 1.5” of slack in the safety belts. If your hips are much above 51”, this ride just isn’t worth the squeeze.
Rip Ride Rocket: Short story: I fit all the seats. Long Story: I tried the two tester seats out front (row 3 and 4), and was told I could fit in all the seats but Row 3 clearly fit better. The person told me row 3 was modified, and 4 represented a regular seat. Given the green light for any seat, I opted for front row, and while the waist restraint did latch, I just didn’t feel as secure as I would have liked. I survived though. Next time around, I requested a modified seat, and several young employees kept telling me to go to row 4. It didn’t seem to fit any better than row 1. After the ride I was told Row 3 is a deeper seat, and I remember the tester seat fit much more securely. I was told row 4 is a wider seat, but this is different than what they originally said. It will remain a mystery but in my personal experience Row 3 is more likely to accommodate you if you are wider around and Row 4 seems just as small as all of the other seats. I was previously told Row 3 and 6 are modified so many conflicting stories, but if you’re wider around request row 3. In this case, don’t expect the park attendants to know what they are doing, and simply insist on row 3.
The Mummy: All seats fit OK but a bit uncomfortable squish around the thighs. This didn’t detract from the ride.
Ripsaw Falls: As other reviews have mentioned, the seat is awkward. If you don’t have super short legs, you must be able to push yourself up entirely with yours arms (as if you were getting out of a bathtub) so you can get your feet under you.
ET: The bike seat is a tight squeeze from a comfort point of view (maybe 15-16” wide), but no issues with the restraint.
No Issues: Men In Black, Transformers, Jurassic Park, Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
Good luck and keep your head up!
I wanted to share my story of how I fit in various seats at Universal. I had a lot of anxiety prior to going to the park, and wanted to pay it forward and thank those who shared in forums so that I knew what to expect. This might be extra helpful for those of you with large thighs.
Me by the numbers:
- 5’8
- 250lbs
- Size 18 or 2x on top (usually)
- Size 20 on bottom
- Chest: 46”-47” but very compressible
- Waist (smallest part): 40”-41”
- Belly: fluctuates, but 49”ish
- Hips: 50”-51”
- Thighs: 32” each at largest point
Harry Potter – Forbidden Journey: Ive used both the modified and unmodified seat, but prefer the modified seat. They were nice when I used the tester seat out front (got green) and I was not pulled from the line to try the inside tester seat which is very publicly on display. If this ride weren’t going to fit, it is very apparent that my thighs would be what prevent the shoulder bar from coming down far enough.
Harry Potter – Escape from Gringotts: I was a surprisingly close fit according to the tester seat. I had to push down firmly to get the green light and even then it went between red and green. The bar had issues with my thighs, not my stomach. I have heard the tester seat is not as generous as the actual seat and had no issues fitting on the ride. I was in the last row both times which is set up for longer legs – my feet didn’t even touch the floor.
The Hulk: The most uncomfortable seat of all the rides. A rigid seat that is probably about 15” wide. I was able to painfully squeeze into the seat itself, which is the same size for the modified and the regular seat. I opted for the modified seat because I didn’t get a chance to try the regular tester as kids were in it, but the shoulder bar fit fine. I estimate I had about 1.5” of slack in the safety belts. If your hips are much above 51”, this ride just isn’t worth the squeeze.
Rip Ride Rocket: Short story: I fit all the seats. Long Story: I tried the two tester seats out front (row 3 and 4), and was told I could fit in all the seats but Row 3 clearly fit better. The person told me row 3 was modified, and 4 represented a regular seat. Given the green light for any seat, I opted for front row, and while the waist restraint did latch, I just didn’t feel as secure as I would have liked. I survived though. Next time around, I requested a modified seat, and several young employees kept telling me to go to row 4. It didn’t seem to fit any better than row 1. After the ride I was told Row 3 is a deeper seat, and I remember the tester seat fit much more securely. I was told row 4 is a wider seat, but this is different than what they originally said. It will remain a mystery but in my personal experience Row 3 is more likely to accommodate you if you are wider around and Row 4 seems just as small as all of the other seats. I was previously told Row 3 and 6 are modified so many conflicting stories, but if you’re wider around request row 3. In this case, don’t expect the park attendants to know what they are doing, and simply insist on row 3.
The Mummy: All seats fit OK but a bit uncomfortable squish around the thighs. This didn’t detract from the ride.
Ripsaw Falls: As other reviews have mentioned, the seat is awkward. If you don’t have super short legs, you must be able to push yourself up entirely with yours arms (as if you were getting out of a bathtub) so you can get your feet under you.
ET: The bike seat is a tight squeeze from a comfort point of view (maybe 15-16” wide), but no issues with the restraint.
No Issues: Men In Black, Transformers, Jurassic Park, Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges
Good luck and keep your head up!