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Credit: ARICAD via Wikimedia CommonsOne of the best things about going to any Disney Park is that for the most part, the attractions tend to be size-inclusive. Now, one park is actively tagging guests in line who might be too big to ride.
At Disney World, a considerable number of attractions are designed to be plus-size friendly, such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion. These rides lack specific seats, ensuring that rider width is never an issue. If a lap bar is utilized, it is not tightly secured to the rider. Recognizing that 41.9% of Americans are obese, Disney is attuned to these statistics to better accommodate its diverse clientele.
Contrastingly, Universal Orlando Resort faces challenges related to guest sizing, particularly with numerous thrill rides that necessitate more secure restraints. Some rides with tightly locked restraints have specific limits on how far down they can be pushed, resulting in more restrictive experiences. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure serves as an example of such rides.
Guest restrictions are not solely determined by weight but also by height. While Disney has addressed concerns regarding plus-sized riders on most attractions, there is one exception. TRON Lightcycle / Run, the newest attraction at Magic Kingdom, has posed challenges for plus-sized riders due to the locking mechanism on the ride’s back. A recent sign in front of the attraction explicitly warns guests about size restrictions, stating that certain body shapes or sizes may be prohibited from riding due to the seating and restraints on TRON Lightcycle / Run.
Related: Disney Heavily Enforces “Influencer” Rules, Ticketed Guests Refused Entry
Because TRON does have limitations, there are test seats for guests to use outside of the attraction. This means that guests will not have to wait in a line only to be told that they do not fit on the ride, which would be a grand disappointment for anyone.
While that is the protocol at Walt Disney World Resort, other Disney parks operate a little differently.
Tokyo Disney Resort is a magical destination featuring two enchanting theme parks: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Tokyo Disneyland, inspired by the original Disneyland in California, captures the essence of fairy tales and classic Disney characters. Visitors can experience iconic attractions like walking through Cinderella Castle, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Space Mountain.
In contrast, Tokyo DisneySea offers a unique maritime-themed experience, with a focus on exploration and adventure. The park is renowned for its breathtaking design and features attractions such as Journey to the Center of the Earth, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and the Mediterranean Harbor.
Both parks showcase Disney’s commitment to creating immersive environments that transport guests into the heart of beloved stories. Tokyo Disney Resort is a haven for families and Disney enthusiasts, providing a magical escape with a blend of timeless classics and innovative attractions. The attention to detail, diverse entertainment options, and the magical atmosphere make Tokyo Disney Resort a must-visit destination for those seeking a truly enchanting Disney experience.
At Tokyo Disney Resort, one guest who recently visited shared that their partner had to wear a lanyard to tell the cast members that he may be too tall to ride. Typically, when guests think of height requirements for a ride, it refers to smaller children who may not be tall enough to ride.
Rachel Ward (@rachelwardxo) shared the below video:
@rachelwardxo this has me in tears 💀💀💀 #disneytokyo #tokyosea #japantravel
The video has recently gone viral, with many others chiming in. One guest said that when they visited, they had to be pulled into a backroom to see if they were too tall. Another guest said that her boyfriend was also measured and given a lanyard as well.
At Tokyo Disney Resort, the issue of inclusivity takes a different form, as highlighted by a recent trip report from a guest with a disability. The report emphasized that individuals who are both alone and disabled may face limitations, being unable to partake in attractions and often treated in a manner reminiscent of a child. The guest recounted an experience on the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ride, where despite explaining their ability to walk and evacuate, they were not permitted to ride alone.
While the guest was part of a larger party, many in the group preferred not to participate in thrilling or frightening rides. The individual in the wheelchair clarified their capacity to walk if necessary, shedding light on the challenges faced by solo visitors with disabilities seeking to enjoy the attractions at Tokyo Disney Resort.
Upon returning to Tokyo DisneySea, the guest encountered another challenge when attempting to ride alone. They recounted, “Started with getting a fast pass to Journey to the Centre of the Earth. Because they still wouldn’t let me go on by myself, I had to get a fast pass and then stand for about 5ish minutes without my chair to go on. Made me feel pretty ill but mostly worth it, was a fun ride.”
The guest expressed frustration with the perceived disability discrimination at the park, deeming it an annoying aspect of an otherwise remarkable place. They highlighted the additional inconvenience of being questioned at the entrance of each ride, noting that this process is less efficient than the protocols in place for wheelchair users at Disney World and Disneyland in the United States.
Despite enjoying the parks, the guest issued a warning to other disabled individuals traveling alone, stating, “So in conclusion and a warning: if you’re a disabled person traveling on your own, you can’t go on anything. This is a giant shame, being treated like a child, even though I am a disabled adult who can evacuate and walk alone. When I asked, they said it was just the rules.”
Overall, it seems that there have been a variety of size and inclusivity issues for guests at Tokyo Disney Resort as of late, so this is something that some guests may want to anticipate before arriving.
Tokyo Disneyland, is comprised of Adventureland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and Toontown, similar to Disneyland Park in California. Tokyo DisneySea also includes areas like Mermaid Lagoon and Arabian Coast. as well as a shopping area, Ikspiari, and multiple Disney Resorts like Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel, Tokyo Disneyland Hotel, and Tokyo DisneySea, and Hotel MiraCosta. The resort has also recently welcomed Toy Story Hotel.
What do you think about this ongoing size issue at Tokyo Disney Resort?