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JUNE 19, 2010 at 12:45 PM
Posted by CHEESER
Source: HPANA
My post yesterday and accompanying info in a Reuters article declaring to the world I am a fatso who can't fit into a theme park ride has prompted vigorous discussion
and debate around the internet, especially on popular LiveJournal community ONTD (Oh No They Didn't!). I wanted to clarify and respond to some of the comments and questions I've been reading.
But first, quite mysteriously the entire section in that Reuters article comparing my size and dimensions to that of basketball player Dwight Howard's is now completely missing. So I've pasted it below as it was originally published (see Google cache):
On Wednesday Rowling rode on the signature "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" ride, which puts film, technology and robotics together in a new way to bring riders physically close to the action. It is touted as creating a more realistic sense of flying than other soaring rides on the market.
"She was very pleased. She was actually thrilled," said creative director Thierry Coup said.
So were guests.
"It made you feel like you were flying. You wanted to just reach out and touch stuff," said Susan Benoit, a tourist from Fredericksburg, Virginia, after her first ride.
Jeff Guillaume of Lansing, Michigan, who in 2002 founded an early online Harry Potter news aggregator and fan site HPANA.com, said fans like him will be disappointed because of limitations on body size to ride the Forbidden Journey.
At 5 feet, 8 inches and 265 pounds (1.72 meters and 119 kg), Guillaume said his mid-section would not allow the restraint system to close, so he could not board the most heavily promoted ride. He said some other rides include special cars for larger guests.
But Coup, said that Orlando Magic basketball player Dwight Howard fit into the restraint and rode the ride this week. Howard is listed on the NBA's website as 6 feet, 11 inches tall and weighing 265 pounds (2.11 meters and 119 kg).
The only posted restriction is a minimum height of 48 inches. Coup said the ride is designed the way it is "to ensure the safety of our guests. It's No. 1."
To repeat for the record:
Yes, I am overweight.
Yes, I was prepared in advance (unlike some) for the possibility of not being able to go on it.
Yes, I was ultimately unable to ride.
And yes, I was quite disappointed.
A lot of the debate I've seen is focused on safety, and rightly so. Many rides at many parks around the world use a single-bar restraint system ("lap bars") for a row of people. One larger passenger will cause the bar to lock much higher than the waists/legs/laps of the smaller guests, presenting a safety and comfort issue.
But that is not the case on single passenger restraint systems, which most modern rides, including Forbidden Journey, employ. These are the over-the-shoulder harnesses or lap bars that lock in place differently for each passenger.
I weigh 265 lbs, and according to his NBA profile, so does Dwight Howard. That would mean the total weight of a passenger is not an issue, just a passenger's dimensions. (There is the matter of whether Howard actually rode Forbidden Journey, as Universal claimed. I can confirm that I did see him personally at the grand opening, but did not personally witness him on the ride.)
Regardless, here's a bit of news from today's Orlando Sentinal "morning-after" blog post:
The ride has instituted a screening system. There are two test seats at the outdoor entrance, but honestly, many people are looking up at Hogwarts at that point and not worrying about girth. After the long and winding queue, in the common room before the loading station, there’s another set of four seats -- the enchanted bench folks ride on. I'm not sure what the system is, but team members take potential riders -- not all of them -- and test whether the safety harnass will latch. Not a job I covet.
One time through Forbidden Journey, a wizardly type announced to be prepared to be a tester for the seats. Random folks, even little kids and whole families, were seated and "tested." I thought this took the edge off nicely for those deemed too big.
What it boils down to for me, and what surprised and disappointed me the most was that many of Universal's other rides contain "modified seating" rows for larger guests, and -- let's face it -- a good number of people in the Harry Potter fandom are a bit heavy, so why didn't Universal anticipate and accommodate us here?
It sounds like they're trying to address the expectation and screening issues, but whether or not the ride can ever be adjusted is not known.
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Muggle
Points: 92
Terrance_ says:
Agreed Jeff! They need to offer some solution for this. Even if it is something as simple as installing an additional lap belt (which USUALLY comes standard with this kind of restraint) which would be a win win situation, added safety, since it "is their number one priority," and it'll give more opportunity so more folks can ride.
Posted Jun 19, 2010 at 2:19 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 318
Severely Lupine says:
On the one hand, it seems like making all seats large enough for very overweight people would mean they'd be roomy enough to not be as safe for smaller people--like, say, kids, who are the target audience of both Harry Potter and amusement parks.
On the other hand, a lot of people are pretty big, and it makes sense that they could at least have one or two cars on the ride which are made larger to accommodate them. I think this would have been a reasonable thing they could have done, and it seems like they could still go ahead and make a couple big cars to replace a couple of the normal-sized ones.
Posted Jun 19, 2010 at 4:35 PM EST
Witch
Points: 621
RonsCrush says:
This is not always an issue for the overweight. I am 5'4, and although I would never deign to call myself THIN, I am not obese (and I am using the clinical term which tends to err on the thinner side) Problem with many of these restraint devices is chest girth. And to put this bluntly, I have a DDD chest. I have had issues with rides in other parks and if there is any type of chest harness involved will opt to use the rows made to accomdate larger riders. Thank you, Cheeser for putting this information out there. I was planning on 2 trips to Universal this Fall, and I for one, would have been more than a little ticked off had I waited in the queue only to not be able to ride the park's crowning jewel.
And I agree with Severely Lupin; Disney, Busch Gardens, and even Sea World in Orlando all have accomdation rows, boo on Universal for this oversight.
Posted Jun 19, 2010 at 7:15 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1814
harryalmostlegal says:
I've been reading the Universal pages on facebook and there was a woman who said she was not able to ride because of her chest size.
Posted Jun 19, 2010 at 7:34 PM EST
Points: 2
sammehhh says:
What facebook page did you read that on? I'm curious to see it.
I'm really worried about going to WWoHP to be honest, because of that. I'm uh, large-chested and will be REALLY disappointed if I can't get on the ride.
Posted Jun 19, 2010 at 11:27 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2393
Feelin' Felix Felicis says:
I hope they can rectify the problem so that every HP fan can enjoy the ride.
Posted Jun 20, 2010 at 12:15 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1814
harryalmostlegal says:
sammehhh, it was in one of the discussions on the official Universal Orlando Resort facebook page - there are LOTS of discussions right now regarding how the opening has been going (wait times, etc.) - you might want to check it out and see what info you can get about experiences other people have had regarding size. Look for the post with the name "Chris Coburn", and you'll see some replies there regarding size problems.
Posted Jun 20, 2010 at 2:26 AM EST
Points: 2
sammehhh says:
Thank you so much, found it!
I just wish someone was able to post definite dimensions for the ride. Universal should at least do this for the park visitors.
Posted Jun 20, 2010 at 3:08 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2327
Snufflesmom says:
Being overweight myself, I can feel the same pain. I want to go visit the park, but if I can't ride Forbidden Journey, how many other things are going to be restricted?
Posted Jun 20, 2010 at 1:48 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1814
harryalmostlegal says:
I didn't have any problems riding any of the rides a couple of years ago when I was there (including the Hulk coaster, Spiderman, and even the kiddie rides in Dr. Seuss land) and I am 5 ft. tall/200#. Needless to say, if anything was going to inspire me to stay on my diet now, Harry Potter would be it.
Posted Jun 20, 2010 at 3:54 PM EST
Auror
Points: 3673
Anastasia Popovick says:
While I would love to go to Florida and ride these rides, I highly doubt I will ever be able to afford it. None the less, I'm short and I'm fat and I had felt discriminated against for years as far as my weight. I'm use to it. Car seat belts don't fit, women's clothing will not fit properly...it is what it is. Life! I agree it should be possible to accommodate everyone with different sized seats, however would it throw off the balance of the ride and the mechanical systems? All things to consider...I hope all of those who wish to ride manage to get their chance!
Posted Jun 20, 2010 at 8:18 PM EST
Magickal Mead Wench
Points: 2612
SnapesSorceress says:
This is probably a very non-helpful thought, but I was thinking that maybe it depends on where the pressure points are. It can vary on different rides and maybe if a person is tall and weighs says 250# the weight dispersement is different than if the person is shorter and weighs the same. I would hope it's not out and out discrimination! But maybe the designers are trying to be safe than sorry. As for me, I'm too chicken to go on any roller coaster so the issue is moot with me. I'll just have to be satisfied with buying stuff and drinking Butter Beer (or Mulled Mead and Fire Whiskey if available!)! I'm just sorry there have been such disappointments--especially for Cheeser--he deserves better treatment!
Posted Jun 20, 2010 at 9:49 PM EST
Snape´s Apprentice
Points: 9835
HappyAuriga says:
How would they accommodate Hagrid?
;)
What I'd like to know, Jeff, is what you are going to do. Wait for larger seats to be installed and go back there? Or try to solve the problem yourself and diet? And do you even think it would be worth a diet?
Ever since I read your article, I've been pondering what I would do. It's difficult to tell.
Posted Jun 21, 2010 at 12:22 AM EST
Head Girl
Points: 450
Maggie_ says:
I hope they can solve the problem so that every HP fan can enjoy the ride. It must be really disappointing not to be able to...
Posted Jun 21, 2010 at 4:39 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1375
Elza Black says:
This is bad news for me. Probably the ride I would want to most ride will not accomodate me, even though I do fit in airplane passengers seat with a regular seat belt.
This really sounds like poor planning and will definitely cost Universal $$ for people whom will now just pass on the whole thing.
Posted Jun 21, 2010 at 3:37 PM EST
Squib
Points: 164
Lizzie Whizzbee says:
I really hope that they can sort this problem out as it is such a shame that people who may have gone there specifically for this ride may end up being very disappointed with the outcome that is there at present.
Lizzie Whizzbee
Posted Jun 23, 2010 at 7:17 AM EST
Muggle
Points: 1
Shadow01 says:
Ok... I registered and I verified... Now, I have to post on this ride issue. I am right at 6' and weight 211 lbs. I constantly watch my weight. I feel I am overweight all the time but I always, always watch it(weight). This may sound mean, it may sound stupid but it is the truth. The ever growing population of the US is doing just that, GROWING!
I am now living abroad, not because I left the US because I hate it or anything like that.. My wife and daughter are here in Europe. I watch people, I like doing that and in doing so I have noticed that the people of Germany are NOT NEAR AS FAT as the Americans(Me included). If you don't fit, you are to FAT. Loose weight and quit questioning why the engineers designed the ride the way it is. I am absolutely sure that there STRESS limits on the metal/alloys used in the construction of the ride. With all the weight combined, the G-Forces being put on the equipment and all other factors involved, it is just a matter of safety!
Just admit it and watch your weight! If you are a little or a lot overweight start doing something to get fit. I applaud the one rider who is now dieting, walking and eating properly will ACTUALLY work. Smaller portions, excercise and some restraint will make you feel better.
If I have offended you, oppps! If I have enlightened you, then GREAT! I hate it when people cry about there weight and blame others... just do something about it and quit crying that others are being unfair. Life is not always perfect and we will most likely never get our way all the time. Just enjoy life, enjoy your family and most of all BE HEALTHY. Your health is all you have... I should know, we just found out that my wife has stomach cancer and it is not a good scenerio. If the Chemo works she still has to have her stomach completely removed, if the Chemo doesn't work... well, that's it... she is sure to die soon. How is that for LIFE, being told point blank that you will die soon????
Anyway, Please don't wait to be told you have Cancer, High Blood pressure, diabetes or something else... Take your life into your own hands and make something of it.
Chucky
PS.. Please don't bash me on this. I am only trying to help all of "HP" out there.
Posted Jun 25, 2010 at 5:15 PM EST
Auror
Points: 3649
HufflepuffActress says:
I saw the article on yahoo, when Chee$er was mentioned I went, "I know him."
I'll be going to the park in July for Infinitus and it is bad to think that everyone will not be able to ride.
It seems that since the seats individually lock it would be easy to have certain seats that were larger.
Posted Jun 25, 2010 at 7:43 PM EST
Points: 1
oh dear says:
I don't wish to be a troll nor be seen as offensive, but someone needs to post that maybe instead of society having to adjust for obesity that obese people realize that there is a limit to how much society needs to bend for them.
Not being obese, and being able to control what I eat and live a healthy lifestyle, I cannot understand what it is like to not be able to control my weight. Just as other addictions affect people in different ways, smoking etc, surely there is a limit to what you can expect from society?
I think obesity must be horrible to deal with. The isolation, the staring on aircrafts, the humiliation, the inability to do so many things, (don't tell me this doesn't exist - I don't know anyone who loves to be obese) to live a life that lower weight people can live must be frustrating and when you guys on this site are such huge harry potter fans and not being able to ride rides for you passion must truly be hugely depressing.
All I can offer is that if this isn't a drive to get thin then what is? You love harry potter so much I would think, as hard as it must be to change your habits, that its an incredible wake up call to try to break the curse of unhealthy food. Learn to cook, give up the takeaway and junk food, learn about nutrition. What an opportunity.
I wish you all the best.
Posted Jun 25, 2010 at 9:04 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1814
harryalmostlegal says:
Shadow01 & oh dear:
I'm not insulted by your encouragement to enjoy life and a healthy lifestyle so no offense taken. But I'm pretty sure we've all heard it a thousand times before and overeating is a very complex issue for those of us who struggle with it. I don't smoke, seldom drink alcohol, don't do any illegal drugs (including pot), and don't take any "legal" drugs. But I do enjoy my late night snacking while I watch the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson when the house is quiet and my work is done for the day; it's relaxing and comforting. The problem with that is it's something I can't "hide" after I've put on the pounds. It is a form of addiction that is not easily hidden from discerning eyes. Perhaps if we banned all food advertisements on TV like we banned smoking ads (in the U.S.) we would all be healthier because of it. I don't eat fast food, seldom eat fried foods, and eat out maybe once a week. I also have never eaten the way they show those obese people on TV surrounded by 50 plates of food. I hate McDonald's! But eating something "sweet" just makes me feel very calm! I force myself to eat vegetables because most of them taste very bitter to me for some reason. It's just a very complicated issue for some of us. It would be like telling a cocaine addict, "Just stop doing it...but make sure you get in a little sniff at least 3 times a day!"
The main issue here is that the HP Forbidden Journey ride, in particular, seems unusually small compared to your "typical" restraint ride and is a concern for more people than is normally expected. But then, if it does encourage some of us to give the old weight-loss game another try, then so be it. Craig Ferguson is just coming on now and I've got only my water bottle next to me.
Posted Jun 26, 2010 at 1:25 AM EST
Muggle
Points: 2
ImDown4Brownies says:
harryalmostlegal
Are saying being addict to cocaine is easier then being addicted to sweets and fatty foods?
Posted Jun 26, 2010 at 8:05 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1814
harryalmostlegal says:
ImDown4Brownies:
No, I never said being addicted to cocaine is easy. I was merely using that as an example to help explain to those who don't understand the connection some people have to food - it can be like an addiction to any other substance. The unique quality of food addiction is that you can't totally stop eating so you are forever tied to that thing which brings you comfort yet also destroys you at the same time when you can't control the urge to overeat.
Posted Jun 26, 2010 at 12:20 PM EST
Points: 1
J Muggle says:
For the time being there will not be a change at Forbidden Journey as there is no way to add in special cars to the ride and create a new line for larger people so they would be ready to go when the cars were there. Basically a logistical nightmare that would .
So at this time the only way enjoy the ride is to work to reduce your weight so you can enjoy the Forbidden Journey.
The ride was made to accommodate the greatest number of range of people safely who are Harry Potter fans, however there had to be a cut off at some point. Sad but true.
Posted Jun 26, 2010 at 1:53 PM EST
Points: 1
ToddGarner says:
The reason Dwight Howard can fit is because he is FIFTEEN INCHES taller than you and his mass is evenly distributed.
You on the other hand, are MUCH shorter and a hell of a lot WIDER because of it.
Companies cannot ALWAYS modify their rides, Not to mention they can NOT anticipate dimensions. Sure, You can make seats that are 60 inches wide, but then hydraulics, speed, etc. all has to be modified so every one has the same riding experience. You would be surprised how dimensions can mess with the ride. Its a balance of proper inertia and it would take more force to STOP a bunch of overweight riders than, o, say normal ones .
I can go on and on about why I agree not everything should be accommodating for the overweight, but i will beat myself to the punch...
I'm sick and tired of fat people complaining about things they cant fit into. Stop complaining and eat a f.u.c.king salad. Put down the fast food and hot pockets...
Posted Jun 27, 2010 at 1:55 AM EST
Points: 2
MystyWolf says:
If you are worried about your size (or friends'/family members' waist lines) read this first!
My fiance, two friends and I just went to Universal to check out the new Harry Potter section of the park, and hopefully to ride the Forbidden Journey. Three of us (including me) are considered "plus size" and we were not sure if we would be able to get on the ride. None of us require modified seating on other rides, but a few of us are close to needing it. After all this hype about size, I decided to try out the test seat at the front gate. What really shocked me was when I sat down, the staff member would not allow me to pull the harness down, nor would he push it down to see if he could get a "green light" on me. He simply laid it against me and told me that I would not be able to ride. Devastated, I asked the other two "plus people" in our group to try sitting in the test seat. They too, were told flatly they could not ride, but if we wanted to take the tour of the castle we could do so. We were aghast at this type of treatment; the staff member was very apathetic, told us that no attempt would be or could be made to close the harness for us while on the ride and he was plus sized himself! We decided to go into the line anyways. All the way up to the front we were nervous, but we decided to have a little faith (or is it magic?). We were not stopped at the front of the line, nor were we stopped when we went to get into the actual cars. I and another "fluffy" member of my party were able to latch the harness with the required three clicks no problem. Another one of our party members had a staff member push the harness into place one more click. He was asked if he was comfortable, and when he said he was, we were on our way. The ride was fantastic!
The moral of the story is: if you are plus sized and do not require modified seating on other rides (people requiring modified seating may have a problem latching the harness, but if you are almost able to close a regular harness you should be fine), skip the test seat and try to get onto the ride anyways. They will try to close your harness for you and only if they cannot get it down three clicks (or you turn blue because it is so tight) will they tell you that you can't ride.
I hope this alleviates some of your anxieties if you feel you need to go on a diet to ride!
Posted Jun 28, 2010 at 2:46 PM EST
The Golden Snidget
Points: 3165
Mrs. Phineas Nigellus says:
Not to sound like a bratty tween, but this majorly sucks! I am a 215 female with most of my weight concentrated in my upper body, and I would hate to go all the way down to Orlando and not be able to ride. Lots of money goes into this park and I think it would be a terrible shame as a consumer to not get the services promised after shelling out such money to vacation there. The park designers should have considered this when creating the ride! After spending so much money to build the park, they should have thought to accommodate this!
*The MRS*
Posted Jun 28, 2010 at 9:29 PM EST
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