Being Overweight at Disneyland sounds like it might make for a horrible day — but with a few tips you can still make it very magical!
Overweight at Disneyland?
I’m not saying I would fall in the category of extremely overweight. But, my bmi does fall in the obese category (sigh) and I, most certainly take up the whole seat.
I didn’t the last time I went to Disneyland. This last trip was the largest I’ve been at Disneyland.
I anticipated it to be worse… In fact, I think Disney is the most “fat-friendly” (google search word, not mine) park around! (no surprise, they seem to want to cater to ALL people)
BUT, I do have some tips to make your stay at the most magical place on earth a little happier! Don’t miss my Disneyland Tips page that puts all my BEST tips in one spot (btw, if you’re looking for info about doing Disneyland Pregnant << it’s all there).
**This post may be a little TMI for you – so keep that in mind as you go forward, this is being written by your favorite nurse**Get my Double Feature Disneyland Day Planner
Do all the popular rides in both Disneyland and California Adventure!
Stay Comfortable
I totally recommend wearing a pantiliner or pad to catch all the sweat, and whatnot that collects at the “gutter of your abdomen” (yup, I did say this might be TMI). Bring a few extras in your Disneyland bag. These are my favorite (and you can’t beat the price) — they have great wipes too!
Also, if chafing is an issue I carry a small container of Bag Balm (you can put it in a contact lens container if you’d like) to put in any tender parts. I find that one works better than anything else (and I used it this last time).
You can also use some feminine wipes for all of that. Even if it’s not super hot at Disneyland, you may not feel so fresh! Don’t miss what to bring to Disneyland — I carry a walking pharmacy.
Air Dry
As much as you can dry any crevices and orifices after your shower – try to get as dry as possible….
**Keep in mind there is a LOT of walking at the Disneyland resort — if inner thighs might be an issue — I’ve also heard good things about these**
Right Shoes
I think the right shoes are specific for each person.
I do think you need to be honest that you’re not a bean pole that will be fine in your flip-flops. I’d try to make sure that you’re bringing shoes that will make you as comfortable as possible.
I use these, but they certainly won’t work for everyone. Very pronounced arches help a lot for me (I love my Danskos at work, but I think they’d be too hard at Disneyland).
So, be sure to take shoes into CAREFUL thought before you go.
Right Hotel
Get a good night’s rest when you book with Get Away Today — they can tell you which hotel will fit your needs! Plus, save $10 with code CURLS10 when you book!
Tips for Overweight people at Disneyland
Pull out the belt before you sit down.
You will often fill up the whole seat when you sit down.
If you pull out the straps before you sit down, this can save you the inconvenience/embarrassment of having to hoist yourself out, get the straps and THEN sit down.
Or, some of them you can even fasten while standing – which leaves out that awkward part of rooting for the slot to plug your belt into.
I have not had any issues or ever seen anyone get a seatbelt expander (I googled it pretty extensively also), I find their seatbelts to be plenty large.
Carry a small bag
If your party has a backpack – have someone else take it on the rides with them, if at all possible.
The tight spaces of the ride, plus trying to get in/out – you’ll just be a lot happier without it. I used this bag on our trip and I LOOOOOVED it. I could keep it on my person all the time, even on rides and I felt super secure with it.
Big bodies/Little bodies
Keep in mind that some of the rides have a bar that fits down over all the people in the seat.
This is true for Big Thunder. Often, my kids don’t feel secure because I have the bar smooshed into my big belly, leaving a lot of room for them to bounce around. They prefer to ride with each other, and I ride with my husband.
Weight restrictions/limits at Disneyland
I have never seen or googled any actual weight restrictions on any ride at Disneyland (they used to have one, but that ride isn’t there anymore).
I found an awesome blog that shares what her experience was with each ride. That way you can kind of know what to expect going in.
The one ride that is tough for me is the Matterhorn. There is a bar that comes down that doesn’t leave much room for your legs at all. Plus getting in and out of that car is SO hard (it’s just a weird angle). I also slide around a lot and have a hard time sitting up. Maybe everyone does – but it’s uncomfortable for sure.
California Screaming Fat Friendly?
Well, the ride name is changing really soon to the Incredi-Coaster, but it is pretty good for overweight people.
The seats are pretty large, and you each get your own bar. Entrance and exit aren’t bad at all.
Pooh Sized at Disneyland
I know that being overweight makes things awkward. BUT, there is no reason to feel like you can’t go to Disneyland and REALLY enjoy it!
Be sure to download my Disney day planner that lets you know which rides to ride first (one of the BEST tips is to wait in line as little as possible — Disneyland Maxpass made that possible on our last trip) and check out my other Disneyland posts below that:
Get my Double Feature Disneyland Day Planner
Do all the popular rides in both Disneyland and California Adventure!
How to Save Money at Disneyland
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Being a Princess at Disneyland
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Best Time of Year to go to Disneyland: All Four Seasons
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What to pack for Disneyland: Learning to pack light.
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Disneyland Trip Calculator: How much will your Disneyland trip cost?
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Disneyland While Pregnant: Tips from The Pregnancy Nurse
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As a “big girl” I was totally comfortable the last time we went to Disneyland. 275lbs. That is before my last pregnancy (that added about 20lbs to my already BIG body.). Your tips are dead on! We were passholders then and I never had any issues when I focused on my comfort as the big one in the family.
We are planning a big multi day trip in 2019 when our youngest will be 3. I am working on shedding some of the weight both to be healthy and to better enjoy the trip. I already lost the baby weight and another 25lbs. Not to mention the 7lbs I gained during the holidays are gone!
The only thing I can add is if you are asthmatic like I am keep your inhaler on you and a spare in your bag or on another adult in your group/family. I didn’t have any major issues where I needed it but you never know and having to dig in a backpack or purse for your inhaler could make things 10x worse. We big girls can get winded faster than the skinny ones sometimes.
Great advice about the inhaler!