I think one of the reasons why people are upset about the weight/size restriction on this ride is not so much that there is one, but more so because it is a lot more restrictive than the other rides and attractions in the Orlando area. People who never had an issue with getting on attractions before arent able to ride this one because the size limits seem to be significantly more restrictive than we have experienced at the theme parks in the Orlando area.
I am overweight, and I am not sure if I will be able to fit on the seats. I am probably right on the borderline and could go either way at this point. I truly appreciate everyone who has been open about sharing their experiences. Some days, I read the reports and think I have nothing to worry about. Other days, I read the reports and think there is no chance for me to ride the FJ.
I have been to all of the Disney parks in the US, some local parks, and Universal Orlando. My weight has never restricted me from experiencing a ride I wanted to go on. Sometimes it may be a tight fit, but Ive never been denied access to a ride. I did have one flying swing ride I chose not to ride because I didnt feel that I would be comfortable enough to ride after testing the seat--I could have ridden, but I made the choice not to. I will admit that at one point, I was carrying a bit more weight, and I did have to use the modified seats on the IOA coasters, but on my last trip, I had lost enough weight to be able to sit in the regular seats.
My weight has never kept me from doing anything I wanted. I have never had to buy an extra seat at an airplane. I have never been denied access to a seat at a theatre or arena. So knowing that there is a very good chance that I may not be able to experience the FJ at my current size is a very new experience for me.
And the disappointment is actually increased because there has been so much anticipation and hype surrounding the WWOHP. So many of us have followed the development of the WWOHP. Weve devoured the information about the area. Weve saved money and allocated our vacation dollars to stay at a Universal Resort and experience everything that the WWOHP has to offer.
And now that it has opened, its disappointing to realize that after all the buzz and excitement, I may not be able to experience the only NEW ride offered in the WWOHP. Its really too bad that Universal created an experience that is so restrictive when there has been so much hype around it, and features characters that are so beloved by so many people.
(As a side note, I have to say that I think Universal made a huge mistake by not creating a new attraction that could be experienced by entire family, as Im sure there are a lot of Harry Potter fans who are under the 48 inch height limit but thats not really on topic for this thread).
I am trying to lose some weight, and I will certainly try to get on the ride because I may very well make it even at my current weight.
Im just grateful that I know about this in advance so that I can prepare myself for the possibility that I may not be able to experience this ride. I feel bad for the families who dont read this board and get there to find out that someone cant ride because of their size. I just imagine a family who has read and reread the books together who get there and realize that dad cant ride with them because he is too big for the ride.