Fat at Disney World – Experiencing Disney as a Plus-Size Guest

Walt Disney World is the dream vacation for many. With 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, and Disney Springs (known as Downtown Disney to us millennials), there is a lot to see and do. But if you are plus-size it can be extremely intimidating to invest in a Disney Vacation.

The biggest fear for many of us is the dreaded “walk of shame”, where you are asked to leave the ride after realizing you do not fit in the seats. Trust us, we have both been asked to leave rides in other theme parks, so the fear is very very real.

Disney is the place for plus-size princesses and princes to experience the joy and excitement of a theme park without needing to feel self-conscious or fearful of not being able to participate. 

The reason for this is that the majority of the rides are built with bench-style seating. This makes it easier for larger individuals to sit on the rides without having their hips, thighs, arms, etc. pinched by the molded plastic. 

While there are expectations for this (which I’ll talk about below) plus-size individuals can ride almost every ride at the parks! But unlike other theme parks, Disney does a great job catering to those guests who don’t want to ride on fast-moving rides by filtering in numerous shows and experiences throughout each park.

So if you are ready to grab your Mickey ears and plan that dream Disney Vacation, here is a list of the best plus-size friendly rides and shows in Walt Disney World, Florida. 

Where to Find Test Seats at Disney Parks

One of the big questions I see when it comes to rides at any amusement park is whether or not there are test seats.

Unlike Universal Studios, Disney does a good job of camouflaging the test seats to provide riders with security and comfort when trying out if they will be comfortable in the seat.

Because Disney does not have weight limits on rides, the size of the seat can make a big difference for guests.

Many times you will find a test seat outside of the entrance of a ride.

If you can’t find the seat on your own, you can ask a cast member and they will point you in the right direction.

However, it is noteworthy that not all rides in Disney have test seats. This is because the design concept for Disney rides is to be inclusive. That means that majority of the rides are plus-size friendly. In fact, many plus-size guests have even said they got to ride all the rides!

Getting Around Disney as a Plus-Size Guest

I don’t know about you, but walking for 8-12 hours a day can be extremely exhausting even for fit individuals. 

So when preparing for a day at Disney you have to take into consideration standing in long lines, walking long distances, and just in general things we don’t do on a normal day as humans. 

While you can prepare for your trip by adding in more physical activity to your daily schedule, it still doesn’t prepare you.

Thankfully Disney provides seating and rest areas throughout each park. This means that there are benches, shows, and activities that provide you with resting opportunities in each park.

Many Disney guests will elect for a longer show strategically throughout their day to grab a quick nap (yes, many people nap during the shows) or even just give their feet a break from all the standing. 

Some great shows to do this at are Finding Nemo, American Adventure, Hall of Presidents, and Beauty and the Beast. While it might be more comfortable to go back to your hotel to grab a nap, those power naps can definitely help push you through to the finish line. So if you need to grab a nap while in the park & opt for one of these shows, consider taking a seat in the back. This gives appreciation to the cast members putting the show on and allows those other guests who want to experience the show the opportunity to. 
If you have difficulty walking or need assistance check in with Guest Services for accommodations.