The Best Universal Orlando Rides for Larger Guests

The Best Universal Orlando Rides for Larger Guests

The Best Universal Orlando Rides for Larger Guests

This article is your guide to understanding what are the best Universal Orlando rides for larger guests. Some of my favorite rides like Revenge of the Mummy or even The Incredible Hulk Coaster have special cars which have accessible restraints for larger guests. So, in this guide, we are going to cover the impressive selection of Universal rides for larger guests, and give you the best tips to have the most EPIC time!

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SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Universal Orlando be sure to check out our Universal Crowd Calendar!

 Universal Crowd Calendar

What are the Best Universal Orlando Rides for Larger Guests?

Since I’ve had experience planning vacations needing these accommodations, I am excited to share these tips and tricks to make sure you have as much fun as I did. Therefore, in this article, we are going to cover Universal Studios’ size restrictions and accommodations like adjustable seats or alternative carts. With that being said, our article is not meant to give any medical advice, just how to navigate Universal rides for larger guests able to ride. Make sure to contact your doctor if you have any medical concerns about riding any attractions at Universal Orlando Resort.

Best Rides at Universal Orlando Resort for Larger Guests

Universal Studios Florida

• The Simpsons
• Fast & Furious: Supercharged
• Transformers: The Ride 3D
• Men in Black Alien Attack
• Hogwarts Express (Park-to-Park)

Islands of Adventure

• Doctor Doom’s Fearfall
• Skull Island: Reign of Kong
• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
• Flight of the Hippogriff
• The Cat in the Hat
• Jurassic Park River Adventure – the front row is the most narrow so keep that in mind

Most of these rides that work the best for larger people have long lap bars or bench seating to allow the most comfort during the ride. Hence, you will see that most roller coasters are not the best for larger guests, as most of them require special restraints.

Related Post: What is the Most Thrilling Ride at Universal?

What are the Worst Universal Rides for Larger Guests?

This section focuses on the rides that might pose more of a challenge for those seeking comfort and ease. While Universal Orlando offers a world of excitement and thrills, it’s important to know which attractions might be less accommodating to ensure your visit is as enjoyable as possible. Here, we’ll highlight the rides that larger guests may want to approach with caution or possibly avoid, providing you with the knowledge to make the most out of your Universal Orlando experience.

Worst Rides at Universal Orlando for Larger Guests

Universal Studios Florida

• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts

Islands of Adventure

• Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls
• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• Jurassic World VelociCoaster

Related Post: The Top 12 Best Rides at Universal Orlando Ranked

Are there Tester Seats at Universal Orlando Resort?

Yes! Tester seats are one of the best ways that guests are concerned about fitting in the ride seats. At the entrance of every single thrill ride at Universal Studios, there are tester seats, which guests are welcome to try. This is the best way to test out all of the fat-friendly rides Universal Studios has without the extra embarrassment of doing so in front of others. Each Universal Orlando ride is different, that’s why if you are concerned, you should try every single tester seat first!

What Kind of Accommodations are there at Universal Studios for Larger Guests?

• The Incredible Hulk Coaster – The ride utilizes an overhead restraint system. If you’re a larger guest, you can request a modified seat in various rows. These modified seats will have two orange seat buckles instead of one, providing a more accommodating experience.
• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – This ride features a lap bar restraint. For extra legroom, be sure to ask for the back row, where you’ll have more space to stretch out and enjoy the adventure.
• ET Adventure Ride – The ride uses a lap bar restraint, and if you’d like a bit more room, make sure to ask for a bench seat. It’s a comfier option for larger guests
• Race through New York starring Jimmy Fallon – This ride uses a seatbelt restraint. If you need a seat belt extender for a comfortable fit, don’t hesitate to request one.
• Revenge of the Mummy – The ride employs a lap bar restraint. For a modified seating option that can provide more comfort, ask to sit in the modified seats in the back row. They’re designed with larger guests in mind
• Flight of the Hippogriff – The ride uses a lap bar restraint. If you prefer more space, you can ask to sit alone as a single rider, which allows for a bit more freedom and comfort

Commonly, it all has to do with body shape, and not necessarily size, and how it fits in the individual ride car. Universal Orlando does not have a weight limit, instead, all attractions are based on the actual fit and if the restraints will lock.

Related Post: The Ultimate Guide to Universal Orlando Rides

What is the Waist Size Allowed on Rides at Universal Studios?

There are many things to be concerned about when planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort, but understanding weight limits at Universal Studios shouldn’t be one of them! Universal Orlando Resort strives to accommodate guests of all body types to ensure the most epic time when riding attractions or seeing incredible shows. I’ve personally been extremely impressed with Universal for being plus-sized friendly, and extremely accommodating for guests with disabilities. With that being said, there is still a lot of work to be done to be more accommodating for guests with larger bodies and newer, thrilling attractions.

Universal Ride Waist Size

• 40 inches or less

Universal Orlando Resort has put out an official guideline to keep in mind before you visit, that if your waistline meets or exceeds 40 inches, there are a few rides where accommodations might not be possible. With that being said, that is just a guideline! Plenty of guests will learn there is no Universal Studios weight limit, and as long as you are comfortable and the ride is secured safely, you’re all set! We strongly encourage you to give the test seats a try, which you can find right at the entrance of these attractions. They’ll help you figure out if you can comfortably enjoy the ride.

Related Post: The Top 12 Best Rides at Universal Orlando Ranked

Are there Volcano Bay Rides for Larger Guests?

Yes, there are rides at Volcano Bay for larger guests. With that being said, unlike the theme parks there are Volcano Bay weight limits for the safety of guests. Unfortunately too, Universal will weigh you at Volcano Bay to make sure you are under the limit. But, there are attractions like Waturi Beach, Kopiko Wai Winding River, and the Ohyah and Ohno Drop Slides which have no weight restrictions.

Is there a Weight Limitation for Volcano Bay Rides?

Unlike the theme parks, there are Volcano Bay weight limits to ensure the safety of the riders. Therefore, certain rides at Volcano Bay have weight limits in place.

The weight limits are implemented to maintain the proper functioning of the ride and to ensure that safety restraints can effectively secure guests during the experience. Exceeding the specified weight limit might compromise the effectiveness of the restraints, potentially leading to safety concerns.

Rides at Volcano Bay with a weight limit

• Punga Racers – 300 lbs (136 kgs)
• Ko’okiri Body Plunge – 300 lbs (136 kgs)
• Kala and Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slide – 275 lbs (124 kgs)
• Taniwha Tubes – 450 lbs (204 kgs) combined for two rides, 300 lbs for one (136 kgs)
• Krakatau Aqua Coaster – 700 lbs (318 kgs) combined for up to 4 riders
• Honu of Honu ika Moana – 700 lbs (318 kgs) combined for up to 5 riders
• Ika Moana of Honu ika Moana – 800 lbs (363 kgs) combined for up to 5 riders
• Puihi of Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides – 850 lbs (386 kgs) combined for up to 6 riders
• Maki of Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides – 1050 lbs (476 kgs) combined for 6 riders

Related Post: Visiting Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Park

Universal Orlando Rides for Larger Guests FAQ

Q: Is Universal Studios plus-sized friendly?

A: When it comes to theme parks in the Orlando area, Universal probably isn’t the best option. With that being said, there are attractions and shows that you can enjoy as a larger guest visiting Universal, but it still has a long way to go before it’s considered inclusive. We love that there have been accommodations taken into consideration and we hope that with the construction of EPIC Universe, there will be more plus-size friendly rides at Universal.

Q: How big is too big for Universal Studios?

A: Universal Orlando Resort does not have a specific weight limit for guests. Instead, they focus on the actual fit and whether the restraints can be securely locked for each ride. While there is a guideline that mentions a waistline of 40 inches or more, it’s important to note that it’s just a guideline and not a strict rule. Many guests who exceed this guideline can still comfortably enjoy the rides as long as they can safely fit and the restraints can be secured.

Q: Can large people fit on rides at Universal?

A: Universal Orlando Resort strives to accommodate guests of all body types and sizes. They provide various accommodations such as adjustable seats, alternative carts, or modified seating options on certain rides to ensure a more comfortable experience for larger guests. It’s recommended to try the tester seats located at the entrance of each thrill ride to determine if you can comfortably fit in the ride’s seating arrangement.

Q: Will Universal Team Members help me as a plus-sized guest close to fitting ride restraints?

A: This answer could go either way depending on what Team Member you encounter. Some team members are more than happy to assist you in securing your cart while others will just ask you to exit the vehicle. Team Members may also ask you to try out a tester seat before getting on the actual ride seat in the queue.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out our discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and Universal Orlando vacation package deals which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

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