As Americans get fatter, more worry they won’t fit on roller coasters
Overweight Mike Galvan has endured the ‘walk of shame’ several times after failing to fit in the seat of a theme park ride. It doesn’t help that size restrictions vary from theme park to theme park
Universal’s Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey has bedevilled many big and tall riders, who discover at the last moment that their journey aboard the new attraction is indeed forbidden because they don’t fit in the “enchanted benches”.
The uncomfortable scene is a familiar one to anybody who has ever visited a theme park: the overweight rider becomes increasingly embarrassed as the ride attendant pushes and shoves with all his might on the over-the-shoulder restraint that stubbornly refuses to click closed. Everybody waiting in line knows what comes next: the walk of shame.
“The walk of shame is an embarrassing experience,” says Mike Galvan, who penned the Big Boy’s Guide to Roller Coasters. “I’ve been there many times. It’s disheartening.”
“When the over-the-shoulder restraint comes down, if part of you is hanging over, whether it be your gut, your thighs or your shoulders, you’re going to be very uncomfortable,” Galvan says.
While there are no height or weight maximums for Forbidden Journey, the safety restraints must be able to close properly in order for guests to ride, say Universal officials.