VSG on 08/18/10. Theme park ride restrictions can be a stressful topic for the plus-size community. I moved here several years ago I had no idea we were so close to such a wonderful get away. While we were there, Julie and I decided to ride separately to make the lap bar and the seat belt fit us better. Despite its challenges, the Dollywood Theme Park welcomes all visitors. It sounds like you've done a little homework already. The newest roller coaster at Dollywood is the DragonFlier. Now if you wanted to purchase a ticket, you got a reservation. Lightning Rod When we tried to ride together, the seat belt would not connect. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. While we do our best to bring you the most up-to-date information, TheSmokies.com LLC makes no warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of any content contained within. 8 Snow Tips in the Smokies, Will Ghost Town in the Sky Reopen? #6 Dragon Flyer This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Cedar Point. Dollywood Questions & Answers 18,438 Reviews Ranked #7 of 314 Attractions in Pigeon Forge 765shanna. Before we begin, its important to remind our readers that no two bodies are exactly alike. Kelsey Godfrey (Dollywood Insider 2021-2022) was born and raised in Townsend, Tennessee and currently resides there in a cozy mountain cabin that she documents on Instagram (@cabinonchristylane). Yes, and yes, and yes, and yes, and yes, and yes, and yes, and yes, and yes, and yes, and yes, and You may bring any empty container into Dollywood without the need for a glass container, as long as it is not filled with glass and is large enough to fit in a purse or backpack; however, a search will take place at the front door if it is found. These are the rides in Country Fair with no height requirement, but these children must be able to sit up on their own: Lemon Twist (must be accompanied by someone who is 16 years old or older) Amazing Flying Elephants (must be accompanied by someone who is 16 years old or older) Piggy Parade Busy Bees Lucky Ducky Dollywood is an excellent place to bring a cup of tea. So my advice would be to pick something close that you can reliably visit and just keep trying OR go with the family and friends that motivate and support you whenever you can and keep making that effort. Do better, Dollywood. The Mystery Mine restraints may prove to be difficult for some plus-size riders (photo by Daniel Munson/TheSmokies.com). The theme is the corn giblets at Thanksgiving. Read further to find out. Riders under 48 inches must be accompanied by someone 16 or older. #8 Blazing Fury With a top speed of 73 mph, Dollywood Lightning Rod is the fastest wooden roller coaster in the world, making it the ideal ride for the ultimate thrill seeker. He was a good 300lbs+ & wider than I am tall (comon Southern thang, nbd). While Mike Galvan shares how to hack the amusement park experience into a more inclusive one, Jana Schmeidings personal essay, I Was Kicked Off The Harry Potter Ride For Being Too Fat For The Seatsrecounts her experience at Universal Studios. The ride will have a top speed of 48 mph and will pass behind a waterfall and have three separate launches. Julie and I both were able to have the restraint easily work for us, even with my larger chest. Despite these setbacks, plus-size people can still enjoy Dollywoods themed areas. Some attractions may not be suitable for people weighing more than 270 pounds, 6 feet tall, or 4 inches in height. FireChaser Express has a lap bar system that easily worked for us. Tennessee's Dollywood has 6-foot-6-inch height maximums on a number of rides, including the Wild Eagle wing coaster. I personally rode along side (usually a single rider) a very large man on eagle a few weeks ago & he had to work at it a couple tries but eventually fit fine. If you need to know about a specific park, r/rollercoasters is probably a better resource because its full of thrill ride fanatics who know every aspect of the rides. As she waited for her friends to complete the ride, she watched as other busty and disappointed riders were turned away as well. The swirling loops of the Tornado include a 128-foot drop through a mountain at speeds approaching 70 mph. Other than the obvious issue of seat requirements not being met, are there any suggestions for larger persons going on a trip through an amusement park? Thunderhead, located in Timber Canyon, is a modern take on that tradition. Privacy Policy. Seat dividers will make things more difficult. 2. The staff and I do mean all of Dollys staff are so friendly and caring people they go above and beyond to see that you have a wonderful time. It is a very friendly safe happy family place and I am blessed to live only one hour away. In fact, they were the best roller coasters in the world. Tess Holliday frequently flaunts her visits to Disneyland, The Big Boys Guide to Rollercoaster Restraints, I Was Kicked Off The Harry Potter Ride For Being Too Fat For The Seats. Located in the Wildwood Grove area of the park, it gives families a chance to feel the exhilaration of riding a big coaster that wont terrify the timid. Please keep in mind that each body is shaped differently, and what works for some wont work for others simply due to body shape. Iwas about that size and could not go on the bigger roller coasters. . Amy A. on 10/18/10 1:17 am - Riceville, TN. Some rides at Walt Disney World may have a height limit on them. Roller coaster and drop tower manufacturer Utah's S&S Worldwide sets a maximum weight restriction of 300 pounds and includes a sensor on each ride to detect over-sized riders. I am 6' weigh 275 and rode all the coasters a couple of years ago. That ain't easy and isn't always recognized so good job! I believe that Six Flags Over Texas should install seat belt restraint devices that adjust to fit your body type to keep you safe on their amusement park rides. Busch Gardens Williamsburg is located at 1 Busch Gardens Boulevard, Williamsburg, VA 23185. You cant even talk over the noise. We only were allowed to use the passes once this pass season. The rides choose to go on, I can fit. Read Also: Dollywood rides ranked: 10 best coasters and rides in the park. Dollywood is NOT friendly to fluffy folks. The ride is an adventure in itself, as it features 32 crossovers and 22 turns. Dollywood Express Train Ride is a crowd favorite where size does not matter. I was there this past April and had the same concerns as you. Dolly Parton was there on a make-shift stage ready to announce the parks massive new attraction, the first coaster on the Jukebox Junction Country Fair side of the park. How are you going to give top ranking to a coaster no one ever gets to ride? 2 worthy. 3. IMO- the limits may vary by the ride. Modified seats are on all 3 rows on Sheikra, and the center rows on Kumba and Montu. Overall, you will be happy to know that Dollywood wasnt named the Friendliest Theme Park in America for nothin. Dollywood weight restrictions are as follows: no more than two people may ride together in one car, and the combined weight of those two people may not exceed 300 pounds. For those who either cant or dont want to partake in the rides at Dollywood, theres still plenty of fun to be had elsewhere in the park. You May be Mid-Size, What to Stream When Youre Looking for Plus-Size Representation In 2022, Im Daydreaming Of When I Can Have a Vacation Fling Again, What Is Plus Size? I'm 5'10 and weigh a little over 300 pounds and these are the amusement parks I've either been to and had no luck with the rides or heard not to try: Six flags atlanta, dollywood, kentucky kingdom, and cedar point. There are no weight restrictions on any of Walt Disney Worlds rides. July 27, 2010. John Gullion, Managing Editor at the Citizen Tribune, is a freelance contributor for TheSmokies.com LLC the parent company of TheSmokies.com and HeyOrlando.com. Non-slip cork back an. The coaster is so popular that it often has a long line, but it is definitely worth the wait! If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Reminiscent of the Pirates of the Caribbean, there are a number of amusing scenes, quirky historical references and one good drop. I've done some looking online but haven't found a whole lot of helpful information. At Dollywood, we are blessed with a beautiful location in the foothills of". Gatlinburg Bathrooms: Where Can You Use the Restroom? The coaster reaches a height of 210 feet and a top speed of 61 mph. im 59 and about 300lbs, i was only able to ride the log water ride. Let us know onsocial, and be sure to tag your amusement park outfits with#mydiastyleso we can like and share! You just stand there and go deaf listening to awful blaring sound effects and horrible music. I have a hard time fitting in some roller coasters. Thanks a ton in advance! They have sample seats to try before you get on. I'm gonna speak bluntly. Have fun! Dollywood Coasters | Redbubble Shop thousands of high quality, Dollywood drink coasters designed by artists. Whether youre looking for thrill rides or a more relaxed experience, Dollywood has something for everyone. Parking for standard-sized vehicles costs $25, while parking for oversize vehicles such as RVs and trailers costs $30. Located in Craftsmans Valley, Blazing Fury has a 42-inch height requirement which I find confounding, but I assume it has to do with the drop. Six Flags Over Texas is one of the largest and most popular amusement park chains in the United States. However, their newer OTSRs, like those found on Maverick, Kingda Ka, and Intimidator, are extremely accommodating (probably best in the industry). Forget the reservation nonsense & just go. Editors Note: This blog was originally posted Nov. 29, 2021. Let us know in the comments! Its a unique ride experience for the entire family, and its the parks only indoor roller coaster. Guests under 270 pounds and 6 feet, 4 inches are unlikely to have many problems. 20 of 39 Dollywood Ridess. I am 61 and weigh 250lbs. However, the ride has been plagued over the years by frequent issues that have resulted in periodic closures since that 2016 opening. According to the Dollywood accessibility guide, some attractions may not be suitable for people who weigh more than 270 pounds or are 5 feet, 6 inches tall. In her free time, Kelsey enjoys reading, baking, spending time on the lake, doing CrossFit, volunteering with her church, traveling the country and eating her way through Dollywood. The ride is relatively smooth and offers some of the best views in the park when you can take the time to look. A lot of the bigger rides require guests to be 48" tall in order to ride, so you seem to be ruling them out up-front. So pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again.", Upcoming Gastric Sleeve Surgery And I Am Dreading It, Getting ready for sleeve SO NERVOUS OF complications. The drawback of these is that you have to make sure you're queued in the right row, and those seats are rarely in the best locations on the train. The lap bar comes down very easily and caused us zero problems. #3 Thunderhead I can bring my grandchildren and feel very safe. They open it, it runs two cars and closes with 1000 people in line but they dont tell anyone. No one wants to be the person that does not fit on a ride while visiting the park, but if you find yourself in that position, please know that you will be met with nothing but kindness and even a ride re-entry pass for another attraction. Plus size guests will also enjoy the parks many shops and restaurants, which offer a variety of food and merchandise options. How do I bring my own cup to Hollywood? Its no wonder, with each ride having specific height and size requirements, that theme parks are an exclusive place made with the able-bodied in mind. Please see our weather guidelines for more information. and/or 6-ft.-4-in height. We made every effort to account for this and to be as thorough as possible when testing out each of these attractions. The minimum height for Mystery Mine is 48 inches. Those that went before you and were courageous enough to write about the experience can attest! Dolly If you are on the borderline, you may be asked to ride in the middle seat of a coaster row, just to be safe. I also found this on one of the Reddit posts from a few years ago, and I can confirm all of this is still good information as I visit BGT 4 or 5 times a year .. "I can tell you with specificity about the BGT coasters. These amusement parks were the roller coaster meccas of my youth. Can anyone that has been recently tell me if I will be able to fit in the . It is hard to say, some are hard for me and I am large. One year I was there with my friend and he was too tall. Cookie Notice Dollywood also essentially serves as a Dolly Parton museum of sorts with a tourable replica of Dolly Partons childhood home and the Chasing Rainbows Museum on site (included with general admission). Wilderness Pass. I am 5ft 11in and 240lbs. Thankfully, the plus-size people who came before us have given the internet some incredible tips for making the most out of your trip to a theme park. InThe Big Boys Guide to Rollercoaster Restraints, Mike Galvan, a passionate rollercoaster rider that was once too large to enjoy his favorite hobby, shares his vast knowledge on the topic. Lightning Rod Prepare to launch from zero to 45 miles per hour on the Lightning Rod, an amazing wooden coaster themed to a 1950s era hot rod! #4 Mystery Mine Its well-designed, fun and fresh. Though she was nervous about her body crushing her girlfriends smaller frame, about the lap bar not being able to go down far enough to accommodate their differing sizes, about her body weight causing the arm of the Dumbo ride off to snap off completelynothing bad happened at all. Since we often get the question, Is Dollywood fat friendly?, we decided to create this handy dandy guide to give you an idea of what to expect before you arrive at the Dollywood theme park. Not becaise of my weight, but because of the damned over the shoulder safety harnesses. Plus, the track goes over and under itself over 30 times. Its a dark ride taking you leisurely through a town set ablaze. Ill give it a shot after the next trip, because I saw some larger people overcome the issue. Another family coaster that offers an amusing ride for all. The swirling loops of the Tornado include a 128-foot drop through a mountain at speeds approaching 70 mph. Big Bear Mountain to Be Longest Coaster in Dollywood The roller coaster will feature three separate launches, multiple air-time hills, high-speed carousel turns, and a top speed of 48 miles. Were speculating that this ride will be No. embarrassing to try the test seats that many people use as waiting area , Our site produces editorial content for the purpose of entertainment. It is named, of course, for America's most beloved singer, Dolly Parton, who grew up in the area and co-owns the resort with Herschend Family Entertainment. With seats beside the track, the Wild Eagles riders have nothing above or below them as they soar through a series of loops and inversions 21 stories above the park below. However, the unique restraints can be uncomfortable at times. Also be sure to check the Dollywood website for current deals and promotions. The clamshell restraints found on all of their hyper/giga coasters are not only accommodating, but some of the most comfortable around. Fans are even allowed to hop aboard Dollys actual tour bus for a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity. Also, while parks with newer B&Ms don't actively advertise the "big boy seats", if you can't fit in a normal seat, ride ops are trained to know where the special seats are on each train, and will guide you on the platform (sometimes you might need to wait a cycle or two though). My daughter loved this ride so much that she rode it every time she was in the Firechaser Express. Located in Timber Canyon, Mystery Mine is set inside a haunted mining operation from the 19th century. Let us know in the comments! I try to get our family season passes every year. My experience at the Village Carousel is that I typically sit in the carts and ride the carousel. There are more twists and turns than on the classic coasters, but I think some of that is simply the demands of the terrain. As one of the newest additions to the park, Im very fond of this family suspended coaster that mimics the flight of a dragonfly. There is a divider in the seat that goes between the two passengers, so keep this in mind if being too wide is a concern of yours. Can you take empty water bottles to the Dollywood theme park? I live in Kentucky and am interested in any theme parks across the United States that I might be able to visit and actually ride the rides! It is not necessary to use this seat in order to take the ride. We both agreed that Blazing Fury is an extremely comfortable attraction for a plus-sized person. At 34.5 mph, the ride, located in Wilderness Pass, is quick enough to be exhilarating but its not overpowering. At Eagle Mountain Sanctuary, visitors can see bald eagles that are not releasable in the country. And some are less daring than others looking at you Blazing Fury. The best coaster, in my opinion, was the Mystery Mine coaster, but they all were pretty good. Subscribe to our newsletter, special offers and promotional emails. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate and a partner of other affiliate programs including Booking.com, CJ and Tripster, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases via links found in this article. Most of the rides that might be difficult have a trial seat near the entrance they can sit in & try out the restraint system to see if it will work for them. During the summer, the best time to visit Dollywoods Splash Country is on cloudy, rainy days, when there is a chance of rain. At Six Flags Over Texas, there are no weight restrictions on any ride. Our Managing Director Mr.Joseis one of the famous designer icon having wide knowledge and experience with professional skill for whom we are here in our the best position of fashion market, Rotating Trends: Whats In and What will Soon be Out, Smart Shopping: How to Get Fashionable Outfits without Breaking the Bank, The Controversial Reality Show Honey Boo Boo, How To Shop For Plus Size Clothing When Youre A Curvy Girl, Title:Syncr Pro: The Perfect Tire Inflator For Plus Size Tires, Plus Size Chokers The Perfect Accessory For Any Outfit, Honey Boo Boos Family: Criticized For Unhealthy Eating Habits, The Famous Reality TV Family Of Honey Boo Boo And Mama June. I personally rode along side (usually a single rider) a . The hosts at Wild Eagle work hard to make sure you fit into this ride and told us that they highly recommend any guest of a larger size to ride in row 4 in order to ensure their ability to ride. Most of these rides are engineered in Europe and are less accomodating to American body types. The issue isnt necessarily the weight of a guest, but their torso circumference or barrel. Read Also: Dollywood vs Disney: How do the two theme parks compare? #5 Fire Chaser Read More. (As opposed to being too tall and just learning parks are built for people shorter than you.) Dollywoods Accessibility Guide states that certain attractions may not accommodate individuals approaching 270 lbs. The park is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and its wide array of rides and attractions. Read Also: I got to walk along the tracks of Blazing Fury at Dollywood; 8 things I learned. Kings Island. Most rides allow you to use these if you are concerned about the size. 40 helpful votes. The nice thing is there is a sample seat out in front of every ride so you can test if you fit before spending time in line. It can be somewhat nerve wracking to wait in line for a ride that you are super excited about, only to find out once in the seat that the lap bar wont close or that the seat belt wont connect. There are also plenty of crafting opportunities like the knife making and candle pouring classes in Craftsmans Valley. No visit to Dollywood is complete without a ride on the Dollywood Express, a vintage steam train. I had a guy sit next to me on 7DMT last weekend, who must have been pushing the 300lb mark, so there are a few out there, even though they are family type coasters. This coaster mimics the flight of a Smoky Mountain dragonfly as it speeds through the terrain in a twisting, unpredictable path. The newly-christened Dollywood wasnt even on my thrill-seeking radar. The newer B&M OTSRs are a little more restrictive, but are still pretty accommodating. Heres What You Should Know, 29 Best Restaurants in Pigeon Forge, Ranked [2023], Great Smoky Mountains National Park Entrance Fees, What You Should Know, Smoky Mountains in March: Events in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge [2023], A Simple Guide to Smoky Mountain Parking Passes, Park it Forward. S.S Worldwide, based in Utah, manufactures roller coasters and drop towers with maximum weight restrictions, as well as belt locking mechanisms that restrict riders who are too large to fit inside. Alternatively, you may use. Great work on your progress! I spent my formative roller coaster years as a child of the Midwest. It has been surpassed over the years by newer editions, but it serves as a significant milestone in Dollywood history. 5 years ago. Save. Park Location. Dollywood does have test seats for their rides, but they are not available to the public. We are not endorsed by, authorized by, or affiliated with any mentioned attractions. Kind of. Of the three of us there, Dolly, the ride and I, only two were working. Dont listen to Carol&Jack, I have season passes & Ive been 15 times this year. Hosts at Dollywood always go the extra mile to accommodate guests. file a discrimination complaint because of the fat-shaming experience she had at an amusement park. Its good for small children to be exposed to the idea of roller coaster riding but it feels like something that could be replicated at a good state fair. Can I fit into a Dollywood ride? There are options available for people who are plus-sized, as well as for those who are traveling with someone who is concerned about fitting in to a Disney ride. Below, we've put together a complete list of Dollywood coasters, ranked. If restraints like lap bars and over-the-shoulder harnesses . The FireChaser has a minimum height requirement of 39 inches and guests under 48 inches must be accompanied by someone 16 or older. The operating hours, policies and procedures of other businesses may change at any time without notice. This size is typically smaller than average, and as a result, these diapers are able to provide a more comfortable and snug fit for your baby. Its going to depend on how big you are, of course. Guests weighing more than this are not permitted to board the boats due to safety concerns. Read Also: Dollywood eagle cams offer a peaceful, easy feeling. Decor that'll make your drinks taste better (not really). Some rides have weight limits to ensure the safety of the riders. The person who wrote this also mentioned he was 300lb. But strictly as a roller coaster? Specifically, the turning point where Dollywood officials planted their flag in the sand signifying Dollywood was going to be more than a theme park. 1.2K 51K views 5 months ago Dollywood has just announced Big Bear Mountain, their new family roller coaster opening in the spring of 2023! We tried for weeks to make reservations, but never could reach an agent last summer. Delivered right to your inbox. It has been surpassed over the years by newer editions, but it serves as a significant milestone in Dollywood history. We believe the scariest part of a theme park should be the rollercoastersnot the size restrictions. The park is especially popular with families and features a wide variety of attractions, including roller coasters, live entertainment, and traditional Appalachian crafts. Their older OTSRs found on their inverted impulse shuttle coasters are not just discriminatory to large waisted guests, but those those with larger busts/shoulders, or taller than 6'4". Some rides have seats out front to try out before you get in line. These facts are enough to make most plus-size people nervous about stepping foot in a theme park. Dollywood tickets meant bluegrass music, eating at Aunt Grannys and scoring some kettle corn to take home. But the Dollywood theme park which in my opinion is the best-run park in America has cast its eyes forward since the moment they took down the Silver Dollar City signage. One woman even went so far as tofile a discrimination complaint because of the fat-shaming experience she had at an amusement park. Are there any parks that you know of that have either larger seats or extended belts? Intamin is a bit of a mixed bag. You can see in my video how awesome the host was about helping me ride. These activities alone are more than enough to fill up an entire day inside the park. Nobody looks forward to Thanksgiving dreaming of corn giblets. Tennessee Tornado is a Dollywood classic roller coaster you have to ride. 1. This roller coaster has a minimum height requirement of 50 inches. We even received an award for being so friendly! Currently, the majority of plus-size people are hesitant to visit a theme park due to their weight restrictions. The Avatar Flight of Passage ride has a passenger test seat located outside of the ride. Why then, you might be asking, is this the top-ranked coaster at Dollywood?