Going to a new theme park can cause anxiety for someone who is bigger than other people, you never want to do the walk of shame because you didn’t fit in the ride. Today I want to share my plus-size guide to Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World. You will find ride descriptions and general tips to help your day go great!
First, let me describe my height and size. I am 5’11” and I wear a size 26-30 depending on who is the clothes manufacturer. Most of my weight is in my stomach.
Overall, Walt Disney World is very plus-size friendly.
Plus-Size Guide to Hollywood Studios
Size wise Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the smallest park. There is a lot less walking and I think there are a lot more places to have a seat if needed except for in Toy Story land.
Here are the main attractions at Hollywood Studios.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – This ride is very comfortable for both plus-size and tall guests. Bench seat with a bar that lowers to the biggest person’s lap.
The next few rides are in Star Wars – Galaxy’s Edge. There are a lot of places to have a seat if needed in this area but the bad thing is that there is very little shade.
Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run – This ride is VERY comfortable. Single seats with no armrests, huge seatbelts, and lots of legroom if you are the pilot. If you are not one of the pilots there is a little bit of legroom. I had to kind of sit with my legs out to the aisle a little bit, making the controls a little harder to get to. The Dejarik game table is plus-size friendly too for your photo opp.
Star Wars – Rise of the Resistance – This ride is somewhat plus-size friendly. The seats and seat belts are plus-friendly. The entrance into the ride vehicle is kind of small and it took me a minute to get out of the ride due to that. There is a lot of standing/walking in this experience. You go to a couple of different areas where there are show elements before actually getting in the ride vehicle. This ride is amazing!
The next few rides are from Toy Story Land. The bad thing about Toy Story Land is that there is very little seating and no shade whatsoever. Even eating at Woody’s Lunchbox does not guarantee you a seat.
Toy Story Mania – Bench seat that sits 2. The shooting console is the “lap bar” that closes shut. No problems whatsoever. Plenty of legroom too!
Slinky Dog Dash – Lots of room for plus-size guests. Each row fits 2 guests in individual seats. The lap bars are individual and come down to you.
Alien Swirling Saucers – Both I and my plus-size husband fit comfortably on this ride in one ride car. It has a seat belt that extends quite a bit. You do slide around a bit in this ride so if you are riding with a child I would try to be more stationary so as to not smush the child.
Tower of Terror – Nice size seats. There are dividers between each seat. This ride uses a seat belt. Like with other seat belt rides, pull out the seat belt before seating and then sit and buckle.
Star Tours – Single seats in a long row. Lots of legroom. Pull the seatbelt out before you sit down and buckle once seated.
Indiana Jones Stunt Show Spectacular – This is an outdoor theater and the seats are benches so no problem here. The benches have backs.
Beauty and the Beast – This show is in an open-air stadium. The seats are benches with backs.
Fantasmic – The fireworks/water show is in a large stadium. There are benches but the benches do not have backs on them.
What to Wear to Disney World as a Plus-Sized Princess
I prevent chub rub/chaffing by wearing leggings or bicycle shorts under skirts and wearing comfortable shorts. Once home or at the hotel I apply some Gold Bond powder. I have heard people rave about Body Glide and tried it out during my 10k and it really helped. You can also use Vaseline or deodorant.
Disney doesn’t sell too many plus-size clothes, especially at the parks. If you do find something you love, be sure to find a cast member to see if it comes in your size. It never hurts to ask. They always have more inventory in the back or will have you try the World of Disney Store at Disney Springs.