Woman Removed From Disney World’s Flight of Passage Ride Thanks Park for Changing Her Life
Being pulled off the Avatar Flight of Passage ride in front of her son was a humiliating moment for one Walt Disney World Resort guest. Three years on, she says it was the best thing that could have happened, and she’s now sharing why.
When Avatar Flight of Passage Says No
Avatar Flight of Passage sits in Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Riders straddle a bike-style seat and lean toward a handlebar while restraints close around the back and lower legs. The simulator is among the most advanced rides at Walt Disney World Resort, but it has a reputation for sending guests away at the loading station. Leg restraints can be a problem for taller or more muscular riders, and the back restraint may fail to lock for guests who carry weight in the abdomen.
After complaints piled up following the 2017 debut, Disney installed a test seat outside the attraction. Guests who are unsure about fitting can try it, and a green safety light, confirmed by a cast member, means they’re cleared to ride. The seat spares them a wait that can stretch from two to four hours.
A Thank-You Note to Disney
Michelle Peterson (@3princeandaprincess) posted a video on Instagram reflecting on a day three years ago when she was turned away from Avatar Flight of Passage, apparently before the test seat existed or without having used it. Her son went on the ride without her.
Over photos from her journey, she wrote: “Dear Disney, thank you for kicking me off the Avatar ride with my son 3 years ago because I was too fat. Although it was very embarrassing, it changed my life! Proud of myself.”
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In the caption, Peterson called it “one of the most embarrassing days of my life.”
“I was at Disney World with my friend and my son and he wanted so badly to go on the Avatar ride. I also wanted to,” she wrote. “We waited in line forever and got on the ride and my legs wouldn’t fit how they were supposed to. I kept trying to adjust my legs to make it work but it wouldn’t close like it was supposed to. So they made me get off the ride and I had to walk away, humiliated, leaving my son to ride without me.”
The Change That Followed
“At that moment I vowed I’m never, ever going to feel like this again or do this to my son,” Peterson continued. “And as soon as I got home I met with my dr and started my journey to get healthy. Slowly but surely 3 years later I’m down 110 lbs, maybe 35-40 more to go. Labs came back absolutely perfect last month for the first time in years and years. I’m happier than I’ve ever been.”
Her closing words were aimed at anyone facing a similar low point.
“Believe me when I say your worst days do not define you,” she said. “Let them be the moment you pivot and change your next chapter. You are loved.”
Has a moment at Walt Disney World Resort ever sparked a change in your life? Share your story with Disney Dining in the comments!
