Universal Called Out For Yet Another Super Restrictive Ride

For decades, vacationing at Walt Disney World Resort has been something millions of people have enjoyed — people of every shape and size. One of the things that makes Disney World so great is that all of its rides are accessible to almost everyone. Even the rides that have more intense restraints are designed to fit a wide variety of people.

Unfortunately, the same can not be said for Disney’s man competition — Universal Studios. Most of the rides at both the Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood — whether they are designed for children or older audiences — have very restrictive seating. That leaves many Guests out in the cold, watching others have fun.

Credit: Universal

Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood is not set to open until February 17, 2023, but the land has been doing “Technical rehearsals” for several days now, so Guests have been able to dine at Toadstool Café, play the Power-Up games, see Bowser’s Castle, visit the Mushroom Kingdom,and ride the new attraction Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge. However, like many Universal attractions, Guests with more than a 40-inch waist may not fit on the ride.

According to the Universal Hollywood website, Guests’ with a waistline over 40″ may not be able to ride.

Guests whose waistlines are 40″ or greater may not be accommodated on the ride and are strongly encouraged to try the test seat provided at the entrance of the attraction to assist guests in determining their ability to ride. Secure all loose articles before riding. See a Team Member for further details. 

Credit: Universal

After Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge opened, Guests were quick to call out the fact that the ride was not a roller coaster, and was so restrictive that a lot of Guests would not be able to enjoy it. Twitter user Anna (@bahnanna4) shared a picture of herself and said that she would not have fit on the ride when she was at her biggest. And, as you can see in the photo, her biggest does not appear to be all that big.

Can we discuss how at my biggest I would not have been able to fit on Mario Kart? A 40” waist line is about a size 20. Are you freaking kidding me, @UniStudios? It’s a DARK RIDE.

Can we discuss how at my biggest I would not have been able to fit on Mario Kart? A 40” waist line is about a size 20. Are you freaking kidding me, @UniStudios? It’s a DARK RIDE. pic.twitter.com/TAHqNB4XN0

— anna (taylor’s version) (@bahnanna4) January 15, 2023

While people are more forgiving about roller coasters being restrictive, Universal gets less grace when slow-moving dark rides for kids — like Secret Life of Pets — also have the same size restrictions. According to the research, the average waist size for Americans is 40”, so that number may make sense in theory, but many people fall above the average.

Many Guests visiting both Universal Hollywood and Universal Orlando find themselves unable to ride popular attractions like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Revenge of the Mummy, Jurassic World: Velocicoaster, and more.

Credit: Universal

For those looking for theme attractions that will be more welcoming to larger Guests, heading to a Disney Park is definitely the better choice.