It’s no secret that some of the rides at Disney World are built with smaller guests in mind. From Space Mountain and Avatar Flight of Passage to Splash Mountain and Soarin’, some ride vehicles are a tighter fit than others. Many wonder if it possible if you can be too tall for Disney World rides. In this article we’ll explore some of the most notoriously cramped rides at Disney World and discover if you really can be too tall for Disney World rides.
Disclaimer: This is not medical or safety advice. This information is from the Walt Disney World Ride Height Requirements. Do not ride any rides that you are uncomfortable riding. Double check with cast members if you are concerned you are too tall for a ride at Disney World. Any action you take upon reading the information in this article or on this website is solely at your own risk. Only you have the knowledge to make the right decisions for you.
Official Maximum Height Limits at Disney World
The presence of minimum height limits posted at the entrance of nearly every ride at Disney World poses the question of whether there are maximum height limits for rides. There are no official maximum height limits for any ride at any of the Walt Disney World parks. However, there are some maximum height limits for waterslides at both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.
While there are no official maximum height limits at Disney World, some rides are certainly more cramped than others. If you can’t fit in the seat or vehicle for a ride securely and safely, you can not ride that ride and you may be too tall for some Disney World rides.
If you ever have any concerns about whether you are too tall for a ride at Disney World, just ask a cast member!
Can you be Too Tall for Space Mountain?
Despite having no official maximum height, Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom causes the most worry for many tall people. One part of Space Mountain draws the most attention, with an overhanging steel beam seeming deceptively close to your head as you zoom by. This steel beam has been the source of many worries and even an urban legend!
The danger of the steel beam is nothing more than an urban myth however. Despite appearances, the beam is high enough that the tallest rider could not touch it with their hands up. This is a good example of a common tool used in roller coasters called “head choppers,” where something on a ride is made to look closer to you than it is. There are also less notable “head choppers” on rides like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
While there is no official maximum height for Space Mountain, there certainly is not a lot of leg room. Taller riders may find Space Mountain to be a bit cramped and maybe even uncomfortable. If you can not fit within the restraints, you are too tall for Space Mountain and should not ride.
Can You Put Your Hands Up on Space Mountain?
Yes, you can put your hands up on Space Mountain. There are no overhangs low enough that you would be able to hit them with your hands, no matter how tall you are. However, Disney World advises that you keep your hands, arms, feet, and legs inside the vehicle on Space Mountain and every other ride at Disney World.
Best Seats for Tall Guests
The best seat for tall guests will vary based on ride. Luckily, there are cast members available at each ride that will most likely have some knowledge of the best seats on the ride for tall guests. The front row has been purported to often have more leg room than other seats, while some argue that the back row is the best for tall guests. Discovering which seat is best for you might take some experimentation and advice of cast members.
Too Tall for Disney Rides at Blizzard Beach?
Tike’s Peak is one ride at Blizzard Beach that you can be too tall for. The official maximum height for Tike’s Peak at Blizzard Beach is 48 inches, or 4 feet. Tike’s Peak, like the name implies, is a ride for kids and is not made for tall guests.
Too Tall for Disney Rides at Typhoon Lagoon?
There are two different waterslides at Typhoon Lagoon that you can be too tall for. Rides with maximum height restrictions at Typhoon Lagoon include:
- Bay Slides with a Maximum Height of 60 inches / 5 feet
- Ketchakiddee Creek with a Maximum Height of 48 inches / 4 feet.
With such short maximum height restrictions at Typhoon Lagoon, it’s safe to say that these rides are not made for tall guests.
How does Disney Make Sure Rides are Safe for Tall People?
Rides at Disney World undergo rigorous safety testing to discover any possible oversight and to make sure that rides are safe to ride. Disney uses a special ride vehicle to test the height and reach clearance of rides before they are open to the public. This special ride vehicle can simulate different heights and arm lengths of passengers to ensure that everything is a safe distance from the ride vehicle.
Too Tall for Cramped Disney Rides?
Despite there being no official maximum height limits, there are plenty of small rides at Disney World that can be a tight fit for larger guests. Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Astro Orbiter are two flyer style rides at Magic Kingdom that can be cramped for tall riders. Avatar Flight of Passage at Animal Kingdom is another ride that can be a tight fit for taller guests. In addition to Space Mountain, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is another rollercoaster that can be uncomfortable for tall riders.
Roomier Disney Rides for Taller Guests
There are a wide variety of rides available at Walt Disney World that are comfortable for tall guests. Try out rides with bigger vehicles and no restraints like Kilimanjaro Safaris and Jungle Cruise. You could also enjoy stationary attractions like The Enchanted Tiki Room, the Carousel of Progress, and It’s Tough to Be a Bug.
Conclusion
While no ride at Disney World has an official maximum height limit, you can be too tall for Disney rides if you are too tall to fit in the seat or ride vehicle safely. Despite possibly being too tall for some Disney rides, there are plenty of rides at Walt Disney World that are perfectly suitable for taller guests. There are also a wide variety of other attractions like parades and shows to enjoy if you are too tall for Disney rides.
Don’t let any urban myths or internet legends dissuade you from riding any rides on your next vacation to Disney World. Rigorous height and reach testing ensures that no guest is too tall for any Disney ride by making sure that all ride scenery is a safe distance away. The only way you can be too tall for Disney rides is if you can not be safely restrained within the ride vehicle. If you feel uncomfortable about riding a ride or just feel like you are too tall for a ride, then don’t ride the ride and rather choose an attraction you’d be more comfortable with.
