Click on a label to read posts from that part of the world.
It's not such a small world, after all
Although the Disney company doesn't admit that plus-sized tourists are causing "It's a Small World" boats to bottom out, longtime Disney watcher Al Lutz notes that "heavier than anticipated" loads have caused boats to come to a standstill on more than one occasion. The problem has become common enough that Disneyland has built a platform next to one tricky area where boats commonly get stuck. Disney denies that weight issues are the cause of stuck boats. Instead, the company suggests that "layers and layers" of fiberglass have built up where maintenance teams have patched and re-patched problem areas.
Nevertheless, "It's a Small World" will be getting an inch more of water, and some lighter boats. The ride will be closed for ten months beginning in January 2008.
Also:
- Why are these people suing Disneyworld?
- Did you know about Disneyland's secret restaurant?
- You'll never guess where people are spreading ashes!
Gallery: Disneyworld
Filed under: Arts and Culture, Business, Festivals and Events, North America, United States
Reader Comments (Page 5 of 14)
b-mall Nov 13th 2007 11:14AM
19Nov 13th 2007 @ 9:51AM
Vanessa said...
Disney needs to let the ride be and the fat people need to lose some weight. We are the fattest country in the world. Isn't that embarrassing enough? Get off your a**es and lose some weight. I've been on the ride since I was 5 and now I'm 30. It's pathetic how some want to accomodate to the obese when it's them who need to accomodate to reality. DO you think it's normal to be that big and unhealthy? Gime me a break
You think it's so easy to loose weight. Many people who have a weight problem have many other medical problems and some even inherit it in their blood. Not to mention some have so many heart problems they are forbidden to do many exercises. I know people who are very large and have not ate carbs in ten years no red meat. No greasy foods. They eat seeds and tofu crap. And never loose weight they actually can not loose weight. You dont know everything about over weight people; and judgeing what you dont know is the most embarrassing "American" trait.
Jennifer Nov 13th 2007 10:57AM
To be honest they do have "weight" restrictions on some rides. They simply say that this ride cannot accomadate certain body types because of the safety restaints. However, I really think it is horrible that some of ya'll say the things you do about overweight people knowing that the majority of americans are overweight and unhealthy according to health standards. If you find it fulfulling to put down others then you might want to consider your size as well. Jenny Craig might be calling you out just the rest of the USA.
Sandy Nov 13th 2007 10:57AM
Yesterday someone was too fat to get out of the Test Track car in Epcot & they had to shut down the ride for quite some time while the fire department came & got her out of it. -Cast Member
Karen Nov 13th 2007 11:00AM
to #70
Thanks Jim. We're on the same page!
vb Nov 13th 2007 3:36PM
some of your comments are very IGNORANT. I am now thin but was heavy my whole life and was not LAZY. I bet I was more active than most of you skinny because of genetics lazy people. I played softball, basketball, volleyball and was on five teams at a time, all the time. went to college on scholarship and was always exercising. I was heavy due to my genes and had tried everything. I did not drink soda or eat at fast food restaurants, so think before you speak.
Deborah M Nov 13th 2007 11:00AM
I was there on my honeymoon in October of 1971 when the park opened--36 years ago--not 41. If it weren't for fat people, who would you guys have to make fun of???? Oh, how about the little people, I'll bet you guys could come up with some trash about them. Maybe someone mentally retarded would be someone you would giggle at and point fingers. I think you should look in the mirror and assess your own shortcomings. Better yet, take a picture and study it. You just might be appalled.
rosebudnfall Nov 13th 2007 11:07AM
There is a lot of denial around here. Maybe its cuz I work in a restaraunt but fat people drive me nuts. It makes me sick. Umm I'll have the onion rings appetizer, a cup of potato soup, no make that a bowl, and the 4 piece fried chicken dinner with mashed potatoes and gravy. Oh ya and a diet pepsi. I don't feel bad for you. Thats gross. I don't want your sweat fat a** next to me on a ride. If you do make an effort then good for you, then I consider you overweight-you are the ones i see walking or running or skipping the appetizer and soup. I think good for you when I see you.
Larry W. Bruce Nov 13th 2007 11:01AM
After reading some of the blogs, I often wonder if there is intelligent life on Earth ???
Jennifer Nov 13th 2007 11:03AM
One thing we also need to remember is that Disney World generally was a place to take children for enjoyment. Now Disney World is a destination of choice for the both the old and young. I actually liked the fact that some people (children included) that are bound to wheel chairs have a way to get on some of these rides. So now you have far more adults going to there without kids and these rides were designed with kids in mind because it has become more accessible. Yes, there are more overweight people and more than likely a heavier weight of people getting on these rides. But this is for a variety of reasons beyond the fact that some people are overweight.
Heather Nov 13th 2007 11:06AM
They should just put weight restrictions on the freaking ride. If they can put height requirements on rides for kids to keep them safe then they can put weight restrictions on boat rides to keep them from sinking!!
Teri Nov 13th 2007 11:04AM
Hey Jilleebean - FYI, obesity in this country is at an all-time high. 40 years ago there was no were near as many overweight people because people were much more active. There were no computers, no video games, no cable TV, so they went out and did stuff like went dancing, played sports and basically just ran around. McDonald's wasn't that popular yet and fast food restaurants weren't even really around, not nearly as many as there are today. They didn't even have malls and food courts. Moms stayed home and cooked healthy meals and everyone ate together as a family. If you got a frozen TV dinner, it was a rare special occasion, and I mean RARE. There were no microwaves, you couldn't heat up junk in 3 minutes so you didn't bother with the junk. Ya grabbed an apple, it was quicker. Kids played wiffle ball and rode their bikes. You don't see that today. God forbid kids walk to school, even if it's 3 blocks away - they all get driven by their parents.
Wendy Nov 13th 2007 11:11AM
You people on here make me sick! I bet most of you have at least one over weight person in your family, how would that family member feel if they knew you were talking like you are? Over weight people have feelings to. I do feel that we as a society should slim down, it is unhealthy, but do you care that you hurt people when you say the things you do? Probably not. And honestly, YOU are what is wrong with our society! People like you who have lost your compassion for others, like you who have lost your humanity! Get a life and start worrying about what you are teaching your children as they grow into little versions of you... what a shame!
June Nov 13th 2007 11:10AM
I've been to several theme parks and only get on rides I can fit in. If my hips don't fit I will not get on. I understand why people are concerned. Safety should be first. There is much more to do at Disney than get on rides.
B Real Nov 13th 2007 11:11AM
It is getting ridiculous. I am gonna sue you for blah! blah! blah! Why should it be Disney's problem if your a@# is so big the ride gets stuck? This is such and such rides requirement, if you don't fit these guidelines, tough sh@$! Everyone is looking for someone to sue. Disney should sue you for cracking their g^%$^mn pavement!
cce Nov 13th 2007 11:32AM
Our family has been going to Disney for over 20 yrs. It has been an eye opener as every year people are getting heavier and heavier. In the early years you very rarely saw all those scooters with the morbidly obese using them - now it is a common sight. Also common is seeing very overweight 8-10 yr old children in strollers instead of walking to attractions. Our nation is struggling to come to terms with the results of this epidemic - financially with healthcare costs and with the realization that our lifespan in the US appears to be decreasing because of this problem.
get over it Nov 13th 2007 11:14AM
Anyone who has made judgemental commits,I'm willing to bet hate themselves in one form or another. You know what they say" misery loves company." This sounds like the most miserable group I've come accross in a long time. As for God I have know doubt He's waiting for the time His children make the choice to love and support one another. Then He can begin to heal our land. When we focus on others needs rather then ourselves He then can heal the hurts in our hearts too. Besides it is just a ride that I'm willing again, to bet over half of you who have been rude don't even ride. Please each one of us just need to get over our selves. It's not all about us!
Caligirl2378 Nov 13th 2007 11:16AM
I actually witnessed this happening the last time that I went to Disneyland. There were two very obese people in the boat with us, and when they were seated their weight was not distributed evenly. They were both mom's from seperate families. They both were on the right side of the boat. I can't tell you how many times I thought that we would not make it around a curve. Not only that, I was waiting for the water to come pouring into the boat. It's about time that they fix this. One last note, if you were obese and caused a ride to literally stop wouldn't that be enough motivation to start dieting/exercising A.S.A.P? Yikes!!!
angela Nov 13th 2007 12:48PM
Who do all you people think you are talking about heavy people like that? What gives you the right? I am 28 years old 5'3" only 100lbs my nephew is 13yr. old 5'2" and husky we dont have an eating problems thats the way our bodies are. Thats how alot of their bodies work to. Like my nephew they can work out all the time and eat nothing but health food and still be heavy. So go ahead and keep talking about people the way you all do carma will get you in the end. you will prob. say one day "I don't smoke where did this cancer come from" then you'll want everyone to accomidate you.
Keep up the go work Disney thats why your so successful!
lisa Nov 13th 2007 11:21AM
Just returned from Disney World ... LOL did not see an overt fat person epidemic but as in society there are fat and thin ... old and young ... I also applaude disney for attemping to insure all people can enjoy a fun family adventure in safety. We had a fabulous time and agree it is a wonderful place to make memories!
LOL to the guy who mentioned the large family eating ice cream ... I am not sure a celery and carrot stick cart would be a big draw! AND BTW yes the small world ride did get jammed up .. but truthfully also (albeit a sweet ride) it is not as relevant today as it was in the 50s. I am glad I got to see it for the last time!
To those who might be going soon .. the Jack Sparrow in Pirates is AMAZING!!! Had me and my daughters ready to abandon ship! LOL!!
sara Nov 13th 2007 11:16AM
I have been there and have actually been on that ride...its not that fun. Noone will be missing out on anything the 10 months its closed down.