What to Expect, What to Know & How to Feel Confident
Disneyland is truly for every body—all shapes, sizes, and heights.
But let’s be honest: navigating theme park rides, seating, and long walking days can feel intimidating if you’re plus-size, extra tall, or just built differently than the averages designers sometimes imagine.
If you’ve ever worried about:
- Fitting comfortably in ride vehicles
- Buckles or lap bars
- Seating on older attractions
- Feeling self-conscious in line
- Or just not knowing what to expect
…you’re NOT alone. And the good news? Disneyland is one of the most size-inclusive theme parks out there.
Here’s everything you need to know so you can feel confident, comfortable, and fully ready for the magic.
💫 First: Disneyland Is Truly Built for All Body Types
Unlike some other theme parks, Disneyland has:
- No “walk of shame” scenarios
- Very few rides with restrictive restraints
- Test seats on select newer attractions
- Cast Members who are consistently kind and accommodating
Most rides rely on:
- Bench seating
- Shared lap bars
- Adjustable seat belts
This means most guests of all sizes can ride comfortably and without issue.
🎢 Rides That Are Easiest for Plus-Size & Extra-Tall Guests
Spoiler: Most rides fall into this category.
These have wide benches or roomy seats:
✓ Pirates of the Caribbean
Huge bench-style seating. Tons of room.
✓ Haunted Mansion
Spacious “doom buggy” with a shared lap bar.
✓ “it’s a small world”
Big bench seats—easy and comfortable.
✓ Jungle Cruise
Wide benches & open boats = no issues.
✓ The Disneyland Railroad
Accessible, roomy, and comfortable.
✓ Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Surprising amount of room! Low-step vehicle, lap bar is not restrictive.
✓ Star Tours
Seat belt across the lap, plenty of space.
✓ Monsters, Inc., Winnie the Pooh, Buzz Lightyear
All roomy & size-friendly.
Most classic Disneyland attractions were designed long before modern ride restrictions—and lucky for us, that means they’re very accommodating.
⚠️ Rides That May Feel Snug (But Are Still Usually Doable)
These rides aren’t off limits, they just might require adjusting how you enter or where you sit.
🚗 Matterhorn
- Each person sits in their own narrow “seat pod.”
- Extra-tall guests may feel more leg pressure.
- Plus-size guests may find the molded seats a bit snug.
Tip: Ask for the very back seat—it offers more leg room and easier entry.
🚗 Space Mountain
- Individual seats with lower lap bars.
- Taller guests may need to tuck knees more.
Tip: Don’t rush—take your time stepping down into the vehicle.
🎢 Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Shared lap bar but bench seating.
- Very size-friendly for plus-size guests but slightly snug for extra-tall folks.
Tip: Sit on the aisle if you want more leg room.
🚫 Rides That May Be a Challenge for Some Body Types
Not impossible—just occasionally tricky.
🛸 Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
The hatch is narrow and requires stepping down into the submarine.
- Plus-size or tall guests sometimes find the benches tight.
- Knees may hit the wall if extra tall.
Tip: Ask a Cast Member if you can use the alternate viewing room—a completely valid and comfortable option with AC and a full show screen.
🎢 Goofy’s Sky School (DCA)
This is the least size-friendly ride at the resort.
- Smaller lap bars
- More confining vehicles
Some plus-size or tall guests skip it—and honestly, you’re not missing that much!
👗 Clothing Tips for Maximum Comfort
You are going to be walking, bending, climbing into ride vehicles, and standing in lines for hours—not the day for stiff denim or anything that needs adjusting every five minutes.
✔️ Wear breathable, stretchy fabrics
Leggings, joggers, athletic shorts—life-changing.
✔️ Avoid chafing at all costs
Bring:
- Anti-chafe stick
- Bike shorts
- Powder
You’ll thank yourself by 1pm.
✔️ Pick shoes with support
Disney days are 15,000–25,000 steps.
Your feet deserve kindness.
✔️ Choose tops that don’t ride up
You don’t want to tug all day.
✔️ Layer strategically
Disney mornings are cold, afternoons warm, evenings chilly.
Light layers = perfect.
🎒 Gear Tips for Plus-Size or Tall Guests
✔️ Belt bags are your best friend
Wear them high on the waist or crossbody—they stay comfy all day.
✔️ Bring blister care & first-aid for feet
More surface area = more potential rubbing. Save yourself!
✔️ Take advantage of accessible seating
Disney has MANY benches, quiet areas, and shaded spots to rest.
🌟 Confidence Tips (Because You Deserve to Enjoy the Magic)
✨ 1. You belong at Disneyland.
Every shape, every height, every body—Disney truly is for everyone.
✨ 2. No one is paying attention to your body.
Everyone is too busy looking at the castle, churros, and characters to notice anyone else.
✨ 3. Cast Members are kind, not judgmental.
They’re trained to help—not embarrass.
✨ 4. Your comfort matters
Take breaks. Sit when you need to. Stretch when you need to.
Doing Disney YOUR way is the best way.
🏰
Going to Disneyland as a plus-size or extra-tall person is absolutely doable, absolutely comfortable, and absolutely worth it.
You deserve the magic just as much as anyone else—and the park truly is designed for all.
With a little preparation and a whole lot of self-compassion, you’ll have an amazing, comfortable, joy-filled Disney day.
