My Guide to Fitting Those Legs on Every Ride
If you’re tall at Disneyland, you already know the vibe: you’re not “too tall,” you’re just built like a majestic giraffe in a world designed for average-height humans and cartoon mice.
And listen—Disneyland is still 100% doable and magical when you’re tall. You just need a little strategy, a little humor, and the confidence to ask a Cast Member, “Which seat won’t fold me like a lawn chair?”
Here’s my real-life guide to where it’s tight, where it’s comfy, and how to position yourself so you can ride more and win fewer battles with your kneecaps.
Before We Start: The Tall Rider Survival Rules
1) Your best friend is the “test seat”
If a ride has one outside, use it. It’s not embarrassing—it’s efficient. You’re not “checking,” you’re saving your spine.
2) Ask for a specific row (politely!)
A simple: “Hey! I’m tall—do you have a row that’s roomier?” goes a long way. Cast Members hear this all day and are usually happy to help.
3) Sit down like you mean it
Half the battle is how you get into the seat—angle, foot placement, and where your knees land matters.
The “It’s Tight, Bestie” Rides
These are the rides that can feel like Disneyland is personally testing your femurs.
Matterhorn Bobsleds
Tight level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Matterhorn is iconic. It is also… a knee negotiation.
Why it’s rough:
- Low seating position
- Limited legroom
- Odd angles + side-by-side bobsled setup
How I position myself:
- Slide your hips all the way back first.
- Put your feet slightly staggered (one a bit forward).
- Angle knees slightly outward if possible (instead of straight up to your chest).
- Hold on and accept that your knees are along for the ride.
Tall tip: If you can choose, some people find certain rows feel slightly better—but it varies. If Matterhorn is a priority, ride earlier in the day before you’re already sore.
Space Mountain
Tight level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Space Mountain is one of the biggest “tall people problems” in the park because it’s not just legroom—it’s the entry/exit gymnastics too.
Why it’s rough:
- Low rocket car seating
- Lap bar + narrow foot space
- Your knees want to be part of the dashboard
How I position myself:
- Sit first, then bring legs in (not the other way around).
- Cross ankles slightly or tuck one foot behind the other if needed.
- Keep knees pointed a bit outward so they don’t jam straight up.
Exit tip: Take your time getting out. No heroic moves. Stand slowly like a newborn deer and you’ll be fine.
Indiana Jones Adventure
Tight level: 🔥🔥🔥
Not as bad as Matterhorn/Space, but can still be cramped depending on your height and how long your legs are.
Why it’s rough:
- Bench seating with limited knee space
- If you’re tall AND broad, it’s a squeeze
How I position myself:
- Slide your hips back and sit a little angled.
- Put feet slightly under the seat in front (if you can).
- Hold the handle and brace your core—this ride throws you around.
Autopia
Tight level: 🔥🔥🔥
If your knees hit the steering wheel, welcome to the club.
How I position myself:
- Scoot back as far as possible
- One knee slightly outward
- Don’t fight it—just steer gently and pretend it’s relaxing.
The “Manageable With Strategy” Rides
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Tight level: 🔥🔥🔥
The lap bar can be the issue here.
Positioning tip:
- Sit back, legs forward slightly.
- Try to keep knees low rather than up.
- If you’re riding with a shorter person, you may both need to coordinate who gets the “knee space.”
Star Tours
Tight level: 🔥🔥
Usually okay, but the knee space can depend on the seat and your leg length.
Tip:
- Choose aisle seats if possible (feels less boxed in).
- Angle knees slightly outward.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Tight level: 🔥🔥
Bench-style seating. Generally doable, but long legs may feel a bit tucked.
Tip:
- Sit on the outer edge of the bench if you can.
- Angle your legs slightly.
The “Ahhh, My Knees Can Breathe” Comfy Rides
These are the rides where tall people can relax and stop thinking about joint angles.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Comfy level: ✅✅✅✅
Plenty of space, simple seating, no weird restraints.
Haunted Mansion
Comfy level: ✅✅✅✅
Doom buggies are surprisingly tall-friendly for most riders.
“it’s a small world”
Comfy level: ✅✅✅✅
Just sit. Float. Regret nothing.
Jungle Cruise
Comfy level: ✅✅✅✅
Bench seating = easy. Your legs are safe here.
Disneyland Railroad
Comfy level: ✅✅✅✅
One of the best “reset” rides for tall bodies.
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Comfy level: ✅✅✅✅
Roomy enough + distraction factor is high.
Rise of the Resistance
Comfy level: ✅✅✅✅
Most sections are fine—seats are generally manageable and the experience is worth it.
Tall Person Ride Hacks That Actually Help
Pick your “tight rides” strategically
If you love Matterhorn and Space Mountain, do them earlier—before you’ve walked 10 miles and your hips are already angry.
Stretch like you mean it
I know. You don’t want to stretch on vacation. But a quick calf/hamstring/hip flexor stretch while waiting in line can make a noticeable difference.
Use sit-down shows as recovery time
Tiki Room, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, Philharmagic—these are not just attractions, they’re tall-person recovery lounges with entertainment.
Don’t force the bar down yourself
Let the restraint come to you. If you’re tall and you shove it down quickly, you’ll lock yourself in too tight. Sit fully first, adjust your legs, then let it close.
My Honest Tall Rider Ranking (Quick List)
Tightest / Most “why did I do this”
- Matterhorn
- Space Mountain
- Indiana Jones
- Autopia
Doable but you’ll notice it
- Big Thunder
- Star Tours
- Runaway Railway
Comfy / bless you, Disneyland designers
- Pirates
- Haunted Mansion
- small world
- Jungle Cruise
- Railroad
- Buzz
- Rise of the Resistance
Final Thoughts: You’re Not “Too Tall”—You’re Just Riding on Hard Mode
Disneyland wasn’t built with NBA legs in mind, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have an amazing time. You just need to know which rides require strategy, which ones are recovery rides, and when to call it and say, “I’ve earned a churro and a sit-down show.”
Because if Disneyland teaches us anything, it’s this: magic is real… but so is knee pain.
