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Harry Potter Roller Coaster Makes Space for Fat Muggles

Orlando ride adds seats for the obese

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 15, 2010 2:30 AM CDT

(Newser) – Universal Orlando's "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" ride is no longer a forbidden journey for larger riders. The theme park—which received complaints from many plus-sized Muggles who were turned away from the popular ride—has altered the cars to accommodate obese passengers, ABC News reports.

Universal had received complaints from riders who said the Potter ride was the only one at the park where their safety restraints wouldn't close. Test seats at the entrance to the attraction that had previously flashed green or red to let passengers know whether they could board will now flash yellow to direct overweight passengers to special seats, a park spokesman said. Instead of hundreds of passengers being turned away each day because of plus-size issues, only one has been rejected in the two days since the change.

Visitors stroll the streets of Hogsmeade in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando theme park in Orlando, Fla.
Visitors stroll the streets of Hogsmeade in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando theme park in Orlando, Fla.   (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Broomsticks will not be provided.
Broomsticks will not be provided.   (AP Photo/Universal Orlando Resort)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
GreekChorus
Sep 15, 2010 11:19 PM CDT
Finally, a customer-oriented approach. I hope (but doubt) that the airlines are listening.
Naked_Emperor
Sep 15, 2010 12:01 PM CDT
..."Test seats at the entrance to the attraction that had previously flashed green or red to let passengers know whether they could board will now flash yellow to direct overweight passengers to special seats, a park spokesman said"... This will only work until the park is sued because the flashing yellow light humiliated a rider.
Jes
Sep 15, 2010 10:43 AM CDT
Yes, one ride in the entire park can't hold your blubbery girth and manage to safely latch and it's offensive they don't cater to you. Hold the rest of your group's things while they ride and have a butterbeer instead. If you are that obese you probably won't be able to handle the walk up the hill for the line anyway.
 

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