It must have been a slow news day yesterday because a story appeared about a woman who thinks Lagoon should post weight restrictions for their rides. Her reasoning? Because it's embarrassing when people find out that they cannot ride a ride because they are too big. The particular incident that sparked the article involves the woman trying to ride The Bat recently, but she was not able to ride because the seat belt would not close properly. The situation upset the lady enough that she immediately left the park.

As a bigger person, I understand the embarrassment of trying to enjoy a ride at Lagoon, but being told I cannot because of my size. I've been there plenty of times, but I don't think the idea of posting weight restrictions would solve anything. Lagoon already has signs that clearly state that some people will not be able to ride due to their size because of height or weight. The article also notes that the woman did not see that sign to begin with, so what makes her think a sign that recommends a weight limit would work? Finally, I know that two people can weigh the same while one person is able to ride when another can't, so weight restrictions would not work.

I'd love to know what others think. You can read the article or watch the video here: http://fox13now.com/2012/10/30/woman-say...for-rides/

It's really strange they even reported this. I noticed it was also linked on a St. Louis station's website:

http://kplr11.com/2012/10/31/woman-kicke...s-too-fat/

Can they really post specific weight restrictions anyway? Don't some rides depend on the overall weight of multiple passengers? Plus, if they did, they'd have to put a scale next to the height measurement sign and people would probably deny they were a certain weight.

And if she was really that embarrassed, why did she agree to appear on the news and talk about it. She even got a refund so what has she lost? I sympathize with her problem, but I think she's reacting poorly for her own ignorance.

I don't sympathize with people who can't read.

I think the only thing lagoon should do if they do anything is just on the major rides put mock seats out front like they did with odysea.

People at my work say its a good idea and wonders why Lagoon hasn't done this yet. I don't, for she was the same size as one of my co-workers and she was able to fit on Bat. Wieght limit should instead be size limit, if not those test seats like OdySea. I wonder why they haven't done this for any other ride yet.

(11-01-2012 12:19 AM)linearinduction Wrote:  I don't sympathize with people who can't read.

Thank you! I couldn't have said it better myself.

Well they cant but a weight restriction just because for example. Some weighs 300 pounds and lets just say they fit on The Bat. Just because they fit at 300 pounds doesn't mean someone else at 300 pounds will fit cause everyone person is a different shape or girth size. I think they should do exactly what RCF said was to put test seats out in front of the rides of the coasters. I have been to many parts and they all do this so people will know if they fit or not.

Also the signs for the rides there is so much information on the signs that a lot of people don't want to take the time to read that all and find out everything. Unless they do a sing like they have with the no single riders line and have a separate sign that says something like "Larger guests may or may not fit into the ride and or safety restraint."

As for her leaving the park I think that was a little much and just wanted attention. As working on Cliffhanger about once a day if not more I had to tell guests when checking the restraints even with them in the orange seats after asking them If I could push down on the restraint as hard as I could to see if it would go down that I apologize for the inconvenience but I can't get the restraint to lock and you wont be able to ride. What sucks though is Lagoon doesn't off ride ops to give like a clearance to another ride for the guest without waiting like Six Flags & I think Cedar Fair does. Anyways they guess would be like ok thats fine and just go ride something else. My though though is it not like they were always fat or even if they were from like being born from like genetics they still have a choice to be like they are. They can exercise, eat healthier and loose some weight or worse case scenario they can get the by pass surgery.

Like Greg for instance he couldn't ride Air Race opening day because of being to big and then he had to get off and he was then like ok im going to loose some weight and fit into this ride before the end of the season & what do you know he actually did it and worked out on his bike and ate more salads, fruits, & veggies and he was able to fit like in the middle of the season and the restraint locked. What I like about Busch Gardens is that on EVERY coaster they have a row with one seat that is larger then the rest on each train. You might not get the front row or choose your seat but at least you get to ride.

People need to learn that places wont always accommodate to how big they are that they need to change there lifestyle. As far as I know being overweight isn't a disability. I could be wrong though cause they just announce that people addicted to the computer is not an actual disability.