By: Tara Willis | Travel Advisor ✨ Disney • Universal • Sandals • Royal Caribbean
Dog mom, park hopper, and vacation-planning pro 🐾🎢✈️
Follow along: @tara.wishes | Contact: twillis@wishesfamilytravel.com
July 22, 2025

I want to start by saying this loud and clear: I love Universal Orlando.

From Hogwarts to Jurassic Park to classic favorites like Jaws (RIP), these parks have always held a special place in my heart. And with Epic Universe opening soon — and bringing in one of my personal favorites, Super Nintendo World — the excitement has only grown!

That said, as much as I love Universal, there are always opportunities to make the experience even more inclusive. Today, I want to share my honest perspective as a plus-size theme park fan — because I know how stressful the unknown can feel when you’re planning your dream vacation.

A Little About Me

Hi! I’m Tara, a 38-year-old theme park lover who also happens to be plus size. I’ve always been on the curvier side — it’s just how I’m built. I stay active (hello, spin classes and gym time!) and spend a lot of my life in theme parks.

Since I started visiting Universal Orlando in 2019, I’ve worn between an 18/20 and a 22/24 in pants. I’m larger-chested, carry weight in my midsection, and have what’s known as an “apron belly.” If any of that sounds like you, keep reading — especially if you’re wondering about ride comfort or overall accessibility. 💛

First, the Good Stuff

Let’s start with what Universal absolutely gets right — immersion. No matter your size, mobility, or comfort level with rides, you’ll find something unforgettable here.

Stroll through Hogsmeade with a Butterbeer in hand, witness the awe-inspiring wand ceremony at Ollivanders, or snap a photo with the towering T-Rex in Jurassic Park. Everywhere you turn, the storytelling is next level.

Character encounters add even more fun — think roaming raptors, Beetlejuice causing mischief, or Scooby and the Gang on a mystery hunt. Over in Simpsons Land, you might bump into Homer and Bart for a good laugh. And don’t miss Hollywood Boulevard, where you could see Marilyn Monroe or Lucille Ball.

Bottom line? Universal isn’t just about rides. There’s so much to experience beyond the attractions, and that alone makes it worth the visit.

Now, About Those Rides…

Here’s the truth: Universal has made big strides in accessibility, and test seats are a huge help. They’re available at most attractions and allow you to check fit before you ride. Team Members are also wonderful about guiding you to modified seating when available.

A few tips:

Even if the test seat feels snug, the actual ride may still work — so don’t be afraid to try.
If you can’t ride, Team Members are usually kind and helpful. I’ve even received an Express Pass for another attraction as a courtesy.
Please be respectful of test seats — they aren’t for sitting and waiting, but for helping guests like us feel prepared.

Ride Breakdown

I’ve put together a park-by-park list of what worked for me, what didn’t, and where I’m still unsure. Look for the ✔ for rides I could enjoy, ✖ for those I couldn’t, and ❓ for those I haven’t tried yet. (Note: Water rides aren’t included — I’m a firm “no” to being drenched!)

Full ride list is at the bottom of this post!

What About Epic Universe?

Here’s where things get tricky. You’d think a brand-new park in 2025 would be designed with inclusivity in mind — and while there’s progress, there’s still work to do.

The good news? Universal is listening. Modified seating is already in the works for Stardust Racers and Monsters Unchained, and Team Members assured me more updates are coming.

Universal Studios Florida

✔ Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
✔ Revenge of the Mummy
✔ E.T. Adventure (plus-size friendly bikes and a bench option)
❓ Fast & Furious: Supercharged
✖ Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
✔ Hogwarts Express: King's Cross Station
✖ Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (modified seat didn’t fit my stomach)
✔ Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast
❓ Kang & Kodos' Twirl 'n' Hurl
✖ Men in Black Alien Attack
✔ Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon
✔ Transformers: The Ride 3D
❓ The Simpsons Ride
❓ Trolls Troller Coaster
✔ Villain-Con Minion Blast

Islands of Adventure

❓ Caro-Seuss-el
✖ Doctor Doom's Fearfall
✖ Flight of the Hippogriff
✔ Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure (bike seat only)
✖ Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
✔ Hogwarts Express: Hogsmeade Station
❓ If I Ran the Zoo
❓ Jurassic Park River Adventure
✖ Jurassic World VelociCoaster
❓ One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
❓ Pteranodon Flyers (requires a child to ride)
❓ Skull Island: Reign of Kong
✔ Storm Force Accelatron
✔ The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
✔ The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride!
✖ The Incredible Hulk Coaster
✔ The Cat in the Hat

Epic Universe (Visited During Preview)

❓ Constellation Carousel
❓ Curse of the Werewolf
❓ Dragon Racers’ Rally
✔ Fyre Drill (bench seating)
✔ Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry (seatbelt restraints)
❓ Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
✔ Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge
✖ Mine-Cart Madness
✖ Monsters Unchained (modified seats coming soon)
❓ Stardust Racers (modified seats confirmed as in progress)
✔ Yoshi’s Adventure

Final Thoughts — Don’t Count Yourself Out

If you’re plus size and worried about Universal, I understand. Truly. But please don’t skip the experience because of fear. There is so much more to enjoy than just the rides.

And if you want honest, judgment-free guidance, I’m here for you. My goal is to help you plan a Universal Orlando vacation that feels amazing — stress-free and full of fun.

📌 Ready to start planning?
💻 Fill out my quick form: Start Here
📧 Email me: twillis@wishesfamilytravel.com
🌎 Follow me: Instagram @tara.wishes | Facebook: Tara – Wishes Family Travel

Let’s Talk About Being Plus Size at Universal Orlando — From a Theme Park-Loving Girlie Who Knows ❤️🎢