Too big for Drop Tower

[Tim S]

I took my 14 year-old daughter to Kings Island a few weeks ago. My last trip before that was probably 2009-2010, and I have gained some weight since then. At about 6'1" and 308 lbs., most of the coasters we rode (Diamondback, Beast, Racer, Mystic Timbers, Adventure Express, Vortex, Flight of Fear), I had to be smashed into to fit, but I fit. They were fun, but not too terribly comfortable. Then we tried Drop Tower. Much to my embarrassment, I was several inches away from being able to strap in, so I had to take the walk of shame, while my daughter rode it by herself.

I know I need to lose weight for my health anyway, but this gives me something fun as a reward. I'm determined to go back next year and be able to ride anything, and comfortably. I've lost 6 lbs. so far, but I'm not sure what to set my goal at. I carry my weight somewhat evenly, maybe more weighted towards upper body (shoulders/chest area). Can anyone with experience guide me a bit as to what a good goal weight would be for the Drop Tower specifically? I assume if I can fit that ride, then the coasters would be comfortable to ride too.

Thanks!

[IndyGuy4KI]

I am 230 and it is a tight squeeze right now. I would say 215 would be a good goal. 

Welcome to KIC and keep us updated of your progress.

[JonahWilliamson]

People are people. No matter the size. I wish you luck, and if comfortable with it, keep us posted. Thats a grind that anyone would be proud of. 

[teenageninja]

Drop Tower has always been a tight fit for me, due to the size of my chest.  Even when I was around 200 lbs, it was a tight fit.

[tuxedoman52]

I'm 288 but 6'5" and could just squeeze in if that helps. I have a lot of muscle which helps. Weight isn't the most important thing, body fat percentage is probably a better thing to focus on.

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[BeeastFarmer]

I'm 6'3" and 245.  I have successfully done DT 4 times, WOS 2 times.  The times I have been successful, my shoulders have killed me after (I have bilateral frozen shoulders).  Seat 22 is the only one that will work for me...The Drop Towers at Kentucky Kingdom and Dollywood are much more accommodating and comfortable.  In my opinion, KK's is absolutely, terrifyingly fun.

 

[gforce1994]

Here’s the interesting thing. Drop Tower is the only Intamin Drop Tower I have trouble fitting into as well.

[FlyMartyFly]

I tried DT at 255 and I am 6 ft and the bar would not come all the way down to lock so I took the WOS as well. They really need to adjust the locking piece to allow for more to ride but at least I was able to ride everything else just fine. That was two years ago when I tried to ride DT but was at the park this year and rode everything else. I am now down to 208 so I should fit now but that one WOS helped to motivate me to work hard on my weight loss. I love Kings Island and amusement parks more than most anything else and to be limited wasn’t something I wanted to accept for too long. I also tried Wicked Twister and was walking the walk there as well!!  Keep working hard to make a difference!

[lifetimecoaster]

It's fun to think that the motivation is riding rides!! I lost a ton of weight and had a great summer riding anything I wanted at KI. I used to be a tough fit on some, but this summer was a cake walk. Bonus point, that 15 miles of walking around the park hurts way less 40 lbs lighter!! 

[RedSummit20]

im 270 5 11 and cant fit, its them dang seat belts if they were a little longer litterally like half an inch then i could fit lol 

[Arrow]

You know what would be absolutely great? A test seat. Many wait forever in line only to be smushed and told they can't ride. Also for the height requirement signs to be in the front of the line, not in the middle.

[flightoffear1996]

I fit on all rides but Drop Tower. I have a long torso and I can't close the harness. It's not even  touching my belly. 

[WindingSon]

My long torso makes Drop Tower a very tight fit. I have tons of room on every other ride, but Drop is very tight.

[Tim S]

I went back to KI last Sunday down about 60 lbs. from two years ago and I can't tell you how nice it was fitting easily onto all the coasters. Unfortunately, Drop Tower was down the entire day so I didn't get to test that one out. I wasn't too disappointed. I got to ride Orion twice and that was amazing

[purdude86]

I'm 6'3 260 and have trouble with it as well. Have been able to get it to go but it's a squeeze. I think the bigger thing for it is more the height, it is very tight around the shoulders and such. Think most people over 6' have some trouble with it based more on height than on weight. The  upper body I think gives more issues.

 

[DoomPlague]

Good to hear that, Tim S. I'm not that big but I'm definitely bigger than I was years ago and the restraints on some rides have a way of making that obvious.

The Drop Tower restraints seem like they were designed for people who are either short or thin. I'm 5'11 around 220 and on my last ride the attendant had to shove the restraint a little to get that very-short belt to lock. It's my shoulders/chest area that seems to be holding it up. Maybe I'm just too manly for it

I have a similar issue with Arrow OTS restraints like on The Bat. While they come down plenty enough to ride, it seems like the same area keeps them from coming down a way that seems appropriate. There's always a huge gap between my belly and the restraint as a result.