CP Ride Restriction Question

CP makes it a point to state that people of certain sizes may not fit on certain rides. This is not new, but what is new is a weight limit. They say 250lbs, 6'4", 54" chest, and/or 46" waist. On a recent visit to KBF, I saw many very large folks ride Ghostrider, Boomerang and Montazooma's Revenge. Do they actually have scales at the stations at CP or is more of a CYA statement?

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Sometimes lurkers speak . .

Is that every ride or just WT.

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Can we change the name of Top Gun to your mom so no one wants to ride your mom?

There is no specific requirement like that here at CP. I don't know where you're getting your information from, but those requirements simply DO NOT EXIST in any way.

Perhaps a piece of literature states that if these figures apply to you, that you may have trouble riding some attractions...but we don't turn anyone away from a ride without giving it a shot to see if the harnesses will close safely.

Alan--PTC02

Big Al:

The dimensions I provided came straight from a CP Fun Guide generated by their "new" online interactive trip planner. It does not state "you may have trouble".

Before you quote CP policy, make certain you know the source of the data you're disputing. Even if you're an employee, they don't provide employees with every piece of literature provided to the GP.

I will take your answer to mean that CP does not currently measure guests. If you fit, you ride.

Thanks.

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Sometimes lurkers speak . .

No, they don't have scales. The restrictions mentioned are to serve as a general guideline to help visitors determine if they can ride or not before they get in line. Some of the rides have test seats in front of the line. If you can fit in the test seat you can ride. Usually, if you fall within the stated guidelines, you should have no problem riding. However, if your size or weight exceeds the guidelines, you may experience problems fitting on the ride and you will not be able to ride.

250 lbs, i gotta start watching my weight, im 5'11" and 200 lbs.

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One step on your own and you walk all over me.-Creed "Ode"

True, we're not provided with all info given to the GP, but we are very, very well informed on ride policies. The entrance person is expected to enforce all policies surrounding who can ride/who can't. I can tell you that we never turn anyone away without testing them in the restraints, either in the entrance seat or an actual seat on the ride if the former is unavailable, and that is the official policy.

I have yet to check out the guide you've mentioned, but I will, and if it states that you will not be permitted to ride if you are outside these limits, I will mention it. My belief is that their intention was to let guests know before arriving that you may have difficulty riding certain rides in this situation.

Alan--PTC02

Alan's comment matches my experience and my read of the official CP policy. In the little Rider Safety Guide it says, "Due to rider restraint system requirements, guests of exceptional size may not be accommodated on some of our rides. This may apply, but not be limited to, guests who exceed 6'2" or those who exceed 250 pounds, have a 46" waistline or 54" chest."
It's like the height requirements on the Huss rides. The weights and measurements are based on the kinds of proportions normally associated with those sizes. I weigh 250 pounds but have no trouble with most of the rides in the park. I know people who weigh less than I do but who are of different proportions, and they have all kinds of trouble. It's a guideline for an inexact science, not a hard and fast rule. In fact the wording in that booklet basically says it isn't a rule, it's an approximate measurement based on where they thing the trouble spots might arise.

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

I am 6'4" and about 270. I can ride everything but the Wicked Twister. I was there Memorial Day and there were no scales around.

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The worst day at Cedar Point is better than the best day at work.

I really dont think any park would be bold enough to stick weight scales at the entrances of rides. That would be a very controversial measure. The test seats make alot more sense and wont offend anyone.

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""To be the man, WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!, You got to beat the man""!!!

Yes, test seats are great if people will actually use them. I have seen many people turned away from a ride because they didn't fit the restraint, only to be upset and angry that they waited all that time...

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I sing sometimes for the war that I fight, 'cause every tool is a weapon, if you hold it right. -Ani Difranco

I have contacted and heard back from an official CP source, Peggy Bertsch - Director, Training and Development - Park Operations.

She states that CP does not have scales and that larger folks may have trouble with restraints. People over 230lbs however should not ride the Wave Swinger, and anything more would be more than the recommended load on the chains. This is what I anticipated.

I agree that test seats work best. CP is good about having them, other parks (SFMM to name one) don't bother.

Thanks to PointMan, who actually answered my question. I guess I have learned that here on CB direct questions rarely get direct answers.

I'm amazed about the information for Wave Swinger. My husband is 6'5" and 260 lbs. and we almost always hit Wave Swinger on our trips. No one has ever told him he couldn't or shouldn't ride! Of course, I have never really paid attention to any signage. I'll have to check when we go on Thursday.

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I'd rather die living than live like I'm dead

How wide is the seat on the Wave Swinger? I think the standard is something like 13 pounds per inch of width at the hip, so a 230# limit would mean a seat width of right around 17". I thought sure it was wider than that.
Not as big as a Yo-Yo seat, but I know I don't have any trouble fitting on it.

--Dave Althoff, Jr.