Harry Potter theme park rides cannot accommodate fat visitors

SYDNEY - Universal Studios has run into a new problem where its Harry Potter themed park is concerned - its rides cannot accommodate fat visitors.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a mini-park inside Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park, opened in June this year.

But scores of overweight patrons have reportedly been turned away from the rollercoaster-style Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride after they were unable to fit into the seats.

The ride’s safety bar clicked three times as it was pulled down, but larger riders could not achieve the necessary three clicks and were turned away.ccording to Orlando Attractions magazine, Universal has begun work to modify the seats in order to accommodate larger riders.

Overweight visitors can now sit in a pair of “test seats” outside the ride - if the guest fails to fit, they are directed to a special line where they can access one of the modified seats.

One Harry Potter fan had previously been so disappointed at being turned away for his size that he began a diet and launched a blog to share his progress.

Banks Lee achieved his goal after three months of dieting and exercise and rode the Forbidden Journey on August 27.

On his blog, Lee declared the modifications “fantastic news”.

“Even though I have lost the weight to get the three clicks in a regular seat, I’m still at a size where it depends on how hard the ride attendant pushes the restraint,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted him as writing.

“There can be times where I can ride it, and then I’ll get back in line and not be able to ride. These new modified seats, I’m hoping, will guarantee that I will ride every time,” he stated. (ANI)