Posted on 05/21/2004 7:35:33 AM PDT by flutters
New Seat Belt Position Won't Fit Some People
SANDUSKY, Ohio -- Some Cedar Point visitors may need to shed a few pounds to ride one of the park's most popular coasters.
WEWS reported how new seatbelt positions on the Millennium Force may not fit some of the coaster's bigger riders.
The ride has thrilled millions since it opened in 2000, but some riders who've been on Millennium in the past are now being turned away.
Two summers ago, Tony Ventresco, of Youngstown, had no problem riding the roller coaster.
But now, Ventresco, along with other borderline bigger riders, are finding the Millennium's seatbelts a little snugger.
Cedar Point officials say the ride's manufacturer mandated the seatbelt brackets be repositioned after a man was killed when he fell off the Superman coaster at Six Flags New England.
"What it does is make it a little more snug, tight, and, unfortunately, prevents some riders who were able to ride in last year from riding it this year," said Robin Innes, public relations director at Cedar Point.
"I'm not much larger than anybody else ... I feel it would be unfair ... I'd be a little upset if they said I couldn't ride," said Ventresco.
Signs are posted, and ride operators pull questionable guests out of line to try the test seat.
But some guests make it all the way onto the ride before they realize the seatbelt's a tight squeeze.
It not only has to fit, there has to be a certain amount of slack on the belt before the riders get a "thumbs up" to ride.
So far, Millennium Force is the only ride affected by the stricter seatbelt guideline.
Cedar Point admits they've had some complaints, but they also point out their Web site, where they talk about size limitations for certain rides.
Let the fat slobs' lawsuits begin.
I guess Michael Moore won't be riding the roller coaster anytime soon. B-P
You want to ride? Lose some weight fat boy. It'll be good for you.
While not too fat, I am tall with a very long torso. (6-4 with a 31 inch inseam) At Hershey Park, I took myself off of two of the rides when it was obvious that the safety cage was not fitting well. Figured it was my life and therefore my responsibility.
Wife still thinks I snuggle better than an insurance settlement would.
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, males who exceed 6’2”, and those who exceed 225 pounds, have a 40” waistline or 52” chest or females who exceed 200 pounds or wear size 18 or larger. Each person has different body proportions, so it is impossible to determine exact size and weight.
What they are describing as their maximum limit (in men, at least) is not necessarily all that large.
There's no crime in being tall. And good for you for having the common sense and responsibility to figure out for yourself the safe thing to do. Too many people these days make stupid decisions and then seek a lawyer when the expected consequences result.
I'm 6-5" with a 34 inseam. I weigh 280lbs. (I'm a pretty solid 280, except for the gut, but I'm working on it!) I don't fit into too many amusement park rides, baseball stadium seats, airline seats or movie theaters.
Discrimination!!!! Discrimination!!! Where's MY free stuff!!!
I rode Millenium Force in 2000 the year it opened. Quite a ride. I should have brought goggles since the air rushing past you is like sticking your head out of a car on the interstate going 90.
You shouldn't make jokes at other people's expanse....er, expense.
I would be laughed at if I tried to ride that ride. But I am working on it.
Cedar Point Rocks!! Best darn coaster park on the planet!!
My last amusement park ride was "The Bat" at King's Island. I lived thru it and swore I'd never ride another...I haven't. It skeer'd the beejeepers out of me.
As they say...America's Roller Coast.
FMCDH
Exactly - 6'2" and 225 lbs is not all that large.
.
Wow - The Bat! Now there's a ride I haven't thought about in years! IIRC, it was fairly short-lived, and it was closed more than open even during that time. I did get to ride it a few times, and dug it, but I still thought the Beast was better...
Too big...too small....too big...just right!!
Sounds like they're taking Goldilocks way too serious.
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