Height Requirements

It is with shoes on (though if the shoes have extraordinarily thick soles I have seen the CM have the child take the shoes off. Some parents try to cheat the system by giving the child extra thick shoes). They do measure at every ride. There's not a basic "I'm tall enough" sticker" since the height requirements vary from ride to ride. The rule is the the top of the child's head much touch the stick. Hair doesn't count. They'll lay the hair down to make sure the scalp actually touches. There is some variation from CM to CM but most follow this very closely since it's due to legal issues. And the sticks keep it from being opinion. Either their head touches or it doesn't. No room for opinion. They don't like to disappoint kids, but in today's overly litigious society they can't put a kid on who doesn't meet the requirement, even by a little, and risk something happening.

If there's a question, just prepare your kids that you'll have to take another trip when they're bigger to do those rides and enjoy what you can.

Strmchsr;2432357 wrote: It is with shoes on (though if the shoes have extraordinarily thick soles I have seen the CM have the child take the shoes off. Some parents try to cheat the system by giving the child extra thick shoes).

I've had - and physically *seen* - parents stuff paper towels, napkins, and....even Mickey ice cream sandwiches in kids' shoes to try and get them past the height requirement.

"Way to think of your kid's safety, there, 'Parent of the Year' winner...."

**Best way to get your kid officially measured: Take 'em to their doctor, and get 'em measured with *shoes off*. That way, when they do get to the parks and are asked to get measured, they're "official".

Main Street Jim;2432686 wrote:
**Best way to get your kid officially measured: Take 'em to their doctor, and get 'em measured with *shoes off*. That way, when they do get to the parks and are asked to get measured, they're "official".

:ditto:

With your trip almost one year away they're going to need an annual physical in there somewhere. If your DD is 39" now chances are good that she'll hit 40" before your trip which will allow most rides at the 4 parks except:

• Space Mountain - 44"
• Expedition Everest - 44"
• Primeval Whirl - 48"
• Rock and Roller Coaster - 48"
• Sum of All Thrills - 48"
• Mission Space - 44"

Getting a measurement from the doctor will give you an idea of which rides the child can likely go on, but it won't sway the CMs. You wouldn't believe how many parents say "oh, he was measured at the doctor last week, and he's tall enough."

Also, you will likely be asked to remove any hats. I have seen napkins stuffed into hats on kids heads.

Animal Kingdom
Kali River Rapids 38"
Dinosaur 40"
Expedition Everest 44"
Primeval Whirl 48"

Main Street Jim;2432686 wrote: ....even Mickey ice cream sandwiches in kids' shoes to try and get them past the height requirement.

Wow! That's a bit extreme! My at the time 4 (almost 5) year old was extremely upset she couldn't get on Rockin Roller Coaster for our last trip because she was just under, but you sure wouldn't see me stuffing ice cream in her shoes to get that extra half an inch.

WDWdriver;2432701 wrote: Getting a measurement from the doctor will give you an idea of which rides the child can likely go on, but it won't sway the CMs. You wouldn't believe how many parents say "Oh, he was measured at the doctor last week, and he's tall enough."

Yeah, I know what you mean for sure, Ron. I've worked at nearly every "height-required" attraction in the Magic Kingdom, and this was one we got quite a bit. We'd have to tell the mom/dad/"grown-up" that we (as CMs) don't go by "doctor's notes"; we have to go by the "measurement sticks" at the entrance of each attraction. And, before anyone asks, CM's *do* (or at least DID when I worked there) measure with a tape measure each and every height "stick" at said attractions; it is (or was) part of the pre-opening procedures for each attraction.

Main Street Jim;2432739 wrote: ... before anyone asks, CM's *do* (or at least DID when I worked there) measure with a tape measure each and every height "stick" at said attractions; it is (or was) part of the pre-opening procedures for each attraction.

They still do.

My son will be just at 41 inches and i'm excited that he will be able to ride so much more than before.

Coleby;2432354 wrote: Okay, I feel like such a newbie with all the questions I have had lately.

5. Any other suggestions?

:cloud9:Wait til we all get there and we'll see. You know Pap and Mimi are glad to sit with them and entertain.:thumbsup::mickey: