A Walt Disney World Resort guest has garnered attention on social media for an unusual message to the company: thank you for turning me away from Avatar Flight of Passage. Her moment of public embarrassment at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, she says, became the turning point in her health.
The Ride That Often Says No
Avatar Flight of Passage, the flight simulator in Pandora – The World of Avatar, seats riders as if they were on a bike. They lean forward over a handlebar while restraints lock across the back and lower legs. It's one of the most technically advanced attractions at Walt Disney World Resort, and it's also known for turning guests away. Taller or more muscular riders can struggle with the leg restraints, and the back restraint may not latch for Disney Park guests who carry weight in their midsection.
Since the ride opened in 2017, complaints about those rejections have been common. Walt Disney World Resort eventually responded by placing a test seat outside the attraction. Guests can try it, and if the light turns green, a cast member confirms they're cleared to board. That would save would-be riders from standing in a line that can run for two to four hours, only to be told no at the end.
A Post Thanking Disney
Three years ago, a Walt Disney World Resort guest either visited Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park before the test seat existed or didn't use it, and she was removed from Avatar Flight of Passage while her son rode without her. Michelle Peterson (@3princeandaprincess) recently shared a video on Instagram, looking back on that day.
Alongside photos from her journey, she wrote: “Dear Disney, thank you for kicking me off the Avatar ride with my son 3 years ago because I was too fat,” and continued, “Although it was very embarrassing, it changed my life! Proud of myself.”
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In her caption, Peterson described the experience as “one of the most embarrassing days of my life.”
“I was at Disney World with my friend and my son and he wanted so badly to go on the Avatar ride. I also wanted to,” she wrote. “We waited in line forever and got on the ride and my legs wouldn't fit how they were supposed to. I kept trying to adjust my legs to make it work but it wouldn't close like it was supposed to. So they made me get off the ride and I had to walk away, humiliated, leaving my son to ride without me.”
What Happened Next
Peterson says the day left her with a promise to herself. “At that moment I vowed I'm never, ever going to feel like this again or do this to my son,” she continued. “And as soon as I got home I met with my dr and started my journey to get healthy. Slowly but surely 3 years later I'm down 110 lbs, maybe 35-40 more to go. Labs came back absolutely perfect last month for the first time in years and years. I'm happier than I've ever been.”
She closed with a message for anyone who sees themselves in her story.
“Believe me when I say your worst days do not define you,” she concluded. “Let them be the moment you pivot and change your next chapter. You are loved.”
How has visiting the Disney parks positively impacted your everyday life? Disney Fanatic would love to hear from you in the comments!
