On our cruise last week, look for a post on that in the near future, I was on the search of things that made me uncomfortable as a "person of size"* and things that made the experience more challenging or less enjoyable. All in the name of providing information for folk who are in this population. One thing I've noticed over the years is that many Disney fans - in the parks and on cruises - are folk of size. On this most recent cruise, I would say it was roughly 25% folk of size.
*I define one as a person of size when they wear plus size clothing, probably over 250 pounds, and a BMI over 30. I'm not making any judgement regarding how or why one is a person of size - it depends on genetics, medications, activity level, and so much more. As someone who is fairly active, eats well, has been working with a nutritionist, and aside from weight am incredibly healthy according to my doctors and bloodwork, I get it. Many years ago I gained 50 pounds within 2 months because of medication (as nothing else changed in that time.)
I've noticed over the years of cruising that certain aspects are creating new challenges and in some cases make me consider if I want to cruise. All in relation to my size. Our first cruise on the Disney Dream in 2021, we went to watch a movie in the Walt Disney Theater, but it was mid movie and dark. The seats at the back I could not fit into. At all. When we went to see the stage production of Beauty and the Beast that I found sitting closer to the stage and IF I squatted then backed into the seat, I could fit, even if not comfortably. Over the years, I found seats on the aisle, especially if they are marked accessible, are the best fit. This latest cruise, I seem to have passed a new milestone (not in a good way) and now simply using the restroom/washroom is a challenge.
As this last cruise was a seven night, and after realizing that the restroom in our cabin was actually painful to access and use, I wanted to try as many public bathroom stalls as possible to map out which were better for folk of size. I did not take great notes, so I guess I'll have to go on another cruise to complete the task. lol Regardless, a person of size should not need to find either an accessible bathroom or the elusive stall that is unoccupied and comfortable to do business. Around night three of this most recent cruise, I really wished I had a tape measure to have facts to work with and present. Unfortunately, there was not one in the shops onboard, and finding a store with them at port was a challenge. (Ketchikan has a store on the main street called The Drug Store, that sells... clothes.)
So what was uncomfortable? First, getting into the split bathroom with the 'throne.' First I had to squeeze my way in, pressing hard against the sink and the open door, not to mention the door handle also pressing into me as I squeeze in. Then, while on the throne, the edge of the lid (a heavy plastic) digging into my side. Additionally, being a smaller space, to contort myself for proper hygiene was a challenge. In the other split bathroom, I appreciate that the shower has a curtain as it provides more space than a door would**. However, I found that in order to shave my legs while showering, a lot more contorting and making ample use of the grab bars was necessary. Regardless, the grab bar along the long wall that had a soap dish attached dug into my side unless I leaned out of the tub/shower space.
**The Wish class ships have a door, but their showers feel larger and I had less concerns about comfort or safety.
On the Magic class of ships, there are public restrooms on decks 3, 4, 5, 9, and 10. I spent the most time on deck 3 when the need arose. There was an accessible bathroom by the after elevators, I did not notice if there was one by the forward elevators. The restroom by the aft elevators had a decor where the stall doors are shiny, almost mirror like, which I found creepy. The accessible bathroom was spacious, but I felt guilty using it as there are those with legitimate disabilities for whom that was their only option, whereas the 'regular' restrooms had a number of stalls. I found that in both restrooms on deck 3 that there was a corner stall that often provided more space than the other stalls. I did use the restroom across from Palo's entrance and found it more comfortable.
One piece of advice I have read or watched is that if one needs a larger shower, to use the ones in the Senses Spa locker rooms. I can vouch that the Dream and Wish class locker room showers are larger than that in a stateroom. The Wish class showers have a door, whereas the Dream class it has a curtain that doesn't quite cover the doorway so there are gaps someone passing by could glimpse one through those gaps at the edges. To be fair, it is similar to what I have found in gym locker rooms, such as L.A. Fitness.
In the end, the research on this has just begun. If you cruise and have similar experiences, I would appreciate hearing about them. Feel free to email if you would like to keep it private.
Edit: I edited this post on Aug 18, 2026 as I have been meaning to expand my definition of a person of size using BMI. BMI is a terrible indicator of health and especially not friendly to people born female, but it is a standardized marker most people are aware of and can easily calculate. I did arbitrarily select 30, but a quick Google shows that it is the threshold for being labeled as obese. In full transparency, I am over 40 BMI, well into severely obese range.