Universal Studios Hollywood is facing criticism over the body size limitations for riders of its new “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” attraction.
The ride, which is a part of the highly anticipated Super Nintendo World area, utilizes augmented reality and animatronics to allow guests to compete as part of Team Mario in a battle against Bowser and his minions.
It requires passengers to wear VR headsets and sit in vehicles modeled after Mario’s standard kart that can only accommodate people with a waist size of 40 inches or smaller.
Since the average waist size in the U.S. is 40.5 inches for men and 38.7 inches for women, a significant portion of the population would not be able to enjoy the new Mario Kart ride.
While Super Nintendo World won’t be open to the general public until Feb. 17, some Universal Studios pass holders were able to try out the new rides during a special preview event.
Some social media users accused the park of being “fatphobic” and called it out for its alleged lack of body inclusivity.
“Still mad about that 40-inch waistline requirement for the Mario Kart ride,” a Twitter user wrote. “It’s just blatantly fatphobic, there’s nothing about it that can’t accommodate a bigger human. Let alone an average-sized one, as 40 inches is hardly monumental. I’m a few pounds from there myself!”
Still mad about that 40-inch waistline requirement for the Mario Kart ride.
It’s just blatantly fatphobic, there’s nothing about it that can’t accommodate a bigger human. Let alone an average-sized one, as 40 inches is hardly monumental. I’m a few pounds from there myself!— David (@DavidtheBookwrm) February 1, 2023
“Can we discuss how at my biggest I would not have been able to fit on Mario Kart?” another tweeted. “A 40” waistline is about a size 20. Are you freaking kidding me, @UniStudios? It’s a DARK RIDE.”
Can we discuss how at my biggest I…
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