US Influencer Loses 135 Pounds, Recalls Humiliating Hong Kong Disneyland Ride Rejection
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 4 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
American influencer Ben Ptashinsky-Skinner (@equityben) has transformed his life by shedding 135 pounds, achieving a milestone that enabled him to conquer the RC Racer ride at Disneyland Paris — a feat that seemed impossible 11 years ago when he weighed 367 pounds at Hong Kong Disneyland. The former Walt Disney World cast member recently shared his touching memory of being turned away from the ride by a safety harness that wouldn't close, prompting a kind staff member to offer him a Toy Story pig sticker as comfort. The story, told with humor and grace, has inspired millions worldwide.
Key Points
- Ben Ptashinsky-Skinner, an Orlando-based content creator and former Walt Disney World cast member, shared his journey on Instagram under the handle @equityben
- At his heaviest weight of 367 pounds, he was unable to ride the RC Racer at Hong Kong Disneyland because the safety harness would not secure
- A compassionate Chinese female staff member at Hong Kong Disneyland offered him a Toy Story pig sticker as comfort after he broke down in tears
- The sticker featured "Ham," the piggy bank character from Disney-Pixar's Toy Story franchise, which added a touch of humor to the situation
- After losing 135 pounds, he successfully completed the same ride at Disneyland Paris, sharing the triumphant moment with his partner
Why It Matters
This story resonates because it demonstrates how setbacks can become sources of lasting joy when approached with the right perspective — Ben and the Hong Kong Disneyland staff member are still laughing about the incident 11 years later . While many seek weight loss inspiration, Ben has clarified that his transformation was driven by his daughter's love and sense of responsibility rather than the Disneyland experience itself, offering a more nuanced view of motivation and personal change .
This story resonates because it demonstrates how setbacks can become sources of lasting joy when approached with the right perspective — Ben and the Hong Kong Disneyland staff member are still laughing about the incident 11 years later . While many seek weight loss inspiration, Ben has clarified that his transformation was driven by his daughter's love and sense of responsibility rather than the Disneyland experience itself, offering a more nuanced view of motivation and personal change .