Two stars from Channel 5’s “Big Brits Go Large” series have gone viral for assessing popular theme parks to determine if they are accommodating to plus-size visitors.
Jo Frost, 38, and Nat Forshaw, 44, who gained fame from their appearance on the show in May 2022, where they organized a plus-size bikini photoshoot, have been actively engaging with their audience despite facing criticism for allegedly “exploiting and promoting” larger bodies.
Undeterred by negative comments, Frost and Forshaw have continued to foster an inclusive environment for individuals of all sizes, abilities, and genders through their platform.
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Recently, they took to TikTok to review the accessibility of various theme parks for plus-size visitors. One of their videos garnered 700,000 views and over 38,000 likes.
“So far, we’ve visited Drayton Manor twice, Flamingo Land, and Disneyland,” Jo, from Manchester, shared with Luxury Travel Daily. “The staff at each destination have been incredibly accommodating. We’ve openly asked them if we would fit before trying any rides, and they provided excellent advice. I always feel sorry for them because they often seem very apologetic, likely due to negative reactions from others who don’t fit.”
Despite occasional judgmental looks and giggles from teenage boys, Jo and Nat remain unfazed, holding their heads high and maintaining that such reactions reflect more on the perpetrators than on themselves.
In their most popular review, they examined Flamingo Land. They began by disclosing their UK dress sizes, with Jo wearing a size 28 and Nat a size 24.
Jo carries most of her weight around her bust and belly, while Nat’s is around her hips and bum. Throughout the video, they tested all the available rides, maintaining a positive attitude even when they couldn’t fit.
Nat managed to squeeze into the first roller coaster, though Jo wasn’t as fortunate. The next three rides were non-starters, but Nat comfortably fit on the fifth. For the remaining rides, both Jo and Nat found most to be a comfortable fit and thoroughly enjoyed them.
“I love rides, and so does Nat, so it is disappointing when we don’t fit,” Jo admitted. “However, we understand it’s not personal. It’s about health and safety precautions, which we completely get.”
While their experience at Flamingo Land was mixed, Drayton Manor received high praise. Nat described it as “fantastic,” noting that most rides had lap bars and even the overhead ones were quite generous. She was able to try almost every ride, though a few required some effort to get into the seats.
Jo also had positive feedback about Disneyland, calling it very plus-size friendly. “I fit on most rides with the overhead harness, which was great. It’s wonderful to be able to join in with the thrillseekers and go on some of the bigger rides.”
The duo, who met in 2014, have plans to visit Alton Towers twice next month, along with a trip to Blackpool. Next year, their itinerary includes Thorpe Park, Oakwood, Lightwater Valley, Chessington, and Paultons Park.
For now, they remain focused on building an inclusive community and promoting body positivity through their clothing brand. They aim to end the harsh criticism directed at their bodies and others.
While they understand the need for size restrictions on theme park rides, they believe more can be done to accommodate plus-size visitors. Jo suggested, “In an ideal world, there would be tester seats at the entrance of every ride, though we understand this can be costly and time-consuming.
Additionally, theme parks should provide more detailed information about harnesses and fastenings on their websites. For example, if I know a ride has an overhead harness, I wouldn’t waste time queuing for it.”
The duo shared that over 95% of their online community avoid taking their children to theme parks due to fear of not fitting. They believe everyone should have the opportunity to create memories with their children without fear of judgment.
“We want to be treated as humans, not judged for carrying extra weight. Everyone deserves to live their life freely and exist in their own skin without judgment. Your worth is not determined by your body size or whether you fit into a chair. If someone has an issue with that, it’s their problem, not ours.”
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