A plus size rollercoaster fan has shared her experience at Thorpe Park after struggling with nerves about fitting into the seats.
Heather O’Neill, 26, from Kent, is a size 24-26, and was concerned that her fun day out would be ruined due to potential accessibility issues.
“I was so nervous to go, I nearly cancelled out of fear that I wouldn’t fit on the rides,” Heather, a student mental health nurse, told NeedToKnow.online.
“The fact that I even have to think about if I will fit the rides is the first difference [in being a plus size customer].
“The feeling nervous before going, the pushing the seat down trying to get it to close. Worrying about how safe the ride will be for me, after that poor man died on a ride in America.
“It’s the same as flying – worrying if the seat on the plane will be too small or I’ll need a seat belt extender.
“I used all the test seats that I could find, which most people don’t have to do. But rides aren’t built for plus size/fat people, it’s about accessibility and making spaces inclusive for all bodies and accessibility needs.
“I feel like the staff did everything they could, were helpful and kind, but Thorpe Park is not built for fat people like me.
“Theme parks, aeroplanes, buses – society isn’t built for anyone who is outside of society’s norm of straight, able bodied and slim.”
Heather decided to film her experience at the park, showing herself trying out the different test seats available.
While she did fit in the majority of seats and could go on most rides, she found she did not fit into the Samurai ride test seat – though still managed to ride the coaster – and was also not able to ride the Colossus.
After struggling with the test seat, Heather says: “I tried to go on Colossus anyway – didn’t fit but staff were really nice and discreet and gave me a fast pass to another ride, so not bad.”
Despite not fitting in some seats, Heather didn’t let it dampen her day and says staff were “helpful and kind”.
She decided to share the entire experience on her TikTok in a bid to ease other plus size rollercoaster fans’ worries.
The video racked up 29,000 likes and 354,000 views, with viewers flocking to the comments section to share their thoughts.
One person said: “You saved yourself from the concussion on Colossus, call it a blessing that ride HURTS.”
“Wish they could put test seats in a booth or something, not out in the open. I’d get so anxious having to do it in front of ppl,” commented another user. [sic]
Someone else said: “I’m so so grateful for this!! I would have NEVER gone to a theme park before but might just have to try now!”
“I’m glad they’re starting to have test seats. I went to Alton Towers years ago and it was humiliating having to get off rides instead,” another viewer commented.
One person added: “First time I ever tried a test seat was Nemesis Inferno and I got stuck in it for about 20 minutes.”
“Thank you!! I avoid theme parks like the plague because I don’t wanna not fit you are a god send,” said another user. [sic]
Someone else said: “Getting in the seats have always stopped me from going to theme parks, I can’t stand the judgement and prejudice.”
“Colossus has always been the most fat phobic ride I barely fit and I’m not that big,” another person commented.
One fan said: “On behalf of plus size thrill seekers thank you so much for doing this.”
“It terrifies me going to these places in case I don’t fit! Can’t deal with the embarrassment,” commented another follower.
Someone else added: “Thank you for normalising this! No one should miss out because of the anxiety this creates!”
For Heather, it was important to share her experience with more nervous customers.
She said: “I was looking for a plus size guide to Thorpe Park before I went, to see if I could fit on the rides and make me feel less nervous to go.
“Thorpe Park’s website was hard to find the weight limits and measurement requirements, a lot of the links to the weight limits/accessibility came up with ‘page not found’.
“I wanted to help fellow fat people out, to give them a positive, unfiltered, honest guide on what rides they could actually fit on, and what rides had test seats so they could see if they would fit.
“Fat people deserve accessibility and to enjoy theme parks too!”
A spokesperson for Thorpe Park told Jam Press: “At Thorpe Park Resort, we care deeply about creating magical experiences that are inclusive for all of our guests.
“We have always strived to create accessible attractions where people can be themselves and enjoy fun experiences together.
“From team training to listening to guest feedback, our priority is always focused on ensuring every one of our guests enjoys a magical day out with us at the UK’s most thrilling theme park.”
