ORLANDO, Fla. – The Department of Justice is investigating United Parks & Resorts Inc., which owns popular parks like SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Aquatica Orlando, to determine if the company violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by discriminating against guests with disabilities.
According to a news release, the investigation started after claims that the parks don’t allow certain walkers called “rollator walkers.”
Under the “Park Entry & Security Policies” section on SeaWorld Orlando’s website, rollators or wheeled walkers with seats are not permitted due to varying pathways and terrain. Alternative personal transportation options, including standard wheelchairs and Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs), are available.
According to claims, those alternatives sometimes come with extra fees, adding that the walkers are essential for many guests to get around, and the alternative mobility aids the parks provide are inappropriate for their individual disabilities.
The ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability by public accommodations, including theme parks.
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Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division emphasized the department’s commitment to enforcing federal civil rights laws.
“The ADA protects every American from disability-based discrimination in places of public accommodation, including theme parks,” Dhillon said. “We are committed to upholding our federal civil rights laws so that no guest is denied access or charged more because of a disability.”
U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida echoed the commitment.
“Every year, millions of people from around the world travel to Florida to visit our theme parks,” Kehoe said. “No one should ever be denied equal access to public accommodations based on disability. Our office remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that all individuals with disabilities are guaranteed their rights under the ADA.”
SeaWorld Orlando released a statement Wednesday on the department’s announcement:
“We are committed to providing a safe, accessible, and inclusive experience for all guests. After a comprehensive review, we updated our policy regarding rollators with seats due to misuse and safety-related incidents in the parks. Because guest safety is our top priority, the updated policy also addresses situations in which these devices were being used as wheelchairs, which is not permitted by manufacturers.
“Guests who arrive with a non-permitted device are offered approved alternatives at no cost to them, including rollators without seats and wheelchairs, to ensure they can fully enjoy our parks.”
People who believe they have experienced disability discrimination by United Parks & Resorts, including at SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, or Aquatica Orlando, are encouraged to file a complaint.
Complaints can be submitted online or by calling the Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 1-800-514-0301 or 1-833-610-1264.