The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida filed a lawsuit on Dec. 9 against United Parks & Resorts Inc. and its subsidiaries, alleging that the company’s ban on wheeled walkers with seats violates Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). United Parks & Resorts operates twelve theme parks in the United States, including SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Discovery Cove Orlando, and Aquatica Orlando.
The case highlights concerns about accessibility for people with disabilities at major entertainment venues. The lawsuit claims that guests with disabilities have been prevented from entering these parks if they use wheeled walkers with seats—devices also known as rollators—which are considered manually powered mobility aids under ADA guidelines.
"The ADA requires theme park companies like UPR to provide guests with equal access, regardless of ability," said Gregory W. Kehoe, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida. "This complaint reinforces our commitment to holding public accommodations in the Middle District of Florida accountable when they engage in disability discrimination." Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon added: "The ADA requires equal access for people with disabilities, and theme parks such as SeaWorld are no exception. Under my leadership, the Division is committed to defending the rights of all Americans with disabilities, as the law requires."
According to allegations detailed in court filings, many individuals—including children and veterans—complained that they were denied entry or faced surcharges such as rental fees because of their use of wheeled walkers at these parks. The suit further alleges that United Parks & Resorts failed to reasonably modify its policies or practices to accommodate disabled guests.
The Justice Department is seeking a court order requiring United Parks & Resorts to end discriminatory practices against individuals with disabilities, update its policies to comply fully with federal law, train staff on ADA requirements, compensate those affected by alleged discrimination through monetary damages, and pay a civil penalty intended to uphold public interest in eliminating disability discrimination.
Individuals who believe they have experienced disability discrimination at any United Parks & Resorts property are encouraged by officials to file complaints online through www.civilrights.justice.gov or call the department's toll-free ADA Information Line.
