US EditionDOJ Investigates Florida Theme Parks for Banning Guests' Walkers with Wheels
The DOJ probes whether United Parks & Resorts' ban on rollator walkers with seats at three Florida parks violates ADA by forcing surcharges for alternative devices.
- On Nov. 25, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice opened an investigation into United Parks & Resorts Inc. and sent a letter to CEO Marc Swanson.
- Members of the public who use rollator walkers say complaints allege parks banned seated models and offered rental alternatives for a surcharge, prompting a DOJ investigation.
- After reviewing safety incidents, SeaWorld Orlando updated its guest-access pages to ban rollator and wheeled walkers with seats, allowing walkers without seats and offering wheelchairs and Electric Convenience Vehicles for rent starting at $40 and $110.
- The DOJ has requested an urgent meeting and assigned Trial Attorney David K. Gardner and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra N. Karahalios, with potential enforcement measures including fines and civil litigation.
- U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe noted that millions visit Florida theme parks annually, and the Civil Rights Division will investigate potential ADA violations under Title III.
30 Articles
30 Articles
The U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into United Parks & Resorts—owner of SeaWorld Orlando and other parks—for alleged discrimination against visitors with disabilities, following complaints about restrictions on the use of rollators. Learn about the changes in park policy and the authorities' stance.
DOJ probes SeaWorld parent company over disability access restrictions
The Justice Department has launched a civil rights investigation into United Parks & Resorts Inc., formerly known as SeaWorld Entertainment Inc., to determine whether the company is violating federal disability law by restricting access for guests who use certain mobility devices, according to federal officials. The investigation was announced on Tuesday by the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Mid…
Feds Target Theme Park Giant: SeaWorld And Busch Gardens Owner Probed Over ‘Rollator’ Bans
TAMPA, Fla. – The parent company behind some of Florida’s most popular tourist destinations is facing federal scrutiny following allegations that it blocked guests from using their own mobility aids. The U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida announced Tuesday they have launched a formal investigation into […] Feds Target Theme Park Giant: SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Owner Probed Over ‘Rollato…
DOJ opens civil rights investigation into SeaWorld Orlando’s rollator walker ban
The U.S. Department of Justice announced Tuesday it was opening an investigation into SeaWorld Orlando’s parent company after complaints that its parks’ ban on “rollator walkers” discriminates against guests with disabilities. The investigation will look into whether SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay — all owned or licensed by United Parks & Resorts Inc — violate the Americans with Disabilities Act. The parks do not …
DOJ launches investigation into SeaWorld Orlando and others for disability discrimination
The U.S. Department of Justice and Middle District of Florida are investigating United Parks & Resorts (owner of SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and Aquatica) for alleged ADA violations after banning rollator walkers needed by disabled guests.
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