S. Department of Justice has sued United Parks & Resorts, the parent company overseeing SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The Justice Department claims that United Parks & Resorts' recent prohibition of specific wheeled walkers and rollators violates the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The legal action follows months of scrutiny regarding the company's policy updates. Federal prosecutors allege that the policy updates have unfairly restricted access for guests who rely on the specific mobility aids. According to the lawsuit, the restrictions implemented by United Parks & Resorts effectively barred various individuals, including children and veterans, from accessing the parks.
The Justice Department further alleged that the company imposed unfair rental fees on guests with disabilities who arrived with the now-prohibited devices and refused to reasonably modify its policies to prevent discrimination. The lawsuit seeks a court order that would compel United Parks & Resorts to cease discriminatory practices, update its policies to align with federal law, and provide ADA training for its staff members. The DOJ is seeking monetary damages to compensate individuals affected by the policy and is demanding that the company pay a civil penalty to vindicate the public interest in eliminating disability discrimination.
United Parks & Resorts disagrees with the claims asserted in the Department of Justice's complaint and will respond through the legal process.
United Parks & Resorts has defended its stance, maintaining that the policy was created with guest safety in mind. The policy at issue was implemented to address repeated safety incidents involving misuse of rollators with seats and was designed to enhance guest safety while continuing to provide accessible options for all guests. United Parks & Resorts offers alternative mobility devices at no cost to ensure guests can fully enjoy the parks.
United Parks & Resorts believes its approach is consistent with the requirements of the ADA and reflects its commitment to providing a safe and inclusive experience. The controversy began when SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens, and Aquatica Orlando updated their online guidelines to ban rollators and wheeled walkers. FOX 35 Orlando has reported on the developments of this policy change since it was first implemented in November 2025.
Shortly after those initial reports, the Department of Justice announced it would launch an investigation into potential ADA violations following a surge of complaints from the public.