The US Department of Justice has launched a federal investigation into Orlando's SeaWorld and several other prominent Florida theme parks over allegations of discriminating against guests with disabilities. The probe centres on a controversial new policy that bans a specific type of walking aid known as a rollator walker.
Details of the Federal Investigation
The U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into United Parks & Resorts Inc., the parent company that owns SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Aquatica Orlando. Authorities are examining whether the parks have violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by prohibiting visitors from using rollator walkers inside the premises.
A rollator walker is a mobility aid featuring wheels on all four legs, a built-in seat, and hand brakes. The DOJ initiated the investigation after receiving complaints from several disabled guests who alleged all three parks were violating federal law by banning these essential devices.
In an official press release, the Justice Department stated: "Complainants allege that they cannot access the parks without their rollators and the only alternative the parks offer would require them to use mobility aids that are inappropriate for their individual disabilities and to incur additional charges, among other allegations."
Impact on Park Visitors
The policy change has significantly affected regular visitors like Florida resident Nancy Schwartz, who describes SeaWorld Orlando as her "favourite place at Christmas" and typically visits three times weekly with her husband. Schwartz told Fox 35 Orlando that she had used her rollator walker during dozens of previous visits without issue.
However, during a recent visit, security staff prevented her from entering with her mobility aid. "It's very disappointing. I'm very disappointed in SeaWorld," she expressed. Upon learning about the federal investigation, Schwartz said, "I almost started crying. I was just so excited, not only for me, but for everybody else that's been turned away."
Another Florida resident, Vern Martin, reported that his disabled daughter was similarly turned away from SeaWorld with her rolling walker. "My daughter has a disability where she can't walk that far and her legs give out," he explained, confirming he had been in contact with the Department of Justice regarding the matter.
Official Responses and Policy Changes
SeaWorld Orlando updated its website earlier this month to explicitly prohibit both rollators and wheeled walkers with seats. The park continues to permit walkers without seats. In a statement to The Independent, a SeaWorld Orlando spokesperson confirmed the safety measure was recently updated and added to the park's website.
The park stated: "We are committed to providing a safe, accessible, and inclusive experience for our guests and Ambassadors. To support this, we have recently updated our guidance regarding rollator and wheeled walkers with seats. These devices can pose a safety concern if not used in accordance with manufacturer requirements, which strictly prohibit using them as a wheelchair."
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon for the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division emphasised: "The ADA protects every American from disability-based discrimination in places of public accommodation, including theme parks. 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 clarified that his agency has not yet reached any conclusions about whether the policy constitutes an ADA violation. He indicated that the agency wishes to "urgently" meet with park representatives to discuss the policy, which was reportedly changed in November.
