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 policy banning guests with disabilities from using wheeled walkers with seats violates Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The case is significant because it challenges access policies at major theme parks, including SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Discovery Cove Orlando, and Aquatica Orlando. The ADA requires public accommodations to provide equal access to people with disabilities, which includes permitting manually powered mobility aids such as walkers in areas open to pedestrians.
U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida said, “The ADA requires theme park companies like UPR to provide guests with equal access, regardless of ability. 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 of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division 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 in the lawsuit filed in federal court in Florida, UPR’s policy prevented children, veterans, and other individuals with disabilities from entering its parks if they used wheeled walkers with seats—a practice described as a facial violation of federal law governing accessibility standards.
The civil complaint also alleges that UPR imposed surcharges on disabled guests through rental fees for mobility devices and failed to make reasonable modifications necessary under ADA guidelines.
Federal officials seek a court order requiring United Parks & Resorts Inc. to stop discriminatory practices immediately; modify its policies; train staff about ADA compliance; compensate those affected by past discrimination; and pay a civil penalty supporting efforts against disability discrimination.
Individuals who believe they have experienced disability discrimination at any United Parks & Resorts property are encouraged by authorities to file complaints online or call designated hotlines provided by the Justice Department.
