The U.S. Department of Justice has sued United Parks & Resorts, the parent company overseeing SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, claiming that the company’s 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, which federal prosecutors allege have unfairly restricted access for guests who rely on the specific mobility aids. A rollator is like a walker but includes a built-in seat.
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.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division addressed the filing in a formal statement, noting that the ADA requires equal access for people with disabilities and that 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,” Dhillon stated.
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.
Additionally, 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.
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.
United Parks & Resorts has defended its stance, maintaining that the policy was created with guest safety in mind.
In a news release, the company said, “United Parks & Resorts disagrees with the claims asserted in the Department of Justice’s complaint and will respond through the legal process.
“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. We offer alternative mobility devices at no cost to ensure guests can fully enjoy our parks. We believe our approach is consistent with the requirements of the ADA and reflects our 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 equipped with seats, while still allowing models without seats.
At the time of the change, SeaWorld Orlando told FOX 35 that the decision was based on safety concerns regarding how the devices were being used.
“We are committed to providing a safe, accessible, and inclusive experience for our guests and Ambassadors,” company officials said in a November statement. “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.”
The official policy listed on the SeaWorld website further explained the restriction, stating, “For the safety of our guests and employees, rollator walkers with seats on them are not permitted at SeaWorld Orlando. Alternative personal transportation options, including standard wheelchairs and Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs), are available. Walkers without a seat are permitted.”
While the parks offer rental options for wheelchairs and electric scooters that typically range from $40 to $100 per day, the company has since adjusted its messaging and offered certain accommodations for those affected by the ban.
Under the updated procedures, SeaWorld Orlando stated that guests who arrived with a prohibited walker or rollator would have their device stored in a secure area and would be provided with a complimentary wheelchair or a seatless rollator walker for use during their visit. The permitted walkers provided by the park include a brake bar, foam-rubber grips and a small basket.
Despite these accommodations, the policy has faced significant pushback from regular visitors.
In November, FOX 35 spoke with Nancy Schwartz, a frequent guest who relies on a wheeled walker with a seat.
Schwartz described an experience where she was permitted entry one day but denied the next due to the new rules. She expressed disappointment over the sudden change, noting that the park is one of her favorite places to visit, particularly during the holiday season.
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