The U.S. Department of Justice filed a federal lawsuit Thursday accusing United Parks & Resorts Inc. of discriminating against people with disabilities at its theme parks, including several in central Florida. The Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida allege the company has a policy that prohibits visitors from using wheeled walkers with seats, also known as rollators, inside its parks. According to the lawsuit, this violates Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
United Parks & Resorts operates a dozen parks and attractions across the country, including SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Discovery Cove Orlando and Aquatica Orlando. “The ADA requires equal access for people with disabilities, and theme parks like SeaWorld are no exception,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division in the statement. “Under my leadership, the Division is committed to defending the rights of all Americans with disabilities, as required by law.”
“The ADA requires that theme park companies like UPR provide visitors with equal access, regardless of their ability,” added U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “This lawsuit reinforces our commitment to hold public accommodations in the Middle District of Florida accountable when they engage in disability discrimination.” Federal officials indicated they took action after receiving multiple complaints from people who claimed they could not enter the parks with their walkers.
The lawsuit maintains that the policy has prevented children, veterans and other people with disabilities from accessing the parks. It also alleges that UPR “imposes undue surcharges” on visitors with disabilities for mobility equipment rental and that it has not made appropriate accommodations. The legal action seeks to force United Parks & Resorts to change its policies and provide equal access to all visitors with disabilities at its Florida locations.
Federal prosecutors are demanding that the theme park company modify its rollator ban and implement new policies that comply with ADA requirements. The lawsuit represents the latest enforcement action by the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division targeting accessibility violations at major entertainment venues. United Parks & Resorts has not yet publicly responded to the federal allegations regarding its Florida theme park operations.
The case highlights ongoing challenges faced by visitors with mobility devices at major theme park destinations throughout Florida. SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay attract millions of visitors annually, making accessibility policies particularly significant for the disability community. The federal legal action could set precedent for how other theme park operators handle mobility assistance devices at their Florida facilities.
The Justice Department’s Middle District of Florida office will oversee the litigation as it moves through federal court. No timeline has been established for when the case might be resolved or when policy changes might be implemented at the affected Florida theme parks.