Overview
- Federal civil-rights officials are examining whether United Parks & Resorts violated Title III of the ADA after complaints that SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Aquatica Orlando barred rollator walkers with seats.
- Trial Attorney David K. Gardner and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra N. Karahalios are leading the inquiry, and the Justice Department has requested additional complaints while stating it has reached no conclusions.
- Park policies permit walkers without seats and list wheelchairs and ECVs as alternatives, with rental pricing posted online, and the DOJ flagged potential surcharge issues under 28 C.F.R. § 36.301(c).
- SeaWorld says misuse and safety-related incidents, including guests using seated rollators as wheelchairs contrary to manufacturer guidance, prompted the change and says guests arriving with banned devices are offered free approved rollators or wheelchairs.
- Visitors have reported abrupt gate denials after the policy shift, and industry outlets note the findings could influence accessibility rules across other U.S. theme parks.