SeaWorld Owner Sued Over Alleged Hidden Fees Under Virginia Pricing Law
The case asks a judge to certify Virginia ticket purchasers as a class over late‑disclosed service charges.
Overview
- Filed last week in federal court in Florida, the complaint alleges United Parks & Resorts used “bait‑and‑switch” drip pricing that violates Virginia’s upfront‑pricing requirement.
- Court filings say service fees began at $11.99 per purchase and scaled with quantity, adding nearly $40 to four tickets for Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA.
- The lawsuit claims the charges surfaced only at the end of online checkout under a “taxes and fees” line that allegedly included no taxes.
- The plaintiff seeks class certification for Virginia residents who bought tickets without the full cost displayed during the purchase process.
- Coverage notes similar per‑purchase fees reported at SeaWorld Orlando and references a 2024 Florida suit over a 5% charge that the company said had been disclosed.