Federal Lawsuit Targets SeaWorld Owner Over Walker Ban at Theme Parks

The Justice Department has filed a federal lawsuit against United Parks & Resorts, alleging the company's prohibition on wheeled walkers with seats at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens locations violates disability rights laws. The company maintains the policy was enacted for safety reasons after incidents involving misuse of the mobility devices.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Federal prosecutors have filed a lawsuit against United Parks & Resorts, the company that operates SeaWorld and Busch Gardens theme parks, alleging discrimination against disabled visitors through a policy that prohibits wheeled walkers with seats.

The Justice Department’s civil rights attorneys filed the complaint Thursday in Orlando federal court, requesting a jury trial to determine whether the theme park operator violated the Americans with Disabilities Act. The legal action demands policy changes regarding rollators — the technical term for wheeled walkers — and seeks monetary compensation for guests who have been denied entry with the devices since the restriction took effect last November at facilities in Orlando and Tampa.

United Parks & Resorts rejected the federal allegations Thursday and indicated it would defend itself in court.

“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,” the company said in an emailed statement.

The theme park operator emphasized that its facilities provide alternative mobility assistance to guests at no charge.

According to the federal complaint, multiple guests using wheeled walkers — including two military veterans with mobility impairments — were turned away at security checkpoints and barred from entering the parks with their devices.