ORLANDO, Fla. — In a landmark move, the Department of Justice has taken legal action against United Parks & Resorts, the parent company of SeaWorld and Busch Gardens, arguing that a recent ban on wheeled walkers with seats unfairly discriminates against guests with disabilities.
The DOJ's civil rights division is pushing for a jury trial in Orlando to assess whether the company has breached the Americans with Disabilities Act. The complaint emphasizes that the policies regarding rollators—a type of wheeled walker—must be revised, and seeks compensation for those who were barred from using them since the ban was enforced last November at several parks in Orlando and Tampa.
United Parks & Resorts has openly contested the DOJ's allegations, asserting that the ban was instituted to address safety concerns associated with the misuse of rollators, while still providing accessible options for all park guests.
Amidst the lawsuit, the Department reported multiple instances where visitors with mobility disabilities, including two veterans, were stopped by security when attempting to enter the parks with their rollators. The unfolding situation has raised critical questions surrounding equity and accessibility in recreational spaces.
Stay tuned for updates as this case unfolds!
