Justice Department Investigates SeaWorld, Busch Gardens After Disability Discrimination Allegations

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into whether United Parks & Resorts, which operates SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and other parks, violated the Americans with Disabilities Act after rollator walkers with seats were banned.

The department announced the investigation Tuesday, saying it intends to determine whether the policy change unlawfully restricts access for guests who depend on those devices, following complaints that the rule violated the ADA for visitors at the company’s parks. Complaints also allege that the company offered guests using rollator walkers the option to rent alternative mobility devices for a fee, also potentially violated laws. Those complaints also claim the company directed guests using rollator walkers to rent other mobility devices for a fee, which could further violate federal law.

SeaWorld Orlando’s recently updated rule states: “As part of our regular review of safety and accessibility practices, we have updated our guidance regarding rollators and wheeled walkers with seats at SeaWorld Orlando. As a result, rollators and wheeled walkers with seats are not permitted at our Orlando parks. If a guest arrives with a mobility device that is not permitted under this policy, an Ambassador at security screening will assist. Their device can be checked and held while they use an approved rollator without a seat or a wheelchair, both provided at no cost. Approved rollators and wheeled walkers without seats remain permitted.”

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay also prohibits rollator walkers with seats. According to its website: “Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is committed to providing guests with a safe and enjoyable experience. Because of different pathway configurations, terrain, rollator walkers with seats of them are not permitted. Alternative forms of personal transportation, including standard wheelchairs and Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs), are available. Walkers without a seat are permitted.”

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stressed that federal protections apply “in places of public accommodation, including theme parks.”

“The ADA protects every American from disability-based discrimination in places of public accommodation, including theme parks,” Dhillon said. “We are committed to upholding our federal civil rights laws so that no guest is denied access or charged more because of a disability.”

U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida also weighed in: “Every year, millions of people from around the world travel to Florida to visit our theme parks. No one should ever be denied equal access to public accommodations based on disability. Our office remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that all individuals with disabilities are guaranteed their rights under the ADA.”

In a previously released statement to Fox 35 Orlando, a SeaWorld Orlando spokesperson said the policy was added to the park’s website as part of an effort to strengthen guest safety.

“We are committed to providing a safe, accessible, and inclusive experience for our guests and Ambassadors,” the park said. “To support this, we have recently updated our guidance regarding rollator and wheeled walkers with seats. These devices can pose a safety concern if not used in accordance with manufacturer requirements, which strictly prohibit using them as a wheelchair.”

The Department of Justice has not reached any conclusions on whether United Parks & Resorts violated the ADA, but it encourages anyone affected by the recent policy change to submit a complaint to the Civil Rights Division online or by calling 1-800-514-0301 or 1-833-610-1264.

UPDATE (November 26, 2025): This article has been updated to reflect the latest policy language from SeaWorld Orlando’s website and to include Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s policy on rollator walkers.