TAMPA, Fla. – The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit today against United Parks & Resorts Inc. (UPR), claiming the company’s ban on wheeled walkers with seats violates the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The legal action, led by the Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, targets the parent company of major attractions including SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Discovery Cove, and Aquatica.
According to the complaint, UPR’s current policy prevents guests with disabilities from using rollators—walkers equipped with wheels and built-in seats—inside its twelve U.S. parks. Federal officials argue that under Title III of the ADA, theme parks are public accommodations required to allow manually powered mobility aids in any area open to pedestrians.
The lawsuit follows a wave of complaints from veterans, children, and other individuals who say they were turned away at park gates because of their mobility devices.
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Beyond the equipment ban, the Department alleges that UPR forced guests with disabilities to pay “impermissible surcharges” by requiring them to rent park-approved equipment instead of using their own.
“The ADA requires theme park companies like UPR to provide guests with equal access, regardless of ability,” stated U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. He noted that the complaint is part of an effort to hold Florida businesses accountable for discriminatory practices. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon added that her division is committed to defending these rights, emphasizing that “theme parks such as SeaWorld are no exception” to federal law.
The Department is asking a federal judge to force UPR to change its policies, provide ADA training for all staff members, and pay monetary damages to those affected by the policy. The suit also seeks a civil penalty to address what it describes as a failure to provide reasonable modifications for guests.
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