The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division filed a lawsuit against United Parks & Resorts Inc. (UPR), the parent company of SeaWorld and Busch Gardens, alleging violations of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), UPR implemented policies in November 2025 that banned guests with disabilities from using wheeled walkers with seats, including rollators, in its parks.
Title III of the ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability in places of public accommodation and requires equal access for individuals with disabilities, according to ADA.gov.
“The ADA requires equal access for people with disabilities, and theme parks such as SeaWorld are no exception,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division in a press release. “Under my leadership, the Division is committed to defending the rights of all Americans with disabilities, as the law requires.”The lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, said DOJ received complaints by guests who said they were denied entry or access to the parks while using wheeled walkers with seats.
“The ADA requires theme park companies like UPR to provide guests with equal access, regardless of ability,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida, in a press release. “This complaint reinforces our commitment to holding public accommodations in the Middle District of Florida accountable when they engage in disability discrimination.”
DOJ said the lawsuit is to force UPR to end the alleged discriminatory practice, revise its policies to comply with the ADA and pay damages to individuals affected, as well as civil penalties.
In the lawsuit, one complaint is from a mother of an eight-year-old child who uses a pediatric posterior walker. According to the lawsuit, the mother contacted SeaWorld Orlando to ask if the walker would be allowed, she was told that rollators with seats were prohibited and was offered an adult-sized rollator without seats, which the lawsuit said was not medically appropriate for the child.
The lawsuit also alleges UPR imposed unlawful surcharges on guests with disabilities through mobility device rental fees.
Under the SeaWorld Orlando accessibility page, it states rollators with seats have been misused on multiple occasions. The park says it provides complimentary mobility devices without seats for guests who need assistance. However, other mobility options are available for rent. Wheelchair and stroller rentals start at $42 and electric convenience vehicles start at $115.
The park’s policy also prohibits two-wheeled, self-balancing electric vehicles such as Segways. However, guests may use their own wheelchairs if they meet park guidelines.
In a statement by SeaWorlds media team, they said UPR disagrees with the allegations by DOJ and will respond through the legal process.
“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. We offer alternative mobility devices at no cost to ensure guests can fully enjoy our parks,” the statement said. “We believe our approach is consistent with the requirements of the ADA and reflects our commitment to providing a safe and inclusive experience.”
Busch Gardens maintains similar accessibility policies, allowing approved mobility devices while offering rentals for guests who need them. At Busch Gardens, wheelchair and stroller rentals start at $37 and motorized wheelchairs start at $115.
The lawsuit was filed March 26. DOJ is encouraging anyone who believes they experienced disability discrimination at UPR parks to file a complaint online.
