DOJ Probes SeaWorld Parent Over Ban on Seated Rollator Walkers at Florida Parks

The U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into whether a major amusement-park operator violated federal disability law after banning certain seated rollator walkers at three Florida parks.

Federal officials said they are examining United Parks & Resorts Inc. (UPR) to determine whether the company’s recent decision to prohibit rollator walkers with seats at SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Aquatica Orlando violates Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The department is coordinating the review with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.

Local reports say the parks quietly changed their guidance in early November. A park spokesperson told local media that seated rollators can pose a safety concern if not used according to manufacturer instructions, and noted manufacturers "strictly prohibit using them as a wheelchair."

All three parks have updated their accessibility statements to say that rollators and wheeled walkers without seats are permitted, and that wheelchairs and Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) are available to guests. The parks list rental fees: wheelchairs start at about $35 per day, while ECVs begin at roughly $110 per day.

In a letter opening the inquiry, the Justice Department flagged language implying that guests with disabilities should rent alternative devices. The department said suggesting or steering visitors to paid rentals could itself raise legal concerns under the ADA.

"Every year, millions of people from around the world travel to Florida to visit our theme parks," U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe of the Middle District of Florida said. "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."

The investigation follows reports from visitors who said the policy appeared to be imposed with little or no notice. Nancy Schwartz, a Kissimmee resident and frequent SeaWorld visitor, told local media she entered the park one day with a seated rollator without incident but was stopped by security the following day.

"It's very disappointing," Schwartz said. "The walkers that don’t have seats also don’t have wheels—they can be harder to use. I’d really like to see them include everybody in their disability policy."

The Justice Department encourages anyone who believes they experienced discrimination by UPR to file a complaint with the Civil Rights Division online. A representative for United Parks & Resorts Inc. did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the investigation.