Written by Eve Chen, USA Today, December 4, 2025
Federal authorities are investigating SeaWorld’s parent company, United Parks and Resorts, to determine if it is violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and “discriminating against guests with disabilities” by banning a certain type of mobility aid.
An updated policy on SeaWorld Orlando’s website states that rollator walkers and other wheeled walkers with seats are not permitted in their Orlando-area parks. They’re also prohibited at sister park Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, which cites “different pathway configurations, terrain.”
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida say guests with disabilities “allege that they cannot access the parks without their rollators and the only alternative the parks offer would require them to use mobility aids that are inappropriate for their individual disabilities and to incur additional charges, among other allegations.”
In a late November news release, the DOJ pointed to Title III of the ADA, which states “in any areas open to pedestrians, public accommodations shall permit individuals with mobility disabilities to use wheelchairs and manually-powered mobility aids, including walkers, crutches, canes, braces, or similar devices.” The Justice Department also encouraged guests who believe they’ve been discriminated against due to a disability to file a formal complaint with their Civil Rights Division.
Sea World Orlando’s website says guests who rely on rollator walkers will be provided an approved, seatless rollator or wheelchair at no cost. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s website does not, but their parent company’s website states: “We are committed to providing equal access to guests with disabilities. We make every effort to accommodate guests across our parks to ensure they enjoy their visit with us.”
In the past, United Parks and Resorts has been a leader in accessibility. Its Sesame Place Philadelphia park was the world’s first International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards Certified Autism Center.
USA TODAY has reached out to United Parks and Resorts for comment.