The Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division has launched an investigation into the company that owns multiple brands, including Orlando’s SeaWorld and Aquatica, for potential violations against guests with disabilities.

On Tuesday, November 25, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida announced that United Parks & Resorts Inc. is under investigation to determine whether the global theme park and entertainment company has violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability by public accommodations, including theme parks. United Parks & Resorts Inc. owns or licenses a total of seven brands, including SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the investigation was launched after multiple individuals with disabilities complained that three theme parks in Central Florida – SeaWorld, Aquatica, and Busch Gardens – had banned guest use of certain walkers, known as “rollator walkers.”

Those disabled individuals further alleged that they were unable to access the theme parks without their rollators. Additionally, they alleged that the parks only offered the use of “mobility aids,” which would lead to additional charges while being “inappropriate for their individual disabilities,” among other allegations.  

U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida stated that millions of people travel from around the world to Florida to visit the state’s theme parks.

“No one should ever be denied equal access to public accommodations based on disability,” said Kehoe. “Our office remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that all individuals with disabilities are guaranteed their rights under the ADA.”

Trial Attorney David K. Gardner from the Civil Rights Division’s Disability Rights Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra N. Karahalios from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida are handling this case.

Anyone who believes they have been a victim of disability discrimination by United Parks & Resorts Inc., including parks such as SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, can call 1-800-514-0301 or 1-833-610-1264 (TTY).

An online complaint can also be filed with the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division by clicking here.