Big news from Orlando this week, and it’s not about a new record-breaking roller coaster or a groundbreaking animal exhibit. Instead, it’s a story about access, mobility, and the long arm of the federal government reaching into the magic. SeaWorld and its sister parks are now under a federal investigation, and the reason hits close to home for many who rely on a little extra help to get around.
United Parks & Resorts Inc., the company behind SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Aquatica Orlando, finds itself in the crosshairs of the U.S. Department of Justice. The accusation? Potential violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The core of the issue stems from a recent, abrupt policy change: a ban on a specific type of walking aid known as a “rollator walker” within the parks.
Now, for those unfamiliar, a rollator isn’t just a fancy cane. It’s a type of aid featuring wheels on all four of its legs, often equipped with a seat and hand brakes. For many individuals with disabilities, these aren’t optional accessories; they are essential tools for navigating large spaces like a theme park. The DOJ’s press release made it clear, stating that “Complainants 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.”
These aren’t abstract complaints. They’re real stories from real people. Take Nancy Schwartz, a Florida resident who considers SeaWorld Orlando her “favorite place at Christmas.” She told Fox 35 Orlando she visits the park multiple times a week with her husband, always using her rollator. One night, she was allowed in. The very next day, security stopped her, denying entry with her aid. “It’s very disappointing. I’m very disappointed in SeaWorld,” she recounted, later expressing her overwhelming relief and excitement upon hearing about the DOJ investigation. “I almost started crying,” she said, not just for herself, but “for everybody else that’s been turned away.”
It seems Nancy’s experience is far from isolated. Another Florida resident, Vern Martin, reported that his daughter, who lives with a disability, was also turned away from SeaWorld because of her rolling walker. He explained his daughter “can’t walk that far and her legs give out,” underscoring the critical need for such aids. He’s been in contact with the Department of Justice himself, highlighting the groundswell of public outcry.
The outrage among SeaWorld fans who rely on rollator walkers is palpable. Many have gone directly to the Department of Justice to lodge their complaints. The ADA is a cornerstone of civil rights, specifically prohibiting discrimination based on disability in public accommodations, including amusement parks. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division reiterated this commitment: “We are committed to upholding our federal civil rights laws so that no guest is denied access or charged more because of a disability.”
What about the parks themselves? SeaWorld Orlando updated its website to inform visitors of these new restrictions after making the change earlier this month. While U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe stated his agency hasn’t reached any conclusions yet on whether the policy constitutes an ADA violation, he also made it clear that the agency would like to “urgently” meet with park representatives about the policy. The wheels of justice, it seems, are starting to turn.
So, a federal investigation looms over some of Florida’s popular theme parks. It makes you wonder: What truly prompted this sudden ban? Was it a newfound safety concern? Or something else entirely? For guests who rely on these aids, it feels like a sudden barrier to a place that’s supposed to offer escape and enjoyment. This isn’t just about a walker; it’s about accessibility, inclusion, and the fundamental right for everyone to experience public spaces without undue hurdles. The facts, as presented, show a segment of the community feeling shut out, and now, a federal agency is stepping in to ask why.
