DOJ Sues United Parks & Resorts Over SeaWorld Rollator Ban, Seeks Injunction, Damages, $118,225 Penalty

The single most important new development is that the U.S. Department of Justice has filed a federal civil lawsuit against United Parks & Resorts, the operator of SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, alleging that the parks’ rollator ban violates Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“DOJ sues SeaWorld’s parent company over ban on wheeled walkers at their parks ORLANDO, Fla”

Associated Press

The suit, filed in the Middle District of Florida, seeks to stop the discriminatory policy, require changes to park rules, and secure damages for affected visitors, along with a civil penalty of about $118,225.

Associated Press

The complaint notes complaints from people with disabilities—including children and veterans—who were denied entry with wheeled walkers with seats, while other mobility aids remained allowed.

UPR defends the policy as a safety measure and says alternatives are offered at no cost, while the DOJ frames this as a pattern of discrimination that undermines equal access.

The complaint explains that the parks banned wheeled walkers with seats (rollators) and claimed safety concerns, while other mobility aids remained permitted.

It also accuses the company of imposing unlawful surcharges by charging rental fees for some devices and refusing to make reasonable policy changes to avoid discrimination, even as alternatives were later offered at no cost.

BNO News

The policy change reportedly took effect in November 2025, with SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Discovery Cove Orlando, and Aquatica Orlando named in the suit.

The DOJ argues that the policy blocked children, veterans, and other guests with disabilities from full park access, despite ADA protections.

The company defends the ban as safety-driven and says it provides no-cost alternatives to preserve accessibility.

The DOJ requests a court order to end disability discrimination, compel UPR to modify policies to comply with the ADA, and train staff on the law.

It also seeks monetary damages for individuals harmed by the policy and a civil penalty (reported as over $118,000).

The DOJ notes that safety requirements must be based on actual risk, not stereotypes about disability.

The lawsuit was filed in Orlando federal court and seeks injunctive and monetary remedies across UPR’s parks.

The dispute highlights disability-rights enforcement as a live legal battleground for private entertainment venues in the United States.

DOJ frames equal access as a core ADA guarantee, while SeaWorld’s parent company emphasizes safety and the provision of alternatives at no cost.

Orlando Weekly

The case could influence other parks with mobility-aid policies and place UPR’s compliance under national scrutiny.

The action is a federal civil case that may set a benchmark for balancing safety rationales with accessibility obligations in mass-audience attractions.