Orlando Theme Parks Face Biggest Scandal in Years as Justice Department Steps In
What’s Going On?
A slew of Orlando theme parks are now a part of the significant news circuit as the Justice Department launches a massive investigation.
Guests Expected a Typical Theme Park Day—But an Unexpected Barrier Has Sparked a Nationwide Conversation
Most visitors heading into a Florida theme park begin their day with the usual anticipation—mapping out attractions, choosing where to eat, and soaking in that familiar atmosphere of music and motion. But for some guests, a much different experience has been brewing beneath the surface. A growing number of visitors with disabilities say they’ve encountered a startling obstacle, one they never imagined would impact their ability to enjoy a day at a major park. Their accounts share a common thread: a sense that something fundamental was suddenly out of reach.
So how did a simple mobility device become the center of a national investigation?
The Issue That Quietly Grew Into Something Bigger
Over recent months, several individuals with disabilities reported facing unexpected restrictions at three Florida theme parks operated by United Parks & Resorts Inc. These parks—including SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Aquatica Orlando—allegedly prevented certain guests from entering with rollator walkers, a type of mobility aid essential for many visitors who require stability and support.
Some guests say that without their rollators, they were effectively unable to access the parks at all. Others claim that park-provided alternatives were incompatible with their needs or required additional costs—costs they believe should never fall on people already managing disabilities.
These stories, quietly shared at first, eventually formed a pattern that reached federal authorities.
Federal Authorities Announce a Formal ADA Investigation
Today, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, together with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, announced that they have launched an investigation into whether United Parks & Resorts violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Title III specifically prohibits disability-based discrimination by places of public accommodation, which include theme parks.
Federal officials emphasized the importance of universal accessibility, especially in a tourism-heavy region like Central Florida.
“The ADA protects every American from disability-based discrimination in places of public accommodation, including theme parks,”
— Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon, Civil Rights Division
“No one should ever be denied equal access… Our office remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that all individuals with disabilities are guaranteed their rights under the ADA.”
— U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe
This investigation will be handled by Trial Attorney David K. Gardner and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra N. Karahalios, who are reviewing the complaints and examining the parks’ mobility-aid policies.
Why This Case Has Larger Industry Implications
While the probe focuses on United Parks & Resorts, the ripple effects could extend across the entire theme park sector. Accessibility guidelines already vary between companies, and federal scrutiny tends to trigger broader industry evaluation.
If investigators conclude that park restrictions on rollators violate ADA requirements, other operators—large and small—may need to reassess their own accessibility policies.
Potential outcomes include:
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Clearer national standards on what mobility aids must be permitted
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Policy adjustments across multiple theme parks
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Increased accountability regarding upcharges for disability-related accommodations
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Greater transparency for guests before arrival
For families planning vacations months in advance, these decisions could significantly shape the theme park experience moving forward.
What Guests With Disabilities Should Know Now
The Justice Department is actively seeking accounts from anyone who believes they were subjected to disability discrimination at any United Parks & Resorts property.
Guests can submit a complaint to the DOJ through:
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ADA Information Line: 1-800-514-0301
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TTY: 1-833-610-1264
These reports may play a role in the ongoing evaluation of accessibility policies at the involved parks.
The Larger Question: Is Accessibility Keeping Up With Theme Park Innovation?
Modern theme parks are built around immersion, thrill engineering, and increasingly sophisticated environments. Yet accessibility—particularly for guests who rely on mobility aids—remains a challenge that is not always addressed with the same ambition.
This investigation highlights a deeper question that theme parks nationwide must confront: As attractions evolve, are accessibility standards evolving with them?
For millions of visitors each year, the ability to fully participate depends on the answer.
The results of this federal inquiry may not only affect the parks involved but also set expectations for accessibility industry-wide.
