SeaWorld Orlando statement on DOJ investigation: Safety incidents in park led to rollator walker policy change
DOJ investigates SeaWorld Orlando over ban on walkers with seats
The U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into SeaWorld Orlando after the park banned walkers with seats, also known as rollators, prompting allegations of discrimination against people with disabilities. The policy, introduced two weeks ago, bars all seated walkers inside the park; SeaWorld says it made the change due to misuse and safety incidents.
SeaWorld Orlando has released a statement in response to the U.S. Department of Justice’s announcement that it was opening an investigation into the theme park’s recent policy change banning certain rollator walkers.
The statement itself did not address the DOJ’s investigation, but it did provide a little more information on why SeaWorld Orlando made the change.
“We are committed to providing a safe, accessible, and inclusive experience for all guests,” SeaWorld Orlando said.
SeaWorld: ‘Misuse’ and ‘safety-related incidents’ in the theme park led to specific rollator walker ban
SeaWorld Orlando said it made the decision to stop allowing rollator walkers with seats inside its theme park because of “misuse and safety-related incidents in the parks.”
It added that these walkers were sometimes being used by people as wheelchairs, which is not recommended by the manufacturers.
“After a comprehensive review, we updated our policy regarding rollators with seats due to misuse and safety-related incidents in the parks. Because guest safety is our top priority, the updated policy also addresses situations in which these devices were being used as wheelchairs, which is not permitted by manufacturers.”
What we don’t know:
Specific details on the type of incidents or how many incidents happened inside SeaWorld’s theme park were not shared as part of the statement. It’s unclear if anyone was seriously hurt in any of these reported incidents.
SeaWorld offers solutions to guests stopped at the entry gate
A new detail contained in the statement was that SeaWorld will offer guests free use of approved rollator walkers or wheelchairs at no cost.
“Guests who arrive with a non-permitted device are offered approved alternatives at no cost to them, including rollators without seats and wheelchairs, to ensure they can fully enjoy our parks,” SeaWorld’s statement said.
People can bring their own wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers without a seat. SeaWorld also offers wheelchairs and scooters for rent.
SeaWorld does allow people to bring their own wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers. SeaWorld also offers wheelchairs and scooters for rent for a cost. Wheelchair and stroller rentals start at $40 and electric scooter rentals start at $110, SeaWorld’s website states.
FOX 35 has reached out to United Parks & Resorts Inc., and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay for statements. We have not received a response.
Department of Justice launches investigation to see if SeaWorld violated ADA or not
The backstory:
FOX 35 exclusively reported on SeaWorld’s policy change on rollator walkers in early November after receiving emails from people not happy with the change.
Walkers with seats now banned at SeaWorld, new policy
According to SeaWorld’s latest policy, the amusement park is now banning “rollators” — known as walkers with seats. One woman was introduced to the new policy when she attended the park and told by security that she couldn’t take her walker in — though she’d been at the park with her walker 24 hours before. SeaWorld told FOX 35 the walkers pose a safety concern.
Here is the new policy on SeaWorld’s website:
“For the safety of our guests and employees, rollator walkers with seats on them are not permitted at SeaWorld Orlando. Alternative personal transportation options, including standard wheelchairs and Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs), are available. Walkers without a seat are permitted.”
Versions of the same statement are also listed on Aquatica Orlando’s website and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s website.
A screenshot of the updated rollator policy on SeaWorld Orlando’s website.
On Tuesday, Nov. 25, the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division announced that it would open an investigation into potential ADA violations after reportedly receiving several complaints about SeaWorld’s new policy.
The DOJ sent a letter to the CEO of United Parks & Resorts Inc., the parent company of SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
In the letter, the DOJ said it had not concluded whether SeaWorld Orlando violated any parts of the ADA, and that it wanted to talk to those involved with the policy change right away. You can read the letter below.
“Complaints filed with the Department allege that UPR has prohibited a certain type of manually-powered mobility aid-rollator walkers with seats-in some of its parks, including SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Aquatica Orlando. Further, complaints allege that UPR parks offer guests with disabilities who use rollator walkers for mobility the option to rent alternative mobility aids for a surcharge, in potential violation of 28 C.F.R. § 36.301 (c),” reads the letter.
“Accordingly, the Department has authorized an investigation to determine whether UPR is engaged in discrimination as set forth above. We have not reached any conclusions about UPR’s compliance with the ADA and the subject matter of this investigation. We will consider all relevant information, and we welcome your assistance in sharing and identifying relevant information.”
What you can do:
The DOJ said anyone impacted by the recent change at SeaWorld Orlando or United Parks & Resorts Inc.’s other parks can file a complaint online with the Civil Rights Division, here. Or, people can call 1-800-514-0301 or 1-833-610-1264 (TTY).
If you’d like to share your story with FOX 35 News, you can email us. Please include your name and the best number to reach you for an on-camera interview.
“You could put all the tennis balls in the world on a hospital walker. It is no good for SeaWorld, just awful. It’s just not built for it”
What they’re saying:
Nancy Schwartz talked to FOX 35 when SeaWorld Orlando first made the policy change. She said she was stunned when she learned that the DOJ had opened an investigation.
“I was hoping that it would make SeaWorld rethink their policy, never dreamt that the DOJ would get involved.”
Nick Thompson said SeaWorld’s ban on all walkers with seats isn’t just discriminatory – it’s dangerous.
“They are going to see more falls not less because they’re going to be pushing people into bringing their hospital walkers,” Thompson said. “You could put all the tennis balls in the world on a hospital walker. It is no good for SeaWorld, just awful. It’s just not built for it.”
“It’s not at all meant to be something you’re going to watch a whole football game on,” Thompson said. “You’re going rest on it. That’s literally its purpose. There’s no other reason to sit other than rest.”
Dr. Dale Birenbaum was shocked by the ban. He said many of his patients use rollators – specifically those recovering from injuries, cardiac episodes and strokes.
“It gives them the flexibility to sit and rest, which you cannot do with a standard walker,” Birenbaum said. “I think it’s on the onus of the individual that owns it and is using it, and it’s their fault if they don’t handle it properly.”
Mobility is not ‘one size fits all’, said Dr. Birenbaum, and those who require rollators shouldn’t be left out.
The Source: SeaWorld confirmed the policy change to FOX 35 in early November. The DOJ announced its investigation on Nov. 25. SeaWorld Orlando shared a statement with FOX 35 on Nov. 26.
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