On November 25th, the Justice Department launched an investigation into United Parks and Resorts Inc., a notable theme park company, for discriminating against visitors with disabilities. The company is responsible for amusement parks such as SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Aquatica Orlando, and others. They have faced scrutiny for allegedly denying guests with disabilities accessible entrance into their parks. Guests claim that the parks deny them the use of a certain walker known as rollator walkers. This consequently forces disabled visitors to use the parks provided assistance instruments. However, for many of these park visitors the provided equipment isn’t suitable for their disability and often comes at an extra charge.
In response to this investigation, U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida states that, “no one should ever be denied equal access to public accommodations based on disability.” He continues by ensuring that guests with disabilities will receive their rights and promise that their “office remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that all individuals with disabilities are guaranteed their rights under the ADA [(Americans with Disabilities Act)].”
Another noteworthy Orlando theme park that has recently faced criticism for their disability program is Disney World. The implemented DAS (Disability Access Service) program at Disney Parks has narrowed the eligibility standards for disabled people as a result of some guests abusing the pass. However, for the many individuals who have disabilities, these changes greatly impact them. The recent policy changes have denied guests who, in the past, qualified for DAS. Now numerous impaired individuals who are no longer accommodated by DAS, face inconveniences at the amusement park.
Under the new DAS changes individuals who don’t fit the instated requirements no longer have access to attraction return time benefits, which allows guests who can’t wait in long lines a reserved spot that they can come back to. The recent changes have also made it increasingly harder for individuals with disabilities to register for the program requiring a registration interview 60 days prior to your visit. The removal of in-person DAS pass registration makes it increasingly more difficult for guests to get approved for the pass.
All of these complaints highlight the obstacles disabled guests face when it comes to participating and enjoying everyday activities. A change to these disability accommodation policies will hopefully ease the experience that many impaired visitors face at Floridian amusement parks.
