A California family is speaking out after they say a relative with diabetes was unable to enter SeaWorld San Diego with the bag carrying her insulin supplies. They say she was denied entry because her medical bag didn’t meet their requirements. Now, they’re speaking out against what they experienced and trying to make sure it doesn’t happen to anyone else.
Derek (@dgonzo919) says he was going to SeaWorld with his family, but they were denied entry. Why? His cousin, who has diabetes, brought her insulin supplies inside a bag. But SeaWorld employees said the bag didn’t meet their requirements. Derek and his family didn’t know that the bag had to be a certain size and clear. Now, he’s stating, “Medical necessities should NEVER be treated as optional.” He asks his TikTok audience, “Since when does a bag policy come before someone’s health and safety?”
SeaWorld San Diego’s published Howl-O-Scream policy prohibits most bags larger than 8 by 5 inches but allows exceptions for medically necessary items after inspection. However, the policy states that those items must be carried in a clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bag no larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches.
In the video, Derek shares a conversation he and his family had with an employee at SeaWorld, Esther. According to him, Esther wanted to let them in, but her boss and security staff wouldn’t. Her hands were tied. She tells the family they sometimes have an extra “clear purse” for disabled individuals, but they didn’t have one. She apologizes repeatedly to the family, saying her “hands are tied.” Esther tells them, “I’m trying to help” and speaks with security about the family’s options so they can gain access.
Derek speaks with his cousin, telling her that her “bag is too big, apparently.” He sounds clearly frustrated by the situation and that his cousin couldn’t enter with her medical supplies in the bag she brought. One of the relatives then goes online to file an ADA complaint about how the situation was handled. While all this is happening, Esther comes back and tries to suggest a solution: putting her supplies in a trash bag. She tells the family, “That’s stupid, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry; I tried.”
Shocked by the interaction, Derek speaks out on his TikTok about what they experienced. He states, “People with disabilities deserve reasonable accommodations, respect, and understanding!” Commenters immediately voiced their opinions on Derek’s video, with many sharing his overall sentiment. One commenter stated, “It’s an ADA issue. You are allowed a medical bag.” Another questioned, “Yet I see people in there with backpacks and purses?? But they got me with my side wallet.”
Other commenters shared that they experienced the same distressing treatment at SeaWorld. One commenter mentioned, “I was told the same thing when I said that my meds were light sensitivity” when she was denied bringing her own purse. According to this commenter, they told her it wasn’t permitted. She claims the employee told her, “You can bring it in, but you have to conceal it.” The video continues to gain attention and opinions from many individuals regarding SeaWorld’s harsh rules.
