Mikayla Goldman,

Sponsor or Client: 

Title:

Analysis of the Accessibility of Major U.S. Theme Park Websites

Abstract:

Planning a vacation is no easy task, yet is crucial and can be slightly more difficult for people with disabilities who require accommodations if accessibility information is unavailable or inaccessible. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the accessibility and inclusivity of five major theme parks’ websites in the United States (Hershey Park, Legoland, Universal Studios, Sesame’s Street, and Knotts Berry Farm). These websites were analyzed in terms of the website content about accessibility and inclusivity of the theme parks, as well as an evaluation of the website’s accessibility. An observation tool was developed by using existing literature and a model theme park, Disney World, to identify items, which were scored and totaled. This tool included seven major categories including website design, services offered, sensory information, representation, accessible buildings and attractions, map, and management. The website accessibility rating tool, WAVE, was utilized to assess the webpage accessibility for four specific pages on each website. The results showed a variance in the types of accessibility services offered between theme parks. The majority of the parks do not provide enough information in their sensory information, management, website design, and representation. Most of the parks scored high in the accessible buildings and attractions category. For comparison purposes, a total score was calculated, Legoland had the lowest score while Knotts Berry Farm had the highest score indicating that the park offers more information about accessibility on their website. Recommendations are offered for theme park web designers about improving accessibility content.