In an unprecedented move, Vice President JD Vance sparked widespread frustration among Disneyland visitors by temporarily closing the iconic Pirates of the Caribbean ride for private use during a family outing in Los Angeles, California, on Saturday.
According to the Daily Mail, the incident, marked by heavy Secret Service presence and barricades, led to significant disruptions for regular park guests during a busy summer weekend.
On Saturday, JD Vance, 40, arrived at Disneyland with his wife, Usha Vance, and two of their children, Vivek and Mirabel. The family was photographed smiling as they strolled through the park, accompanied by a substantial Secret Service security detail. However, their visit quickly drew attention for reasons beyond a typical family day out.
To accommodate Vance’s visit, park officials closed the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, a beloved attraction, along with a portion of the New Orleans Square section of the park. Barricades were erected outside the ride, and K9 units were stationed as part of the heightened security measures, according to reports from Inside the Magic. This closure prevented regular guests from accessing these areas, causing frustration among many who had planned their day around experiencing these popular spots.
A Reddit user shared a photo of a park street lined with Secret Service agents, emphasizing the scale of the operation surrounding Vance’s visit. The user noted, "They closed the entirety of a pirates and part of New Orleans just so Vance could ride." The exact duration of the closure remains unclear, leaving guests and observers questioning the planning behind the event.
Many Disneyland attendees voiced their irritation, particularly because the closure occurred during a peak summer weekend when crowds are typically large. One anonymous commenter expressed disappointment, saying, "I'd say this about anyone regardless of politics, but I kind of think you forfeit your privileges to have a normal family day at Disneyland if you are elected to a national office."
They added, "There are a number of other ways he could enjoy Disney that don't involve shutting everything down in your path and taking the experience away from literally everyone else in the park. Paying for a private night party and going without fanfare almost seems like it would be cheaper to the taxpayer than this nonsense."
Another commenter labeled the move as excessive, stating, "This was a power move, plain and simple. I don't care what political office he holds, he's not a big deal." They continued, "I've seen and legit ridden rides with major celebrities who walked around like everyone else. That, or they pay for the privilege of having the park to themselves. I hope every single ride he rode broke down." The sentiment highlighted a broader frustration with high-profile guests receiving special treatment at the expense of regular visitors.
Concerns also emerged about how much notice Disneyland received for Vance’s visit and whether crowd control measures were adjusted accordingly. One commenter questioned, "I'm curious how much in advance Disney knew and planned for this trip. Did they limit the amount of park reservations that could be made today and possibly tomorrow?" They added, "Seems like a normal summer weekend crowd would be difficult to navigate that much security that is required for the VP and his family."
The scale of the closure was particularly disruptive, as another commenter pointed out the impact on park logistics. They remarked, "Closing off all of Orleans is basically a third of Disneyland. Imagine the traffic that would cause." They also expressed broader discontent, noting, "Coming here on a summer weekend with little notice is so inconvenient for the families who saved all year to be there."
The visit drew political commentary as well, with California Governor Gavin Newsom publicly criticizing Vance’s presence in the state. Newsom shared a video on X, formerly Twitter, stating, "Hope you enjoy your family time, JD Vance. The families you're tearing apart certainly won't." In a separate post, he added, "JD is back in California. He won't take the time to debate and defend gutting our Medicaid system, taking away kids' school meals, militarizing America's streets, or adding trillions to the debt. Instead, he's off to Disneyland. Probably to detain Mickey Mouse at this rate."
On Sunday, Vance addressed Newsom’s remarks with a brief statement on X. He wrote, "Had a great time, thanks." His response offered little in terms of addressing the broader concerns raised by both the governor and park visitors.
Adding to the tension, protesters gathered to oppose Vance’s visit to California, citing policies associated with the Trump administration. They specifically pointed to efforts to deport migrants in the state as a point of contention. Their presence underscored the political undertones of what might otherwise have been seen as a simple family outing. Historically, Disneyland has hosted numerous celebrities who often blend into the crowds without significant disruption. Commenters noted that it is unusual for a high-profile guest to require such extensive security measures or to close off major attractions. This rarity fueled further debate about whether Vance’s visit warranted such an impact on other guests’ experiences.
As the incident continues to generate discussion, many are awaiting an official statement from Disneyland regarding the closure. DailyMail.com has reached out to Disney for comment, but no response has been provided at this time. The lack of clarity leaves open questions about future policies for accommodating high-profile visitors during peak times. The event has sparked a larger conversation about balancing security needs for public figures with the rights of everyday visitors to enjoy public spaces like Disneyland. For many families, a trip to the park represents a significant investment of time and money, making disruptions like this particularly disheartening. As one commenter put it, "Disneyland isn't cheap, and it's already crowded," reflecting the broader sentiment of frustration.