JD Vance Sparks Fury After Shutting Down Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean Ride for Private Family Use

US Vice-President JD Vance faced criticism after sections of Disneyland were temporarily closed for his family visit, disrupting regular guests' experiences at the California theme park last weekend.

The Pirates of the Caribbean attraction and surrounding areas of New Orleans Square were cordoned off during the midday period, with security personnel redirecting visitors whilst the Vice-President's family accessed the ride. The closure created a ripple effect throughout the park, resulting in increased queues at other attractions.

An eyewitness report stated: 'They closed the entirety of Pirates ... just so Vance could ride'

Protesters Express Opposition

Dozens of demonstrators gathered outside the Grand Californian Hotel and at park entrances, carrying Mexican and US flags and chanting anti-Vance slogans in response to recent federal immigration enforcement in California.

One protester told Fox 11: 'I would tell him to go home... get the hell out of here. We don't want him here.'

Governor Gavin Newsom also criticised the trip, posting on X: 'Hope you enjoy your family time, @JDVance. The families you're tearing apart certainly won't.'

Vance replied succinctly: 'Had a great time, thanks. '

Security Measures Raise Equity Concerns

The incident highlights ongoing tensions between the security requirements for high-ranking government officials and the public's access to recreational facilities.

Disneyland's decision to accommodate what appeared to be a VIP visit drew complaints about fairness. One online critic argued on Reddit: 'It's not about receptivity, this is forced domination of the vacations of everyone who paid to go that day. It's about rubbing it in the faces of Californians.

And Disney okayed it. They think obsessively about guest experience, or used to. Perhaps they still do, just in a different way.'

Another Reddit user argued: 'I wonder if Disney could say 'Sure, come on in, but we won't close rides for you.'

Security operations during the visit involved the Vice President's Secret Service detail, which may have contributed to restricted movement for guests in some areas of the park.

V-P Vance Booed by Park-Goers

Videos shared online show Vance receiving boos from visitors as he moved through the park, with a clip of him jogging after his children going viral with over 8 million views.

The portrayal sparked ridicule, with social media dubbing it a 'White Guy Trying to Cross the Street Quickly' moment.

Political Reaction and Public Debate

The controversy arises amid escalating tension over federal immigration actions in California.

Governor Newsom's social media rebuke highlights the stark contrast between Vance's leisure activities and the families affected by the policy.

Analysts say this episode illustrates how politicians' outings can ignite debates on privilege, access, and public resources.

What Happens Next?

Disneyland has yet to issue a public statement on the closure, but insiders note that such midday interruptions for VIP visits are rare.

The Vice‑President's press office confirmed the trip was private, with no official engagements scheduled during the stay.

While Secret Service protection is standard protocol for high-ranking officials, such as the Vice President, some critics have questioned how these security measures impact public spaces like theme parks.

Disneyland guests and political commentators are left to question the protocol for striking a balance between public access and protection for visiting high-profile figures.

The incident adds to previous controversies surrounding VIP treatment at public venues, where standard operations are altered to accommodate political figures, often at the expense of regular visitors who have paid full admission prices.