Spring Break is always one of the busiest times of the year at Disneyland, but this season, the crowds are reaching unprecedented levels. With back-to-back sold-out days for Magic Key holders and an influx of vacationing families, the parks are seeing some of the longest wait times in recent history.
One guest, Matt Desmond, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a shocking video of Pirates of the Caribbean’s queue stretching farther than usual—nearly reaching the gates of Haunted Mansion! It’s rare to see the line extend that far, and it’s just one of many indicators that Disneyland Resort is operating at full capacity.
Matt shared, “This is the line for Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland right now. It almost stretches to the gates of the Haunted Mansion!”
This is the line for Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland right now. It almost stretches to the gates of the Haunted Mansion! pic.twitter.com/104xonSniO
— Matt Desmond (@DisneyScoopGuy) March 17, 2025
The Spring Break Surge
Spring Break at Disneyland isn’t just a one-week affair—it’s a rolling wave of school vacations that lasts from early March through mid-April. Because different schools across the country have staggered breaks, the parks rarely get a break from the crowds.
The demand has been so high that Disneyland has extended its operating hours, staying open until midnight every night through the end of the month—an adjustment typically reserved for the busy summer season. Guests can also catch nightly fireworks, a sure sign that the parks are preparing for massive attendance levels.
Meanwhile, Magic Key holders are feeling the squeeze as well. Most of March has been completely booked for passholders, with very few reservation slots opening up. Even those who managed to snag a park reservation are finding it difficult to secure Lightning Lane Multi Passes for high-demand attractions.
Record-Long Wait Times
The extended queue at Pirates of the Caribbean isn’t the only line that has grown to massive proportions. Wait times for headliner attractions have been soaring past the 100-minute mark regularly. Indiana Jones Adventure, Space Mountain, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance have all been reporting triple-digit waits on a daily basis.
Dining locations have also been feeling the pressure, with mobile order return times filling up quickly at popular spots like Blue Bayou, Cafe Orleans, and Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo. If you’re planning to grab a bite at Disneyland during this Spring Break season, placing mobile orders as early in the day as possible is essential.
How to Navigate the Spring Break Crowds
If you’re heading to Disneyland during this peak season, there are still ways to maximize your visit:
- Get there early – Arriving before rope drop is one of the best ways to squeeze in a few major attractions before wait times spike.
- Use Lightning Lane Multi Pass wisely – Book your top picks early in the day, as availability goes quickly.
- Plan for longer food waits – Place mobile orders in advance to avoid long lines at quick-service restaurants.
- Enjoy the extended hours – With Disneyland open until midnight, there’s extra time to experience rides and entertainment after the daytime rush dies down.
Spring Break crowds may be at an all-time high, but with a solid plan and a little patience, there’s still plenty of magic to be found at Disneyland Resort. Just be prepared for longer waits, packed walkways, and some truly unbelievable ride queues—like a Pirates of the Caribbean line that nearly reaches Haunted Mansion!
