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Guests “Don’t Feel Right” Going to Disneyland as ICE Tears Los Angeles Families Apart

On June 12, 2025, reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity near Disneyland Resort sparked concern among some visitors and employees. The reports came amid days of ongoing protests of ICE raids in nearby Los Angeles and around the country. Many guests on social media expressed discomfort, fearing that the agency might be targeting Disneyland Resort employees or visitors.

Hours after the reports emerged, Disneyland Resort publicly denied any ICE activity on its property on Thursday. However, some guests say Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park are emptier this week due to the ongoing protests and ICE activity in Los Angeles.

A protest sign made from white cloth with the words "MELT I.C.E." in large blue and red letters. This protest in DC was in support of the ICE protests in Los Angeles, down the road from Disneyland Resort.
Credit: Geoff Livingston, Flickr

TikTok user @justcoffeenjose posted a video of a nearly empty Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure Park around 3:30 p.m. on June 9, commenting, “Disney feels off.”

@justcoffeenjose

Disney feels off today this was at around 3:30 Monday June 9th#magickeyholder #disneylandresort #tiktokdisney #disneyadult #disney70th #parks2025

♬ Te juro que te amo – Terricolas

The video quickly went viral, racking up more than 200,000 likes and thousands of comments. Several Disney cast members weighed in, confirming the quieter atmosphere at the parks that day.

“I work there and it doesn’t feel the same right now,” said @dyepretty__. “We don’t even want to be there either.”

@bobstonee420 shared similar thoughts: “CM here it was sooo empty and we hugged each other saying please get home safe when we were done felt horrible.”

A diverse group of people in teal uniforms stand closely together outdoors, smiling and looking forward. The background shows more individuals in similar attire, suggesting a gathering of Disney cast members at a special event.
Credit: Disney

Many commenters said the emotional toll of ICE’s actions in the nearby Los Angeles area made them avoid the Southern California Disney parks.

“Doesn’t feel right to have fun when families are getting ripped apart,” @kariilove_ commented.

“Im not blocked and I won’t be going,” @jasminev.vs replied. “It’s so heartbreaking to my city & surrounding city’s being affected.”

Disneyland's Pixar Pier at night
Credit: Becky Burkett, Disney Dining

However, not everyone agreed with the negative assessment of the park’s crowd levels. Some Disney Park guests argued that the video didn’t accurately reflect the park’s usual atmosphere.

“I was at Disneyland this day,” said @piinchecuervo. “It was full?”

Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse Partners statue in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Resort
Credit: Ed Aguila, Disney Dining

@apesnavs82 commented, “We just left there. This wasn’t what it looked like.”

Disneyland Resort doesn’t release live attendance data, so it’s difficult to gauge the full extent of the impact of ICE activity and protests in nearby Los Angeles.

Have you visited Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park amid the ongoing ICE protests in Los Angeles? Share your experience with Disney Dining in the comments! 

Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

2 Comments

  1. Tearing families apart? You mean deporting violent illegal criminals. Stop being stupid California.

    1. Yeah this article is completely misleading. I was just at Disneyland during this time and everything was completely fine and safe. Parks had plenty of people and not one person mentioned LA or feeling unsafe. I flew out of LAX. Completely safe and beautiful. Please before you write an article, consider all sides not just one.

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