U.S. Government Reportedly Shuts Down Disney’s Fantasyland Area, Guests Watch From Outside

Disneyland Resort recently found itself embroiled in controversy following Vice President JD Vance and his family’s visit to the Southern California vacation destination, with reports emerging that parts of Fantasyland were temporarily closed off during his stay. The closure sparked protests from visitors and accusations of preferential treatment, raising questions about the extent to which Disney may have accommodated the Vice President and his family.

The drama began on Friday when JD Vance, known for his controversial views on immigration and LGBTQIA+ issues, was spotted at Disneyland Park with his family. His presence quickly stirred up protests outside Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, with guests voicing their disapproval of his visit. As he made his way through the Disney parks, some guests shouted at Vance, criticizing his political stances and questioning his place at a vacation destination that prides itself on inclusion and diversity.

The controversy took an unexpected turn when reports surfaced suggesting that Disney had shut down part of Fantasyland for a private event. A video posted by @mi_vida_disney and @disneyscoopguy on X (formerly Twitter) showed the Royal Theatre in Disneyland’s Fantasyland closed off to regular guests, with Disney cast members setting up elegant tables and blocking access to the area. The timing of this setup, which occurred on Friday, raised suspicions that the event was tied to the Vice President’s visit. Disneyland Resort did not officially confirm any connection.

The Royal Theater at Disneyland was set up for a special event this evening. Not sure if it’s related to JD Vance being at the resort but I’ve never seen tables like this in here before. Posted with permission from @mi_vida_disney

The Royal Theater at Disneyland was set up for a special event this evening. Not sure if it’s related to JD Vance being at the resort but I’ve never seen tables like this in here before. Posted with permission from @mi_vida_disney pic.twitter.com/4AsccK4KmT

— Matt (@DisneyScoopGuy) July 12, 2025

This unusual closure led many Disney Parks fans to speculate that the event was indeed private and for the Vice President and his family. Disneyland Park guests who were not part of the event were left to watch from outside, unable to access parts of Fantasyland while the preparations were underway. Many social media users criticized the Disney park for what they saw as an undue level of accommodation for a controversial figure.

One commenter, @PapiNCali, argued:

He’s called Disneyland “woke capital,” yet somehow still wants to stroll down Main Street. Honestly, the company should’ve denied him entry — especially considering how many LGBTQ+ cast members keep Fantasyland running like magic.

He’s called Disneyland “woke capital,” yet somehow still wants to stroll down Main Street. Honestly, the company should’ve denied him entry — especially considering how many LGBTQ+ cast members keep Fantasyland running like magic.

— Joseph Mora (@PapiNCali) July 12, 2025

@TWALTZ shared a similar sentiment:

Insane that they’re bending over backwards for this guy. They should do the bare minimum since he deserves zero ‘royal treatment’.

Insane that they're bending over backwards for this guy. They should do the bare minimum since he deserves zero "royal treatment".

— Tom (@TWALTZ) July 12, 2025

Others, however, defended Disneyland Resort, arguing that the park was simply doing what it does best: hosting a private event for someone who requested it. @JeffBloss1 commented:

Regardless of anyone’s political position, the comments for this are off the hook. Would they be the same if it was Kamala Harris’ family visiting? Disneyland is simply doing what they do best and the more apolitical they are the better it is for their reputation.

Regardless of anyone’s political position, the comments for this are off the hook. Would they be the same if it was Kamala Harris’ family visiting? Disneyland is simply doing what they do best and the more apolitical they are the better it is for their reputation.

— Jeff Bloss (@JeffBloss1) July 12, 2025

After Disneyland Park closed for the night, the area was reset, and guests were allowed to experience Fantasyland as they normally would the next morning. A post from @ThemeparkIQ showed that the Royal Theatre was back to its usual setup, with the area accessible to all visitors again:

current situation

current situation pic.twitter.com/ASW1m4kmpq

— Theme Park IQ (@ThemeParkIQ) July 12, 2025

So, was President Donald Trump’s second in command responsible for shutting down a portion of Disneyland Park’s Fantasyland area? The answer is not entirely clear. While it’s undeniable that a temporary closure occurred, and the timing lined up with JD Vance’s visit, it remains uncertain whether this was indeed a government-directed action or simply an unrelated private event being held in a way that disrupted normal Disney Park operations.

Did you visit Disneyland Resort at the same time as Vice President JD Vance? Share your experience with Disney Dining in the comments!