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JD Vance Shut Down Disneyland Rides, And Loved Every Minute of It

Disneyland Resort is a beloved destination for families, tourists, and Disney enthusiasts alike. The park is known for its enchanting rides, iconic characters, and immersive experiences that offer something for everyone. However, with its ever-growing popularity and the constant stream of visitors, the park can get overwhelmingly crowded. Wait times for popular attractions can often stretch well beyond an hour, testing the patience of even the most seasoned park-goers.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse, dressed in colorful, festive outfits, stand joyfully in front of a castle adorned with "70" banners at this Disney Park.
Credit: Disney

Related: Disneyland Sets New Record With a Billion Visitors

What makes Disneyland particularly special, though, is its ability to seamlessly blend the magic of Disney with the celebrity culture of Southern California. It’s not unusual to spot famous faces from Hollywood mingling with the general public in the park, but the presence of celebrities sometimes leads to disruptions.

When big names are in attendance, sometimes those disruptions can cause entire rides to be temporarily shut down, much to the dismay of other guests.

One such incident recently occurred when JD Vance, the Vice President of the United States, visited Disneyland with his family.

Mickey Mouse leans on his car in Toontown at Disneyland Park with Disney.
Credit: Disney

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As is often the case with high-profile visitors, the park had to make special accommodations for the Vance family. This included enhanced security measures and the temporary closure of certain rides, which significantly impacted the experience for other park guests. But how did Vance feel about the whole situation, and what did he have to say about the impact of his visit?

In a recent interview on the Katie Miller Podcast, JD Vance addressed the controversy surrounding his Disneyland visit. He explained the circumstances surrounding the ride shutdowns and even apologized for any inconvenience caused, but his tone was unexpectedly lighthearted.

“I had never been to Disneyland. I thought it was awesome. Sorry to all the people who were at Disneyland for the longer lines, but we had a very good time.”

As Vance reflected on the experience, he even went as far as to joke about the situation, acknowledging the disruption caused by the increased security and ride closures. With his hands raised in mock defense, Vance laughed and said, “We had the island to ourselves, which was very cool.”

Despite the inconvenience for other visitors, Vance made it clear that he and his family had an unforgettable time in the park.

Vance’s visit to Disneyland was not just an ordinary trip, but an event that stirred up a conversation about the VIP treatment given to celebrities in the park. While some guests may have grumbled about the ride shutdowns, others pointed out the stark contrast between their experiences and the privilege afforded to individuals like Vance.

Two people pose with Mickey Mouse e at Disneyland. The woman, wearing a red polka dot Minnie Mouse outfit, excitedly shows the phone to Mickey. The man, in a blue Disney T-shirt, smiles beside them. Colorful balloons and Disneyland performers are visible in the background.
Credit: Disney

Related: Disneyland Visit Sparks Political War Between Gavin Newsom and JD Vance

Many wondered if it was fair to temporarily block access to rides for thousands of paying customers just so the Vice President and his family could enjoy their visit with fewer crowds.

In the days leading up to and during his visit, protestors gathered outside the Disneyland Resort, voicing their discontent with the disruption caused by Vance’s security protocols. Inside the park, some guests even called out Vance as he walked past them, voicing their support for immigrants and their dissatisfaction with the administration’s policies.

The controversy surrounding the trip grew, with some critics questioning whether it was appropriate for such high-level government officials to receive such exclusive treatment at a public venue.

A group of seven Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto, and Pete, pose cheerfully in front of a cottage-style house with a red roof and lush greenery in Mickey's Toontown. The scene is colorful and vibrant.
Credit: Disney

JD Vance’s Disneyland visit also prompted criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who remarked sarcastically that while Vance was enjoying his time at the park, many families affected by the administration’s policies were unable to be together. He publicly pointed out the stark contrast between Vance’s privileged visit and the struggles faced by others due to the policies of the Trump administration.

Despite the negative commentary from some corners, Vance remained unfazed by the backlash. In fact, he seemed to find humor in the situation, emphasizing that his family had a great time at Disneyland, even if it meant upsetting a few other park visitors along the way.

Do you think it’s right for Disneyland to shut down rides for high-profile visitors? How should Disney handle visits by VIPs like JD Vance, and what impact does this have on the experience for other guests? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Krysten Swensen

A born and bred New England girl living the Disney life in Southern California. I love to read, to watch The Golden Girls, and love everything to do with Disney and Universal. I also love to share daily doses of Disney on my Disney Instagram @BrazzleDazzleDisney!

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