Credit: DisneyIf you’ve ever been to Disneyland Resort during Spring Break, you know it can be BUSY—but this year, the crowds are taking it to a whole new level.
Disneyland guest Matt Desmond recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a jaw-dropping video of the Pirates of the Caribbean queue extending farther than we’ve seen in years—nearly reaching the gates of Haunted Mansion! That’s right, the line for the beloved high-seas adventure wasn’t just wrapping around New Orleans Square—it was spilling into another iconic attraction’s territory.
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
Spring Break season at Disneyland is always packed, but this year, the resort is seeing capacity limits pushed to an all-time high, and it’s not just Pirates of the Caribbean feeling the impact. Across the resort, wait times are soaring, walkways are packed, and even Lightning Lane availability is dwindling faster than you can say, “Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me.”
Spring Break = BIG Crowds at Disneyland
Each year, Spring Break brings a wave of visitors to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, with families, college students, and Disney fans flocking to the parks for a little magic before heading back to school or work. With multiple school districts across the country having staggered Spring Breaks throughout March and early April, this isn’t just a one-week crowd surge—it’s a month-long phenomenon.
Disneyland has even moved to summer hours, staying open until 12 p.m. each night until the end of the month, with fireworks running each night.
And it’s not just day-ticket guests packing the parks. Magic Key holders—Disneyland’s version of annual passes—have also been feeling the squeeze. The Magic Key reservation calendar has been mostly booked solid for March, meaning even passholders are struggling to get in. This isn’t uncommon during peak times, but combined with the influx of Spring Break tourists, it’s leading to some of the busiest days we’ve seen at the resort in a long time.
The Wait Times Are No Joke
Aside from the Pirates of the Caribbean queue nearly invading Haunted Mansion, other major attractions have been experiencing sky-high wait times. Popular rides like Indiana Jones Adventure, Space Mountain, and Rise of the Resistance have consistently hit triple-digit waits throughout the day. Even family-friendly attractions like Peter Pan’s Flight have been seeing unusually long lines.
And let’s talk about food—because we all know no Disneyland trip is complete without a churro (or three). Mobile order return times for top spots like Blue Bayou and Pym Test Kitchen have been filling up FAST, so if you’re planning to eat in the parks, be sure to place those orders early.
How to Survive Spring Break Crowds
If you’re heading to Disneyland Resort in the coming weeks, don’t worry—it’s still totally possible to have a fantastic time, even with the crowds. Here are a few pro tips:
- Arrive early – Rope drop is your best friend! Knock out the most popular rides before the bulk of the crowds arrive.
- Use Lightning Lane Multi Pass – If you’re willing to invest in Lightning Lane Multi Pass, make sure to book your Lightning Lanes for high-demand attractions as soon as possible.
- Take advantage of mobile ordering – Don’t wait until you’re hungry to order food. Plan ahead!
- Know your patience level – If you’re not a fan of long waits, focus on entertainment offerings like Fantasmic!, World of Color, and character meet-and-greets that don’t always require standing in an hour-long line.
Spring Break at Disneyland might be chaotic, but for many, it’s part of the fun. Just be prepared for some record-breaking crowds and long lines. And if you find yourself waiting in an extra long Pirates of the Caribbean queue, just channel your inner Jack Sparrow and embrace the adventure.