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Disneyland Accused of Rolling Out the Red Carpet for JD Vance

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Posted on by Jess Colopy 1 Comment
Left: JD Vance speaking on stage, Right: The Royal Theatre at Disneyland set up for a private event.

Credit: Inside the Magic

Disneyland Resort has faced harsh criticism and protests after Vice President JD Vance and his family spent the weekend at the Southern California Disney parks. The conservative family shut down attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and forced fellow guests at Disney’s Grand Californian Resort & Spa to undergo invasive Secret Service searches on arrival.

Now, Disney is being accused of rolling out the red carpet for a special event for President Donald Trump’s right-hand man.

JD Vance and his family were first spotted at Disneyland Park on Friday, sparking protests outside the Southern California Disney parks. Some guests even yelled at the Vice President as he walked around Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, upset at the anti-immigrant and anti-LGBTQIA+ politician’s presence at the inclusive Happiest Place on Earth.

Mickey Mouse, wearing a colorful rainbow jacket from the Disney Pride merch collection, waves alongside Minnie Mouse, Goofy, and Pluto at a brightly lit, festive nighttime event.
Credit: Disney

Days later, part of Vance’s visit remains shrouded in mystery. A video from @mi_vida_disney and @disneyscoopguy on X (formerly known as Twitter) showed Disneyland Park’s Royal Theatre shut down for a private event on Friday, with Disney cast members setting elegant tables and blocking guest access to the area.

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

Because the closure coincided with the Vice President’s visit, Disney Parks fans assumed Vance and his family took over the Fantasyland area. Unsurprisingly, they were not happy.

JD Vance speaking at the RNC.
Credit: Gage Skidmore, Flickr

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

@TWALTZ agreed:

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

Still, others praised Disneyland Resort for giving Vice President JD Vance and his family special treatment.

JD Vance speaking at a TechCrunch conference.
Credit: TechCrunch

“Regardless of anyone’s political position, the comments for this are off the hook,” said @JeffBloss1. “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.”

Whether the event was for JD Vance and his family or unrelated to their visit, Disneyland Resort guests weren’t locked out of the area for long. After Disneyland Park closed Friday night, Disney cast members got to work resetting the Royal Theatre for guests to enjoy. By the time guests entered Fantasyland on Saturday morning, the attraction looked the same as ever. From @ThemeparkIQ:

current situation

Do you agree with Disneyland Resort’s treatment of Vice President JD Vance? Inside the Magic would love to hear from you in the comments! 

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Tagged:Politics

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.

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