Disneyland visitors furious as JD Vance shuts down iconic ride
The Vice President, 40, strolled through Disneyland in Los Angeles, California, hand-in-hand with two of his children, Vivek and Mirabel, along with wife Usha Vance on Saturday.
The family were all smiles as they made their way through the park alongside a Secret Service security detail.
However, many Disney goers couldn't believe their eyes when barricades went up outside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride as K9 units stood guard, per Inside the Magic.
Many celebrities have enjoyed the parks among the crowds in the past but it is rare for a high-profile guest to have such intense security and shut down a ride for their own enjoyment.
One Reddit user posted a picture of a street in the park that was lined with Secret Service agents, revealing why the ride was closed to regular Disney guests.
'They closed the entirety of a pirates and part of New Orleans just so Vance could ride,' they wrote of Donald Trump's VP.
And the revelation sparked a whole wave of reactions from disgruntled readers.
'I'd say this about anyone regardless of politics, but I kind of think you forfeit your privileges to have a normal family day at Disneyland if you are elected to a national office,' someone detailed.
'There are a number of other ways he could enjoy Disney that don't involve shutting everything down in your path and taking the experience away from literally everyone else in the park.
'Paying for a private night party and going without fanfare almost seems like it would be cheaper to the taxpayer than this nonsense.'
One person claimed it was a 'power move' on Vance's part.
'This was a power move, plain and simple. I don't care what political office he holds, he's not a big deal...
'I've seen and legit ridden rides with major celebrities who walked around like everyone else. That, or they pay for the privilege of having the park to themselves. I hope every single ride he rode broke down,' they wrote, in part.
Another furious user wrote: 'I'm curious how much in advance Disney knew and planned for this trip. Did they limit the amount of park reservations that could be made today and possibly tomorrow?
'Seems like a normal summer weekend crowd would be difficult to navigate that much security that is required for the VP and his family.'
Someone else also commented about the timing of his visit - right in the middle of summer break, when the parks are busiest with families.
'I'll keep my politics out of it as much as I can. But I agree with everyone so far. Coming here on a summer weekend with little notice is so inconvenient for the families who saved all year to be there,' they explained.
'Disneyland isn't cheap, and it's already crowded. Orlando was so much bigger, and it would have been less disruptive to close a few sections at a time. Closing off all of Orleans is basically a third of Disneyland. Imagine the traffic that would cause.
'Plus, no one wants him here. I thought California had nothing to offer him? Thought he disliked this state. Suddenly, we have a theme park worthy of his family? Which is it? JD?'
It is not clear how long the attractions closed for to welcome Vance and his family.
DailyMail.com has reached out to Disney for comment.
Vance has since hit out at California's Governor Gavin Newsom after the Democrat tried to criticize him for taking a family vacation to Disneyland.
Newsom shared a video of the outing on his own X, formerly Twitter, writing: 'Hope you enjoy your family time, JD Vance. The families you're tearing apart certainly won't.'
Protesters were also railing against Vance's visit to the Golden State amid the Trump administration's continued efforts to round up and deport migrants in California.
None of that deterred Vance, who hit back at Newsom on Sunday with an X post of his own, writing: 'Had a great time, thanks.'
Newsom wrote: 'JD is back in California. He won't take the time to debate and defend gutting our Medicaid system, taking away kids' school meals, militarizing America's streets, or adding trillions to the debt.
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