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Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Disneyland visitors furious as JD Vance shuts down iconic ride
Disneyland visitors were left outraged after JD Vance shut down a popular ride so he could use it privately. 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. 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.
Forbes
02-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Selling Private Jets: Rock Stars, Riva Yachts, Facials And Fast Cars
From slots in pro-am golf tournaments to getting behind the wheel of fast cars, and from priority access to multi-million-dollar yachts, sporting events and private concerts, selling private jet flights and keeping current customers in the fold is often much more than getting well-heeled but time-poor customers from A to B. Private jet flight providers – companies that sell private jet travel via fractional ownership, jet cards and memberships - have long used lifestyle partnerships to woo new clients and build relationships with existing ones. It's a trend that's not letting up. Last week Flexjet unveiled its latest cabin design partnership with Riva. Customers of the private ... More jet company and boat builder get reciprocal perks in the air and on the sea. It's also an important part of the business. Senior executives can mingle with their top customers, who, in some cases, purchase their services over the phone. Partnerships with like-minded brands enable private jet companies to attract the attention of high-net-worth clients who can spend hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars annually on flights. Private events and VIP access enable super-rich customers who don't have their own movie studio or sports team to entertain family, friends, and business associates with the same sideline access as Jerry Jones or Jeff Bezos. NetJets recently hosted a private concert in Seattle with Eddie Vedder. In an interview, Patrick Gallagher, president of the Berkshire Hathaway-owned flight provider, noted, 'In the luxury travel segment overall, people are making more of an investment in experiences than in things. That certainly has been a tailwind for us.' Coaches Butch Harmon and Claude Harmon III speak in the practice area prior to the 2024 Masters ... More Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 09, 2024 in Augusta, Georgia. Magellan Jets appointed Harmon III as its Head of Golf earlier this year. He will host private experiences for clients of the private jet flight provider. (Photo by) The most recent example came last week in Italy as Flexjet, NetJets' primary rival, revealed its latest collaboration of LXi Collection interiors for its fleet of private jets and helicopters. The Riva-inspired designs follow a similar partnership with Bentley. While Riva customers gain access to Flexjet's fleet of private jets and helicopters – it just launched a helicopter service for clients hopping between destinations on the French Riviera and Tuscany, the private jet company's customers get benefits with the boat builder. In both cases, the deals enable the companies to gain attention from each other's high-net-worth customers. A new partnership between Wheels Up and Global Autosports enable the Delta Air Lines-backed private ... More jet company's clients with VIP experiences, including access at 24 Hours of Le Mans last month. Photo by) In the world of private aviation, where new customers are often counted by the dozen rather than thousands or even hundreds, cross-marketing can be valuable. Last month, VistaJet announced a partnership with Dr. Barbara Sturm. Flight attendants will be trained to provide in-flight facial treatments and clients receive complimentary perks when they visit Dr. Barbara Sturm Spa & Boutiques in Dallas, Dusseldorf, London, Los Angeles, Miami and New York City. Parent Vista Global also joined other large players, including NetJets, Wheels Up, and Flexjet, with an extensive hospitality presence at this year's Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Georgia, a facility it called Vista House. Members of VistaJet and sister brand XO were able to mingle with its latest ambassador, golf legend Gary Player. There was also a private dinner with fellow legend Annika Sörenstam. NetJets recently hosted a private concert for clients with rock legend Eddie Vedder. (Photo by Theo ...) Vista President Leona Qi touted Vista House as a place its well-heeled clients would find be able to do a bit of business, saying, 'Sports are increasingly shaping the travel and tourism landscape, with year-round events now attracting global audiences. There's a strong desire to be there in person — not just to witness the action but to perform, connect and engage in valuable business opportunities.' For its part, in May, Wheels Up launched a partnership with Global Autosports, providing its customers with exclusive access to motorsport events, starting with the 24 Hours of Le Mans last month. Kansas City-based Airshare, one of the 10 largest fractional and charter operators, signed a deal in March to be the official private jet flight provider for PGA of America as well as the Ryder Cup. NetJets signed a similar agreement with The R&A last year, in which it touted the deal with the British Open organizer for providing inside-the-ropes event accesss. Gallagher said at the time, 'This partnership will allow NetJets to strengthen the offering for our (fractional) owners by offering access to some of the most exclusive events worldwide; one of the many benefits our owners will get from flying with NetJets.' Sentient Jet, a sister company of Flexjet, hosts an annual breakfast with Bobby Flay before the Kentucky Derby. It also publishes an annual member benefits brochure, which this year had over $230,000 in perks and freebies for its jet card clients. The partner brands benefit from being on the radar of consumers who will hopefully stay because of the offers and then return to spend even more money. What's more, it's not just the biggest players splashing out VIP access and perks for clients. Magellan Jets, which this week unveiled its entrance into fractional ownership, appointed instructor Claude Harmon III, whose students have included Brooks Koepka, Bubba Watson, and Ernie Els, as the private jet company's head golf professional. The son of Butch Harmon will host private experiences and even offer lessons and tips for the jet company's clients. OneFlight International offered clients the opportunity to participate in pro-am events at The American Express, a PGA event, and this May at the PGA OneFlight Myrtle Beach Classic, where it became a title sponsor for the first time. It also hosts a black-tie gala each December in its hometown of Denver, as well as smaller events where clients can mingle with its ambassadors, including Kevin Costner, Kurt Russell, Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway, and Shark Tank stars Robert Herjavec and Kevin O'Leary. In some cases, the partnerships are directly connected to the cash register. Last December, Outlier Jets gave new customers who bought its 25-hour jet card a $7,295 Ryvid e-motorcycle. Not everyone in the industry is a fan of the partnerships. They believe they are already targeted unfairly by both climate campaigners (aviation emits 2% of global carbon emissions and private jets are just 2% of that 2%) and anti-wealth advocates who think UHNWs should pay more taxes. Detractors believe running publicity about the partnerships and events adds fuel to that fire. Others argue that the extensive media coverage of these partnerships comes at the expense of thorough scrutiny about the financial viability of various private jet access models and flight providers. AeroVanti bolstered its 2021 launch, which offered cut-rate flights on Piaggio turboprops, by signing partnerships with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Cubs, and US Sailing. In May, the Department of Justice indicted its founder, Patrick Britton-Harr for allegedly diverting money from clients who paid $150,000 in Top Gun memberships for personal use. He is also facing litigation from both the Buccaneers and Cubs for allegedly failing to pay for the sponsorships. While AeroVanti was grounded in 2023, at the time of his indictment, Britton-Harr was pitching a restart selling private jet flights via a new website, Brixleyxchange.
