This summer, Disneyland Resort seems to be experiencing a noticeable shift in crowd levels, with some guests claiming that the theme park feels emptier than usual following reports of ICE activity in the area. Despite the overwhelming crowds for Disneyland Park’s 70th birthday on July 17, the rest of the summer has reportedly been marked by a stark contrast in attendance.
The decline in crowds follows a chain of events that started in early June, when rumors spread that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were spotted near Disneyland Resort’s parking garages and at Disney cast member entrances. Though Disneyland Resort quickly issued a statement denying the presence of ICE on its property, the damage was done. The rumors had already taken root, and some Disney Park guests began reconsidering their visits.
The lingering effects of the ICE rumors seem to be affecting attendance. Reports suggest that some guests have canceled their vacation plans altogether, while others, particularly local Magic Key holders, are opting to avoid the park. One shared that it “doesn’t feel right” to visit Disneyland Resort while families near the park were being separated.
On July 20, TikTok user @1vjpn posted a video highlighting several sparsely crowded areas at Disney California Adventure Park, dubbing it the “ICE effect.”
@1vjpn #disneylandcalifornia #california #disneyland #ice #immigration
A few days later, on July 23, @pinoystarbbq posted another video from Disneyland Park, writing:
“Entrance is empty…Castle is empty!! Trams are completely empty!!! We love Disneyland but ICE has everyone in a bundle!! …Breaks my heart that it’s been this slow!! In just the matter of weeks!!”
@pinoystarbbq Breaks my heart that it’s been this slow!! In just the matter of weeks!! #Disneyland #disney #disneyworld #ice
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When @pinoystarbbq asked a Disneyland Resort cast member if it was “slow,” the cast member simply responded, “A little bit, yeah.”
However, not all guests agree with the assessment. Several social media users have weighed in with a different perspective, suggesting that Disneyland Resort is as busy as ever.
“Fake news,” said @stuttgart728. “Was there recently it was so packed.”
Another user, @disney.mom4, agreed:
“Literally just left. Disney is not empty! You guys need to stop making saying it’s ICE and bla bla. I was happy to see that’s not stopping people to go to Disney.”
Despite the varying opinions, no concrete attendance data is available to show whether this summer has seen a significant decline in attendance. Still, Disneyland Resort is attempting to lure local visitors by offering a special $70 ticket for Anaheim residents.
Is nearby ICE activity impacting crowd levels at Disneyland Resort? Share your thoughts with Disney Dining in the comments!
What affects Disney are their outrageous ticket prices and woke corporate mentality. Smart people aren’t having it anymore!