Spring Break at Disneyland Resort is always busy, but this year, the crowds are on another level. Guests are flooding the parks in record numbers, leading to soaring wait times, packed walkways, and even extended park hours to accommodate demand.
A viral video shared by Disneyland visitor Matt Desmond on X (formerly Twitter) shows just how intense the crowds have gotten—Pirates of the Caribbean’s queue stretched nearly all the way to Haunted Mansion! That’s a rare sight, even for peak seasons, proving just how packed the parks have become.
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
Disneyland Hits Capacity as Spring Break Travelers Arrive
Unlike a single-week holiday, Spring Break at Disneyland stretches over multiple weeks as schools across the country go on break at different times. This means March and early April bring relentless crowds, and 2024 is proving to be one of the busiest seasons yet.
Disneyland has responded by shifting to summer-style operating hours, keeping the park open until midnight every night through the end of the month. Fireworks are also running nightly, adding to the already heightened energy in the parks.
Magic Key holders have been feeling the crunch as well—most of March has been completely booked, with very few reservations opening up. Even guests who secured park entry in advance are struggling to reserve Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections, as high-demand rides are selling out faster than usual.
Extreme Wait Times and Packed Attractions
The extended queue for Pirates of the Caribbean isn’t the only sign that the parks are bursting at the seams. Wait times for major attractions have been consistently skyrocketing past the 100-minute mark, with rides like Indiana Jones Adventure, Space Mountain, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance seeing some of their longest waits of the year.
It’s not just the rides that are overcrowded—food locations are also struggling to keep up with demand. Mobile order return times for popular spots like Blue Bayou, Cafe Orleans, and Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo are filling up within hours of park opening, leaving some guests scrambling for meal options.
How to Tackle Disneyland During Peak Crowds
If you’re heading to Disneyland during Spring Break, be prepared for packed conditions. Here are a few strategies to make the most of your visit:
- Arrive early – Rope drop is your best chance to experience headliner attractions before wait times explode.
- Lock in Lightning Lane Multi Pass reservations ASAP – The most popular rides are booking up fast, so grab your selections early.
- Order food in advance – Place mobile orders early in the day to avoid long waits for meals.
- Take advantage of late nights – With Disneyland open until midnight, consider saving some rides for later in the evening when crowds thin out.
Spring Break at Disneyland is always a wild ride, but 2024 is bringing some of the busiest days we’ve seen in years. If you’re visiting, prepare for intense crowds, long lines, and some truly jaw-dropping queues—like Pirates of the Caribbean nearly reaching Haunted Mansion!
