Late last night, a reported protest against ICE raids took place near Disneyland Resort, leading to a significant increase in police and security presence in the area. The peaceful demonstration, which occurred just outside the park, caused disruption for some Disneyland guests, particularly those attempting to return to their hotels after a day at the park.
Families Speak Out About the Disturbance
While the protest was described as peaceful, several families have voiced concerns about how the situation affected their children. One parent, who shared their experience on social media, recounted their surprise upon encountering the demonstration: “It was an ICE protest. Walked through it tonight to get to my hotel. Scared the sh*t out of my kids, but everyone was peaceful. They marched up a block and dispersed,” they wrote, explaining how the sight of the march, coupled with the presence of riot police, unsettled their children after a day of joy at Disneyland.
The protest was organized in response to ongoing ICE raids and saw a group of individuals marching through the area, though they dispersed soon after. For families heading back to their accommodations, the sudden disruption added an unexpected layer of tension to their evening. The sight of large crowds, law enforcement, and the unfamiliar nature of the protest left some parents feeling as though their children had witnessed something inappropriate, considering the family-friendly atmosphere of Disneyland.
Disneyland Resort’s Effort to Keep the Magic Intact
Disneyland Resort is known for creating an immersive, magical experience for guests of all ages. However, last night’s incident highlighted that the surrounding area is not immune to outside events. Families simply trying to return to their hotels found themselves walking through a politically charged situation that they had not anticipated.
Several parents have shared their disappointment over the timing of the protest, feeling that such an event should not have occurred in close proximity to the park, where children and families are meant to be enjoying the magic. Though the protest was peaceful, the heavy police presence and the uncertainty of the situation understandably caused distress for some guests. Many are questioning whether protests of this nature are appropriate near the resort, given the emotional toll it can take on young children.
A Reminder of the Real World Beyond Disney’s Walls
Although Disneyland Resort did not immediately comment on the incident, the disturbance serves as a reminder that the magic of Disney can sometimes be interrupted by events in the real world. The protest, though non-violent, exposed families to a politically charged moment that some feel could have been avoided in such a family-centric environment.
As protests in the area continue to be a part of the ongoing national conversation, there is hope that future incidents will be managed in a way that does not disrupt the experience for families, especially those with young children. Guests are hopeful that, in the future, Disneyland Resort will take additional steps to ensure their magical experience remains just that—magical—without the intrusion of unsettling, real-world events.
