VP JD Vance Sails Into Pirates of the Caribbean Lunch at Disneyland
Not to sound dramatic, but Disneyland just got a political twist. Over the weekend, Vice President JD Vance and his crew turned a Saturday morning into an exclusive Blue Bayou Restaurant takeover inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Spotted around 11:30 AM Pacific, Vance, his wife Usha and their children settled into one of Disneyland’s most atmospheric dining spots, complete with dim lights, faux night sky and boats floating by as guests queued for the attraction.
Photos obtained by TMZ show the Vance family seated at a corner table near the boarding area, accompanied by what appears to be Usha’s parents. Vance looked surprisingly relaxed, chatting with his kids and sharing hugs while about 40 casually dressed Secret Service agents and bomb-sniffing dogs maintained perimeter security. Guests in line and diners inside the restaurant couldn’t help but glance over—one enthusiastic visitor even told the vice president how much she loved his work, earning her a friendly thumbs-up in return.
While the exact menu items remain unconfirmed, Blue Bayou prices suggest a splurge for the VIP party. A prime rib dish runs around $55, pistachio lemon basil pasta clocks in at about $30, and chicken strips for the little ones go for $12. Even if the table opted for simpler fare, the tab at The Happiest Place on Earth is unlikely to be modest.
After lunch, Vance didn’t just hover by the restaurant lights. A social media video shows him boarding Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Disneyland’s new ride that has drawn criticism from conservative activists. Protesters rallied near the park gates over the administration’s immigration stance, while California Governor Gavin Newsom seized the moment to jab on social media, reminding Vance that families are still being separated by ICE. Vance, unfazed by the political noise, continued his family day out, waving to onlookers with that same casual confidence.
This unfiltered glimpse of the vice president at play offers more than a cute family snapshot. It highlights the tightrope public officials walk between downtime and political optics, especially in high-profile settings. As Disneyland continues to court VIP appearances, this latest photo op raises questions about security costs, public access and whether a hefty price tag on prime rib and pasta translates to political capital.
Whether you’re here for the ride, the politics or just the chance to see a vice president eating chicken strips under pirate lanterns, this Disneyland visit has a bit of everything. So there it is. Let the internet have its say.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
