Spring Break is always a hectic time at Disneyland, but this year, the parks are reaching all-time high capacity levels, with massive crowds filling every corner of the resort. One guest, Matt Desmond, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a shocking video of the Pirates of the Caribbean queue stretching farther than we’ve seen in years—almost reaching the gates of Haunted Mansion!
For longtime Disneyland fans, this kind of overflow is a rare sight. While Pirates remains one of the most beloved attractions in the park, its queue is normally contained within New Orleans Square. Seeing it push past the Haunted Mansion’s gates speaks volumes about just how busy the parks are this Spring Break season.
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 Extends Hours to Handle Unprecedented Crowds
The influx of Spring Break travelers has caused Disneyland to extend its park hours, keeping the gates open until midnight every night through the end of the month. Fireworks are also running nightly to enhance the guest experience. Even with these adjustments, the crowds remain overwhelming.
March has been particularly rough for Magic Key holders, as nearly every day this month has been completely booked out. Even guests with park reservations are finding it difficult to secure Lightning Lane Multi Pass selections for headliner attractions. Popular rides are hitting two-hour wait times within an hour of park opening, and by midday, it’s nearly impossible to find a standby queue under 60 minutes.
Why Haunted Mansion is the Perfect Backdrop for This Madness
Seeing the Pirates queue reach Haunted Mansion is a reminder of how iconic both attractions are. The Haunted Mansion, which opened in 1969, is one of the most legendary rides in Disneyland history. Walt Disney himself oversaw its development, though he sadly never got to see it completed. The eerie, New Orleans-inspired exterior, the stretching room, and the famous Doom Buggy ride system all make it a must-visit attraction.
One of the reasons the Haunted Mansion remains so beloved is its unique blend of spooky and humorous storytelling. From the Ghost Host’s chilling narration to the 999 happy haunts that materialize throughout the mansion, it’s a ride that keeps guests coming back year after year.
The ride’s popularity only spikes during the holiday season, when it transforms into Haunted Mansion Holiday, featuring characters from The Nightmare Before Christmas. This seasonal overlay is such a hit that the ride often sees higher wait times than even Rise of the Resistance!
So, when you hear that the Pirates of the Caribbean queue has expanded so far that it nearly reaches Disneyland’s most haunted house, you know the parks are beyond packed.
How Guests Are Navigating the Crowds
For anyone heading to Disneyland during Spring Break, prepare for an endurance test. Here’s how guests are making the most of the madness:
- Rope drop is key – Those who arrive at park opening have a brief window to experience major attractions with lower waits.
- Lightning Lane Multi Pass sells out fast – Guests are grabbing their ride selections early in the day to secure their favorite experiences.
- Mobile order your meals – Some dining locations are running out of reservations, so guests are placing mobile orders early to avoid hunger-induced meltdowns.
- Embrace the late-night hours – With Disneyland staying open until midnight, some guests are choosing to hit popular attractions right before closing for shorter waits.
Spring Break crowds at Disneyland are nothing new, but this year’s surge is one for the record books. With Pirates’ queue nearly reaching the Haunted Mansion gates, we’re seeing just how much demand there is for the Most Magical Place on Earth. If you’re visiting, get ready for long lines, packed pathways, and the kind of theme park chaos that only Disneyland in Spring can deliver!
