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Credit: YouTube Bill ZanettiAfter several unpleasant incidents, the question is inevitable: should Disney phase out horses from its theme parks and resorts?
Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, is constantly changing and improving with new experiences and attractions like TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT, and the highly anticipated opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure coming soon.
Similarly, Walt Disney’s Original theme park keeps moving forward with an ambitious billion-dollar project that will put Disneyland Resort on the same level as other Disney Parks worldwide, like Tokyo DisneySea and Shanghai Disneyland, regarding immersive lands and storytelling.
However, Disneyland and Disney World still preserve iconic pieces of Disney history, like original attractions, offerings, and traditions.
Since Disneyland Park opened in Anaheim, California, in 1955, guests of all ages have made the Horse-Drawn Street Cars of Main Street, U.S.A, the most famous vehicle in the park. The horse-drawn cars have since been introduced at other Disney Parks worldwide, including Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris.
Sadly, the horses pulling these cars or carrying out any other task at the parks may cause unpleasant situations for guests, which is inevitable since they are animals. Regardless, horses working at Disneyland and Disney World inevitably raise the divisive question of whether or not the company should phase out the horses from its parks and resorts, with the question being rekindled by recent incidents taking place at both American Disney Resort locations.
Related: All the Disney Horses, Ranked
Gross incidents at the parks
Although trained and domesticated, the horses found at Disneyland and Disney Worlds are still animals with needs and instincts impossible to control. Regrettably, these needs often cause less-than-magical incidents at the parks.
Inside the Magic recently reported on a video showing one of the horses pulling the iconic cars at Disneyland relieving himself in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle, leaving a large puddle of urine in the middle of the road.
While some viewers took the video with humor, many were disgusted by the incident, including first-hand witnesses captured in the background of the video.
Unfortunately, this is not the first unpleasant incident involving one of Disney’s horses. Last year, Inside the Magic reported on how a horse relieved itself at Disney California Adventure, bringing the park’s Frightfully Fun Parade at Oogie Boogie Bash — which takes place exclusively during the park’s Halloween celebrations — to a complete stop while cast members rushed to mend the incident.
Additionally, guests have reported unpleasant accidents involving horse poop in Main Street, U.S.A., in Disneyland Park.
Is having horses at the parks safe for guests and cast members?
While Disney horses are trained and receive the best care, they are animals, and their instincts are impossible to control completely, meaning that they could become a hazard to visitors and theme park employees around them if they feel threatened or startled.
An example of this was the dramatic incident that occurred at Magic Kingdom shortly after the theme park reopened during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which put guests and cast members at risk.
The video of the incident immediately went viral, racking up millions of views. In it, we can see Princess Merida riding her horse during the Disney Princess cavalcade — which performed periodically throughout the day — when a child tries to run toward her. The child was abruptly stopped by his father and threw his balloon at the horse, causing it to get entangled around one of its hind legs and startling it.
Related: DeSantis Announces Imminent Release of Multiple SeaWorld Animals
Naturally, the horse started to move aggressively, shocking guests and causing cast members to react immediately and try to calm the animal and keep everyone safe.
Fortunately, thanks to the cast members’ fast response, no one was injured during the shocking incident. However, the risk of an animal reacting instinctively is always present at any theme park.
You can see the video below or click here to watch it.
How does Disney take care of its horses?
As mentioned above, Disney horses are trained and receive the best care on Disney property. The official Walt Disney World website describes the Orlando-based Disney Resort as “A Magical Home on the Range,” adding that Walt Disney’s personal passion for horses continues today at the parks and in Disney movies and shows.
Disney states that all horses receive “Top-Notch Care.” “All the horses and ponies at Walt Disney World Resort receive a balanced diet, daily bath, grooming, dental care, vaccinations, regular full physical exams and new horseshoes every 5 to 6 weeks. Our dedicated team of animal care experts includes ranch hands, veterinarians, blacksmiths and nutritionists.”
The site adds that even the Main Street Trolly is constructed to be lightweight to ensure the safety of the draft horses that pull it.
Additionally, the company states that, like many of the animals at Walt Disney World Resort, Disney horses provide free fertilizer. “Their poop is turned into nutrient-rich compost, which the landscaping team uses to keep the Resort’s extensive gardens blooming beautifully.”
Some of the Disney horses have even galloped onto the silver screen. Disney states: “From Black Beauty to Secretariat, horses have played a major role in Disney film history. During any Disney television or film production that features horses, our Animals in Film & TV team collaborates with professional horse trainers, riders and stunt coordinators to ensure the safety and welfare of horses on the set. Horse and movie fans are invited to visit the lobby of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa to enjoy a pictorial history of horses in Disney films.”
The Walt Disney Company is committed to protecting horses of all kinds, including them in the Disney Conservation efforts. Disney World’s website states:
Habitat loss, competition for resources and hunting all pose threats to wild equids, including wild horses, zebras and wild asses.
The Walt Disney Company is committed to saving wildlife and protecting the magic of nature together as a global community. The Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) supports organizations and communities working to protect spaces for people and wildlife across habitats around the world that are home to a variety of equine species.
Disney has also supported nonprofit organizations that rescue domesticated horses in the aftermath of emergencies like fires and floods.
Can guests interact with the Disney horses?
Yes! Great news for horse lovers who visit Walt Disney World, as there are many ways to interact with Disney horses at the parks and some Disney Resort Hotels.
Of course, Magic Kingdom is the perfect place to see beautiful Percherons, Clydesdales, and Belgians pulling the trolleys down Main Street, U.S.A.
During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, the Headless Horseman—riding Disney World’s specially trained mount—is a highlight of Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” Halloween Parade.
At Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, guests can sit back and relax while they enjoy a scenic carriage ride along the Sassagoula River.
Guests also have the chance to meet even more horse breeds at Tri-Circle D Ranch at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. At this iconic location, guests can saddle up for pony rides and trail rides, climb aboard a carriage ride, or even a sleigh ride during the holiday season!
So, if you’re a horse lover, be sure to add one (or all!) of these fun offerings to the itinerary of your next Disney World vacation!
Will Disney phase out horses at the parks?
Many would argue that The Walt Disney Company should phase out horses from the parks and resorts out of respect for animal rights and as an abundance of caution to reduce the risk of an accident taking place at the parks.
However, with the history these animals represent for the company and its commitment to their care and conservation, it is unlikely that we will see Disney saying “See ya real soon” to its horses.
What do you think? Should Disney continue to use horses at the parks and resorts? Or should the company phase them out? Share your opinion with Inside the Magic in the comments below!