Guests wandering Main Street can’t help but notice (or trip on!) the tracks leading down the center of the street. These are trolley tracks, steering the iconic horse-drawn trolleys back and forth between the castle and the train station. Since 1955, Disneyland’s most famous vehicle has been taking guests on magical trips down Main Street, courtesy of some very special cast members.
Currently, 18 horses round out Disneyland’s team.
On the job, the horses carry trolley loads of up to 24 guests, on a journey measuring about 2/3 of a mile. In 2018, Disneyland completely refurbished the 60 year old track, creating a new path for the horses to walk in figure 8 motions and even out directional turns. The horses stay in the park for up to 3 hours a day, up to 3 days a week, and don’t run the trolley at night or if the weather gets too hot.
Off the job, Disneyland’s horses unwind at their home, Circle D Ranch. The private ranch in Norco is not open to the public. When the horses are at Circle D, they are attended by farriers, trainers, and dedicated cast members that keep them healthy and happy!
A few years ago, the Disney Parks Blog published bios on their horse cast members:
The parks blog also featured a video series – preparing new horse Duke for his debut in the park.
And last year, the Blog published an update introducing some of the newer members of the crew.
The Disneyland Horses are some of the most beloved cast members in the park. Many visitors know and recognize them! The horse-drawn trolleys have been in operation since Opening Day, so the horses not only delight visitors; they help keep tradition alive at the Disneyland Resort. So the next time you walk through Main Street, consider slowing down for a leisurely ride on the trolley. You’ll experience a magic moment directly designed by Walt Disney himself.