The horse-drawn streetcar track on Main Street, U.S.A., will be replaced in its entirety. This will temporarily pause the operation of all Main Street, U.S.A. vehicles, giving the Disneyland horses a little break.
They will be “on vacation” while enhancements are made on Main Street, U.S.A. Can’t you just picture these equine beauties living it up poolside, wearing sunglasses and floppy hats, cooling their hooves in a wading pool and sipping refreshing beverages from very long straws.
Turns out, a vacation for a horse is very different than a vacation for people. Take a look at this Disney Parks video to see exactly how they are spending their vacation.
In the absence of regular shifts on Main Street, U.S.A., these four-legged cast members are following their usual routines in order to keep fit—both physically and mentally. Each horse has a schedule for grooming, bathing, driving, riding and ground work. However, they do have more time for play, which is an important part of being a horse. Horses, after all, are herd animals and it’s important for their well-being that they have time to be together.
One way in which this is accomplished is through “turn-outs,” which is the horsey term for “playdates.” The horses are turned out in an enclosed arena, in groups of three or four, and they run together, kick up their heels and just move as a herd. Inevitably, each horse will find that perfect spot of ground on which to roll over and stretch their back and legs. Total relaxation, equine style. Maybe our vacations aren’t so different after all.
Disneyland’s refurbished Main Street U.S.A. is expected to reopen in late winter.