Love is in the air at the Most Magical Place on Earth, and it’s not just for the royalty. While Valentine’s Day often brings to mind glass slippers and enchanted roses, guests at Disney’s Magic Kingdom today were treated to a rare and nostalgic encounter with one of Disney’s oldest “it” couples: Clarabelle Cow and Horace Horsecollar.
Spotting this duo is a treat for any Disney history buff. Around 2:45 PM today, the pair made a charming appearance in Frontierland, posing for photos near the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Meet the Couple: Horace and Clarabelle
If they look familiar but you can’t quite place the name, it’s because these two date back to the very dawn of Disney animation.
- Horace Horsecollar: Debuting in the 1929 short The Plowboy, Horace started as Mickey’s trusty four-legged helper before evolving into a boastful, know-it-all anthropomorphic friend. Clad in his signature blue denim overalls, a red shirt, and his yellow bowtie and bowler hat, he remains a symbol of Disney’s classic “rubber hose” animation era.
- Clarabelle Cow: One of Minnie Mouse’s best friends, Clarabelle first appeared (in her modern form) in 1928. Known for being a bit of a gossip with a heart of gold, she looked radiant today in her vibrant yellow blouse, red skirt, and her trademark cowbell.
The barnyard pair weren’t the only ones spreading the love. Magic Kingdom pulled out all the stops for February 14th, featuring a lineup of rare characters and festive overlays:
- Mickey & Minnie: The duo was spotted in their finest Valentine’s Day attire, sporting hearts and festive colors.
- Gaston: Ever the “romantic” (mostly with his own reflection), Gaston was seen greeting fans near his tavern, between the tavern and Be Our Guest on the bridge, in Fantasyland.
- Queen of Hearts: Adding a bit of “tough love” to the proceedings, the Wonderland monarch made a rare appearance at Mad Tea Party.
- Prince Floreian & Snow White
- Princess Tiana & Naveen
- Princess Aurora & Prince Phillip
While the princesses usually steal the spotlight, the presence of Horace and Clarabelle reminds us that classic friendships and long-standing romances are the true heart of Disney. Whether you were there for the rare sightings or the romantic atmosphere, today proved that Frontierland is the place to be for a “moo-ving” Valentine’s Day experience.
A Barnyard Romance: Clarabelle Cow and Horace Horsecollar Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Magic Kingdom
