Benny, one of Disneyland Resort’s security dogs, has officially retired after six years helping keep the resort safe. That’s Benny: golden retriever, security cast member, red rubber ball loyalist.
Disney Parks Blog shared Benny’s send-off on July 7, 2026, with handler Kevin saying the K9 has been “always smiling” through years of shifts at Disneyland Resort. If you’ve entered through the resort’s security areas since 2019, you may have walked past Benny and Kevin on your way into the parks.
Disneyland Resort news readers who love the cast member side of the parks should care because this is a rare look at the working K9 team guests usually only see for a few seconds at bag check.
How does Disneyland train security dogs?
Disney says Disneyland currently has 28 security dogs on its roster. Like other cast members, the dogs receive name tags and ID badges, and they train at an off-site facility before certification.
Benny’s story also shows how closely the dog-and-handler pairing matters. Kevin started as a regular security officer, then became a kennel tech caring for the dogs when they weren’t working. When a K9 handler role opened, Kevin and Benny spent time together before the match was made.
Kevin said Benny made the job easier because he stayed focused around other dogs, squirrels, horses, and other animals around the resort.
What happened at Benny’s retirement party?
Benny’s retirement party brought dozens of security cast members together to say goodbye. The detail that feels most like Disneyland: Benny got his first hot dog after years on a strict security dog diet, then walked around the party looking for seconds.
The ceremony gave him one last car check, using a fake substance for the send-off. When Benny found it, he was showered with tennis balls and cheers, but still went for his favorite red chew toy first.
Priorities matter.
Kevin will soon begin training with another security dog, and Disney says she will be added to the Disneyland K9 roster. Disney did not announce her name or any guest-facing event tied to the transition.
For guests, there isn’t anything to book or change in a park plan. This is a cast-life milestone, not a new attraction or public schedule item. But the next time you pass a Disneyland security dog, you’ll know a little more about the team behind that quick checkpoint moment. Disneyland 70th Anniversary coverage
Benny goes home with Kevin after his final shift, with hikes and a first beach trip planned for retirement.
He earned it.
Related Articles
- Disneyland Resort Welcomes Its One Billionth Guest
- Disneyland Summer 2026 Kids Ticket Deal
- Disneyland $59 Evening Ticket for Summer 2026
- Disneyland Cold Treats Summer 2026 Guide
Source: Disney Parks Blog
Discover more from Theme Park Shark
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
