Vapor wake dogs - which are trained to sniff out explosives and other possible threats - will also be used to roam the park, Brown said. The measures were also being rolled out at Walt Disney World in Orlando. In 2004, Disney World experimented with metal detectors at its entrance but did not make them permanent.

The security dogs at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure are primarily trained as "Vapor Wake" or explosive-detection canines. In 2026, these highly skilled dogs are a high-fidelity layer of security, capable of detecting the scent of explosive materials, firearms, and ammunition as guests walk through the Esplanade or security checkpoints. While many guests assume they are sniffing for illegal drugs like marijuana, their primary mission is "High-Fidelity" public safety and threat prevention. These dogs are trained to alert their handlers to the thermal wake left by someone carrying contraband, allowing security to investigate discreetly. It is a high-fidelity necessity to respect their workspace; you should never pet or distract a working dog. While they may occasionally pick up on other scents, their 2026 directive remains focused on ensuring that the "Happiest Place on Earth" remains a safe environment for families and cast members alike by identifying dangerous items before they enter the park gates.