Hello, Everybody! We're Mighty Glad to Meet Ya!

The pinnacle of class and civilization in Frontierland is the Golden Horseshoe Saloon, offering the "best food & best shows in the territory." Promotional material outside the venue remarks about the "elegant surroundings" and "decorative appointments... brought at great expense by treacherous voyages around the horn."

Also promised are a "galaxy of gorgeous girls" performing the "shocking new French can-can dance." Of course, ladies are welcome and fellas are warned that there's "no spitting, gun fighting, cussing, gambling or animals allowed... when the gentle sex is present."

The Golden Horseshoe opened with Disneyland in July 1955. In fact, the first performance was held here the evening of July 13, in honor of Walt and Lillian Disney's 30th wedding anniversary. Walt came back to see the Golden Horseshoe Revue many times over the years, taking in the performance from his private booth (the one upstairs on the left). That original show ran through October 1986, becoming one of the longest-running shows in theater history.

Several different shows have been featured at the Golden Horseshoe over the years. Today, Billy Hill & the Hillbillies take to the stage each day. While the entertainment has changed, the venue itself has remained pretty much the same for the past 55 years.

There's even a bit of Hidden Disney here. When you "belly up to the bar," take note of the somewhat scandalous painting hanging against the back mirror. It's actually a prop from the 1963 Disney film Summer Magic, one of the paintings Hayley Mills' character suggested to represent Mr. Hamilton's mother.

More nods to Disney history can be found in the etched glass just inside the entrance to the saloon. Originally, this was Slue Foot Sue's Golden Horseshoe. The character of Sue, portrayed in the show by Disney Legend Betty Taylor (among others), came from an animated segment in the 1948 Disney package feature Melody Time. Sue was the sassy gal who caught the eye of none other than Pecos Bill.

Take a look, and you'll see images here of Pecos Bill on his trusty horse, Widowmaker, as well as Slue Foot Sue riding a giant catfish as she did in the film.