Frontier Town

The settlement town known as Frontierland at Disneyland presents a pastiche of the west along its wooden sidewalks, from the rustic Westward Ho Trading Co. just inside the walls of the stockade to the elegant Golden Horseshoe Saloon.

At the Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante, the southwest and Mexican culture are represented. The spaces here are among the most beautiful in all of Disneyland, with colorful star-shaped lanterns and overflowing bougainvillea.

One almost has to wonder if this establishment is actually owned by Don Diego de la Vega. With the logo's distinct silhouette of a rider on horseback, it may as well be named Rancho del Zorro. Of course, Don Diego would dispute that. He knows nothing of Zorro... or so he claims.

Across the square from the Rancho del Zocalo is the town's main street, a center of commerce on the frontier. If the name of the Crockett & Russel Hat Co. sounds familiar, that's because it's named for two legends of the west (not to mention Disney TV and movie history). Davy Crockett was immensely popular at the time Disneyland opened. In fact, actors Fess Parker (as Davy) and Buddy Ebsen (as Georgie Russel) appeared on opening day to help dedicate the park. In recent years, a window was added here, honoring Fess Parker and the coonskin cap craze that accompanied the success of the Davy Crockett series.

Up the street are the Pioneer Mercantile and Bonanza Outfitters. Mosey on in, and you'll find a roundup of wares (and storytelling details).

Inside, look for posters promoting appearances of Buffalo Bill's Wild West show (a modern interpretation of which is actually presented in Disney Village at Disneyland Resort Paris). Behind the counter, you'll also spot reward notices, warnings against thievery and advertisements for the Union Pacific Railroad and Pony Express.

Perhaps my favorite sign in the shop, though, is the buffalo-shaped one hanging from the ceiling. It's meant to read, "We Buy & Sell Hides - Top Prices." Of course, the way it's laid out, it could also come across as, "Buy & Sell - We Hides Top Prices." Intentional? Perhaps, but the proprietor of this establishment isn't talking.