Disneyland to revive The Golden Horseshoe Revue -- for one month only

December 28, 2012, 12:03 PM · Disney today announced the first of its "Limited Time Magic" promotions, including a revival of what was once the world's longest-running stage show.

The original Golden Horseshoe cast
The original Golden Horseshoe cast. Photo courtesy Disney

A Salute to the Golden Horseshoe Revue returns what was Walt Disney's favorite show to Disneyland Park. Hosted by Miss Lily and her Saloon Girls, the revival will feature song and dance numbers such as "Hello, Everybody," "A Good Man Is Hard to Find," "Belly up to the Bar" and "Can-Can," in Frontierland's family-friendly western saloon. The show will play Thursdays through Mondays from January 10 to February 4.

But if the revival's anywhere near as entertaining as the original, I'll help organize the sit-in at City Hall to demand that the Golden Horseshoe be made a permanent addition to Disneyland Park. (And while we're at it, let's bring back the Diamond Horseshoe to the Magic Kingdom, too! After all, I suspect that some of Disney's "Limited Time Magic" promotions are actually trial runs to see what works, and doesn't, with Disney's most faithful fans.)

Disney also announced a "Bling in the New Year" dance party in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom between Dec. 30 and Jan. 5. The show will feature plenty of Disney characters, as well as an hourly "countdown to midnight." And for Disney hoarders, there'll be a new, special Mickey ear hat released every month in 2013, as well. Get your credit cards ready.

Replies (9)

December 28, 2012 at 12:10 PM · Great news! But one month only? BOO! I do hope they make it permanent. It's a great show that should be part of the Disneyland experience. Also count me in that it should return to the Magic Kingdom as well. The main reason it seems they cut it was to save money, with the admission prices they can easily afford to as you say put on the show.
December 28, 2012 at 2:19 PM · I'm pissed that all Florida gets is a dumb dance party. Oh well, hopefully the next week will be better.
December 28, 2012 at 4:53 PM · Dom, we are total agreement.....
December 28, 2012 at 4:55 PM · Although I agree that one month is too short, it's better than most of the other week-long 2013 promos.
December 28, 2012 at 5:55 PM · I wasn't sure how Disney was going to swing this, but I think I might like this limited time magic. I also think Robert is on to something where what Disney is really up to is to try out old/new concepts for the park. I am ok with that too.

The one vibe that I got from Disneyland when I visited was that we are stepping back into the kitsch of the 50s and 60s Disney. I feel that this is an excellent way to differentiate them from WDW. WDW has the size and the rides, Disneyland has the charm and the history. Because of this, The Golden Horseshoe should come back forever. Seriously, what good alternative has Disney offered? Woody's Roundup? Its nice and all, but I have seen a much more effective show with Woody and Jessie in the streets of Frontierland.

December 28, 2012 at 9:08 PM · Disney should simply bring back the Revue forever, it's a great show and much better than Billy Hill and the Hillbillies.
December 29, 2012 at 2:51 PM · I remember as a child always running to the Golden Horseshoe with my parents to get reservations for the Revue; that was always one of the high points for my Dad on any visit to Disneyland. My husband and I always get to the Billy Hill and the Hillbillys show because we both like the show and enjoy the Bluegrass style music; although I'd like to see them change up the music selections a little more often. Also we are spoiled because a couple of the group's members play at the local pizza place on most Saturdays.
Still I would love to see the Revue back BUT only if it is as good as the orginal which I have fond memories.
December 30, 2012 at 12:30 PM · Count me as one who wishes this show would return on a permanent basis. The original was the reason I got into my profession.
January 3, 2013 at 9:28 AM · I do wish that Disney would release the full year's schedule of Limited Time Magic events up front. Most guests plan Disney vacations months in advance, and while it's fun to have something special going on when you're at the parks, it would be far more effective to allow guests to shift their vacations to dates when special events are planned. They've released some information on specific events (July 4 and September 13), but guests who have already locked in their Disneyland vacation for February 7, are probably pretty upset to be just missing out on the Golden Horseshoe. Releasing the schedule of events at the beginning of the year would allow guests to adjust the specific dates of their vacations to match with the events that they want to see.

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