The Golden Horseshoe is one of the original attractions that officially opened with the park on July 17, 1955 and produced the very first Disney stage show, the Golden Horseshoe Revue.  The Saloon unofficially opened four days before on July 13, 1955 when Walt and Lillian Disney celebrated their 30th anniversary in a private party and premiere showing of the original Golden Horseshoe Revue with dozens of guests.  A second unofficial opening came on July 16th when the show was preformed at a private party for corporate sponsors.

Originally, the Golden Horseshoe was called Slue Foot Sue’s Golden Horseshoe Saloon, which was the namesake of the first venue to open in the Saloon.  Slue Foot Sue’s Golden Horseshoe Revue ran a record of 50,000 performances and is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest-running stage show of all time.  It played to packed houses several times a day and quickly became one of the most popular attractions at the park.  And why wouldn’t it be great?  Walt Disney personally auditioned and selected the members of the inaugural cast.

The original Slue Foot Sue’s Golden Horseshoe Revue starred the flirtatious Slue Foot Sue (the owner and proprietor of the saloon), a beguiling Irish tenor, a bevy of can-can dancers, a small pit band, and an eccentric traveling salesman named Wally Boag.  Audiences were entertained by the music and songs of a bygone era, including Irish tunes, Western favorites (Davey Crockett was a guest favorite) and of course, the can-can.  One part of the show allowed children from the audience to sing and dance on stage. 

During its 31 year run at the Golden Horseshoe Saloon, the Golden Horseshoe Revue became a favorite stop for celebrities and dignitaries, who would usually enjoy the show from Walt Disney’s private box on stage left.  Walt Disney was among one the many celebrities that made frequent audience appearances.  Even though the show closed on October 12, 1986, the Golden Horseshoe Revue is still one of the most fondly remembered and most requested attractions from the past.

Since opening day, there have been many productions shown in the Golden Horseshoe Saloon.  These productions included:

• The Golden Horseshoe Revue: ran from July 16, 1955 – October 12, 1986.  Over its 31 year run, the show starred Wally Boag, Betty Taylor, Don Novis and many others.
• The Golden Horseshoe Jamboree Show: ran from November 1, 1986 – December 18, 1994. 
• Bill Hill and the Hillbillies: ran from December 22, 1994 – present.
• The Golden Horseshoe Variety Show with Dana Daniels: ran from June 13, 1995 – October 8, 2003.
• Woody’s Round-up: ran from November 21, 1999 – July 17, 2000.
• Frontierland: The Little Town That Could: ran occasionally from 2001 – 2003 starring players from the Laughing Stock and Company.
• The Golden Horseshoe Saloon has also been the home to other various evening entertainers including Alabama, Louis Armstrong, and various jazz and gospel groups.

The Golden Horseshoe Saloon is still a guest favorite both inside and out.  Many enjoy going inside for a quick snack or to enjoy Billy Hill and the Hillbillies.  Just outside, you can tickle your funny bone and watch a show by the Laughing Stock and Company.  Go to one, or make it a point to catch both… either way, you should be ready for a good time.

Additional Fun Facts

• The interior of the saloon was designed by Harper Goff, the same person who designed the saloon set in the movie “Calamity Jane” starring Doris Day.
• During construction of the Golden Horseshoe Saloon, it was referred to as Pecos Bill’s Golden Horseshoe Saloon.
• Guests are welcome to enjoy the show from Walt Disney’s private box, which is located on stage left (that’s the box on the right side of the stage if you are looking at the stage). 
• Keep your eyes peeled for a “Hidden Mickey” in one of the grates along the front of the stage.
• In 1962, The Golden Horseshoe Revue was made into a made for television movie, directed by Ron Miller, Walt Disney’s son-in-law.  The film starred Annette Funicello, Ed Wynn, Betty Taylor, Gene Sheldon, Wally Boag and Walt Disney himself.