Europeans, in general, and the French, in particular, seem obsessed with America’s rootin’, tootin’ cowboy past.
There are signs of America’s Wild West days sprinkled throughout Disneyland Paris … Big Thunder Mountain is set in a western town in the United States during the late 1800s; the closing scenes in Phantom Manor [DLP’s version of the Haunted Mansion] offer some rather ghostly characters, including six-gun touting skeletons … while the essence of a traditional Western dance hall is still embodied in The Golden Horseshoe in Frontierland.
And then there’s Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, perhaps the centerpiece of the Disney Village shopping and entertainment district in Disneyland Paris.
Located between The World of Disney retail store and Annette’s Diner, the venue that houses the Wild West Show’s arena is deceptively large. As you might expect, the entrance is themed to appear as if you’re walking into an 1880s saloon, with plenty of wood accents. It’s surprising how quickly you get over the smell of live animals just a few minutes after you enter.
About 15 minutes prior to entering the arena, there’s a lively pre-show featuring cowboy-themed songs and a chaps-clad Goofy.
The main show space is shaped like a hockey arena, with one big difference: There’s dirt instead of ice. You are seated on a wooden bench with a long table bolted in front of you.
Europeans’ fascination with America’s Wild West culture can be traced back to the 1880s, when fabled American cowboy and showman William [Buffalo Bill] Cody took his traveling Western-themed show [known as Buffalo Bill’s Wild West] to Europe and toured extensively for several years.
In May of 1889, Buffalo Bill’s Wild West played at the Exposition Universelle in Paris [the big news of the day was the opening of the Eiffel Tower] and later that year, they performed in Rome, where the Wild West troupe was received by Pope Leo XIII. Buffalo Bill was reportedly disappointed when he couldn’t perform for the pope in the run-down Colosseum. The 1889 tour also visited Spain and Germany and obviously left a deep and lasting impression on countless Europeans.
The present-day reincarnation of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, which lasts 90 minutes, features trick riding, roping, target shooting, stunts, rodeo games, horses, bison and cattle, as well as appearances by Little Annie Oakley, plenty of cowboys and Native Americans, Buffalo Bill himself and, of course, Mickey, Minnie and friends.
During the show, you’re served a family-style Tex-Mex meal — cornbread, chili, roasted chicken, ribs, sausage, potato wedges, beer, wine, soda and desert.
The show is unique to a Disney resort and definitely worth checking out during a visit to Disneyland Paris. Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show is held Fridays through Tuesdays at 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets cost 76.90 euros adults, 61.90 euros children for 1st Category Seating, while 2nd Category seating costs 61.90 euros adults and 46.90 euros children.
If the Wild West isn’t your thing, there are plenty of familiar venues and attractions located in the Disney Village that should pique your interest. For one, there’s the colorful PanorMagique [known as Characters in Flight in Florida] balloon ride. For another, there’s an Earl of Sandwich location [unlike its Disney Springs counterpart, there’s seating available on a second floor], with a menu that’s similar to the Earl of Sandwich locations on other Disney properties.
Curiously, there is a Disney Store AND a World of Disney located in Disneyland Paris’ Disney Village. It would seem that competition between its two biggest retail franchises doesn’t bother the folks at Disney.
The Disney Store is unlike anything you’ve ever seen in the United States. Hanging from the ceiling are a variety of flying craft – a model of Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis plane, as well as a flying saucer with Mickey serving as a space age pilot.
Both the Disney Store and the World of Disney offer a wide variety of Disney merchandise, most with a decidedly Parisian flare.
Much like Disney Springs and the Downtown Disney District in Disneyland, there are a number of Streetmosphere performers entertaining guests as they stroll through the complex.
And, in keeping with Disneyland Paris’ Western fetish, there’s Billy Bob’s Country Western Saloon in the Disney Village. Billy Bob’s features a dance floor, a wide range of music [including live performances] and a Tex-Mex snack menu with nachos, ribs, chili and chicken wings.
Also included in the Disney Village lineup is a LEGO Store, Starbucks, Planet Hollywood, a steakhouse [appropriately named the Silver Spur], a New York-style sandwich shop and Rainforest Cafe. In addition, there’s a 15-screen cinema featuring an IMAX theater, located next door to Buffalo Bill entrance.
Although The Disney Village is smaller than similar venues in Walt Disney World and Disneyland, it’s a great place to relax, walk around, grab a bite to eat or be entertained … all with a rootin’, tootin’ flare.
Next: The Walt Disney Studios
Thanks so much for your Disneyland Paris blogs. My husband and I are planning a trip to DLP in May 2017. This DLP info is great!! We realize there will be differences at DLP and we want to be prepared for the cultural and social norms at international Disney Parks. Our goal is to visit ALL Disney parks around the globe. These blogs are so helpful in our planning.
Thanks!!
Glad to help out. Disneyland Paris is a wonderful place, heavily influenced by both Disneyland and WDW. We didn’t have much of a problem with the language barrier, since DLP cast members also speak English. Beware the coffee in Paris, though. It’s really thick and strong. Chuck