Legends of Frontierland: Gold Rush!

***Legends of Frontierland: Gold Rush!*** was a roleplaying game in Frontierland at Disneyland. The game took place from 11 am to 6 pm every day from August 18 to September 27, 2014, extended due to its popularity. It was a play-test for the roleplaying experiences that would take place at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge later on.

## Background

The towns of Frontierland and Rainbow Ridge erupted into a bitter dispute over land. Rainbow Ridge’s fortunes had dried up, as mining in Big Thunder Mountain became less and less lucrative. To help keep the town afloat, they’d begun to fight with Frontierland over territory. Guests chose a side, and helped them gain more territory, getting into western hijinks along the way.

## Game Experience

The goal of the game was to get ‘bits’ - a currency of little wooden coins. Players received bits’ by doing tasks. When you had enough, you could exchange them for land, giving your side more points. Whichever side had the most land by the end won. The game was continuous, encouraging guests to return to continue playing.

### Tasks

Throughout Frontierland, there were booths and stations where guests could receive bits by completing tasks. Not all tasks were available on all playing days.

* The game began at the Trading Posts, where guests could choose which side they wanted to be on - Frontierland or Rainbow Ridge. A map was on display there, showing who had more land and who was winning. It was located right at the entrance to Frontierland .
* The Hideout was Rainbow Ridge’s headquarters. At any point during the game, guests could switch sides from Frontierland to Rainbow Ridge here. It was located on the banks of the Rivers of America near the Mark Twain Riverboat station.
* At the Card Table, guests could play card games for bits. It was located in the Golden Horseshoe.
* At the Sheriff’s Office and Jail, guests could draw Wanted posters for known outlaws. Once the poster was completed, guests went out in search of them to bring them to justice. Before they were put in jail, the outlaw and the officer participated in a ‘shoot-out’ consisting of a rock/paper/scissors match. Whoever lost would be put in jail for two minutes. It was located near the entrance to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
* At the Talent Agency, guests could be recruited to perform for bits. It was located in the Golden Horseshoe, as well.
* At the Telegraph Station, guests could deliver telegrams to other guests, sending them intelligence and information for their side. It was located near the Silver Spur giftshop.

### Gaining Land

While the most straightforward way to gain territorty was through purchasing leases, there were other ways to do so.

* Jump Another’s Claim - jump another player’s land for the current asking price
* Auctions - took place throughout the day, giving guests the chance to bet on cheap land.
* The Sheriff/Deputies and Bandits - Frontierland’s sheriff and deputies protected the land from Rainbow Ridge’s bandits. If bandits were successful, they could claim Frontierland’s land for Rainbow Ridge.
* Mines - mines could be purchased, along with land and buildings. Gold could be acquired, when surveyed, allowing players to get more bits.

### Conclusion

On the final day, both Frontierland and Rainbow Ridge agreed to settle their differences. They came together as one and held a truce with each other. They revealed a plaque with both town’s ensignas on it, telling guests to make Frontierland their land.

## Document Transcripts

While playing the game, guests were given various documents about it.

### How to Play

The instructions for the game were as followed:

> *Pick up a name badge. Visit any game locale to create your own western nickname.*
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> *Choose a side. As you pick up your name badge, let us know if you’re from Frontierland or Rainbow Ridge.*
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> *Answer a want ad. Use the ads on the map to locate places that need your help.*
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> *Earn bits. Think of them as points you can redeem for more game play.*
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>

### Rules

The rules of the game were as followed:

> *Be respectful*
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> *Use rock/paper/scissors to resolve disputes*
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> *Be mindful of others and their property*
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> *No need to climb or crawl*
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> *Always stay on the marked paths*
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> *Please travel at a leisurely stroll*
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> *Call “Time out” to take a break, “Time in” to resume*
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### Telegram

Guests were sometimes delivered hard copies of telegrams, detailing information or tasks that needed to be completed. While the telegrams had unique messages, each were printed with the following:

> *Delivery of this message courtesy of Frontierland Telegraph Enterprises “Finest in the West” - First class services with first class rates! This flat-rate telegram was paid in full at the originating sending station as listed and transcribed as of the filing date and time.*
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### Deed

When guests had enough bits to purchase land, they were given a deed to show for it. It was stamped with a silver emblem with Big Thunder Mountain. Each certificate read the following:

> *AGREEMENT OF LAND LEASE*
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> *It is hereby certified that pursuant to the laws of the territory of Frontierland for a valuable consideration, receipt of which is acknowledged by the signing of this agreement of land lease, the governing body of Frontierland hereby grants to (blank) the property of the territory in Frontierland described as (blank). For the duration of (blank), the aforementioned is hereby the rightful leaser of the real property stated herein.*
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>

## References

1. ↑ https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2014/09/legends-of-frontierland-gold-rush-moseys-out-of-disneyland-park-september-27/
2. ↑ http://www.micechat.com/73591-legends-of-frontierland-first-look/
3. ↑ https://www.laughingplace.com/w/articles/2014/09/29/the-last-day-of-disneylands-legends-of-frontierland/
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 http://www.adventuresbydaddy.com/2014/07/09/legends-of-frontierland-recruitin-yall-disneyland/
5. ↑ https://www.disneygals.com/2014/07/are-you-ready-to-be-a-part-of-the-legends-of-frontierland-gold-rush.html