Wild West City — Attraction in Byram Township

I don't know if this review is fair. We're all going through a pandemic. And I understand that hiring staff (especially actors) at this time must be difficult. But I will go into my experience.

Firstly welcome staff/ticket staff:

They were incredibly nice. Explained everything in great detail with the schedule (explaining it might be slightly off due to just real life pauses that happens). They explained the extras (train ride. Pony rides). And we're very knowledgeable and welcoming.

The actors:

From the shows we did see. The "child participation" events the actors were very good at engaging with the children and involving them. On one occasion one of the actors gave my child a (used) blank bullet that had been used in one of the shows as a keepsake.

We did have a small incident in the "school house" where my child did walk around the school house. It SEEMINGLY was allowing you to look around the entire room. But apparently we learned you weren't supposed to go beyond the tables/chairs. The actress sort of snapped at my son. Rather than maybe doing something in character. (However I instantly made sure my children complied with the do not walk beyond table rule) I'm sure there's probably a reason for this rule. I'm guessing most likely for the safety of the items on display that were on the headmasters desk. Which makes sense and I totally respect. I just wish the actress there could have dealt with it more in character.

Also (the same actress) didn't really do anything. She looked the part and was dressed amazingly as a western old time teacher. But she didn't "act" in any way. Like pretend to be a teacher. Or converse with us. Or even act as a tour guide and explain the classroom. It seems she was there just for show.

The shops: immediately coming into WWS you are confronted by a street of shops. Some of these shops are small museum type rooms. And are very small. But they had little information. Or anyone to explain anything.

The gift shop felt like a total cash grab. I'm sorry but. It just felt so centralized and almost made to be the main feature. We came to the wild west.... To shop for plastic guns ? I mean I sort of get it. But it just seemed too pushy.

The restaurant: again there was a severe lack of acting here. To compare to medieval times. I felt it disappointing that the restaurant staff weren't really dressed up or at least "mildly" acting the part or enthusiastic.

The food and venue itself was very nice though and fairly priced!

The barn. Ponies. And panning for gold:

It was lovely to see some animal life. It was a shame there was no option to feed them (but again I totally respect this might be a safety issue for the animals).

There was "panning for gold" which my kids enjoyed a lot! And the fact it was free was surprising ! It was definitely addicting. But I could see on a busy day it could cause a long wait line.

There was mini golf. And again. Instead of being met by an actor we were met by a staff member simply wearing a wild west shirt. (This does not reflect on my opinion of their work. They were wonderfully polite and friendly) but I was expecting. Once again. For these people to be dressed up for the theme. And even just some attempt at acting.

(I apologize here as I do not know the official name for them) but the native American houses (wigwam I think) were amazing to see. But again. No information or history on them. They were just there.

Overall: wild west city felt rather run down. And not in a good way. It felt devoid of character and life (due to lack of actors, or staff participation. Or even guidance around the museum points).

The shows we did see were good. But hard to hear. As the lines were prerecorded and the speakers were really bad

I think wild west city is a great concept. And maybe it was the weather (it was hot the day we visited) or maybe lack of staff/actors but the overall visit was a let down. Due to lack of interaction. Run down buildings and just...

Summer 2021

I absolutely loved it here: it brought back so many memories! When I was little, my parents took me here. I decided to come back & see this place again as an adult, 20 years later.

Even though WWC is geared towards kids, there is a certain appreciation there as an adult (aside from the Saloon, haha). When you walk into the park, you definitely get that Wild West feel.. it's a pretty accurate aesthetic. All of the actors in the park are dressed accordingly & look like they really love their job! Also, the animals in the little petting zoo & the horses look like they're happy & taken care of. There's live music in the Saloon, live shows every 15 minutes, a blacksmith who actively makes things while you're there, some educational walk in museums, a jail (where you can take pictures in), a candy shop (the ice cream floats are awesome), mini golf, panning for gold, Two stores to purchase some Western gear/souvenirs if you'd like, a place where you can have your picture taken (like wanted posters, etc)... they have a train, a stage coach & places to eat of course. You can easily spend a few hours here if you want.

Haunted Wild West Fest (Halloween 2021)

I brought my parents with me this time.. coming full circle. The last time they went is when I was a small girl. It was definitely a special moment when we all walked into the park again together! They had positive things to say about everything, except for my Dad.. he's 6'4 so squeezing into the train fort the ride was still a little uncomfortable. (We're pretty sure it's the same train from all those years ago haha).

We went opening night & it was a lot of fun! The entire town looked beautiful at night.. they really did well with the Halloween decorations / lighting. Be mindful.. the actors like to pop out sometimes!! The haunted train ride was fun- it led to a haunted trail walk afterwards. This is definitive a good place to bring the kids! This is their 2nd year doing this Halloween event & I definitely see them continuing it! Make sure you book online ahead of time & choose a time slot for...

We love this place! My husband went as a child in the '80's and has many fond memories. Now we share this unique experience with our two kids, 6 and 9. We have gone for the past 4 years and always have a great time. There is simply no other place like it! Don't compare it to Disney or 6 Flags - keep in mind that this is a family run park, which has been in business for close to 60 years- that alone is amazing! It is rustic, but that is in keeping with the theme. See it as an opportunity to teach your kids about American history in a way that they will always remember. Today we went to see the Native American show for the first time and I was totally impressed. They have real members of the Mohawk tribe explaining their culture and even get audience members to dance with them. We will certainly go back again. Don't complain about the gift shop, just buy a cowboy hat and join in the fun. Someone described the shop as "dusty"- what do you expect, this is the Wild West, not a hospital! The roads are made of dirt and the horses trot along them - don't wear high heels or your best outift. There are little museums with antiques, a mini golf course, a petting zoo, a stage coach, a mining exhibit and a train ride. People who complain that they were "nickled and dimed" should appreciate that this is still an inexpensive day out. You can buy the food there (burgers, pizza, candy), or do as we do and bring your own sandwiches, snacks and water - they encourage that and provide picnic tables. The actors and staff are very friendly (we especially like Marshalls Ken and Glen). Most of them have been there for years, and some of them are second generation now, which says a lot. Obviously the owners take care of them to inspire this kind of loyalty. They encourage the children to participate in the action, which enhances the experience. Other than Woody from "Toy Story", what do our children know about cowboys? When do they see Native Americans? Don't miss out on this place. Go once, give it a fair shot, and tell me you don't...