Petition started to save Billy Hill and the Hillbillies at Disneyland

No one likes it when Disney decides to retire one of its attractions or shows. Over the years well over 100 have closed between Disneyland and Disney World.

Disney publicity photo

Each time a ride fades into Disney lore there is outrage and consternation.

This scenario is playing out again in Disneyland. Earlier this month we
reported that after more than 20 years Billy Hill and the Hillbillies will be retiring from the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree. 

There is now a petition on change.org seeking to keep the show. Steven Iverson of Orange, Calif. hopes to get 2.000 people to sign on. So far he is 298 short of the goal.

"Uncountable guests plan their vacations and trips around the Billy Hill & The Hillbillies show, making it the highlight of their trip and their main focus once they arrive. This show is the main reason many people continue to purchase annual passes and travel from around the country. Disney needs to know how many people love this show and these great musicians, and how it will upset many guests and may cause them to lose valuable customers by guests not renewing annual passes or buying their traditional disneyland vacation tickets for the entire family," the petition states.

For many people this show has been part of a family tradition. Here's a look at what some people  have said about the closing:

"The Billy Hill show is like family. You cannot fire family. If you had any idea of how many audience members spirits are lifted or depression lessened by attending a Billy Hill show, you would not be considering their departure. Indicates to me that Disney management has no idea what it is doing. Sorry Walt, they got the train off the tracks," wrote John Moser of Joshua Tree, Calif.

"This show made me want to be an actor and comedian and now I am a professional actor and comedian! This show was the highlight of every family trip to Disneyland. Disneyland Resort needs outstanding theatre like this, to lose it would diminish Disneyland's standards of family entertainment," wrote Sarah Brooks of Riverside, Calif.

"I plan all of my Disneyland trips around the schedule of The Billy Hill Shows, so I can see as many A Team shows as possible. They are my most favorite thing on property. I have been to DL more than 10 times since I discovered the Billys. But I am not sure now when I will return. You are taking something very special and magical away from your guests. I can't express how sad I am about this decision, wrote Donna Miller of Middlebury, Ind. "