Get ready to clap your hands and stomp your feet because the beloved Country Bear Jamboree has been reimagined and is now the Country Bear Musical Jamboree! This classic attraction at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom has delighted guests for over five decades, and starting July 17, 2024, it returns with a fresh twist. With new songs, updated performances, and the same lovable bear characters, this revamped show promises to bring joy to both longtime fans and new visitors. Join us as we dive into the history, details, and exciting updates of this iconic Disney attraction.
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A Brief History of Country Bear Jamboree
The Country Bear Jamboree has a rich history that dates back to the early days of Walt Disney World. The attraction was originally envisioned by Walt Disney himself for a proposed ski resort in California’s Sequoia National Forest called Mineral King. Walt wanted a show that would entertain guests in the evenings, and he believed a bear-themed musical revue would be perfect.
Imagineer Marc Davis, known for his work on Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion, was tasked with creating the show. When the Mineral King project was canceled, the idea for the bear show didn’t go to waste. Instead, it was brought to life at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, opening on October 1, 1971, as one of the park’s original attractions. The show featured a cast of audio-animatronic bears performing country music, and it quickly became a fan favorite.
Due to its popularity, the Country Bear Jamboree was later replicated at Disneyland in California and Tokyo Disneyland in Japan. The Disneyland version opened in 1972, while the Tokyo version debuted in 1983. Over the years, the show has seen various seasonal overlays, including the Country Bear Christmas Special and the Country Bear Vacation Hoedown.
The New Country Bear Musical Jamboree
In September 2023, Disney announced that the Country Bear Jamboree would undergo a major transformation and reopen as the Country Bear Musical Jamboree. This new version of the show draws inspiration from Nashville’s musical revues and features the bears performing Disney songs in various country music styles, including bluegrass, pop-country, Americana, and rockabilly.
The updated show includes a brand-new lineup of songs, with familiar Disney tunes reinterpreted in country music genres. Some of the featured songs include “The Bare Necessities” from The Jungle Book, “Try Everything” from Zootopia, and “A Whole New World” from Aladdin. The vocals for these songs are provided by popular and upcoming country music artists, adding a fresh and contemporary feel to the show.
In addition to the new songs, the bears have received updated costumes inspired by classic country singer culture. Guests can expect to see Easter eggs and nods to Nashville scattered throughout the attraction, making it a treat for both Disney and country music fans.
Fun and Interesting Details
- Marc Davis’s Influence: Marc Davis, one of Disney’s legendary Imagineers, played a crucial role in creating the Country Bear Jamboree. He designed the characters and came up with various bear-themed musical groups, including bear marching bands and mariachi bears.
- Walt’s Last Laugh: The show is often referred to as “Walt’s Last Laugh” because it was one of the last projects Walt Disney personally worked on before his death in 1966. He found the concept drawings for the bears hilarious and gave his final approval before passing away.
- Seasonal Overlays: The Country Bear Jamboree has had several seasonal overlays, including the Country Bear Christmas Special and the Country Bear Vacation Hoedown. These versions of the show featured holiday and summertime themes, respectively, and were popular with guests.
- Tokyo Disneyland: The original version of the Country Bear Jamboree still exists at Tokyo Disneyland, where it rotates with the Vacation Jamboree and Jingle Bell Jamboree shows throughout the year. This makes Tokyo Disneyland the only place where guests can experience the original show.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the Country Bear Musical Jamboree?
A: The Country Bear Musical Jamboree is a reimagined version of the classic Country Bear Jamboree attraction at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. It features the same beloved bear characters performing Disney songs in various country music styles.
Q: When did the Country Bear Musical Jamboree debut?
A: The Country Bear Musical Jamboree debuted on July 17, 2024.
Q: What songs are featured in the new show?
A: The new show includes Disney songs reinterpreted in country music genres, such as “The Bare Necessities” from The Jungle Book, “Try Everything” from Zootopia, and “A Whole New World” from Aladdin.
Q: Who provides the vocals for the new songs?
A: The vocals for the new songs are provided by popular and upcoming country music artists, including Mac McAnally, Emily Ann Roberts, Allison Russel, and Chris Thile.
Q: Are there any changes to the bear characters?
A: The bear characters have received updated costumes inspired by classic country singer culture. Additionally, Liver Lips McGrowl has been renamed Romeo McGrowl due to the derogatory nature of the original name.
Q: Is the original Country Bear Jamboree still available?
A: The original version of the Country Bear Jamboree is still available at Tokyo Disneyland, where it rotates with other seasonal versions of the show.
Q: What inspired the new version of the show?
A: The new version of the show draws inspiration from Nashville’s musical revues and aims to pay homage to the Opry-style shows with a variety of country music genres.
Final Thoughts
The Country Bear Musical Jamboree is a delightful reimagining of a classic Disney attraction. With its updated songs, fresh performances, and the same lovable bear characters, it promises to be a hit with guests of all ages. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the original show or experiencing it for the first time, the Country Bear Musical Jamboree offers a fun and entertaining experience that celebrates both Disney magic and country music heritage. So next time you’re at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, be sure to stop by Frontierland and enjoy the toe-tapping, hand-clapping fun of the Country Bear Musical Jamboree!