Hey there, fellow Disney enthusiasts! Can you believe it? The beloved Country Bear Jamboree is getting a fantastic makeover, and I’m absolutely thrilled to share all the exciting details with you! As someone who’s been visiting Disney parks since 1995 (yep, I’m dating myself here), I’ve seen my fair share of changes and updates. But this one? It’s got me more excited than a kid on their first trip to the Magic Kingdom!
On July 17, 2024, the curtain will rise on the all-new Country Bear Musical Jamboree 2024 at Walt Disney World. Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But I loved the old show!” Trust me, I get it. Change can be scary, especially when it comes to our favorite Disney classics. But let me tell you, after digging into all the details, I’m convinced this refresh is going to knock our Mickey ears off!
So, grab your favorite Disney snack, settle in, and let’s take a journey through the history, updates, and fun facts about this iconic attraction. I promise it’ll be more fun than a barrel of audio-animatronic monkeys!
A Brief History of the Country Bears
The story of the Country Bears begins with Walt Disney himself. In the mid-1960s, Walt was developing plans for a ski resort in California’s Sequoia National Forest, known as the Mineral King project. Envisioning entertainment for the evenings, Walt commissioned Imagineer Marc Davis to create a show featuring musical bears. Although the Mineral King project never materialized, the concept for the bear show lived on.
On October 1, 1971, the Country Bear Jamboree made its debut at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, becoming one of the park’s opening day attractions. The show’s popularity led to its replication at Disneyland in California in 1972 and Tokyo Disneyland in 1983. Over the years, the attraction has seen various seasonal overlays, including the Country Bear Christmas Special and the Country Bear Vacation Hoedown.
The New Country Bear Musical Jamboree
The reimagined Disney World Country Bear Musical Jamboree draws inspiration from Nashville’s musical revues while maintaining the heart and soul of the original attraction. Here’s what guests can expect from the new show:
- New Song Lineup: The bears now perform Disney songs in various country music styles, including bluegrass, pop-country, Americana, and rockabilly. Some featured songs include:
- “The Bare Necessities” from The Jungle Book
- “Try Everything” from Zootopia
- “A Whole New World” from Aladdin
- “Kiss the Girl” from The Little Mermaid
- “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from Toy Story
- Updated Characters: While the beloved bear characters return, they sport new costumes inspired by classic country singer culture. Fans will recognize Henry, the Five Bear Rugs, Trixie, and others, each with a fresh look and new acts.
- Collaboration with Country Music Artists: Walt Disney Imagineering partnered with popular and upcoming country music talent to bring authenticity to the new setlist. Notable contributors include Mac McAnally, Emily Ann Roberts, Allison Russell, and Chris Thile.
- Enhanced Animatronics: Early viewers have noted smoother movements in the updated animatronic figures, bringing new life to the classic characters.
- Preserved Nostalgia: While embracing change, the show maintains callbacks to the original, ensuring longtime fans will find familiar elements to enjoy.
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Behind the Scenes
Jake Ellis, Principal Audio Media Designer at Walt Disney Imagineering, shared insights into the creative process: “We knew that we wanted to keep the ethos of the bears, but we also wanted to rethink the songs in a way that was more diverse and had multigenerational appeal. Where better to look than the Disney catalog for those songs?”
The transformation involved careful consideration of the attraction’s legacy while introducing elements that would resonate with today’s audiences. Brett Swain, Director of Music Production at The Walt Disney Company, worked closely with each artist to reinterpret the Disney songs in country style, creating unique arrangements that blend seamlessly with the bears’ personalities.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
The announcement of changes to such a beloved attraction naturally stirred mixed emotions among Disney fans. While some expressed concern about altering a classic, many have responded positively to the updates following preview showings. The blend of nostalgia with fresh content seems to strike a chord with both longtime enthusiasts and newcomers to the Magic Kingdom.
Country Bear Jamboree Music:
The Legacy of Country Bear Jamboree
The Country Bear Jamboree Disney World holds a special place in Disney history, often referred to as “Walt’s Last Laugh” due to his involvement in its early development. Its influence extends beyond the parks; for instance, the Chuck E. Cheese restaurant chain drew inspiration from the Country Bear Jamboree and the Enchanted Tiki Room when creating their animatronic shows.
@disneyparks We are bear-y excited to share 🤩🐻 #Disney #DisneyParks #DisneyWorld #MagicKingdom #CountryBears #Costume #Animatronics #BTS #DisneyCastLife
Frequently Asked Questions
- When did the Country Bear Musical Jamboree debut?
The new show opened on July 17, 2024, at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. - Are any of the original songs still in the show?
While the focus is on Disney songs, the show retains some elements from the original, including the closing number “Come Again” from 1971. - Can I still see the original Country Bear Jamboree anywhere?
The original version of the show, along with seasonal variations, can still be experienced at Tokyo Disneyland. - How long is the new show?
The exact runtime hasn’t been officially confirmed, but it’s expected to be similar to the original show’s duration of about 10-15 minutes. - Will there be seasonal overlays like the Christmas special?
While not confirmed, the updated technology and renewed interest in the attraction could potentially allow for seasonal variations in the future.
Final Words
Well, folks, we’ve come to the end of our toe-tapping, knee-slapping journey through the world of the Country Bear Musical Jamboree. I don’t know about you, but I’m more excited than ever to see this show when it debuts!
As we wrap up, I can’t help but think about how this reimagining of a classic attraction represents the very heart of what makes Disney so special. It’s that perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation, keeping the spirit of the original while bringing it into a new era for a whole new generation of Disney fans.
I’ll be honest – part of me will always miss the original show. It’s like an old friend who’s moved away. But I’m thrilled to welcome this new version into the Disney family. And who knows? Maybe in another 50 years, we’ll be talking about how the 2024 version was a “classic” that’s getting an update!
So, my fellow Disney lovers, I hope you’ll join me in giving a warm welcome to the Country Bear Musical Jamboree when it opens its doors. Let’s raise our churros in a toast to the past, present, and future of Disney magic. And remember, in the immortal words of Walt himself, “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”
See you real soon in Frontierland, where the bears are always grinnin’ and the music never stops!