An all-new version of the Country Bear Musical Jamboree opens today (July 17th, 2024) at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom with updated looks and new songs. This show has a loyal following as a Walt Disney World opening day attraction. We attended a preview event with Steven Vagnini from the Disney Archive and Imagineer Ken Ritchie, who spoke about both the original concept for the Country Bears and the ideas behind the new show. Let’s take a look and see if it meets expectations.
Grizzly Hall Lobby
The Country Bear Musical Jamboree reimagines so much more than just the new songs. From the moment you enter the queue lobby, you will see the changes.
With more artwork from Marc Davis, Big Al’s “World Tour” memorabilia, fan letters, and even awards the Country Bears have received over the years, there is plenty to look at while you wait to enter the theater.
While it looks like Big Al has been all over the world, when you look closely at the patches, you may see otherwise.
There are even original pieces of the show, including Oscar’s original teddy bear.
Don’t miss the Growly Award, based on a Marc Davis concept, and the bear with honeycomb medal which is a nod to coins Walt Disney collected from the Berlin Musical Festival, which can still be found in his office.
Grizzly Hall Theater
The theater itself has also received an update, with refurbished seating and an overhaul of the stage, including new curtains and gold leaf.
The Country Bear Musical Jamboree
When going through the Disney Archives, it was found that two of the songs included in the original concept of Country Bear Jamboree were Heigh-Ho and Bibbidi-Bibbidi-Boo. While they opted not to include Disney songs in the show’s original version, this new version contains favorites from Disney and Pixar and some Country Bear favorites.
The bears themselves also got a makeover from the inside out with new tubes, gears, fur, and costumes. Let’s take a closer look at the Country Bears and the actual show!
The Country Bears and a Few Others Hanging Around
Melvin, Buff, and Max are still hanging around, providing commentary and even a little music throughout the show.
Henry is our trusted Master of Ceremonies. Looking pretty sharp in his white jacket, he’s ready to keep the show moving along.
Gomer is ready to provide the intro music while Henrey introduces the show.
The first performance is from the Five Bear Rugs playing, The Country Bear Musical Jamboree. Of course, little Oscar is still in the mix, now holding a Big Al teddy bear.
Ken Ritchie explained that Trixie was ready for a power song. Along with Bunny, Bubbles, and Beulah, Tixie sings Try Everything from Zootopia.
Romeo McGrowl comes swimming in next with Kiss the Girl from The Little Mermaid, accompanied by Melvin, Buff and Max.
Ernest the Dude is decked out in a familiar-looking outfit, performing the precocious Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious for a smokin’ fiddlin’ good time.
Wendell and Teddi Barra, with Gomer accompanying, perform A Whole New World from Aladdin.
Terrance Shaker is A Bit of a Fixer-Upper, led by Melvini, Buff and Max. You might recognize this song about Kristoff from Frozen. Can we give a big Ya-Hoo for not including Let it Go?
Up next, you hear the familiar twang of Big Al’s guitar. While fans my take a moment of pause for the lost song, you will soon be enjoying Remember Me from Coco. I was surprised on how it was a perfect fit for Big Al.
Henry comes back with Sammy, who is no longer a raccoon cap, but rather sitting next to him for a quick rendition of You’ve Got a Friend in Me from Toy Story, before going into the finale.
We end the show with Bear Necessities before going into the familiar finale you remember.
I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by the new Country Bear Musical Jamboree. The songs chosen are integrated really well into the show, the theming and costuming were also a good fit. The goal was to keep the fun of the previous show while making it fun for the next generation. For the first time, in a long time, I feel what is produced is in line (maybe above) my expectations. Most importantly, this show keeps the attention of my precocious pre-teen in a way the older show didn’t. And if that helps fill up the theater and keep it relevant for another decade or two, that’s a very good thing.
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Let’s Hear From You!
Are you looking forward to the new show? This time around, Mama won’t whip little Buford, and there’s no blood on Big Al’s saddle. Instead, there’s a whole new slate of songs for a new generation of Country Bear fans. Share your thoughts on the new Country Bear Musical Jamboree in the comments below!
Here’s a short teaser video that doesn’t give too much away…