5 Things Disney Fans LOVE About the NEW Country Bear Musical Jamboree
Whether you’re familiar with the Country Bears’ history and stories or not, families will have a hand-clappin’, foot-stompin’ good time at this freshly reimagined musical extravaganza, debuting at Magic Kingdom this Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Just a few weeks after Tiana’s Bayou Adventure debuted!
The latest air-conditioned attraction to open at Disney World, this feel-good show is set in Grizzly Hall, located in Frontierland overlooking Tom Sawyer Island.
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The Country Bear Jamboree has been a Disney tradition for over 50 years. And although it can be tough to say goodbye to the original version, the time has come for a more family-friendly experience.
After attending a special media event for the new Country Bear Musical Jamboree we’re sharing what makes this new version so special, plus the Disney details that fans already love.
5 Things Disney Fans LOVE About Country Bear Musical Jamboree
- Disney Songs
- Costumes and Props
- New Audio-Animatronics
- Special Lighting and Effects
- Authentic Nashville Talent
What’s Different About the New Show?
The original Country Bear Jamboree featured lots of old-fashioned comedy and showcased Florida’s southern roots. While the show reflected the humor of the time, and made for funny memories over the decades, it’s exciting to see this new show bring in timeless laughs and Disney songs.
Everyone’s favorite Country Bear characters are all still in the show, but this time they have Nashville-inspired costumes, new lighting and effects, and upbeat personalities.
As a longtime Disney fan, I found the new “country-fied” Disney songs to be a perfect fit. Some of the songs surprised me – and in hopes of not spoiling the surprise, I’ll keep some of those moments to myself.
For Mac McAnally, 10-time CMA Musician of the Year and the voice of Terrence (aka Shaker), it’s been “a blessing to get to be a part of the continuation of the tradition” which he first saw as a teenage musician and again later with his kids in the audience.
Anyone who loves the magic of Walt Disney Imagineering will appreciate that all the audio-animatronics in the show are upgraded to the latest tech – and they look fantastic! We spoke with Ken Ricci, a technical manager with Walt Disney Imagineering
It’s very important to look at the original creative intent to connect with each generation. There are some exciting things happening now. And the effects that are in the show like that the fog and the lighting add even more depth to the experience.
Ken Ricci, Technical Manager with Walt Disney Imagineering
Believe it or not, there are still even more new rides and shows coming to Disney World soon, so we’ve got plenty to be excited about.
Disney Details
The lobby is filled with nods to The Grand Ole Opry and Nashville’s Country Western culture in every corner so be sure to keep your eyes peeled! There are four display boxes with props and tributes to the original show as well as to Disney movies.
The displays also play into the personalities of the Country Bears. For example, a red vest is on display that belongs to Big Al (a beloved character). This red vest is adorned with patches from Big Al’s touring days. The destinations featured on these patches have international names, but upon closer inspection you’ll see that these places are domestic destinations. It turns out they are the names of actual cities in the United States.
In another display, you can see the show’s set list drawn on a napkin. The Hungry Bear Restaurant featured on the napkin is an eatery in Disneyland Park in California, where a second Country Bear Jamboree show performed until Winnie the Pooh’s attraction took over the space.
Once the show begins the colorful costumes sparkle on the stage. Each costume is a blend of Nashville authenticity with Disney touches. We spoke with Sara Landesbeeg, Costumer with Walt Disney Imagineering.
I was so lucky to get concepts and work to bring Nashville style, modern fun sparkly designs. You’ll see how awesome, all the details are very true to Nashville. Some surprises that guest should be on the lookout for both with the costuming, and with the technical aspect, are the touches of Disney inspiration. With Ernest that his stripes that are reminiscent of Bert in Mary Poppins, and the stitching in Wendell’s vest were pulled from our pal Carpet in Aladdin.
Sara Landesberg, Costumer with Walt Disney Imagineering.
Disney Songs
The magic behind the Country Bears Jamboree begins with the music. From “Kiss the Girl”, to You’ve Got A Friend In Me”, “Fixer-Upper” (song by Mac McAnally) to our personal family favorite, “Try Everything”, there are multiple magical moments.
The soundtrack was carefully selected from Disney’s catalog of fan-favorites and then reinterpreted and sung by country music singers like Mac McAnally and Emily Ann Roberts with a stylish southern twang.
Personally I love the creative spin on these songs. As a Disney fan it is exciting to experience some beloved Disney songs – old and new – with authentic Nashville musicians and singers adding their own flavor.
What Do Kids Think About It?
We had so much fun singing, stomping and clapping along!
There were plenty of laughs and surprising visuals to keep everyone’s attention throughout the show, and we appreciated that the master of bear-emonies, Henry Bear, gives intros and context for each member of the band. We loved how each song matched the personality and back story of each bear.
My girls were delighted to hear their favorite song, “Try Everything”, from ZooTopia so naturally Trixie was our favorite bear, who is sung by the adorable Emily Ann Roberts, pink rhinestones and all.
Coming in a close second was “The Jewel of the Dakotas”, Teddi Barra, who performs “A Whole New World” from Aladdin swinging high above the audience on a swing wearing a bedazzled pink cowgirl hat and feather boa.
It was fun guessing what song was coming next and hearing each new rendition, which excited my girls the moment they recognized each one.
I won’t give away all the details but Mom and Dad’s favorite bear was truly smoking!
Paying homage to Americana culture and Walt Disney himself, you don’t need to like country Western music to enjoy the Country Bear Musical Jamboree. These lovable bears will have you hooked – and heel-tappin’ your way out the door.
Quick Tips
- Use the restroom before entering the pre-show
- There is no seating in the preshow, be prepared to stand for about 10 minutes
- Check out the details in the pre-show
- Slide all the way across the row, you’ll have a good view, and be near the exit
- Enjoy the air conditioning and family-friendly entertainment!