From our Friends at D23
For those of us who could not bear to wait any longer, this week arrives like a refreshing mountain breeze that carries with it a rousingly familiar melody: The reimagined Country Bear Musical Jamboree will have its boot-stompin’ debut in Magic Kingdom Park this Wednesday, July 17, at Walt Disney World Resort.
Country Bear Jamboree was one of the last attractions Walt Disney personally helped develop more than 50 years ago. Its country-twang celebration, combined with the lovable bear cast, made it a must-see experience for guests. Now, after a six-month break for rehearsals and costume fittings, the bears are back with a refreshed lineup: Country Bear Musical Jamboree combines Nashville-style arrangements of Disney tunes with the furry fan-favorite cast of characters Disney fans already know and love.
Rootin’, Tootin’ Tunes
Country Bear Musical Jamboree features a brand-new lineup of tunes, performed in a style that pays homage to the Opry-style shows of Nashville. The new program will feature twangin’ interpretations of Disney songs performed in various genres of country music, including Americana—or a-“bear”-icana!—bluegrass, pop-country, rockabilly, and more. These fresh bear tracks include:
- “Country Bear Musical Jamboree,” a new original song written for the attraction.
- “Try Everything,” from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Zootopia.
- “Kiss the Girl,” from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ The Little Mermaid.
- “A Whole New World,” from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Aladdin.
- “Supercalifragilisticexpialiocious,” from Walt Disney Studios’ Mary Poppins.
- “Fixer-Upper,” from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen.
- “Remember Me,” from Disney and Pixar’s Coco.
- “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” from Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story.
- “Bare Necessities,” from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ The Jungle Book.
- “Come Again,” an original song that debuted with Country Bear Jamboree in 1974.
Walt Disney Imagineering turned to popular and upcoming country music talent to provide the vocals for the new setlist. Featured artists include record-breaking 10-time CMA Musician of the Year Mac McAnally, who sings “The Bare Necessities”; country singer Emily Ann Roberts, who lends her voice to Trixie for a rendition of “Try Everything”; and singer-songwriter Allison Russel and musician Chris Thile, who voice Teddi Barra and Wendell, respectively, for “A Whole New World.”
Meet the Bears
Grizzly Hall in Frontierland is home to the zany and captivating performance that showcases the American musical heritage pioneered by Ursus H. Bear. Over the years, Ursus’ grandson, Henry, has taken over to develop a thrilling new countrified musical.
Longtime fans of Grizzly Hall know and love the kooky cast of bear characters. For those new to joining the jamboree, here is the lineup of growlin’ performers making a triumphant return to the stage in this refreshed show:
- Ursus H. Bear: Ursus is the founder of Grizzly Hall. He invited tuneful bruins from all around to present zany vaudeville acts and live country-western and folk performances!
- Henry: Ursus’ grandson Henry is now the master of bear-emonies. He helped develop the new show and co-wrote the opening song with the Five Bear Rugs.
- Five Bear Rugs: The Five Bear Rugs include Zeke, Zeb, Ted, Fred, and a bear named Tennessee, who all have ol’ country rhythm in their souls.
- Trixie: One of the most seasoned performers, Trixie has tried everything! She found her niche performing with triplets Bunny, Bubbles, and Beulah.
- Bunny, Bubbles, and Beulah: Originally known as The Sun Bonnets, these lady bears traded in their bonnets for Stetsons when they began singing with Trixie worldwide, ending up here at Country Bear Musical Jamboree.
- Teddi Barra: Grizzly Hall is proud to present The Jewel of the Dakotas, Teddi Barra. Her rise in show business was meteoric after being discovered in an ice cream parlor.
- Wendell: Wendell was a frustrated basketball, baseball, and football player until Henry invited him to try and carry a tune. He’s been part of the Country Bears since and is thrilled to finally sing a love song with Trixie.
- Ernest the Dude: Ernest the Dude is one of the best-dressed bears at Grizzly Hall—he brings his entire wardrobe wherever he goes!
- Terrence, aka Shaker: Terrence, also known as Shaker, was once a famous theater star until he fell from the balcony in Romeo and Juliet. After that, he turned in his tights for a guitar and lassoed himself the limelight back onstage.
- Romeo McGrowl: This bear, otherwise known as the Miami Serenader, is ready to enter his next era singing rockabilly!
- Gomer: Gomer is the resident piano player who has been claws-ically trained since he was a cub.
- Big Al: Of course, there must be mention of the infamous Big Al. He’s been playing the guitar since he was a cub because music is in this bear’s blood.
The bears all appear in new costumes, which draw inspiration from classic country-singer culture, including looks that might seem at home at The Grand Ole Opry, the famed live country-music broadcasting studio in Nashville. Guests should watch for all the Easter eggs and Nashville notes scattered throughout the attraction when they visit.
Guests from around the world can give these star-studded bears a standing ovation when the new Country Bear Musical Jamboree debuts July 17, 2024, at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
