Country Bear Jamboree: The History Behind the Attraction

This classic Disney attraction has been entertaining guests since Magic Kingdom’s opening in 1971. You might be hearing more about the Country Bear Jamboree than you have in the past, and that is because this attraction recently reopened with a brand new show and songs. Country Bear Jamboree was an attraction that was originally created for a California ski resort that never came to be. Walt Disney began the plans which were handed over to Imagineer Marc Davis and Al Bertino. After Walt’s death, the plans for the show continued on with the attraction being one of the opening day attractions at Magic Kingdom in Florida. Shortly after the attraction’s debut, it was replicated and opened in Disneyland as well.

Planning And Imagineering

Walt Disney had the idea of a bear band when he began dreaming up his California ski lodge idea. The ski lodge never came to be, but the bear band did. Imagineers and songwriters collaborated to create the Country Bear Jamboree. It was decided early on that the bears would be country folk, and the songs they sang would be reminiscent of folk songs and classic country music.

The bear characters that were imagined were Henry, the friendly master of ceremonies, Gomer the piano player, Zeke, Zeb, Fred, and Tennessee, as well as Baby Oscar, Wendell, Romeo McGrowl, Trixie, Terrace, The Sun Bonnet Trio- Bunny, Bubbles, and Beulah, Ernest the Dude, Teddi Bara, and Big Al. Rufus is a character who was never seen but instead his footsteps were heard, and Melvin, Buff, and Max are the mounted animal heads that provide occasional comments throughout the show. For a show consisting of entirely audio-animatronics, this is quite a large cast. The show was so popular that plans to move it to Disneyland began immediately.

Changes Made To The Attraction

Disney World’s Country Bear Jamboree recently underwent a major renovation in which the show was reprogrammed, the songs replaced with classic Disney tunes, and the bears redressed in new clothing. The new version of the show opened on July, 17th of 2024.

Other Versions Of The Attraction

In March of 1972 Country Bear Jamboree opened in Disneyland. Disneyland’s version of this attraction featured two identical theaters in order to increase capacity for the attraction. However, in 2001, the attraction was closed to make way for The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh attraction. In Tokyo Disneyland, a version of the attraction identical to Disneyland’s in California opened up. Seasonal variations of the show used to play in Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland, including the Country Bear Christmas Special and Vacation Hoedown.

The Future Of The Attraction

As of right now, the new version of Country Bear Jamboree is a permanent change to the attraction. Guests who are interested in viewing the original attraction can find footage on YouTube. Disney World in Florida, and Tokyo Disneyland in Japan, are the only Disney parks locations with a Country Bear Jamboree attraction. The Country Bear Jamboree in Tokyo Disneyland still plays the original show.

Which version of Country Bear Jamboree do you prefer? Let us know in the comments below!

Featured Photo: Emily Murray.