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Credit: DisneyAt Destination D23 in September, Walt Disney World Resort announced that the famous Country Bears of the Country Bear Jamboree would receive a modern update next year. The new show will be a tribute to Nashville and country music, featuring famous voices and giving new life to the bears, including Henry, Wendell, Trixie, and Big Al.
Walt Disney Imagineers plan to incorporate country versions of Disney classics like “The Bear Necessities,” inspired by rockabilly, bluegrass, and pop country music. One bear, Liver Lips McGrowl, will receive a new name not based on a racial stereotype: Romeo McGrowl.
Despite the attraction update timeline, a recent merchandise release revealed that Walt Disney World Resort is already “changing” the Country Bear Jamboree.
The Country Bear Jamboree
Located in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom Park, the Country Bear Jamboree is one of Walt Disney World Resort’s longest-running attractions. A similar show operates in Tokyo Disneyland at Tokyo Disney Resort and formerly operated in Critter Country at Disneyland Park at Disneyland Resort.
“Have a knee-slappin’ good time at this jolly country-and-western musical revue starring a cast of singing bears,” Walt Disney World Resort writes. “Step inside the rustic theater known as Grizzly Hall and take your seat before the lights dim. Clap along as 18 Audio-Animatronics hillbilly bears play and sing during this 16-minute, foot-stompin’ cele-bear-tion.”
“You’ll hear a medley of original and classic tunes—all performed by the zaniest critters in the woods. Overflowing with humor, heart and a few surprises, this crowd-pleasing show features a down-home, southern sensibility you and your cubs will love.”
“Country Bear Jamboree is one of the very last attractions that Walt Disney personally helped develop. Originally planned for a never-built Disney ski resort in Mineral King, California, the show with the singing bears happily moved out to Florida in 1971 and has been performing daily at Magic Kingdom park ever since.”
Latest Update
Walt Disney World Resort appears to be brushing the Country Bears aside ahead of the upcoming renovation, as fans recently noticed multiple alarming errors on the show’s merchandise. @2foolishmortals shared a video of the inaccurate shirt on TikTok:
@2foolishmortals Look. I get it. We all make mistakes. This, however, should never have made it to shelves. Come on guys! Have you never been to Magic Kingdom before? It’s not like this is a new attraction. #disney #wdw #grizzlyhall #countrybearjamboree #merchandisemisprint #disneymeech #disneymerchandise #wdw
As the guest points out, the shirt says “Grizzy Hall” instead of Grizzly Hall. Additionally, Big Al and Trixie are missing from the show’s lineup despite being two of the attraction’s most iconic animatronics.
“Look. I get it,” the guest wrote. “We all make mistakes. This, however, should never have made it to shelves. Come on guys! Have you never been to Magic Kingdom before? It’s not like this is a new attraction.”
“I’ve been talking about the quality control decline of Disney’s merch for a few years,” @kaylaandpumpkin commented. “When I was young it was pretty consistent but now? Meh.”
According to the guest, the shirt was on display for over a week before anyone noticed. On Tuesday, Disney cast members allegedly pulled it from shelves across Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT. Walt Disney World Resort didn’t comment publicly on the error.
Are you excited about the Country Bear Jamboree update? Share your thoughts with Inside the Magic in the comments.
Please note that the story outlined in this article is based on personal Disney Parks Guest experiences. No two Guest experiences are alike, and this article does not necessarily align with Inside the Magic’s personal views on Disney Park operations.