Crowds Fail To Form as Disney Attraction Celebrates Reopening

Country Bear Musical Jamboree, a beloved attraction in the heart of Grizzly Hall, is repaired to welcome guests once again with much fanfare and excitement today, July 17, 2024. This iconic show, part of the rich tapestry of entertainment at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park, has been a cherished favorite among visitors for years. As the rustic doors swung open on this special reopening day, the familiar sounds of country music and the sight of the whimsical bear band delighted guests of all ages, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.

The magic of Country Bear Musical Jamboree lies in its unique blend of Americana charm, toe-tapping tunes, and endearing animatronic performances that bring the colorful cast of characters to life. From the lovable Big Al to the spirited Teddi Berra, each bear has their own personality and role to play in this musical extravaganza.

The show’s lively energy, combined with its nostalgic appeal, creates a truly immersive experience that transports audiences to a whimsical world where bears sing, dance, and entertain with gusto. However, now that the cast has received a whole new set of updated musical numbers, some guests are left feeling less than pleased about the attraction.

A costumed bear character is performing on stage against a blue curtain backdrop. The bear is dressed in a glittery silver and pink outfit with a large pink bow on its head, pink around its eyes, and pink accents on its dress, creating a playful appearance. — Credit: Disney

Country Bear Jamboree Received Mixed Response

Walt Disney Imagineers have masterfully crafted every detail of this attraction, from the intricate stage design to the charming bear animatronics, ensuring that every visit to Country Bear Musical Jamboree is a magical journey filled with laughter and joy. In order to keep the attraction fresh for generations to come, Disney closed the ride for a thorough refurbishment earlier this year.

In addition to new costumes and new character names (R.I.P. Liver Lips McGrowl), the ride also features a brand-new set list of Disney hit songs. Unfortunately for Disney, the overwhelming number of classic Disney theme park fans is dissatisfied with the new numbers, as they stray quite a bit from the classic country tunes the Bears once performed.

When videos of the new show were shared online after an attraction preview, Disney received lots of backlash regarding the new attraction’s setlist. New songs include “Try Everything,” “A Whole New World,” and other more modern Disney pop songs. Now, on the day of the attraction’s premiere, it seems that Disney may have a serious problem when it comes to guest retention.

A group of anthropomorphic bears dressed in country attire are performing music in a forest setting. In this Country Bear Musical Jamboree, they play various instruments, including a banjo, a homemade bass, and a jug, in front of a scenic backdrop of trees and mountains. — Credit: Disney

Crowds Fail To Form on Attraction’s Debut

Now, on the opening day of Country Bear Musical Jamboree, it seems that crowds are sadly not flocking to the attraction. Photos from Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort show empty lines for the attractions. The app shows a wait time of approximately 15 minutes.

An information sign displays "Country Bear Musical Jamboree - NEW! Magic Kingdom Park, Frontierland," with a current standby wait time of 15 minutes. Below, a line graph forecasts wait times for the Country Bear Musical Jamboree, peaking from 7pm to 9pm. — Credit: Disney World App

This is in sharp contrast to the closing day of the original Country Brear Jamboree, which had a line spanning hours. For many, the essence of what made this classic attraction so special appears to have been compromised in the recent revamp, causing a disconnect with the audience. The whimsical charm and nostalgic appeal that once drew crowds to the Country Bear Musical Jamboree seem to have been overshadowed by the alterations introduced by Disney.

The Country Bear Jamboree’s decline in popularity is a testament to the importance of staying true to the essence of a beloved attraction. While updates and enhancements are sometimes necessary to keep experiences fresh and engaging, it is crucial not to stray too far from what made the original show a hit.

In the case of the Country Bear Musical Jamboree, it appears that the recent changes may have missed the mark, resulting in a noticeable drop in attendance and interest from park visitors. What do you think about this change?

This post originally appeared on Disney Dining.