Florida Guide > Magic Kingdom
Country Bear Jamboree
The Country Bear Jamboree stage show attraction is located in between Frontierland and Liberty Square in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. It opened on October 1st 1971 and was such a hit with guests that Disney’s Imagineers opened a replica in Disneyland, California but they built two identical theatres this time to increase the capacity.
The fifteen minute show, which takes place in Grizzly Hall, consists of twenty-four audio animatronics, mainly bears, performing country music (hence the name of the show) accompanied by banjos, harmonicas and fiddles. The bears make their appearances, from all parts of the stage throughout the show, descending from the ceiling, rising from beneath the stage on platforms and to the sides from behind curtains. So popular is the Country Bear Jamboree that it was even given a special ‘spin-off’ show during the Christmas season. Unfortunately, this only lasted until 2005 when there where problems with copyright issues for some of the songs.
As soon as everyone is seated in the theatre, the lights are dimmed and the show commences with the stuffed animal heads on the wall, Max (a stag), Buff (a buffalo) and Melvin the moose, instructing Henry to get on with the show. Henry is the host of the show, the ringmaster, and wears a grey top hat.
I don’t believe that this attraction is one that you would might want to visit time and time again but if you have never seen it before, it is worth visiting at least once. It is very funny and has a charm all of its own. Some may say it is a little dated or old fashioned, but to me this is all part of its appeal. If you enjoy lots of laughs with toe tappin’, foot stompin’, knee slappin’, hand clappin’ music you’ll have a great time, you can even join in if you feel that way inclined! The young children will love it and it can be a welcome break from the afternoon heat and a nice little rest for tired legs.
Due to its popularity, long lines are not uncommon for The Country Bear Jamboree but the theatre is large and once the doors have been opened the line will soon disappear.
The attraction proved so popular that Disney released a feature length film called The Country Bears in 2002.
The theatre is wheelchair accessible, although strollers and electric scooters may not be taken inside. Please note that no flash photography or video taping is allowed during the performances.
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