Since Walt Disney World Resort opened in 1971, the Country Bear Jamboree has been a staple show at the Magic Kingdom. The show featured a group of animatronic bears singing fun songs. Guests could not get enough of Henry, Liver Lips McGrowl, Wendell, Teddi Berra, Ernest, Terrence, Trixie, Big Al, and all the other bears. Country Bear Jamboree remained so popular that Disney opened similar attractions at Disneyland Resort and Tokyo Disneyland.
In September 2023, Disney announced that the iconic and popular show would be closing and getting a huge makeover. The show, as guests knew it, would end and reopen as Country Bear Musical Jamboree. Not only would the show’s name be changing, but the music would also change. The new show would feature some classic songs that guests know and love, but they would be played in a whole new way.
The Country Bear Jamboree closed for the final time in Frontierland at the Magic Kingdom on January 27, 2024, with only the promise that it would reopen later this year. And now, we finally know when that will happen!
Disney has shared that the Country Bear Musical Jamboree will reopen on July 17!
Known as a staple of Frontierland in Magic Kingdom Park here at Walt Disney World Resort, the Country Bears and their nostalgic way of growling out country-western tunes has kept audiences entertained for over 50 years. The bears are back in the spotlight with some fresh country hits a-“bruin,” Nashville-style.
We’ve already shared a sneak peek at some of the country stars like Mac McAnally who are inspiring the Country Bears’ new show with the all-too-perfect “Bare Necessities,” and we just invited Emily Ann Roberts, an up-and-coming country star and finalist on “The Voice,” to show off her twangin’ take on “Try Everything” from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia.”
I think Trixie may take a whole heck of a lot of inspiration from that “bear”-iffic performance! Plus, singer-songwriter Allison Russel and musician Chris Thile shared their talents for Wendell and Teddi Barra’s sweet rendition of “A Whole New World.”
Related: End of an Era at Disney: What’s Next for Closed Attraction
As Disney said, they did give guests a sneak peek at the new Frontierland show back in May. You can take a look at the preview that was shared on TikTok.
@disneyparks We are bear-y excited to share 🤩🐻 #Disney #DisneyParks #DisneyWorld #MagicKingdom #CountryBears #Costume #Animatronics #BTS #DisneyCastLife
Related: COMBINING Country Bear Jamboree and The Hall of Presidents?
This summer is going to be an exciting time to visit Walt Disney World Resort, and the Magic Kingdom in particular. The Country Bear Musical Jamboree is not the only reimagined attraction that will open this summer at the park.
On June 28, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will also open in Frontierland. The Princess and the Frog (2009) attraction replaced Splash Mountain, leaving a lot of fans disappointed, but there are some who are excited to see a new storyline on the flume ride.
Over at Disney World’s other three theme parks — EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios — there is also a lot going on this summer. Even Disney Springs is getting in on the action with a new drone show!
Over at EPCOT, CommuniCore Plaza and CommuniCore Hall officially opened on June 10. That same day, Timon and Rafiki reappeared at Animal Kingdom for a fun (and rare) character meet and greet. Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, an Inside Out (2015) attraction and an Encanto (2021) stage show opened that same day!
If you are heading to Walt Disney World Resort this summer, there will be some many new and fun attractions and experiences to enjoy! And the best part is, theme park reservations are no longer required for guests with date-based tickets! So just head to whatever park suits your fancy!
Of course, if you are a Disney World Annual Passholder, you are still required to make reservations for all days except your “Good to Go” days, so get booking, my friends!
Will you be enjoying the new Country Bear Musical Jamboree show at the Magic Kingdom when it opens on July 17? Let us know in the comments!
