Country Bear Music Jamboree Erupts in Flame; Cause of Fire Revealed

During a performance of the popular Country Bear Musical Jamboree at Disney World, an unexpected and alarming incident occurred. As the audience settled in for a lively show, Ernest, the fiddle-playing bear animatronic, was suddenly engulfed in flames, causing panic to spread among the guests.

The once enchanting atmosphere of the attraction was quickly overshadowed by the sight of smoke billowing around Ernest, transforming the whimsical scene into one of urgency and concern.

With this reimagined attraction opening the day before this incident on July 17, this situation seemed extremely bizarre. Frightened by the unfolding malfunction, guests were swiftly instructed to evacuate the area for their safety. The contrast between the joyous entertainment that Disney is renowned for and the sudden threat of danger created a surreal and unsettling experience for everyone present.

While this situation was surely the most shocking, it was not the only problem that occurred in Magic Kingdom Park yesterday. Now, we reportedly know what caused this major malfunction.

Related: Country Bear Musical Jamboree Flops: Crowds Fail To Form After Disney Butchers Beloved Show

Credit: Disney

Glitch-Filled Day Strikes at Walt Disney World

Yesterday, the seamless magic of Disney Park was momentarily shattered by the stark reality of the malfunction unfolding before their eyes. The incident with Ernest highlighted the complex technical systems behind the entertainment at Disney parks and served as a reminder of the meticulous maintenance required to ensure the safety and enjoyment of visitors.

As the guests were escorted away from the scene and the situation was brought under the control of the staff, the resilience of the Disney team in handling emergencies became apparent.

In moments of crisis, their professionalism and dedication shine through, reassuring visitors that their well-being is always a top priority. The incident with Ernest, though unsettling, ultimately showcased Disney’s commitment to swiftly address and resolve any challenges that may arise within its attractions.

@marvelousmousetravels

We hope this show will be back up soon!! Hope Ernest is ok!! #disneyworld #disneyparks #countrybears #magickingdom #countrybears #classicdisney #countrybearjamboree #distok #disneyadult #waltdisneyworld

♬ original sound – SpongeBob background music

Although such malfunctions are rare, they emphasize the importance of constant vigilance and preparedness in managing unexpected events, even in the most meticulously designed and controlled environments. According to witnesses at the parks, other issues occurred with attractions, including Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room and the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Magic Kingdom Park.

A Disney theme park source claims that these three electrical issues happened simultaneously as part of a larger issue within the park area. It is reported:

“Bears, Tiki, and Pirates experienced a simultaneous electrical issue yesterday and all 3 had to be reset. The Bears AA did not malfunction, Magic Kingdom’s support infrastructure did.”

Bears, Tiki, and Pirates experienced a simultaneous electrical issue yesterday and all 3 had to be reset. The Bears AA did not malfunction, Magic Kingdom's support infrastructure did.

— Brayden (@SirBrayden) July 19, 2024

Aftermath of Electrical Fire

In the aftermath of the malfunction, the Country Bear Musical Jamboree was temporarily closed for a thorough inspection and necessary repairs to prevent any similar incidents in the future. This precautionary measure not only ensures the continued safety of guests but also underscores Disney’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety across all their attractions.

Despite the unexpected turn of events during the performance, the incident with Ernest serves as a testament to the vigilance and efficiency of Disney’s response protocols in handling ride malfunctions. It also underscores the dynamic nature of live entertainment and the inherent risks associated with animatronic technology, further highlighting the ongoing efforts to enhance safety measures within Disney parks.

Today, the day following the incident, the Country Bear Musical Jamboree is back up and running once more. This is great news and proves that this issue was able to be resolved and salvaged very quickly.