Country Bear Musical Jamboree
Magic Kingdom · Frontierland
Overview
Country Bear Musical Jamboree was originally designed for a ski resort Walt Disney never built — Mineral King, California — before the whole revue got redirected to Frontierland in 1971. The 2024 overhaul kept the Audio-Animatronic bears and the deadpan Old West saloon setting but replaced the corny original songbook with classic Disney songs played as bluegrass, Western swing and honky-tonk. Big Al, the shaggiest and most off-key member of the cast, has outlasted most of the technology built after him.
ParksLog verdict
This isn't for everyone — the humor is gentle to the point of sleepy, and kids expecting a Disney-fast pace may get restless. What it does have is genuine historical weight: the bears have been on this stage since day one, now singing Disney songs instead of the old country set. Walk into Grizzly Hall on a hot afternoon with no expectations and let the air conditioning do the rest.
About this experience
Have a knee-slappin' good time at this jolly country-and-western musical revue starring a cast of singing bears.
Best for
- Families with young children
- Disney history enthusiasts
- Guests needing a break in air conditioning
Tips
- No height requirement and no Lightning Lane — simply walk in when doors open between shows
- Shows run continuously throughout the day, so any time is a good time to visit
- An excellent midday refuge when heat and crowds peak outside
Details
History
Conceived by Walt Disney for a ski resort planned in Mineral King, California, the show was redirected to Frontierland when that project never materialized, opening with Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1971. In July 2024 it reopened as Country Bear Musical Jamboree, with the bears singing classic Disney songs reworked in country styles.
Fun facts
- Country Bear Jamboree was originally conceived by Walt Disney as part of a planned ski resort in Mineral King, California
- The 2024 overhaul swapped the original songbook for Disney tunes such as 'The Bare Necessities' and renamed Liver Lips McGrowl to Romeo McGrowl
- Big Al became so popular that he inspired dedicated merchandise, art prints, and a passionate fan following