The jokes are lame, the songs are cheesy and I love every single moment of the Country Bear Jamboree!
From the waiting area in the lobby to the ornate theater to the
talking huntin’ trophies, this attraction’s a riot! Even if you’re not a
huge fan of the Jamboree’s style, you have to admit its a pretty clever
show, especially considering how long the gang’s been around. If
you’re looking for one of the Disney-est Disney World attractions you
can find, you can’t beat the Bears. It does happen to be one of the
last attractions Walt Disney himself helped develop.
On one recent visit to the Magic Kingdom,
I announced to Raymond in my most cheerful voice, “I really want to see
the Country Bears!” What I got in return was a look. This look spoke
volumes. Raymond’s a man of few words to begin with and after 25 years
of marriage he communicates with me silently much of the time. At that
particular moment Raymond’s look said, “I’d rather not, but if you’re
that excited about it, we can go…but only because you’re so cute and
lovable.” And just like that, off we went to Frontierland’s Grizzly
Hall.
In my mind I think of the Country Bears as old (the
show premiered on October 1, 1971) so while I was waiting to enter the
theater, I was picturing worn, mangy-looking fur coats and rusty, out of
date animatronics. Boy, was I surprised! Those critters are in
excellent shape and their movements are fluid and, well, I’d say
“realistic” except they’re bears playing musical instruments and singing
songs. I wouldn’t change a single thing about the entire experience.
From my most favorite bears, like Baby Oscar and Henry, the Master of Ceremonies, to the fancy hat-bearing Sun Bonnet Trio (sorry, can’t help myself), I thought the show was grand. If Animal Planet and Hee Haw
got married and had a baby, it would be the Country Bear Jamboree.
What a show! I completely agree that a hoedown might not be an
enjoyable hootenanny for everyone, but the charm of the Country Bear
Jamboree lies in its perfect theming for Frontierland, its quaint and
sometimes irreverent dancehall humor, and the well-paced and surprising
variety of acts. How can anyone not find Liver Lips McGrowl at least a
little bit interesting?
I adored every hair on the Country Bears’….well, everything, I suppose. I know there are a lot of
haters, but honestly, the Country Bear Jamboree is so iconic, so
classically Disney, I hope they’ll be around for many, many years to
come.
It’s your turn – Love ’em? Hate ’em? Tell me what it is about the Country Bear Jamboree that makes you feel the way you do about it.
This article was originally posted on Lisa's Living a Disney Life Blog.
She can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LivingaDisLife and on Twitter at@life_of_green
Please be sure to check out Lisa along with me and David Hodges on The Disney Exchange Podcast!
She can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LivingaDisLife and on Twitter at
Please be sure to check out Lisa along with me and David Hodges on The Disney Exchange Podcast!
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