I had a chance to get a sneak peek at the all-new Country Bear Musical Jamboree this week, and in honor of the attraction officially opening on July 17, this week, we’ll take a detailed look back at the history and legacy of the original versions of this opening day Walt Disney World attraction, the Country Bear Jamboree.
This was from show # 275, back in 2012, that was part DSI: Disney Scene Investigation and part Wayback Machine, as, at that time, the Country Bear Jamboree had remained almost exactly the same as it appeared on October 1, 1971.
So join us as we explore the history, stories, details, characters, a bit of Americana, and our musical heritage of the past, at the Country Bear Jamboree.
And if you want to watch the entire NEW Country Bear Musical Jamboree show, I have a full recording of the very first show from my live video that morning in the Clubhouse.
Timestamped Overview
- 00:00:00: Introduction and Welcome
- 00:04:35: Ryan Wilson Joins the Show
- 00:05:07: The Timelessness of the Country Bear Jamboree
- 00:06:19: The Origin of the Country Bear Jamboree
- 00:07:45: Walt Disney’s Vision for Mineral King
- 00:08:51: Mark Davis and Albertino’s Contributions
- 00:10:10: Walt Disney’s Last Laugh
- 00:11:22: Transition to Walt Disney World
- 00:12:56: The Popularity and Sponsorships of the Attraction
- 00:14:02: Expansion to Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland
- 00:15:06: The End of the Country Bear Playhouse in Disneyland
- 00:17:16: The Story and Details of Grizzly Hall
- 00:18:38: The Theater’s Design and Atmosphere
- 00:19:50: The Characters and Voices of the Show
- 00:21:02: The Stoneman Family’s Contributions
- 00:22:20: The Original Vinyl Record and Its Legacy
- 00:23:56: Big Al and His Inspiration
- 00:24:20: Melvin, Buff, and Max
- 00:25:01: Trixie and Her Unique Prop
- 00:26:42: The Timeless Music of the Show
- 00:27:13: Vacation Hoedown and Christmas Special
- 00:29:52: The Return to the Original Show
- 00:30:14: The Cultural Impact and Spin-offs
- 00:32:12: The Country Bears Movie
- 00:33:00: The Attraction’s Current Popularity
- 00:34:53: The Debate on Updating the Attraction
- 00:37:07: The Timelessness of the Music
- 00:38:41: Listener Feedback and Closing Remarks
Clips and Quotes
1. On the Timeless Appeal of the Country Bear Jamboree:
“I think this is one of those rare examples that it is still entertaining to everyone who comes and sees it, whether you’re seeing it for the hundredth time or the first time.”
— Ryan Wilson [00:35:57 → 00:36:07]
2. Walt Disney’s Last Laugh:
“One of the stories that’s always told about the Country Bear Jamboree is that it has sort of an affectionate name of being Walt’s last laugh.”
— Lou Mongello [00:10:10 → 00:10:20]
3. The Show’s Enduring Popularity:
“It was so popular that they immediately turned out a record… and it’s such a huge hit even today. You can find it on iTunes.”
— Ryan Wilson [00:21:59 → 00:22:20]
4. The Unique Backstory of Grizzly Hall:
“If you look at the building, it’s meant to resemble a Northwood style union hall… Ursus H. Baer wakes up from his hibernation early, realizes that these trappers and loggers have sort of abandoned this union hall. He has all of his musically inclined friends and they decide to sort of put on a celebration down home.”
— Lou Mongello [00:15:42 → 00:16:42]
5. The Show’s Original Music:
“The music has remained from day one and again. I think that’s a testament to guys like X. Atencio and George Bruns. They all sort of still get people clapping and stomping.”
— Lou Mongello [00:26:42 → 00:26:56]
6. The Attraction’s Cultural Impact:
“It was so hugely popular that they believed that they could build a movie franchise because that movie left room for sequels. It did. It expanded it to other parks, other areas.”
— Ryan Wilson [00:32:27 → 00:32:59]
7. The Debate on Updating the Attraction:
“Does it need to be updated or changed? Or can it stand on its own just the way it is? Is it an attraction that should not be touched either because it’s still timeless, because it has Walt’s touch to it?”
— Lou Mongello [00:34:53 → 00:35:13]
8. The Show’s Cross-Generational Appeal:
“I watch the guests as much as I watch the show because I like to see how they react. And the 80-year-old grandmother is having as much fun as her daughter and her daughter’s daughter, who is eight years old, you know, clapping and stomping along.”
— Lou Mongello [00:26:56 → 00:27:13]
What do you think of the new show and music? Do you prefer to leave the classic attractions alone, or update them from time to time?
Share your thoughts in the WDW Radio Clubhouse at WDWRadio.com/Clubhouse, or call the voicemail at 407-900-9391 (WDW1) and share your story on the show.
Episode Transcript
[spp-transcript]
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