Now clap your hands and stomp your feet and try to keep right with ’em.
Do you know that song lyric or realize that it is from one of the oldest attractions at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World? The underrated and under appreciated Country Bear Jamboree sits quite quietly over in Frontierland in the middle of a series of shops and next to a walkway leading to Adventureland. Many guests may just pass it right up not even realizing it is there and therefore missing out on its true awesomeness.
Hosted by Henry, the almost 16-minute attraction showcases a host of bears that appear on stage for your entertainment. Peppy songs, slow ballads, and even sing-a-longs are just a few of the great experiences you’ll have while sitting inside this old-school theatre. Believe it or not, this is really a great show that so many people take for granted or just believe to be boring without ever paying it any mind.
While it does offer a little bit of relief on a hot day as guests can get out of the scorching sun, horrible humidity, and take a chance to rest their feet; it is the show itself that may capture you and bring you back for more on a “just because” basis.
One of the things that you may notice is just how not politically correct the show is. Debuting on October 1, 1971 with the opening of the Magic Kingdom park, the Country Bear Jamboree, or “CBJ” as Cast Members call it, holds no punches and lets it all fly. The bears of Grizzly Hall sing songs about being stood up by guys that turn them on, drinking a little too much wine, and being a tad overweight.
Yeah, you read that right.
But it is all done in a comedic way that isn’t trying to poke fun at anyone or any class of people. Let’s take it easy here folks and realize that these are just bears. Audio-animatronic bears. Talking…audio-animatronic bears. They’re not going to get their feelings hurt and no-one is being picked on or bullied. It is just one of the first attractions preserved in its original aspects and left alone.
More attractions need to be treated that way. cough*Horizons*cough
Please take your time to pay Country Bear Jamboree a visit, but don’t do it just for the “Disney Day Break.” Do it so that you can enjoy the show in all of its foot-stomping, hand-clapping, and shot-taking glory. CBJ is a true legend and has been preserved as such. Let’s only hope it stays that way.
Oh, and make sure to keep an eye out for my favorite bear of all…Big Al. Trust me, you won’t be able to miss him.
