Opened: October 1, 1971
Location:
Frontierland, in between Pecos Bill and Diamond Horseshoe. As you’re walking through Frontierland on your way to Splash or Big Thunder Mountains, you’ll see it on your left before arriving at Pecos Bill quick service.
Extra Magic Hours: Evening.
Show Length: 13 minutes.
FastPass+: Not offered.
Type: Animatronic theater show.
Similar To: Enchanted Tiki Room, Hall of Presidents.
Requirements: None.
Scary Factor: Zero.
What to Expect: Country Bear Jamboree is another of the older audio-animatronic theater shows, this time featuring 18 bears, a buffalo, a raccoon, a stag, and a moose.
The bears put on a 13-minute show full of corny jokes, songs, and gags. The theater is comfortable and air-conditioned. Refurbished in 2008, the Country Bears now have better audio and slightly improved animatronics.
Where to Sit:
In the middle of a row as far back as possible for the best panoramic views.
When To Go: In the afternoon when waits and temperatures peak elsewhere.
Expect to Wait: Shows run continuously and it’s unlikely you’ll have to wait any longer than it takes for the previous show to end.
Check the clock outside the theater’s entrance to see when the next show begins. Arrive about three minutes early.
Rating: 8/10 on nostalgia; 3/10 otherwise.
Disney’s Mineral King Ski Resort: Ever heard of Disney’s Mineral King Ski Resort? No? It’s probably because it never came to fruition. In the 1960s, Walt Disney wanted to open a ski resort. The final plans included 27 ski lifts and housing for more than 2 million visitors per year. Although the Sierra Club had originally backed a ski resort in the area, they changed their minds when they realized the size and scope of the plans. After years of lawsuits the preservationists finally won and the land was annexed by the United States government and became part of Sequoia National Park. Country Bear Jamboree was originally planned as entertainment for that resort, but was moved to Florida after the project was canceled.
Commentary: Country Bear Jamboree is more likely to be favored by kids under the age of ten and adults who appreciate classic Disney attractions. Teenagers and adults that don’t care much for dated animatronics and corny jokes are better off skipping, unless an air-conditioned theater sounds like a pleasant place to spend 15 minutes in the middle of the day.
We were very unimpressed when we saw the regular Country Bears show. Unless you’re there for Christmas, I’d recommend skipping this one.