BREAKING: Sneak Peek at the Bears in Disney World's NEW Country Bear Jamboree Show

The Bears are back in town.

So fun!

After just about 6 months in hibernation — er, we mean refurbishment — the Country Bears are about ready to return to the Magic Kingdom on July 17th. However, the opening day attraction won’t be exactly the same. The newly named Country Bear Musical Jamboree will instead be a “knee-slappin’ and toe-tappin’ kind of show with reinterpreted Disney tunes from bluegrass to Americana, rockabilly and more!”

In preparation for the new show’s debut, Disney has released first looks at the newly updated costumes and looks for the iconic bears, as well as some reminders about (and tweaks to) their backstories and how they fit in the new show.

First up there’s Ursus H. Bear. The “founder” of the country bears, who’s long been celebrated with a portrait over the stage, “set out to create a permanent cultural showplace dedicated to America’s musical heritage” after an “inspirational” hibernation season according to the backstory. “ In 1898, Ursus established Grizzly Hall where the honey tycoon-turned-impresario invited tuneful bruins to present zany and captivating performances in a show that quickly became known as a wild and wooly good time!” Furthermore, his grandson Henry now serves as the “master of bear-emonies” and within the universe of the Country Bears, helped develop the new show and even write one of the songs.

Henry

Trixie is still part of the show, though she’s traded in her classic tutu for a more appropriate-for-the-new-theme cowgirl ensemble.

Trixie!

This new costume matches up with the former Sun Bonnet Trio Bunny, Bubbles, and Beulah. According to Disney, the three have “recently turned in their bonnets for Stetsons” and “ began singing with Trixie around the world.”

The Trio

Of course, Teddi Barra will still be part of the show. The “Jewel of the Dakotas” will still be lowering from the ceiling to perform, including putting her own spin on the Aladdin classic “A Whole New World” along with Wendell.

Teddi Barra

Speaking of Wendell, “He was a frustrated basketball, baseball, and football player until Henry invited him to try carrying a tune, and he’s been part of the Country Bears gang ever since.” In the interaction of the show, he’s seemingly thrilled to finally sing the aforementioned love song with Teddi, “much to the dismay of his old friend Henry. “

Wendell

Ernest is back as well, and remains “one of the best-dressed bears guests will see at Grizzly Hall” His famous wardrobe includes 17 trunks stocked with with 30 coats, 40 slacks, 60 shirts, 20 hats, and “a pair and a half of underwear.”

Earnest

Terrence (AKA Shaker) was “once a famous theater star until a fall from the balcony in “Romeo and Juliet” brought the house down – literally.” Pianist Gomer remains in the show as well.

Shaker

Meanwhile, in one of the biggest character changes in the show, the newly christened Romeo McGrowl (the character’s previous name was changed) is entering “his next era of singing rockabilly” complete with a new hairdo and costume.

Romeo McGrowl

And of course, there’s no BIGGER star in the Country Bears than Big Al. The most famous and best-known of the Bears, Big Al is “coming off his 25th Farewell Tour in cities like Paris (Texas), Hollywood (Florida) and London (Ohio)” according to Disney.

Big Al

And finally, The Five Bear Rugs remain part of the new show as well. The band consisting of “Zeke and Zeb and Ted and Fred and a bear named Tennessee” will continue playing their banjo, fiddle, jug, harmonica, and upright bass respectively.

The Five Bear Rugs

Zeb’s son Oscar is also back, now clutching a plush of Big Al himself.

We NEED that plush!

While the newly renamed Country Bear Musical Jamboree will have a new songbook and a few reworked backstory elements, so many of the iconic Country Bears are returning that we believe the new attraction will retain its classic countrified charm. Stay tuned to AllEars for further coverage once the show reopens on July 17th.