Country Bear Jamboree, April 1974
The Country Bear Jamboree made its debut at Walt Disney World in 1971, and Disneyland's version debuted about 6 months later (in March 1972). You can still see the Florida version, but Disneyland's made way for Winnie The Pooh in 2001.
I have to confess that I wasn't as crazy about the CBJ as some... I guess it's a subjective thing; I love the use of Audio-Animatronics in attractions like the Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Splash Mountain. But (with the exception of the Carousel of Progress), I was less enchanted with the various musical revues featuring mechanical performers. I know, it's heresy to say so. Please don't hate me. I also don't like coconut in candy. Or licorice. Or anything that brings joy and happiness to others.
ANYWAY, I have three great photos from the attraction, starting with this nice portrait of Henry. He was our master of ceremonies, which is why he is wearing the starched shirt front (with a gleaming ruby), a bow tie, and a top hat. I dress the same way!
Here's Melvin the moose. He was part of a trio of "stuffed" heads (the other two were "Buff" the bison and "Max" the stag). He looks kinda dopey because he was kinda dopey.
17 comments:
I really miss the CBJ. The Winnie the Pooh attraction that replaced it just plain sucks...sort of like all of Tomorrowland 1998. They should have at least given us Tokyo DL's version of the Pooh ride. CBJ can also still be seen in Tokyo with all three versions of the show rotating throughout the year.
That last pic shows two of the bears from the group, "The Five Bear Rugs." The one in the foreground is Zeb and the bear in the back (blowing on the "corn jug") is Brother Ted. I apologize for knowing that.....
Bring back the bears!
Wow, TM knows his stuff about the bears!
I'll admit I was never crazy about the Bears either, but I just assumed (mistake) that they would always be there - naturally now that they are gone I miss them, such is life.
Does anyone like coconut in candy??? I'd rather have some chicken 'n gravy flavored candy!
I didn't like the Jamboree much until I stopped being a teenager: Then suddenly it became the funniest thing in the world! I enjoyed the Vacation Hoedown version even more: The songs were more complete, it was funnier, and Rufus (the snoring bear in the cave) became the show's harried, unseen stagehand.
I try not to hate the Pooh ride because of the show's destruction. I can always hate the Pooh ride simply because it's cheap.
"I really miss the CBJ. The Winnie the Pooh attraction that replaced it just plain sucks..." Amen, brother!!!
OK, you guys, you are looking for a fight. *grin* I happen to love coconut candy AND the Country Bears and I can't stand pooh. Notice I didn't even capitalize his name? BLECH!
I miss Big Al, he reminds me of me.
Oh and Major, I wanna see a picture of you with the top hat.
Add me to the list Not that Poo is a bad thing; just Poo in the location and as a replacement for CBJ is just no so good.
Not that CBJ was an AMAZING attraction; even thought it's snippets of humor were amongst some of the best stuff offered in the park.
It was to me, one of the best themed attractions (for its day...prior to Temple of Doom standards)and contributed to the overall appeal to a portion of the park that has been long suffering.
I remember back to hearing the 'snoring' bear in the cave as you entered this section (land) and how the entire area had a wonderful odor of the great outdoors and a reverence for streams and trees and animals and yes....Bears. It worked; may not have been splashy, flashy or exciting as some of the other lands; but for me; it was a wonderful little spot of rest, cool breezes and quiet reflection in all the movement and sensory assault of a day at Disneyland.
And Thurfer, don't forget the Mile Long Bar!
"There was blood on the saddle...
Aaand blood alllll arounnnnnd...
and a Great Big Puuuuddle of...
Bloooood on the Ground....."
And no, I don't apologize for knowing that.
I also dislike coconut. I have tried Jones brothers turkey gravy soda pop (never again), but I do have a soft spot for the Pooh Bear.
I think those stories deserved better than the current rendition, I also think the location is good for a small child-appropriate ride. Touring the park with infants is a hot and tiresome affair, Bear Country is a good cul-de-sac to rest and cool off, WTP fits in with that.
As much as I liked the Bear Jamboree, I tired of it quickly and don't miss it. Maybe if they rotated the programs, or had different ones in different theaters ala Indiana Jones? It became a one trick pony.
JG
I was the pudgy teenage boy with no friends, laughing his head off at the Country Bear Jamboree and thinking about heading to the Confectionery Shop on Main Street for some coconut candy and black licorice. Why can't we all just get along?
"The Bear Band bears will play now
In the good ol' key of G.
Zeek and Zeb and Ted and Fred
And a bear named Tennessee!"
I Loved the Country Bears :( I was sad to see it replaced in Disneyland but Im glad its still in Florida. We made sure to catch it when we went a few years ago.
The only I time I visit Winnie the Pooh in Disneyland now is to get a glimpse of Melvin the Moose and the other two "heads" in the birthday party room. They're behind you up above on the wall as you enter.
"Tears will be the chaser for your wine, after you broke this heart of mine..."
Trixie.
And I don't apologize for knowing that, either, LOL!
oooh, I got the words wrong. Oh well, at least I know THIS one!
Momma don’t whup Lil’ Beuford
Momma don’t pound on his head
Momma don’t whup Lil’ Beuford
I think you should shoot him instead
I believe I read recently that the Disney archivist removed the heads. Yes here it is...
"So, despite turbulence, the team recently returned from Anaheim with three prized trophies from Disneyland: Melvin, Max and Buff, the three mounted animal heads that for decades serenaded visitors at the now-dismantled Country Bear Jamboree attraction."
See this website.
http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2010/06/26/disney-archives-disney-museum-glendale-disney-history/
I know I am in the minority as far as my ambivalence towards the bears goes. I don't even know enough about the songs to get the references!
Anonymous, thanks for the link to the interesting article! I guess I'm glad that the archives have the three mounted heads, although it was nice to see them inside the Pooh ride.
The heads were still in the Pooh ride as of early August when I was there. There was two sets of them so maybe the article addresses the other set?
I remember Terence's name, not his face. He was introduced as "The Rambling Wreck From Nashville Tech."
I wish I had a handle like that...
JG
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