We’ve been out of the country and working on Fantasy Springs content for the past week or two. Now that we’re back stateside it’s time catch up on a couple of things I missed at Walt Disney World. While gone, they held their media previews for upcoming summer offerings. That included announcing an opening date for the new look Country Bear Jamboree show, the closing of an opening day Magic Kingdom attraction and a look at The Little Mermaid show coming to Hollywood Studios. In this post, we’ll cover those topics and add commentary about each one, starting with da bears!

Country Bear Jamboree Re-Opening on July 17th!

Earlier this year, Country Bear Jamboree closed down their original (but truncated) show to make way for a reimagined Disney-fied version. Via the Disney Parks Blog, Grizzly Hall will soon be back in action because Country Bear Musical Jamboree will debut on July 17! 

Known as a staple of Frontierland in Magic Kingdom Park , the Country Bears and their nostalgic way of growling out country-western tunes has kept audiences entertained for over 50 years. The bears are back in the spotlight with some fresh country hits a-“bruin,” Nashville-style.  

Those country hits will largely be Disney songs rearranged to fit the hoedown. We’ve been given a sneak peek of Emily Ann Roberts’ rendition of Try Everything in the latest episode of We Call it Imagineering. That also includes Allison Russel and Chris Thile’s (a personal favorite) take on A Whole New World.

I’ve said throughout the process that I’ll reserve judgment on this attraction makeover until I actually see it. Reversing course now, when it opens in a month (and I’ll see it in early September) would be short sighted. I’ll say that I’m skeptical and really hope this show doesn’t rob the Country Bears of their character. That said, I’m glad they’re being kept around in some fashion. Saving any other commentary until I actually see the show is probably best and fair.

Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade Closing to Make Way for a DVC Lounge

What I won’t reserve judgment on is this bit of news. Walt Disney World has a couple of DVC Lounges already, one in Epcot’s Imagination Pavilion and the other in Bay Lake Tower. They are nice areas for DVC members to enjoy, taking over unused space to add some “membership magic” to the WDW experience. Last year saw a lounge open in Disneyland called Star View Station.

We are DVC members and make good use of the lounges, especially the Disneyland and Epcot editions. They provide nice spots to sit, cool off and grab a soda or coffee. I’m not going to say that they are some amazing space (although the Epcot one is cool) or anything, but they are a nice little benefit. Looking at the topic from just the DVC side of things, I’m happy that an area is coming to Magic Kingdom – a park that can frustrate me with crowds.

While more lounges is appreciated, having them replace actual attractions is a no-go for me. There are so many buildings in Magic Kingdom sitting empty, adding a DVC Lounge to one of those would have been great! No complaints and hardly any questions asked if that were the case. Instead, taking the space of an opening day attraction that never has a line and is free to participate in (at least since 2021) is frustrating, to say the least.

Walt Disney World simply needs more attractions, not more exclusive areas, events or experiences. Yes, Magic Kingdom has more attractions than the other three parks but it’s also the park that often feels the most crowded. The Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade isn’t helping spread people out much but it’s a free option that won’t require much of a wait. It’s important for guests to have those options, especially one with so much history.

Removing guns from the parks is no doubt part of the reasoning here. I have no interest in getting into a political discussion of this so I won’t dive into that outside of saying that having a thematically appropriate arcade style game should be a clear line that wouldn’t catch many issues. I’m not naïve or ignorant enough to believe that everybody agrees with that and that’s okay. No matter where your beliefs fall, I don’t think there’s any doubting that this played a role in the upcoming change.

Even so, removing the Shootin’ Arcade is just another move that feels like company synergy over actual theme park decisions. I have little doubt that the DVC Lounge will be an enjoyable place to go for those who can. But it’s taking another spot away from the loyal park goer and making it exclusive to a relatively small percentage of visitors. That’s an issue and has been for a while.

The last day of operation for the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade is June 23rd. I’d expect the lounge to open in late 2024 or early 2025.

Sneak Peak at Little Mermaid Show Coming to Hollywood Studios

Speaking of empty buildings, we’ll move onto some good news! The Little Mermaid show is coming to Hollywood Studios this fall! Here’s a sneak peek of the show via the Disney Parks Blog:

In a brand-new reimagining of the Walt Disney Animation Studios classic “The Little Mermaid,” the show features all-new physical sets, cast of puppets, live performers, and stunning visuals. 

“We thought about what Ariel’s room may look like and came up with this collage style that you’ll see woven throughout the production,” said Sarah Schmidt, Creative Concept Artist & Illustrator for Disney Live Entertainment. “This new look really informed every design decision – from scenic, to the puppets, even the custom digital content being created for the show.” 

To pull off this artful blend of practical and projected scenic design, of real and digital puppetry, the team is pairing some tried and true methods (the blacklight puppets are back!) with state-of-the-art technology. 

“We’re using some really cutting-edge tools like motion capture technology, which you may have seen used in blockbuster films,” said James Silson, Show Director.  “Basically, we have a live performer in a suit covered in sensors, and the data captured from their performance helps us create a digital animation of the character, which our animators then use to bring them to life on stage.” 

This cutting-edge digital imagery will be used throughout the show to accent what is happening on stage, bringing to life characters like King Triton, Ursula, and even Ariel’s sisters, who kick the production off with an all-new “Daughters of Triton” number.  

“We’re really blending the line between real and digital in ways we’ve never done before to completely fill the stage for these show-stopping scenes,” said James. “You’re going to see these large new physical set pieces we’ve created blend seamlessly with a digital environment in a way that really fills the stage. You’ll see digital puppets transform into real ones right before your eyes. You’ll even see animated characters performing in the same space as real actors. It’s going to feel like magic!” 

I’m happy to see this theater coming back to life and with a reimagining at that! The art looks promising, as do those quotes. Hollywood Studios entertainment could use a shot in the arm and this should help provide that. With the lengthy break, I’m also happy to see that the show is coming back in a different fashion. We’ll stay tuned for an opening date, as the show will premiere this fall.

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