Checking Out the Country Bears
Today, I had some actual business to do for a side project. So, we were making a quick research trip in the Magic Kingdom.
And just because you’re there for business, doesn’t mean you can’t visit some Stitch.
While traveling in Tomorrowland, you have to get a little bite. Since it was hot, a heavy snack was out of the question.
We settled on a Passionfruit-Mandarin Orange Tart. It had a nice summery flavor with whip cream and a chocolate piece topper. The texture was smooth like a key lime, and it had a great sweet fruity taste. And not tart at all. Definitely an A+.
Part of the research trip was grabbing some prices on the merch. There’s a ton of Donald Duck stuff for his 90th birthday. Love the spirit jersey, but we don’t get to wear this stuff in Florida.
You know a trip to MK isn’t complete without a look at the goodies at Big Top Souvenirs. This is definitely a hidden spot to grab your sweet treats.
And look! A Donald Duck apple!
Now we didn’t get to the opening day, but seeing it ten days later isn’t too bad.
Some familiar portraits, and if you look closely there’s a couple new additions based on the artwork by Marc Davis.
Imagineers did a really good job at expanding the story of the Country Bears. These aren’t ragtag bunch of buskers. They’re well-known performers. And you can see all types of memorabilia throughout the waiting area.
Melvin, Buff, and Max look like they got a little bit of a makeover.
Time for the show!
Henry is back as master of ceremonies.
The Five Bear Rugs kick off things with the Country Bear Musical Jamboree song.
Baby Oscar has a doll version of Big Al. Cute!
No more Sun Bonnet Trio on their own. Now Bubbles, Bunny, and Beulah are backup singers to Trixie as they perform “Try Everything.”
I don’t know about this look though…
Now Liverlips McGrowl is Romeo McGrowl. He performs “Kiss the Girl” in an Elvis-like style.
Ernest plays the mandolin in the tune of “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and it’s smoking!
Next, Wendell, Teddi, and Gomer do their own version of a “Whole New World.”
Henry, Max, Melvin, Buff, and Shaker are up with “Fixer Upper.”
Big Al has his moment to sing “Remember Me” and it doesn’t go too well.
Now my favorite part: You’ve Got a Friend in Me
I love that Sammy isn’t a raccoon hat anymore.
Everyone comes out for the finale.
Max, Melvin, and Buff continue on with their cheesy exit jokes. Overall, I think this was a fantastic change. I miss the old Country Bears, but this keeps it fresh for the next generation.
We also wanted to check out the Critter Co-Op. It was not open on opening day.
Cute little displays and callbacks to the “storyline” of trying to find a band for the party.
A lot of the Tiana merch is now in this spot.
I don’t think the plushies are a big hit like Bre’r Rabbit, Fox, and Bear.
Cooking gumbo? Hope it’s better than the monstrosity at Golden Outpost.
Looks like a few more cooking-type merch in this shop.
One last stop. Since the last time we were here, Tortuga Tavern was closed and made into a temporary spot for Pirates merch.
Plushie Mickey and Pluto are still here.
Closing out the quick trip with a song from the Dapper Dans.
There have been a few changes at the Magic Kingdom. Country Bears is definitely a great new addition, and Imagineering did an excellent job with the new version.
That’s all! Until next time…
