Disney World’s new attraction marks a big departure for the character on opening day

The newest attraction to open at Magic Kingdom marks a big change for an iconic theme park character.

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Magic Kingdom Park features iconic rides and attractions such as Space Mountain, Peter Pan’s Flight, Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean, but the most historic and unique experience is probably the Country Bear Jamboree.

This cute yet rad show featured a variety of musically gifted animatronic bears and critters that took guests on a melodic journey through the South, featuring several songs guaranteed to blow guests’ Mickey ears off their heads.

However, the Country Bear Jamboree closed permanently earlier this year, marking a new chapter for both Magic Kingdom Park and Walt Disney World in general.

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The Walt Disney Company first announced changes to its iconic attraction Country Bears in 2023. The decades-old attraction is set to receive a new coat of paint and several scene changes. The biggest change will be to the actual music of the show.

The new attraction, officially called the Country Bear Musical Jamboree, will feature the Country Bears performing a variety of popular Disney songs and putting their own unique spin on them.

In the weeks since the attraction reopened, guests have flocked to experience the Country Bears’ latest show, but superfans may have been wondering what happened to Sammy, as he can’t be found in his usual location.

Responding to a post by reporter Scott Gustin, Twitter/X user AParkMind expressed concern about the whereabouts of Sammy, the cute little raccoon who was sitting on Henry’s top hat.

I’m glad the Country Bear Jamboree is here to stay and love the new looks. But did they have to get rid of Sammy? RIP little guy

Glad the Country Bear Jamboree is here to stay and love the new looks. But did they have to get rid of Sammy? RIP little guy https://t.co/Ri2bJ2pkGo pic.twitter.com/5wluzZ2Rxw

— Park Mind (@AParkMind) July 8, 2024

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Sammy still performs during the show, but instead of sitting on Henry’s hat, he sits next to Henry as the two indulge in new musical styles. Sammy even gets his own little hat in the new attraction.

@lillypoopitzer

#countrybearjamboree Sammy’s little hat sends me

♬ Original sound – Jane

Although Country Bear Jamboree has been a staple of the Walt Disney World Resort for decades, opening in 1971 along with the rest of the park, the bears have been quite controversial. Several songs in the show have become increasingly problematic over the years, with many considering the show inappropriate. Certain characters in the show have also been called “offensive.”

Although Disney’s Country Bears were at times crass and even offensive, they offered an incredibly unique and entertaining experience that couldn’t be found anywhere else, so its closure was a bitter pill to swallow for many longtime fans.

Disney’s new Country Bear Musical Jamboree officially opened earlier this summer and has been a huge hit with guests, even if it’s not the same show they may remember from previous trips.

Are you excited about Disney’s new Country Bears show?