Birt Family Focus

Country Bear Jamboree -- 10/30/01
Photos by Paul Dunn

Today's focus takes us to Grizzly Hall for a down home concert by those banjo-playin' bruins- the Country Bear Jamboree.

Now this isn't everyone's cup of tea. but I just love it. Some of WDW's cutest animatronics are here. Henry, the MC, sports a coon skin cap in one segment that houses an animatronic raccoon. The main attraction, the 5 Bear Rugs, have a baby bear that squeezes his toy teddy after every song producing a merry "toot, toot" that my DD and I think is the cutest part of the show. They also sing my second favorite song- Mamma Don't Whup Little Buford.

On the wall are 3 large mounted heads- Buff the Buffalo, Max the Buck, and Melvin the Moose. They have dopplegangers in the Mile Long Bar that are also animated. They grumble about when the show is going to start and heckle the performers a bit throughout the show.

There are several acts presented through the show. Our favorites are Teddy Beara who comes down through the ceiling on a swing, and Big Al- the ugliest bear I have ever seen. If his rendition of Blood on the Saddle doesn't get you giggling, there's something wrong with your funnybone!

This show lasts about 17 minutes and is also my DH's favorite place for a quick power nap. Lines can get long here and there is no Fastpass, but take heart as large groups of folk are admitted each time so a long appearing line doesn't always mean a long wait.

Be sure not to miss this one!