MickeyBlog News for July 15th, 2024
In a few days, Country Bear Musical Jamboree will debut at Magic Kingdom.
The staff at MickeyBlog were among the fortunate few who got to experience the new attraction for the first time.
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-emily-ann-roberts-country-bear-musical-jamboree4.png)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-emily-ann-roberts-country-bear-musical-jamboree4.png)
Disney
I’ll relay all the details in this week’s MickeyBlog News!
The Bears Are Back!
![Country Bear Musical Jamboree](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-emily-ann-roberts-country-bear-musical-jamboree3.png)
![Country Bear Musical Jamboree](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-emily-ann-roberts-country-bear-musical-jamboree3.png)
Photo: Disney
In January, Magic Kingdom officials closed an opening day attraction, Country Bear Jamboree.
While many Disney fans loved the original show, we all know that it had lost a bit of its luster over the years.
So, management made the tough decision to modernize a classic attraction.
Notably, there wasn’t a lot of outcry about this one, which is rare for the opening day Disney attractions.
Obviously, fans love Country Bear Jamboree but knew that a change was needed.
Well, I’m happy to report that the change is here. On July 17th, the new version of the show will officially debut.
Let’s just say that the new Country Bear Musical Jamboree differs dramatically from the original.
We’re talking new bear costumes, an entirely new music set, and a different vibe.
For the first time in ages, you won’t know the songs or be able to recite the dialogue.
Actually, wait. That’s not quite true. You WILL know the songs, just not like you’ve ever heard them before.
![Country Bear Musical Jamboree](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-emily-ann-roberts-country-bear-musical-jamboree8.png)
![Country Bear Musical Jamboree](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-emily-ann-roberts-country-bear-musical-jamboree8.png)
Photo: Disney
The late Jimmy Buffett’s right-hand man, Mac McAnally, has produced country versions of many Disney classics.
In fact, the former Coral Reefer Band member even voices one of the characters, Shaker.
![Country Bear Musical Jamboree](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-emily-ann-roberts-country-bear-musical-jamboree2.png)
![Country Bear Musical Jamboree](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-emily-ann-roberts-country-bear-musical-jamboree2.png)
Photo: Disney
However, the breakout star is Emily Ann Roberts, the new voice of Trixie.
Her version of Shakira’s Try Everything has already gone viral.
![Emily Ann Roberts](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-emily-ann-roberts-country-bear-musical-jamboree6.png)
![Emily Ann Roberts](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-emily-ann-roberts-country-bear-musical-jamboree6.png)
Photo: Disney
Overall, Disney has breathed new life into a somewhat dated attraction, making it fun for the next generation of fans.
We’ll cover the story even more when Country Bear Musical Jamboree officially opens on Wednesday. I’m sure you’re gonna love it!
Big Changes at Magic Kingdom
![Partner's Statue at Magic Kingdom](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Walt-and-Mickey-Partners-Stature-Cinderellas-Castle.jpg)
![Partner's Statue at Magic Kingdom](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Walt-and-Mickey-Partners-Stature-Cinderellas-Castle.jpg)
Partner’s Statue at Magic Kingdom
We’ve had an eventful week of announcements at Magic Kingdom.
Some of them will impact your visits over the next few months. In fact, a couple of them matter right now.
Peter Pan’s Flight has closed for refurbishment. The current plan calls for the closure to last through August 21st.
To a larger point, Disney appears inclined to divert traffic away from Cinderella Castle right now.
![Cinderella Castle](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-celebrate-america-a-fourth-of-july-concert-in-the-sky-fireworks6-scaled.jpg)
![Cinderella Castle](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-celebrate-america-a-fourth-of-july-concert-in-the-sky-fireworks6-scaled.jpg)
Cinderella Castle
Magic Kingdom has also shut down its various stage shows from now through at least the end of July.
As MickeyBlog chronicled on our Friday morning livestream, the construction walls are up at the Castle Courtyard stage.
Disney is adding some new stuff on the stage, presumably in time for the annual holiday events it airs on ABC and Disney Channel.
So, the closures divert some of the foot traffic away from this area.
![Cinderella Castle Stage Shows Paused Closed Canceled Mickey's Magical Friendship Faire Let the Magic Begin](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Cinderella-Castle-Stage-Shows-Paused-Closed-Canceled-Mickeys-Magical-Friendship-Faire-Let-the-Magic-Begin-7.jpg)
![Cinderella Castle Stage Shows Paused Closed Canceled Mickey's Magical Friendship Faire Let the Magic Begin](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Cinderella-Castle-Stage-Shows-Paused-Closed-Canceled-Mickeys-Magical-Friendship-Faire-Let-the-Magic-Begin-7.jpg)
Photo: Disney
Peter Pan’s Flight is a bit past there, and I suspect its closure is coincidental more than anything. Still, it helps reduce the foot traffic.
Next month, the various Magic Kingdom parades will go on pause on August 4th.
![Cinderella's Castle](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Cinderllas-castle-sunset.jpg)
![Cinderella's Castle](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Cinderllas-castle-sunset.jpg)
Cinderella’s Castle
Our staff noticed that the parades aren’t listed through September 8th, but the nighttime fireworks presentation is.
Also, Jungle Cruise will undergo refurbishment starting on August 26th.
![Jungle Cruise](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screen-Shot-2024-07-09-at-8.25.37-AM.png)
![Jungle Cruise](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screen-Shot-2024-07-09-at-8.25.37-AM.png)
Jungle Cruise
At this point, it’s unclear whether this project will impact the various after-hours events and the annual Jingle Cruise overlay.
MickeyBlog is keeping an eye on that and will notify you once we know, but the current belief is that it won’t.
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Tianas-Bayou-Adventure-Opening-Day-3.jpg)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Tianas-Bayou-Adventure-Opening-Day-3.jpg)
(Olga Thompson, Photographer)
However, we do have exceptional news on the after-hours front.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Tron Lightcycle / Run will employ standby queues rather than virtual ones during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
Disney Miscellany
![Oogie Boogie Bash](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-dlr-disneyland-dca-disney-california-adventure-oogie-boogie-bash.png)
![Oogie Boogie Bash](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-dlr-disneyland-dca-disney-california-adventure-oogie-boogie-bash.png)
Photo: Disney
Speaking of after-hours events, Disneyland fans will be bummed to hear that Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party has sold out.
Yes, I mean every night of the event. That’s why you should always act quickly when these booking windows open.
![Disney World 2024 holiday](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1-5.jpg)
![Disney World 2024 holiday](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1-5.jpg)
Credit: Disney
Otherwise, you run the risk of getting shut out. On a seemingly unrelated note, NOW is the time to act at Walt Disney World!
The booking window has opened for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights.
![Jollywood Nights](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2-4.jpg)
![Jollywood Nights](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2-4.jpg)
Credit: Disney
Folks, for the love of all that is holy, speak with a MickeyTravels agent to get your holiday vacation booked before it’s too late!
Demand for these events is outrageously high, and “if you snooze, you lose” definitely applies.
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-d23-expo-the-ultimate-fan-event-logos3.png)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-d23-expo-the-ultimate-fan-event-logos3.png)
D23
Speaking of ticketed events, we’re less than four weeks away from the 2024 D23 Expo.
Disney has posted the full schedule of events, including the time for the legendary parks panel. It won’t be long now!
![runDisney](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/runDisney-Princess-25-Haku-eMail_4876x1524.png-scaled-e1720634963940.jpeg)
![runDisney](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/runDisney-Princess-25-Haku-eMail_4876x1524.png-scaled-e1720634963940.jpeg)
runDisney
Looking forward, we also learned the themes for the 2025 Disney Princess Half-Marathon Weekend.
In other Walt Disney World news, horseback riding won’t be an option at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground for a while.
![Disney horse](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/12.jpeg)
![Disney horse](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/12.jpeg)
Credit: Disney
On the bright side, when you venture to Disney Springs, you will encounter Douglas the Talking Tree with a new look.
Also, by the time we went to press last week, Disney had already updated the Eat to the Beat concert series. My fault!
Finally, in news of the unexpected, Disney intensified its relationship with the Oriental Land Company (OLC).
The two companies will bring an eighth vessel to the Disney Cruise Line fleet.
![Disney Treasure](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024-dcl-disney-cruise-line-treasure.png)
![Disney Treasure](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024-dcl-disney-cruise-line-treasure.png)
Photo: Disney
This one will obviously be based in Japan, and I’ll bet it’s decadent. The OLC treats its Disney license with reverence.
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Feature Photo: Disney