Few Disney attractions have had a journey quite like the Country Bears. What began as one of Walt Disney’s ideas for the never-built Mineral King ski resort eventually found a home in the parks instead. After Walt’s death, Imagineer Marc Davis adapted the Audio-Animatronic bear revue into the Country Bear Jamboree, which debuted at Walt Disney World‘s Magic Kingdom in 1971 before later making its way to Disneyland in 1972, followed by Tokyo Disneyland in 1973.
While the show became a fan favorite on both coasts, its paths eventually split. Disneyland’s Country Bear Jamboree closed in 2001 to make way for The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. At Walt Disney World, the bears are still performing today, although the original country music revue was replaced in 2024 by the Country Bear Musical Jamboree, featuring Disney songs reimagined in country, bluegrass, and folk styles. I’ll admit, I really miss the original production. But the bears still look good!
If you want to experience the classic show as it was intended, Tokyo Disneyland remains the place to do it, complete with beloved seasonal overlays, Vacation Jamboree and Jingle Bell Jamboree.
For this week’s Treasure Thursday, we’re taking a look back at vintage Country Bear Jamboree souvenirs from both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. From collectible keepsakes to park merchandise that hasn’t been seen in decades, these pieces celebrate one of Disney’s most enduring cast of original characters and a show that still has a devoted following more than 50 years later.
I’d even argue they’re convincing enough to inspire matching Teddi Barra and Henry tattoos with your best friend. Ask me how I know?
— That Big Al statue can be found at Disney California Adventure today!
I keep hoping we get a new Country Bears merch collection at the parks one day soon. There is a severe lack of Trixie, Bunny, Bubbles, and Beulah on stateside merch, specifically. But until then, let’s shop some vintage pieces! So clap your hands, And stomp your feet, And try to keep right with ’em. One sure thing the Bear Band’s got is real ol’ country rhythm.
Country Bear Jamboree Disneyland Matchbook
There was a time when matchbooks were everywhere, and Disney was no exception. During the 1960s and ’70s, restaurants, hotels, lounges, shops, and even entire lands across Disneyland and Walt Disney World offered complimentary matchbooks as souvenirs. The retro designs keep me hooked on collecting these little capsules of decades past!
Available HERE | $15
Vintage Country Bear Jamboree Pin
Picture it: the year is 2000, Disney Pin Trading just started ramping up from the Millennium Celebration, and you picked up this little baby from a pin stop. The simplicity and silliness of their faces just adds a certain charm to it, no? Teddi still looks fab, so it’s all good.
Available HERE | $18
Big Al WDW Character Patch
Pins, patches, and buttons… oh my! Slap (or sew) this Big Al patch onto your favorite park bag to show your love to our ol’ Blood on the Saddle friend.
Available HERE | $12.95
Repro Poster & Original Fur Swatch from Disneyland
Here’s an odd one… this reproduction poster and *swatch of original animatronic bear fur* was part of some attendee swag for a past Country Bear Jamboree event at Disneyland. The art is fantastic, and the fur mounted on wood sure makes an interesting conversation piece.
Yep…
Available HERE | $69.99
[Queen] Teddi Barra Plush Bear
Soon as I find a ladder I’ll be riiiiight up! Our daring darling, swingin’ Teddi Barra made it to plush form in 1992, and she’s looking pretty pristine in this listing! Her tag is still on (gasp), she’s proudly wearing her hat, fuzzy boa, and corsage… with no other clothes… but she’s got her fur, right?
Available HERE | $26.99
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