Mousetalgia Episode 541: Country Bear Jamboree
This week on the Mousetalgia podcast, we celebrate the 47th anniversary of the opening of Country Bear Jamboree in Bear Country at Disneyland. Disney voice actor Peter Renaday returns to the show to talk about how he became Henry, the host of Country Bear Jamboree, and we also veer off to reminisce a bit more about the passing of Ron Miller, Pete’s role in the Haunted Mansion, and some Country Bear trivia we bet you’ve never heard before. Then we go on to discuss a variety of Bear Country topics, including a look back at the Mineral King project; Disneyland’s marketing of the new land and bear show; and the variety of Country Bear shows that followed the original. Plus – Kristen talks about Disneyland’s attic, Jeff gets rosy, Becky discovers the Star War, and Dave discusses Emma Thompson vs. John Lasseter. Also – Mousetalgia announces a special private breakfast INSIDE THE TOMORROWLAND STARCADE just for listeners on March 23. Visit facebook.com/mousetalgia for details.
Clap your hands and stomp your feet! Love this episode Mousestalgia! (Love all the episodes to be fair) This one hit me right in the heart. Growing up in the 1970s, The Country Bear Jamboree was always a must see and a darn tootin’ good time. I’m curious how the audience in Japan reacts to it. Shows like this, along with America Sings, appealed to my musical soul and are bricks in my foundation of being a musician. The original show is my favorite by far. By the late 80s and 90s, I still was a regular audience member though I did start complaining about how often those darn bears were on vacation and how that became the only regular version shown. Alas, I was able to catch a final viewing as a proud father in 2001 with my wife and not yet 1yr old son. Thankfully, I was able to pass down my Bear love to another generation. It’s still a road trip favorite!
Keep on, keeping on Mousestalgia! – Kevin