What's New for Summer at Walt Disney World?

Earlier this week, at a special media showcase titled “Dig A Little Deeper” at Magic Kingdom Park, exciting updates were revealed about various attractions at Walt Disney World. Among the announcements was the official opening date of July 17, 2024 for the Country Bear Musical Jamboree, along with other enticing details about experiences to anticipate this summer!

This season, there is a heightened focus on bringing beloved stories to life in creative and enjoyable ways at The Most Magical Place On Earth. Take a sneak peek at all the latest information shared in this exclusive update!

Country Bear Musical Jamboree Debuts July 17

Indeed, visitors can prepare to enjoy some country music with the arrival of a new Country Bear Musical Jamboree in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom on July 17.

During the event, Wendell and Big Al (members of the Country Bears' Family Band) appeared with Disney Imagineers to showcase their new and fashionable outfits for their highly anticipated comeback at Grizzly Hall.

When the show reopens, all the bears, such as Henry, Trixie, Shaker (and even The Five Bear Rugs), will showcase new country-inspired outfits. Guests might discover some Easter Eggs referencing iconic Disney movies in their stage attire.

At the event, Brett Swain, the senior creative music director, provided a glimpse behind the scenes on how classic Disney songs have been reimagined to honor the traditional musical revues in Nashville.

Brett, along with surprise guests - 10-time CMA musician of the year Mac McAnally, country star Emily Ann Roberts, and artist Allison Russell - offered an exclusive FIRST LISTEN of a new song, “Try Everything,” from Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia.”

FIRST LOOK: The Little Mermaid - A Musical Adventure 

Recently revealed were new behind-the-scenes photos and stunning concept art for "The Little Mermaid - A Musical Adventure," our latest theatrical show influenced by the beloved Walt Disney Animation Studios film "The Little Mermaid."

Ariel is the narrator of the story, portrayed as a youthful, empowered, and resilient heroine on a quest to find her place. This fresh production will expand on aspects of the original one, featuring a new ensemble of puppets, physical set designs reflecting a unique aesthetic, and two extra musical performances. "Daughters of Triton" and the beloved "Kiss the Girl" will be newly incorporated for the audience's delight.

“The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” will debut in the newly refreshed Animation Courtyard theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in fall 2024. 

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Opens June 28

A new sneak peek at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure was revealed in anticipation of its opening at Disney World on June 28. Additionally, award-winning artists PJ Morton and Anika Noni Rose, the voice of Princess Tiana and a Tony Award-winning actress, surprised everyone with a performance of one of the attraction’s songs, “Special Spice.”

Carmen Smith, senior vice president of creative development, Ted Robledo, executive director, and Charita Carter, executive creative producer, shared captivating anecdotes about the attraction. They delved into Tiana’s narrative, as well as the sources of inspiration, technology, characters, and voices that bring this exciting new story to life.

Importance of Telling Tiana’s Next Chapter

Following the events of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Princess and the Frog” film, the attraction delves into life after Tiana and Naveen’s happy ending, showcasing a grand Mardi Gras celebration in the bayou.

Tiana expresses gratitude towards her loved ones and the community for their support as she embarks on her journey as a successful entrepreneur. However, a mishap in the party arrangements leads to a missing crucial element.

Guests are invited to join Tiana and Louis, the jazz-loving alligator, on a bayou adventure to find the missing ingredient. Along the way, they will meet familiar faces and forge new friendships in the unfolding chapter of Tiana’s tale.

What Inspired Imagineers?

Imagineers emphasized the importance of New Orleans authenticity in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure right from the start. Through thorough research in and around New Orleans, they aimed to honor the city that served as the inspiration for Princess Tiana’s tale, exploring places like the New Orleans Jazz Museum and the Williams Research Center.

Local artists such as Sharika Mahdi, Malaika Favorite, and Darryl Reeves played a significant role in inspiring Imagineers throughout the development of the attraction. Additionally, collaborations with New Orleans music icons PJ Morton and Terence Blanchard were instrumental in capturing the essence of the city.

Not to be forgotten are Stella Chase and the Chase family, particularly the late matriarch Leah Chase, whose life story was a key influence on Tiana’s narrative.

What Sets Tiana’s Attraction Apart?

The Imagineers also revealed that the attraction includes numerous new Audio-Animatronics figures that are deemed the most sophisticated to date.

This is a unique experience that surpasses anything guests have witnessed previously, blending traditional Imagineering methods with cutting-edge digital technologies for animation and lighting - such as utilizing mist as if it were a painter's canvas!