Actual Bear Spotted Inside Disney World, Forces Magic Kingdom Park To Close

Parts of Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World had a delayed opening this morning, Monday, September 18, as a bear reportedly entered the Park and was spotted hanging out in a tree.

According to Disney news site, WDWNT, three Magic Kingdom lands had a delayed opening this morning -- Adventureland, Frontierland, and Liberty Square. Cast Members were stationed outside of that portion of the theme park, preventing Guests from entering these areas.

Now, it seems that the reasoning behind the closure was due to a real bear spotted inside of a tree. According to WDWMagic, unconfirmed reports state that a bear is in a tree located near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said it was aware of a black bear reported to be in a tree at the Orlando resort's theme park. “In most cases, it is best for bears to be given space and to move along on their own, but given the situation, staff are working on capturing and relocating the bear,” the agency said to NBC News.

Walt Disney World also confirmed in a statement that FWC staff were on site and working to capture the bear.

At the time of publication, these areas still seem to be closed as the attractions within these three lands are listed as temporarily closed on the My Disney Experience app.

The Country Bear Jamboree attraction, formerly located at Disneyland and can now be found at Disney World, is considered controversial to some, especially when it comes to some of the song lyrics and stereotypes the audio-animatronics give off.

When listening to some songs included in the show, it’s safe to say that certain lyrics are considered to be inappropriate, especially for children. The prime example being the famous blood on the saddle reference from Big Al:

There was blood on the saddle,
And blood all around,
And a great big puddle
Of blood on the ground.

The song lyrics aren’t the only things to be considered outdated. There is also certain dialogue that the bears say that can be considered offensive to some as well as the animatronics being pretty old.

Now, it seems Disney has listened to fans as the company announced the Country Bear Jamboree will be re-imagined to include a new act and new songs.

“? JUST ANNOUNCED ? Country Bear Jamboree at @WaltDisneyWorld is getting new songs and a new act reinterpreting favorite Disney songs in different genres of country music! ? #DestinationD23,” Disney shared.

At this time, no further details have been announced aside from the company sharing a short clip of one of the new songs, “Bear Necessities” from Disney’s “The Jungle Book”.

The official attraction description of the Country Bear Jamboree attraction at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is as follows:

Have a knee-slappin’ good time at this jolly country-and-western musical revue starring a cast of singing bears.

This Hootenanny is a Real Hoot

Step inside the rustic theater known as Grizzly Hall and take your seat before the lights dim. Clap along as 18 Audio-Animatronics hillbilly bears play and sing during this 16-minute, foot-stompin’ cele-bear-tion. You’ll hear a medley of original and classic tunes—all performed by the zaniest critters in the woods.

Overflowing with humor, heart and a few surprises, this crowd-pleasing show features a down-home, southern sensibility you and your cubs will love.

At this time, there is no closing date for the current attraction or an opening date for the reimagining.