With the entire reinventing of Critter Country at Disneyland comes a newly rethemed restaurant. Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree took over the old Hungry Bear Restaurant as of Oct. 25, 2024, and makes for a toe-tapping, banjo-slapping good time! There are so many frogtastic things to be excited about in the new Bayou Country. From Tiana's Bayou Adventure to brand-new shops and a whole new food menu, all we can see is "blue skies and sunshine" up ahead. Keep reading for all you need to know about the reimagined quick-service restaurant and its menu items.
Overview of Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree at Disneyland
The Country Bear Jamboree attraction opened back in 1972 at Disneyland Resort, enchanting audiences with musically talented (and very silly) animatronic bears. For a long time, the Western-themed attraction was a fan favorite. For some, it still remains that way. However, the show closed its doors at Disneyland permanently in 2001 to make way for The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.
As a wonderful homage to this classic Disney attraction, the Hungry Bear Restaurant is undergoing a retheme to the Country Bear's likeness. The new Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree will plate regional barbecue dishes and play famous Country Bears tunes.
The Country Bear Jamboree attraction (which still exists at Magic Kingdom and Tokyo Disneyland) is an assortment of short musical performances by various bears. Curtains open, revealing each bear before they sing their song, and some arise from the stage or down from the ceiling. There was even a special Christmas version of the show at one point. The attraction comes with polarizing opinions and a major cult following. Fans who were disappointed to see the bears say goodbye will be hoppy to know they are not forgotten.
"So clap your hands and stomp your feet" because the Country Bears representation is returning to Disneyland!
Where Is Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree Located?
Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree is located in Bayou Country (formerly Critter Country). You'll find it near Tiana's Bayou Adventure, where the path divides to go to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge or farther into Bayou Country. The two-story quick-service restaurant overlooks the Rivers of America where you can see the Mark Twain Riverboat pass by. Bayou Country is home to Tiana's Bayou Adventure, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Pooh Corner, the new Ray's Berets and Louis’ Critter Club, Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes and, of course, the Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree. The entire land is officially open alongside Tiana's brand-new ride as of Nov. 15, 2024. But most of it is already open now! Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree opened Oct. 25 with Ray's Berets. Louis' Critter Club opens Nov. 13, 2014.
The other rides and Pooh Corner are already open. Tiana's Bayou Adventure has cast member and Magic Key holder previews on select days from Oct. 21 through Nov. 12. Hop over our post on joining the virtual queue.
When to Dine
New restaurants always have a line at Disneyland! Mobile order or hop in line early. Once things settle down we find that the quick-service lines at Disneyland tend to dip about an hour after restaurant opening and at about 4 p.m. Try to avoid peak lunch and dinner times. The restaurant offers mobile ordering, and that's the best way to skip the line. When we dined opening weekend, we ordered dinner for 6 p.m. pick up at about 8 a.m. just to be safe. while the restaurant is new, definitely aim to order a few hours in advance.
Serving Style
Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree is a quick-service restaurant. Ordering and paying is done either by mobile order or at a walk-up basis at the kiosks on the upper level. You'll collect your food on a tray from the counter. You'll find shaded outdoor seating on the upper level of the restaurant as well as a few tables on the lower level. If you mobile order your food, you will pick your food up at the designated counter.
Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree Menu
"Enough of this chit chat, yick yack and flim flam," let's get to the food! The Country Bears are bringing their favorite barbecue dishes they discovered while touring the country straight to your plate.
Entrees
- Smoked Barbecue Combo Platter — A selection of house-smoked meats, served with baked beans, house slaw, white bread and pickles with a choice of two of the following: Pork Spareribs, Pulled Pork, Sausage Link or Beef Brisket
- Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwich with tangy BBQ sauce, house slaw, bread and butter pickles served with beer-battered fries
- Smoked Beef Brisket Sandwich with tangy BBQ sauce, pickled red onions and pickled jalapenos served with beer-battered fries
- Smoked Angus Beef Burger and Pulled Pork with American cheese, golden aioli, pickled red onions, bread and butter pickles and crispy onions served with beer-battered fries
- Corn Ribs Plate: Chile-lime aioli, parmesan, crispy onions, cilantro and scallions with house slaw and beer-battered fries (plant-based)
- Loaded Fries topped with smoked pulled pork, queso sauce, pickled red onions, pickled jalapenos, cilantro and scallions
- Classic Cheeseburger served with beer-battered fries
- Chicken Tenders Plate served with house slaw and beer-battered fries
Kids Meals
- Pork Spareribs
- Toasted Cheese Sandwich (Disney Check Meal)
- Hamburger (Disney Check Meal)
- Chicken Tenders
All kids meals are served with Cuties Mandarin orange and applesauce and a choice of small DASANI water or small low-fat milk.
Sides
- Beer-battered Fries (Our family liked these fries)
- Baked Beans (We loved the beans and found they flavorful with chunks of meat in them.)
- House Slaw
Desserts
- Banana Pudding: Bananas, whipped cream, crushed wafer cookies, dulce de leche and toffee
- Funnel Cake Fries dusted with powdered sugar. For an additional charge, add some extra sweetness to your funnel cake fries with Banana Caramel Dipping Sauce!
Specialty Beverages
- Sparkling Strawberry-Pickle Lemonade with Simply Lemonade, Minute Maid Strawberry Smoothie, flavors of lime, Sprite, pickle juice and a pickle spear
- Strawberry Shortcake Lemonade with Simply Lemonade, Minute Maid Strawberry Smoothie, sweet cream topping, shortbread crumbles and strawberry dust
- Lemonade-Iced Tea: Simply Lemonade and Gold Peak Unsweetened Iced Tea garnished with a lemon wheel (nonalcoholic)
Themed Souvenirs
- Hungry Bear Mason Jar with choice of beverage at time of purchase. (Additional charge for specialty lemonades.)
What are you most excited to try at Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree? Let us know in the comments section below. Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree is located in Disneyland Park, so you'll need a park ticket to dine here. Save some green when you purchase discount Disneyland tickets through Undercover Tourist, so you can expand your dining budget!
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Hoppy planning!