Disney has introduced the reimagining of Hungry Bear Restaurant into a brand new eating location impressed by Nation Bear Jamboree! This put up covers full particulars of the announcement from Disneyland, plus idea artwork, our intensive commentary about this information and potential implications for Walt Disney World, too.
Let’s begin with fundamental background, which is that Hungry Bear Restaurant closed on July 8 as a part of the momentary closure of Critter Nation that’s occurring as a result of transformation of Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Journey. This entire nook of the park is a large number of development, and there’s additionally partitions round close by Haunted Mansion and a big swath of New Orleans Sq. extending to Tiana’s Palace Restaurant.
All the pieces else in Critter Nation closed earlier this spring–Hungry Bear was the lone holdout, till Disneyland introduced earlier this summer season that it will shut for kitchen refurbishments. Previous to that, there was a development wall round the remainder of the land, however you may enter the restaurant or Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Now, we all know that it’s greater than only a back-of-house kitchen venture going down…
Disneyland Resort has additionally introduced the reimagining of Hungry Bear Restaurant right into a restaurant impressed by Nation Bear Jamboree. When the restaurant reopens to company, it would turn out to be Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree.
Impressed by the Nation Bears and their travels all through the best music halls in america, Disneyland Resort will introduce a menu impressed by the Nation Bears’ favourite regional barbecue dishes, which company can get pleasure from alongside a soundtrack of their best hits.
Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree won’t be a personality eating location, however extra particulars concerning the full menu, the idea and a reopening date shall be introduced at a later date!
Turning to commentary, we’ve got lots of ideas about this superior announcement.
The primary one is completely tangential to this information. It’s that the D23 Expo Parks Panel should be completely stacked if Disney is asserting this now. The Nation Bears getting a restaurant could not look like large information to you (when you hate issues which can be superior), but it surely needless to say the D23 Expo is held in Anaheim, California.
The house crowd of Disneyland followers loves the Nation Bears. Even after being evicted by Winnie the Pooh again in September 2001, the Nation Bears have a fervent following amongst diehard Disneylanders. The characters nonetheless meet in Grizzly Peak (they drew lengthy strains after they first returned) the place there’s additionally a brand new Massive Al statue (see first picture) they usually’re continually the topic of wishful fascinated by a once-rumored reimagining of Grizzly River Run.
Suffice to say, the house crowd would’ve gone completely nuts if Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree have been introduced on the D23 Expo. Which means both the lineup is so jam-packed with massive information that that is one way or the other too inconsequential to share at that occasion or they didn’t know what a gem they’ve with this information. Maybe a little bit of each?
Segueing into the substance of the Nation Bear Jamboree restaurant reimagining information itself, this simply is sensible.
As steered above, the Nation Bears have been making a comeback at Disneyland during the last decade or so. Not solely that, however Imagineering has clearly been engaged on Nation Bear Musical Jamboree for Walt Disney World, in order that they’ve been fabricating new props and crafting backstory.
And there are many individuals internally who’re Nation Bear followers. Outward appearances could recommend in any other case, however the Nation Bears are just like the Muppets. There are fierce advocates for each inside the firm, which is why they preserve popping up in new places. Or within the case of the Nation Bears, exist in any respect outdoors the Archives.
It additionally is sensible as a result of Hungry Bear Restaurant beforehand had no mental property tie-in. (Properly, except you counted the prevailing references to the Nation Bears behind the counter and within the restroom signage.)
Extra to the purpose, the restaurant didn’t have any connections to Disney motion pictures or characters. It’s no secret that there’s an IP mandate for the parks, with the objective of reimagining generic choices into issues with character connections.
We noticed that the majority just lately at Disneyland with French Market being reworked into Tiana’s Palace and Pacific Wharf changing into San Fransokyo Sq.. Each of these are good plussings, and I’d assume the identical may even be true of Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree.
This mandate for extra “IP injections” is lamented by many Disney followers who assume it means taking distinctive theme park choices and stripping of their character for the sake of synergy with Disney+ or no matter. And that will in all probability be us if Hungry Bear have been changing into Lotso Backyard Cafe or a hamfisted NatGeo tie-in.
As we’ve identified, there’s additionally theme park IP that’s getting used to cross-pollinate different choices, and that’s exactly what’s taking place right here. I can not think about a single individual complaining about Hungry Bear changing into a bona fide Nation Bear Jamboree restaurant! It’s going from generic bears that by no means actually garnered a fan-following to ones with an incredible quantity of historical past at Disneyland who’re nonetheless adored by followers.
After all, whether or not this garners reward or is derided as surface-level fan service all relies upon upon the execution. Actually, I don’t count on main adjustments to Hungry Bear Restaurant–so I’d advocate adjusting your expectations if that’s what you’re hoping to see. It’s in all probability not going to be some grandiose reimagining that essentially alters the venue.
Hungry Bear is a reasonably easy restaurant. It’s additionally a culturally-significant one which’s thought of a possible historic landmark. Severely. In case you missed it in the course of the DisneylandForward conferences, Hungry Bear was one in every of three such venues in Disneyland–together with the Primary Avenue USA Prepare Station and Pirates of the Caribbean.
From that, we discovered that Hungry Bear Restaurant was recognized as eligible for itemizing within the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations underneath Criterion A for “its affiliation with the second section of renovation and growth of Disneyland within the Seventies,” and underneath Criterion C as “an excellent instance of Rustic/Theme Park type structure.” The State Historic Preservation Officer concurred with the analysis of the Hungry Bear restaurant, and the constructing was assigned a standing code 2S2.
I don’t assume all of that’s essentially prohibitive to the Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree being an formidable venture, however even when I hadn’t identified of its ‘culturally important’ standing, I’d’ve anticipated this to be a reasonably restrained reimagining.
Hungry Bear Restaurant is solely outdoor. It’s primarily a walk-up window with two large ranges of open air seating.
Its design is pretty spartan, even by the requirements of rustic theme park structure. This isn’t an issue–it’s an asset. The spotlight of Hungry Bear is its views of the Rivers of America and into the wilderness. It doesn’t have fairly the identical environment for the reason that walkway to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was added, but it surely’s nonetheless excellent–it feels distant by comparability to the core of Disneyland.
If Disneyland ever had the urge for food to alter that, they might’ve finished so for Tiana’s Palace. The extra smart spot for that restaurant would’ve been Hungry Bear, but it surely additionally would’ve been a bigger endeavor. Since they handed on doing that and opted as an alternative for French Market, I can solely assume that it’s going to be an analogous story with this reimagining into Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree.
That’s not a nasty factor. Permitting the setting to talk for itself however including the Nation Bears through music, signage, and different storytelling touches is sensible. Imagineers may actually discover locations for ephemera and show instances that inform the story of “their travels all through the best music halls in america.” I additionally wouldn’t be shocked to see the Massive Al statue (and possibly others prefer it?) make its method over to Hungry Bear BBQ Jamboree.
What I envision is one thing much like San Fransokyo Sq., which is a plussing to Pacific Wharf that added a ton of element and texture to (principally) out of doors and open air areas. Extra apt thematically is Smokejumpers Grill, which is indoors however added Easter Eggs and nods to Disney historical past.
My expectation is that Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree will find yourself being a cross between these two reimaginings and sure barely much less formidable than each. Even when it’s a “no dough” refresh, I believe that keen Imagineers who themselves are Nation Bear followers will flip this right into a pet venture. So even when it’s missing in finances, it must be overflowing with coronary heart–and that makes up for lots.
As for the menu, there’s nowhere to go however up! Hungry Bear has one of many least formidable menus in all of Disneyland, and it could possibly be so a lot better. Not solely that, however barbecue is underrepresented at Disneyland and it’s one thing Disney does fairly effectively in counter service settings. Simply have a look at Regal Eagle Smokehouse or Flame Tree BBQ. They’re not the top of barbecue, however they’re each higher than Hungry Bear.
Once I first heard that this may be a barbecue restaurant, my thoughts went two locations. First, to the extinct Massive Thunder Ranch BBQ. This closed to make method for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, leaving a void within the culinary (and goat) scene at Disneyland. I’m wanting ahead to having fun with barbecue once more at Disneyland and hope there’s an choice to order an excellent meat bucket.
However truthfully, what I miss most about Massive Thunder Ranch BBQ is the cookie skillet. I nonetheless take into consideration these–significantly the seasonal ones for Halloween and Christmas. Most likely not a practical request, however I’d love for a nod to that dessert to one way or the other make the menu at Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree.
Though it’s additionally not barbecue, I’ve lengthy hoped that Hungry Bear would deliver again its basic Fried Inexperienced Tomato Sandwich. I additionally nonetheless take into consideration the OG model of that from a decade in the past–it was among the best plant-based gadgets at Disneyland. They’re presumably going to desire a plant-based choice right here, and I’d to see that reprised reasonably than some bizarre Unimaginable concoction.
Even when these two particular dishes don’t come to Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree–they usually in all probability received’t–I’m however fairly optimistic concerning the menu change. For one factor, it can not get any worse. Apart from the occasional worthwhile seasonal funnel cake, Hungry Bear has served a fundamental and restricted menu for years. It’s mainly one step above Galactic Grill at this level.
For an additional, Disneyland has been going all-out with new menus across the parks. I can not consider a recently-redone menu that’s been worse than what it changed. Each single one has been a marked enchancment. Tiana’s Palace, particularly, is a notable improve over French Market. Whereas I don’t count on that caliber from a BBQ joint, just a few worthwhile gadgets could be an enormous win, particularly given the stellar setting. (Now do Flo’s V8 Cafe subsequent, Disneyland!)
Lastly, the potential implications for Walt Disney World. As we just lately mentioned in Restaurant Thriller at Magic Kingdom, it’s been radio silence from Disney about Tiana’s Palace in Magic Kingdom or wherever else at Walt Disney World for the reason that final D23 Expo. At one level, it appeared like a foregone conclusion that it would occur–and possibly changing Pecos Invoice Tall Story Inn & Cafe since Imagineers have been noticed poking round there on a number of events.
I received’t rehash the entire dialogue from that put up, however one factor I did recommend was this: “With all of that stated, I do assume one thing will occur with Pecos Invoice. The underlying IP is sort of actually considered as “outdated” in Disney’s eyes, and ripe for alternative. Nevertheless, I believe if a change is made, it’ll be very superficial–in all probability simply the identify, signage, and a little bit of placemaking. (Sorta much like San Fransokyo Sq. at DCA, however not at the same time as formidable as that.) If that is on the desk, I’d humbly recommend “Sammy’s Raccoon Saloon” or “Massive Al’s BBQ Barn.” And even simply revive the Mile Lengthy Bar moniker. Give us Nation Bear followers a win.”
In the end, I believe us Nation Bear followers may nonetheless take a win at Walt Disney World. If Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree is successful with Disneyland followers, why not do an analogous Nation Bear restaurant reimagining in Magic Kingdom? Once more, assuming Pecos Invoice isn’t going to turn out to be Tiana’s Palace (and it’d!), it nonetheless has an outdated IP that Disney in all probability doesn’t wish to proceed utilizing. A lightweight placemaking venture may breathe new life into the situation as a Nation Bears restaurant.
Heck, they might even do a crossover, with the Bayou Neighborhood Band ‘assembly’ the Bear Band in that spot. I’d be completely on board with that–it’d be an effective way to meld the worlds of Tiana’s Bayou Journey with the remainder of Frontierland. Actually, I’d be proud of absolutely anything taking place with this restaurant. Like Hungry Bear, it has nowhere to go however up. As we lined in The Demise of Pecos Invoice, it simply isn’t excellent anymore. I’d even be superb with one thing extra superficial like a reputation and signage change–as long as it additionally comes with a menu overhaul that features extra creative delicacies and–hopefully–a return of the toppings bar!
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YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you concentrate on Disneyland getting a Nation Bear Jamboree-themed restaurant? Are you excited for Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree? Assume it’ll be a plussing comparable in scale and scope to San Fransokyo Sq. or Smokejumpers? Ideas on the probability of Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree coming to Walt Disney World? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluation? Any questions we can assist you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even whenever you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!
