Rufus the Bear is a character from Disneyland's removed Bear Country.
History[]
Background[]
Rufus was a large bear who worked behind-the-scenes at Grizzly Hall for the Country Bear Jamboree, changing lights and scenery. Rufus lived in a cave in an unknown location.
Development history[]
Rufus is a character originating from the entrance to Bear Country in Disneyland, where he could be heard snoring from his cave along the path. He was removed when the land was changed to Critter Country, though his character became affiliated with the Country Bear Vacation Hoedown and Country Bear Christmas Special overlays of the Country Bear Jamboree.
Appearances[]
Country Bear Jamboree[]
Rufus' cave in the matte painting
Rufus can be heard during working in Grizzly Hall during the Country Bear Vacation Hoedown and Country Bear Christmas Special. In the Country Bear Musical Jamboree of the Magic Kingdom, the matte painting behind the Five Bear Rugs features Rufus' cave and mailbox.
Critter Country[]
Rufus' cave used to appear along the entrance.
Splash Mountain[]
Splash Mountain in Disneyland took up space which previously included Rufus' cave, When the ride first opened, Rufus' cave was recreated on the ride. However, Rufus' cave was later removed/replaced by the cave of Br'er Bear in 1992 who could be heard snoring from his cave in tribute to Rufus.
Trivia[]
- Rufus the Bear shares his name with Rufus the Turtle, a character in Splash Mountain's successor attraction Tiana's Bayou Adventure.