Disney World Removes Beloved Character After 50 Years Over Fears It’s Offensive
Disney World has removed one of its most beloved characters after over 50 years as it’s believed some fans may find it offensive.
Walt Disney World has overhauled one of its most iconic attractions, introducing a fresh look, new music, and a reimagined character as part of its commitment to updating culturally sensitive elements.
The Country Bear Jamboree, a Magic Kingdom staple since 1971, closed in January for an extensive revamp and will reopen this Wednesday as the Country Bear Musical Jamboree.
Along with a brand-new script and soundtrack featuring Disney classics, the attraction has retired one of its original animatronic characters, sparking conversation among fans.
Reactions to the change have been mixed, with one fan writing: “It’s refreshing to see Disney taking proactive steps to address potential insensitivity in their attractions, and this seems like a thoughtful update.”
However, another pens: “While I understand the intention, removing a beloved character feels like an overcorrection. Couldn’t Disney have just updated the name instead of erasing the character entirely?”
A third adds: “The character wasn’t offensive to most fans, and this change seems more about corporate virtue-signaling than genuinely addressing issues. It’s disappointing to see Disney cave to hypothetical outrage.”
Liver Lips McGrowl, a slightly plump brown bear known for his pouty lips, has been replaced due to concerns about the offensiveness of his name.
The term ‘liver lips’ has historically been used to describe swollen lips caused by excessive alcohol consumption and has also been used as a racial slur.
Disney’s decision to remove the character reflects its broader efforts to modernize and address culturally insensitive aspects of its attractions.
In the updated version of the show, Liver Lips McGrowl is replaced by Romeo McGrowl, a similarly designed bear now sporting a blonde pompadour hairstyle and a purple necktie.
The change is part of Disney’s ongoing mission to reimagine outdated elements in its parks, an effort that began during the height of the George Floyd protests in 2020.
The revamped Country Bear Musical Jamboree features a fresh score arranged by country music legend Mac McAnally, known for his collaborations with Jimmy Buffett.
The new setlist includes Disney favorites like The Bare Necessities from The Jungle Book and Fixer Upper from Frozen, reinterpreted in a country music style.
Classic songs from films such as The Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins, and Aladdin are also featured, along with a brand-new original number created for the attraction.
Notably, the closing number, ‘Come Again,’ is the only song retained from the original setlist.
The updated attraction brings together familiar faces from the original show, including Big Al, Wendell, Teddi Barra, and Terrence ‘Shaker,’ as well as the newly introduced Romeo McGrowl.
The group continues to perform in the rustic setting of Grizzly Hall in Frontierland, delivering what Disney describes as a ‘knee-slapping good time.’
This move is part of Disney’s wider initiative to reimagine several classic rides and attractions to align with modern cultural values.
In a similar vein, Splash Mountain was recently transformed into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, inspired by The Princess and the Frog.
The reimagined log flume ride incorporates music, scenery, and animatronic characters rooted in 1920s New Orleans.
The overhaul of the Country Bear Jamboree reflects Disney’s efforts to preserve the charm of its classic attractions while ensuring they remain inclusive and respectful for all guests.
Fans can look forward to the reimagined show when it reopens this week at Magic Kingdom.
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