Disney is shaking things up with a brand-new addition to their legendary lineup of characters, waving goodbye to a classic figure that has been a staple for decades.
Anyone who’s ventured into Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom since its opening has been greeted by the Country Bear Jamboree, a quirky show featuring 18 Audio-Animatronic ‘hillbilly bears’ that has been entertaining guests for over half a century. Set in a rustic old-fashioned theater, the 16-minute show has been a must-see, delivering a ‘foot-stompin’ cele-bear-tion’ that has captured the hearts of Disney fans.
Despite its popularity, Disney decided it was time for a change and began renovations earlier this year, closing down the beloved attraction to the dismay of many longtime fans.
One nostalgic fan expressed their feelings on Twitter, saying, “Today’s a bittersweet day- after work, I’ll be headed to Magic Kingdom to visit some dear friends and say my goodbyes to the original 1971 version of The Country Bear Jamboree. I saw it for the first time when I was 3, and it’s been a favorite of mine ever since!”
But there’s a silver lining! The Country Bear Jamboree is back in action as of today, July 17th, albeit with a few significant changes—most notably, the renaming of ‘Liver Lips McGrowl’ to something less controversial.
Originally named for his exaggerated features, ‘Liver Lips McGrowl’ was a name linked to negative stereotypes and considered offensive. The Oxford English Dictionary describes ‘liver-lipped’ as an offensive term historically used in derogatory contexts.
In a move to foster inclusivity and sensitivity, Disney has renamed the character ‘Romeo McGrowl’. His look remains largely the same, but he now sports a new name and a dashing swoop of blond hair in the promotional materials for the refreshed Country Bear Jamboree.
According to the official Disney Parks Blog, the updated show will nod to Nashville’s Opry-style performances while introducing a modern twist. “While the Country Bear Musical Jamboree will include Easter eggs from the beginning to the end including a familiar tune fans may remember, the bears will sing new, reinterpreted Disney tunes in different genres of country music – like bluegrass, pop-country, Americana, rockabilly and other styles,” the blog details.
Disney World has yet to respond to requests for comment on the changes.