At the end of January, Disney fans bid farewell to one legendary attraction, the Country Bear Jamboree show. This beloved show has always been a treasured part of the Walt Disney World Resort experience, bringing joy and laughter to Disney park visitors for decades. However, change is a constant in the world of theme parks, and as the show takes a hiatus, exciting transformations are underway to enhance the experience for future Magic Kingdom Park guests. Namely, the removal of a controversial Disney character…
Though fans may be saddened by the temporary closure of the Country Bear Jamboree, they can find solace in the fact that the rest of the gang will be returning in a fresh and reimagined production called the Country Bear Musical Jamboree.
This new theme park rendition promises to deliver an even more vibrant and dynamic performance, captivating audiences with its toe-tapping country music tunes and hilarious antics.
However, while most characters from the original Country Bear Jamboree attraction bear band, including Big Al and Teddi Barra, will be making a comeback, one beloved bear will not be joining the new Grizzly Hall ensemble.
Liver Lips, with his distinct personality and endearing charm, has been retired from the upcoming Country Bear Musical Jamboree attraction.
In the new iteration of the Disney Resort attraction, the singing bear will be remodeled and reintroduced as Romeo McGrowl.
Romeo McGrowl represents a more politically correct version of the character, whose name has been a source of controversy for Disney Parks for the past 53 years.
With this reimagining, Disney aims to inject new energy into the show, captivating a new generation of guests and providing a delightful surprise for returning fans. Romeo Mcgrowl’s presence is evident in Disney’s ongoing mission to remove offensive attractions from the Resort.
The term “liver lips” is considered “offensive” by many academics today. The term refers to “someone with unusually red or swollen lips, often due to excessive drinking or alcohol-related conditions. The term is considered impolite and derogatory.”
The word unfortunately was typically used as a negative word to describe African American people. Understandably, Disney did not want to keep such an offensive name.
With the retirement of this controversial Disney character, Magic Kingdom will open a new chapter of more inclusive characters and appropriate lyrics at the Country Bear Musical Jamboree.
As Disney fans eagerly await the return of the Country Bear Jamboree and embrace the transformation of Liver Lips into Romeo McGrowl, they can rest assured knowing that the spirit and essence of the original attraction will be preserved.
The joy, laughter, and catchy tunes that have made the Country Bear Jamboree a fan favorite will be honored while also offering a fresh twist to reignite the excitement.
Welcome to the official ship’s log for the Disney Treasure! Follow along for an exclusive look into the complex ship building process as we document all the important milestones of the Disney Treasure’s journey. The Disney Treasure’s story began with the start of construction in January of 2023 and has continued to evolve ever since. Return here for the latest developments in the Disney Treasure’s progress as the world patiently waits for Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship to officially set sail in 2024. The adventure is just beginning!
It’s a new year with new progress being made on the Disney Treasure at Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg Germany. Last April, we revealed the Disney Treasure bow artwork. The whimsical design, which features Captain Minnie Mouse in her signature adventure-themed outfit, has now taken shape on the hull of the Disney Treasure. In step with the existing Disney Cruise Line fleet, the Disney Treasure continues a two-decades-long tradition of carrying a unique character-inspired art piece on its bow. Its completion marks an exciting milestone for the Disney Treasure as it begins the next stage of construction. The installation process began when the shipyard team welded a number of pre-cut steel plates to the Disney Treasure’s hull. Once the framework of the design had been secured, the plates were painted by hand to obtain their iconic golden hue and sealed with a special topcoat. The artwork is just one of the many details that will distinguish the Disney Treasure when it sets sail later this year!
The Disney Treasure has reached yet another milestone in construction – the completion of its last block! In case you’re not familiar with this maritime milestone, it’s important to know that cruise ships are built in blocks (sections). With the last block in place, this means that the ship is now structurally complete and outfitting work can begin.
The last block on the Disney Treasure will eventually house areas such as the adults-only Quiet Cove area (including Cove Café) and Hero Zone, a futuristic sports arena where physical activity blends with imagination, offering highly produced show experiences in addition to free-play sports.
With this latest milestone reached, the Disney Treasure can now move towards completion of its interior.
The holidays are quickly approaching, but construction of the Disney Treasure hasn’t slowed down at Meyer Werft Shipyard in Germany. In fact, a lot of progress has taken place in recent weeks, including lifting of the forward and aft funnels to their rightful place atop the ship. Complete with a coat of primer paint, the icons that are known across the entire fleet have officially found their new home, bringing the Disney Treasure one step closer to completion.
Of course, the funnels on the Disney Treasure aren’t just for looks – guests will also be able to plunge through the forward funnel while riding the AquaMouse, Disney’s attraction at sea, or even stay inside the funnel in the two-story EPCOT-themed Tomorrow Tower Suite!
In this special entry of the Ship’s Log, you’re invited to read a letter from a ghostly captain, who will call The Haunted Mansion Parlor on board the Disney Treasure home. The Haunted Mansion Parlor will be the world’s first bar themed to the classic Disney Parks attraction, the Haunted Mansion. Read on for a message from our new favorite happy haunt …
To the reader of this letter, welcome.
I have always loved the sea. As soon as I learned to walk, I toddled right into the ocean. In my later years, I served proudly as Captain of a luxurious ocean liner, every voyage its own adventure.
In fact, my fiancé and I were to be wed at sea, a celebration of my two greatest loves. But alas, it was not to be. My untimely demise saw to that.
In life, I treasured my private parlor, where I often entertained passengers and guests. I cannot enjoy it the way I did before—but mind you, I do still enjoy it.
I hope you will visit. In my parlor, all guests—dear or departed, invited or otherwise—are welcome.
Sincerely,
The Captain
NEW – In December 2024, the curtain will open on a brand-new original Broadway-style production on the Disney Treasure. Joining a dazzling lineup of fan-favorite shows including “Beauty and the Beast” and “Disney Seas the Adventure,” will be none other than “Disney The Tale of Moana.” Debuting exclusively at the Walt Disney Theatre onboard the Disney Treasure, “Disney The Tale of Moana” will bring the adventurous journey of Moana, inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios film, to center stage for the first time. The show will follow Moana as she embarks on an incredible journey to save her island after she is chosen by the ocean to restore the heart of Te Fiti. Fans of the original film will recognize many beloved characters like Gramma Tala, Maui and Tamatoa when they appear on stage, as well as songs from the film’s iconic soundtrack.
More about this imaginative, one-of-a-kind show will be announced at a later date.
NEW – After traveling all the way from Poland, the Disney Treasure’s forward funnel has arrived at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany! The funnel will soon be secured in its rightful place atop the Disney Treasure and will be given a coat of shiny red paint to match the iconic Disney Cruise Line look. When the first guests set sail onboard the Disney Treasure in December of 2024, they will be able to plunge through the forward funnel while riding Disney Cruise Line’s beloved attraction at sea, the AquaMouse and watch their favorite Disney movies via the Funnel Vision screen by the family pool. Some guests may even choose to stay inside the forward funnel’s EPCOT-themed Tomorrow Tower Suite!
Today was a monumental day for all the Disney Cruise Line fans, cast members, crew members and Disney Imagineers who are eagerly waiting for the Disney Treasure to set sail in December 2024. This morning, Disney Cruise Line revealed all-new spaces that will debut on the Disney Treasure with the help of Arthur Quinn, a self-proclaimed solo adventurer who stumbled across a magical treasure map while rummaging through his grandmother’s study. With the help of fast-forward magic, Arthur was transported to the Disney Treasure, where he discovered the many exciting experiences and new stories that guests will encounter onboard. At the end of his journey, Arthur made the most important discovery of all – the true meaning of the ship’s name. The name, the Disney Treasure, represents something much more valuable than jewels or gold. The true treasure that awaits every adventurer lies in the memories made during their journey.
This Disney Treasure update is coming to you from sunny Celebration, Florida, the headquarters for Disney Cruise Line. Today, the Disney Cruise Line team is thrilled to be debuting an image of the ship’s stern for the very first time! For 25 years, each Disney Cruise Line ship has been adorned with characters from beloved Disney adventures. The Disney Treasure will follow this tradition with its own signature character sculptures that honor the ship’s motif of adventure, Peter Pan and Captain Hook. Harnessing the power of Tinker Bell’s pixie dust, Peter Pan will levitate next to the Disney Treasure to add the finishing touch to the ship’s stern filigree. Meanwhile, Peter Pan’s longtime rival, Captain Hook can be seen leaning out a porthole with a vengeful expression on his face. Paintbrush and paint bucket in hand, Peter Pan sports a mischievous grin as he glances back at Captain Hook, who is dripping in yellow paint.
With the installment of the bridge block, the Disney Treasure now has everything it needs to sail through waterways around the world. The bridge block contains important navigational equipment for the ship, including the wheel! The future captain and their crew will be able to control the ship’s direction and speed from an onboard command center that looks out towards the horizon with floor to ceiling windows. This exciting update means we are one step closer to the day when the Disney Treasure will transport guests to beautiful destinations and explore the globe.
The Disney Treasure will continue the Disney Cruise Line tradition of bringing Broadway-style stage shows across the globe in a grand entertainment venue fit for original Disney musicals. However, before the curtain rises and performers dazzle future Disney Cruise Line guests, the Disney Imagineers and crew at Meyer Werft shipyard must weld what will someday become The Walt Disney Theatre to the Disney Treasure. It’s exciting to think that this space will soon be filled with Disney tunes and the heartwarming stories of favorite Disney adventurers!
Marvelous progress is taking place at Meyer Werft shipyard as the bow of the Disney Treasure was mounted to the forward section of the ship. This photo illustrates how the shipyard team carefully installs the bow block using a crane. The bow block was held in position with the help of a high-precision laser scanner until it was fully welded to the foreship. As the Disney Treasure takes form, this moment marks the first time that the iconic silhouette of the ship can be recognized. As with all ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, the Disney Treasure takes its inspiration from classic ocean liners of the early 20th century with a modern flair.
The bow of the Disney Treasure has made its way to Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, having arrived aboard a barge with the aid of a helpful towboat. This photo showcases a first step in the installation process for the ship’s bow filigree, which is being protected by a large tarp. The outline of the design has already been sketched out in red ink on the ship’s surface and will be completed at a later point in the construction process.
Each ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet has its own distinct, elegant piece of artwork embossed on its bow. Revealing the unique designs created for the Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and the Disney Wish marked a memorable moment for each vessel during its construction and the Disney Treasure is no different. Disney Cruise Line debuted the Disney Treasure’s captivating bow filigree for the first time. The design features a portrait of Minnie Mouse wearing her brand-new, adventure-ready ensemble as well as some hidden silhouettes of other beloved characters. Voyager Minnie’s look was designed especially for the Disney Treasure to complement its motif of adventure. Later on in the construction process, this artwork will be installed onto the bow of the ship for all to enjoy.
The weather in Germany may have been rainy, but spirits were high thanks to the completion of another maritime milestone for the Disney Treasure – the Keel Laying Ceremony. As a part of the ceremony, a newly minted coin is placed under the keel of the ship to foster good fortune for the ship and its crew in the years to come. Just like the steel cutting ceremony, keel laying traditions date back to the times of wooden ships. The coin itself is quite unique and depicts a carved portrait of Captain Minnie Mouse, sporting a fashionable new adventure outfit designed for the new ship.
The Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany received a very exciting delivery from Rostock, Germany– the Disney Treasure’s Floating Engine Room Unit! The Floating Engine Room Unit, sometimes called a FERU for short, is a critical piece when it comes to building the Disney Treasure. Upon the ship’s completion, the FERU will serve as the main source of power, housing the main motors and liquified natural gas tanks. The FERU is also where all the auxiliary machinery needed for cooling water, fuel, air supply and other essential support systems will be kept. The above picture shows the FERU during its journey from Denmark!
Another day at Meyer Werft shipyard, means they’re another step closer to completing the Disney Treasure. One way to recognize a Disney Cruise Line vessel is to look for the iconic red funnels standing proudly on the top deck. The Disney Treasure will follow the sleek, classic aesthetic of all Disney Cruise Line ships that have come before it, meaning it will continue upholding the tradition of featuring the eye-catching funnels. The second funnel has arrived at the shipyard from Poland. Pretty soon, it will receive a coat of bright red paint and be installed on the ship. It’s a thrilling time for the Disney Treasure as more and more pieces of the ship arrive.
The team at the Meyer Werft shipyard cut the first piece of steel for the Disney Treasure. Sparks were flying as a special machine called a plasma cutter, which is housed within the yard’s laser cutting room, was used to cut the steel in the shape of a Disney cruise ship. The ceremony was a huge milestone for the Disney Imagineers and crew building the Disney Treasure, marking the official start of construction.
One thing that makes this steel cutting ceremony so meaningful is it’s a continuation of a longtime maritime tradition. Ship builders have been honoring the beginning of the construction process for hundreds of years and it’s worth noting that even though the way ships are built has changed and steel has come to replace wooden materials, the spirit of the tradition lives on.
There is almost nothing you can’t find on Amazon — from food to household products, back-to-school supplies, clothes, and everything in between. One woman named Molly went on Amazon looking for some hair bows to complete her Disney look.
She found the perfect bows and placed the order. However, when she received her highly anticipated bow, she realized Amazon had made a mistake. Instead of sending her the two bows that she ordered — one blue, one pink — Amazon sent her 40 bows.
Yes, 40 bows!
Now, some people may receive an order like that and think, “What am I going to do with all these bows?” However, Molly is not like some people.
She attempted to return the bows to Amazon, but they told her to keep them. That’s when she knew that she could use them to make some truly magical memories.
On her next trip to the Disneyland Resort, Molly — known as Magically_Molly on TikTok — brought the bows with her and spent the day handing them out to both Guests and Cast Members, brightening their days.
You can watch Molly’s interactions in the video she created below. Warning: you may want to get the tissues because, between the excitement of those who receive the gifts and the music she put with the video, you may find yourself getting misty-eyed.
There seems to be a lot of negativity happening at the Parks right now — with brawls breaking out in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World and a screaming match taking place as a tram was ready to depart for the Ticket and Transportation Center.
While it can be easy to get down and think that things won’t get better, it’s important to remember that there are people out there who believe in the magic of Disney and want to spread that magic to others.
If you are looking for more feel-good stories, you can read about Miss Ellie Honeybee — a young girl who frequently visits Disneyland Resort with her family.
Ellie and her family want to make Cast Members feel appreciated, so they bring flowers with them to hand out to Cast Members, both surprising them and bringing a smile to their faces.
Back in September 2022 — at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, California — Disney announced that it was creating a sequel to the hit 2015 Pixar film, Inside Out. The original animated film told the story of Riley, a young girl who is moved from the Midwest to San Francisco, California. It is a lot for Riley to handle, and Riley’s emotions go a little wild.
Inside Out starred Amy Poehler as Joy, Phyllis Smith as Sadness, Lewis Black as Anger, Mindy Kaling as Disgust, and Bill Hader as Fear. Kaitlyn Dias provided the voice for Riley. Diane Lane voiced Riley’s mom and Kyle MacLachlan was Riley’s dad.
It seems hard to believe, but Inside Out 2 is slated to hit theaters on June 14! And in preparation for Pixar’s newest film, Disney has just dropped a brand-new trailer. Instead of just seeing Riley’s emotions, we also get to see where Riley is and who she is becoming.
Check it out!
As you can see, Disney and Pixar are still keeping most of Riley’s new emotions under wraps. We have only met Anxiety (voiced by Maya Hawke), but the film will also feature Embarrassment, Envy, and Ennui (the feeling of dissatisfaction).
Sadly, not all the film’s original actors will be returning to the sequel film. Amy Poehler will be back as Joy, Phyllis Smith will return as Sadness, and Lewis Black will be back as Anger. Bill Hader and Mindy Kaling opted not to return as Fear and Disgust. Fear will now be voiced by Hocus Pocus 2, star Tony Hale, and Liza Lapira will voice Disgust.
Disney has shared that Inside Out 2 will try to take a realistic look at the harsh reality of what it is like to be a teenage girl. Much like in Turning Red, Riley will be going through puberty. Her body will be changing, and her emotions will be struggling to figure out how to handle all the major changes happening at once.
Even the trailer’s music gives a sneak peek at what a wild ride the audience will be in for. The new trailer features the song “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne.
Inside Out 2 was written by Meg LeFauve and is directed by Kelsey Mann. The film will also star Diane Lane, once again playing Riley’s mom. Fans were hoping that Richard Kind would return as Bing Bong, but it does not look like that is happening.
PETA is demanding that animal-themed carousels like those found at Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park become a thing of the past, as the organization says that such attractions are harmful to animals because they teach children to disrespect animals and go so far as to celebrate that disrespect.
On Monday, PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, sent a written request to the president and CEO of the largest manufacturer of rides in the United States, Wichita, Kansas-based Chance Rides, in an effort to stop the manufacturer from producing animal-themed carousels.
The letter, addressed to Aaron Landrum and written by PETA president Ingrid Newkirk, claims that such rides “normalize the use of animals as conveyances and amusements.”
“Children learn through play, and teaching them to have respect and compassion for all living, feeling beings can help create a more just and merciful world,” says Newkirk, who authored the book 50 Awesome Ways Kids Can Help Animals.
“PETA urges Chance Rides and all other carousel manufacturers to hit the brakes on old-fashioned animal-themed rides and embrace designs that engage children’s imagination and showcase human talent.”
The letter, dated February 6, specifically asks for the end of the “manufacture and sale of animal-themed carousels” and requests that in place of animals, other figures be exclusively produced, including those “in the shape of vehicles, such as cars, unicycles, tractors, airplanes, rockets, and bulldozers, that children are drawn to or even more whimsical designs, like shooting stars, rainbows, or brooms.”
In the letter, PETA concedes that such a request is “unexpected but important.” As the basis for PETA’s request, the letter states the following:
Animal-themed carousels unintentionally celebrate the exploitation of sentient beings. Animals used for rides and other forms of entertainment—including camels, horses, elephants, and dolphins—are confined and in servitude, never free to pursue their own lives and interests. They’re also sometimes beaten, tormented, and even slaughtered when their bodies wear out.
All animals are thinking, feeling, affectionate, playful, and social beings who form strong bonds with their offspring if permitted to keep them (a rarity). They crave freedom from oppression. Animal-themed carousel sets reinforce the notion that these sentient beings are simply here for our entertainment rather than individuals with the same capacity to experience fear, pain, joy, and love as any of us.
According to PETA, the decision by ride manufacturers–and presumably theme parks like Disney World and Disneyland that offer animal-themed carousels as amusement attractions to their guests–will ultimately send two messages, deemed “powerful” by the organization:
Animals are to be respected, not exploited, and companies can and should evolve to keep up with the times. In 2018, following talks with PETA, Nabisco replaced the more than 100-year-old design of caged animals on its Barnum’s Animals Crackers boxes with imagery of wild animals roaming free.
In 2019, after a push from PETA, Trader Joe’s redesigned its Bamba Peanut Snacks, toilet paper, and organic peanut butter packages to no longer include images of elephants performing tricks. And just last winter, after hearing from PETA, Dukal Corporation stopped selling bandages depicting animals in circuses.
The letter concludes with Newkirk asking the Chance Rides CEO to pledge to stop “promoting this abuse by no longer producing carousel figures in animal forms.” There’s no word yet about his response to PETA’s request.
