Disney Retires Controversial 53-Year-Old Disney Character

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

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.

new Country Bear Jamboree Show

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.

country bear jamboree

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.

Country Bear 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.

New Details About Country Bear Musical Jamboree and More!

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

We know guests have been itching for an update on Country Bear Musical Jamboree and more coming to Walt Disney World’s Frontierland in 2024 and beyond. So saddle up and let’s get started!

Country Bear Musical Jamboree

Get ready to knee slap and toe tap to a little country twang this summer!

If guests have been too busy trottin’ through the wild west and have missed the news, the Country Bears are getting ready to put on a new show that pays homage to the Opry style shows of Nashville. 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. Here’s a look at one of the clips we shared at Destination D23.

To prepare for the show, Country Bear Jamboree will close temporarily beginning January 27 and will reopen later this summer.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Another attraction a little down yonder in Frontierland is also being reimagined, with incredible detail going into this all-new experience.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will take guests on a musical adventure inspired by the beloved story and characters from the fan-favorite film. Picking up where the film left off, guests will join Princess Tiana, jazz-loving alligator Louis and others on an adventure through the bayou as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebration where everyone is welcome.

Guests may have seen the custom handcrafted weathervane by Louisiana’s master blacksmith, Darryl Reeves, now visible to anyone strolling past Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom.

When guests visit Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, we want them to feel like they are taking a trip down the Louisiana Bayou in a way only Disney can bring to life. The weathervane does just that, and its installation is another important milestone Cast Members and Imagineers are celebrating ahead of the new adventure opening for our guests later this year.

Keep an eye on Disney Travel News as we introduce all the “bayou”-tiful details for this attraction, from new critters to the catchy New Orleans-inspired tunes.

And hold those horses, we’re not done yet. We have a lot of growth and investment planned for our theme parks in the coming years and look forward to sharing more announcements about Frontierland… so y’all come back now, ya hear?

Magic Kingdom Attractions: The Country Bears Jamboree

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

Deep within the rustic confines of Frontierland at Walt Disney World, a musical extravaganza awaits, bringing smiles, laughter, and a whole lot of bear-filled entertainment. The Country Bears Jamboree is a beloved attraction that has been captivating audiences since its debut in 1971. Join us as we dive into the heartwarming world of these singing, strumming, and foot-stomping bears.

The Country Bears Jamboree invites guests to enter Grizzly Hall, a rustic theater adorned with wood paneling and a warm, inviting ambiance. As the show begins, an assortment of animatronic bears takes the stage, each with their own unique personality and musical style. From Henry, the lovable host, to Big Al, the endearingly off-key performer, the show is a lively and humorous revue that will have audiences clapping and singing along in no time.

What sets the Country Bears Jamboree apart is its infectious and memorable music. From classic country and bluegrass tunes to catchy original songs, the performances are a delightful mix of foot-tapping melodies and witty lyrics. The bears’ harmonies, accompanied by banjos, fiddles, and guitars, create a lively atmosphere that transports guests to a quaint country hoedown.

Each bear in the jamboree has a distinct personality that shines through their performances. Whether it’s Liver Lips McGrowl’s soulful ballad or the Three Charming Sisters’ sassy rendition, these furry entertainers bring laughter and joy to all. The humor and warmth exuded by the bears make them endearing characters that guests can’t help but root for.

The Country Bears Jamboree has become a cherished classic at Walt Disney World, enchanting audiences for generations. Its nostalgic appeal lies in its simplicity and authenticity, capturing the spirit of an old-fashioned country music revue. The attraction’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless charm and the universal appeal of its heartwarming performances.

The Country Bears Jamboree at Walt Disney World’s Frontierland is a toe-tapping, smile-inducing experience that has charmed visitors for decades. With its unforgettable musical numbers, lovable bear characters, and nostalgic atmosphere, it offers a delightful escape into a simpler time. So, grab your hat, stomp your feet, and join the bears in Grizzly Hall for an unforgettable country jamboree that will leave you singing and laughing along with the music.

Disney Character Goes Viral After Chaotic Interaction

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

There’s no doubt that Disney characters are a big part of the magic of the Disney Parks. Guests are able to see some of their favorite characters come to life and have some amazing interactions with them.

However, every interaction is different, especially depending on the character. Some can be more graceful and refined, like meeting the princesses, some can be more magical, like Mickey and Minnie, and some can downright chaotic, like Goofy, Donald, or Wendell.

Pluto and Goofy outside Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Wendell is one of the bears from the Country Bear Jamboree at Walt Disney World, best known for singing “Mama Don’t Whoop Little Buford” and playing the banjo. He’s one of the few bears that also meet and greet Guests, along with Liver Lips, Shaker, and Big Al. Guests can see the bears out and about in Frontierland near Country Bear Hall, typically on top of the building, but they also come down and can be seen dancing with Guests during the Frontierland Hoedown.

A recent Magic Kingdom Guest, @Ryan_FTLOTP, captured a hilarious video of Wendell really getting into the music from the “Festival of Fantasy” parade. In a second video, Ryan shows another clip where Wendell is jumping around and starts fist pumping, with a Guest in the background moving right along with him.

The comments are full of people cracking up over the videos, “there’s a reason he’s my favorite and this is it,” says @magicallifewem. “Wendell has brought me so much joy these past couple days. He GETS me,” chimes in @JellyKa625. “Wendell bouta open up that pit,” jokes @twisted_tater.

It’s always a treat to see characters that are able to be a little more chaotic, to see them enjoying or expressing themselves in a way that characters like the princesses might not be able to. And for characters like Wendell, it’s not even technically out of character, making it all the funnier for those experiencing the moment.

Country Bears Closing to Make Room for Tiana

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Magic Kingdom

The Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland at Walt Disney World is getting ready to undergo some massive transformations as the Park makes room for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. While the Splash Mountain re-theme was undoubtedly one of the biggest controversies seen in the Parks in recent years, Disney might be getting ready for a double whammy.

As developments toward the Princess and the Frog re-theme continue spreading throughout Frontierland, a recent post suggests another timeless attraction for the chopping block. Splash Mountain wasn’t the only vintage attraction with a cult following at risk, as the Country Bear Jamboree could be getting a massive overhaul very soon.

The current incarnation of the Country Bear Jamboree is one of the few remaining attractions from Disney World’s golden age, taking it apart and revamping it is essentially messing with a Disney historical landmark. Naturally, it didn’t take long for supporters and Guests to notice.

Magic Kingdom Mayhem

country bear jamboree

The tweet was shared on r/WaltDisneyWorld, and fans wasted no time in sharing their hopes and fears for the supposed upcoming changes. Some are mildly curious about a “completely reimagined” Country bears, but others are downright trembling, stating how they hate the idea of losing them.

Taking a practical approach, u/Spacetime_Inspector writes,

“A new Bears show could be good or bad depending on the material they give them. I will say that of the old-timey animatronic shows, it’s the one that seems to engage modern audiences the most. People still genuinely laugh at the jokes in a way that they don’t in the Tiki Room or the Carousel.”

And u/cornfedpig has a point when they add,

“I think technology has progressed to a point where the Country Bear Jamboree isn’t at all impressive to audiences anymore, especially younger audiences. It looks old and dated, and the humour just doesn’t land with kids…”

But comments from users like u/ITrCool come with an ominous warning.

“If this was true, that means Thunder Mountain’s days are numbered too, because it’d essentially be isolated and essentially a weird rando “wild west miner” style coaster sitting between “New-Orleans” theming and Adventureland’s “1700s” theming.”

Granted, nothing is set in stone at this point, and this is all mostly speculation. However, as Disney continues to grow and adapt (as it was designed to do), how long will it be before it comes for our favorite classic attractions?