Disney Revamps Attraction
Walt Disney World is bringing back a beloved attraction with a fresh twist! The Country Bear Jamboree, a staple of Magic Kingdom since 1971, has been given a major makeover and is now rebranded as the "Country Bear Musical Jamboree." This revamped version will reopen on Wednesday, promising fans an updated experience with a few notable changes.
One significant update involves the character Liver Lips McGrowl. Known for his slightly chubby brown bear appearance and pouty lips, Liver Lips has been a favorite for many visitors. However, concerns over the offensiveness of his name led to a rebranding.
The term "liver lips" can describe swollen lips from excessive alcohol consumption and has also been used as a racial slur. In response, Disney has renamed the character Romeo McGrowl. Although his look remains largely the same, he now sports a bouncy head of blonde hair and a stylish purple necktie.
The revamped attraction isn't just about a name change. The Country Bear Musical Jamboree features an entirely new script and score, showcasing Disney songs performed by renowned musicians like Mac McAnally, Allison Russell, Chris Thile, and Emily Ann Roberts.
According to Variety, the new setlist includes tunes from recent hits like "Zootopia" and "Coco," as well as timeless classics from "The Little Mermaid," "Mary Poppins," and "The Jungle Book." Fans will be pleased to know that the closing number, "Come Again," is the only song retained from the original set.
This update is part of Disney's broader effort to modernize its attractions in response to evolving social standards. Following the George Floyd protests, Disney has taken steps to address and replace elements of its rides that might be deemed inappropriate today.
One of the most notable changes was the transformation of the Splash Mountain flume rides, which referenced the 1946 film "Song of the South."
Recognizing the film's controversial and outdated themes, Disney decided to replace Splash Mountain with "Tiana's Bayou Adventure," based on the 2009 animated film "The Princess and the Frog."
"Tiana's Bayou Adventure" retains the log-flume essence of Splash Mountain but infuses it with the vibrant music, scenery, and characters inspired by the "Princess and the Frog," set in the lively backdrop of 1920s New Orleans.