As a long-time Disney World fan and someone who grew up with fond memories of the Country Bear Jamboree, I was initially taken aback by the news that Liver Lips McGrowl had been transformed into Romeo McGrowl. The name change felt like a significant departure from the classic attraction I knew and loved.
As a gamer who’s been exploring Disney World, I can tell you that on the opening day back in the past, there was this classic attraction called Country Bear Jamboree. It’s still one of the new and exciting things to check out now, but let me assure you, it’s not just a repetition of what it used to be last year.
At the recently opened Country Bear Musical Jamboree, instead of listening to the animatronic bears croon country music hits like “Blood on the Saddle,” the ensemble now performs country-infused versions of tunes from beloved Disney movies. The tunes aren’t the sole modification; Liver Lips McGrowl, one band member, has undergone a significant makeover and is now Romeo McGrowel. He serenades with an Elvis Presley-inspired interpretation of “Kiss the Girl” from The Little Mermaid.
Was Liver Lips McGrowl Offensive?
The Telegraph explains that Liver Lips McGrowl’s makeover stems from the fact that his previous name and associated connotations were considered disrespectful and outdated. Therefore, to align with current sensitivities, the character has been revamped.
At present, Walt Disney World hasn’t provided any explanation for the character change. However, considering previous modifications at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, such as the replacement of Splash Mountain with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which opened recently and discontinued an attraction inspired by the controversial film “The Song of the South,” it seems likely that a shift like this would occur. Previously, the Jungle Cruise underwent significant updates, including the elimination of tribal African characters and the “headhunter” figure.
It’s quite plausible or even probable that the character’s name was changed to stop using a term with a racist past, which is derogatory in nature. The new name, however, fits the new character much better.
Romeo McGrowl Is Just An Update, Not A Replacement
Some may claim that Romeo McGrowl has been taken out of the attraction, but on the contrary, he’s undergone a noticeable transformation. Picture a grizzly bear that managed to sneak into Elvis Presley’s wardrobe and got trapped inside his flamboyant costumes.
The Country Bears from the country received brand-new animatronics, giving them a fresh appearance. Each bear’s wardrobe and voice have been updated. Though the new attraction doesn’t mention the old name, it’s evident that the Miami Serenader bear is still present, unchanged in essence.
Although some people may lament the departure of the old Country Bear Jamboree, the latest iteration of the show has been met with positive feedback from fans, an encouraging sign given that there were whispers of its impending closure not too long ago. If all we’ve lost is a single bear’s moniker, we’re in a decent place.
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2024-07-19 00:37