A sad day for the Magic Kingdom.
Disney have announced the removal of a beloved character from their Disney World theme park because they have come to the realisation that it’s “offensive and derogatory”.
The Country Bear Jamboree at Magic Kingdom has been a staple at the park for decades, with Liver Lips McGrowl considered to be one of the most popular of the 18 animatronics on show.
A statement published to Inside The Magic reads: “The Country Bear Jamboree, a beloved institution at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom since 1971, underwent a significant transformation in January 2024.
“The closure and subsequent refurbishment of the attraction marked a pivotal moment in its history, leading to the removal of several elements, most notably the character Liver Lips McGrowl.”
It continued: “The decision to remove Liver Lips McGrowl was driven by concerns over the character’s name. The term “liver lips” is considered derogatory and offensive, as it is associated with excessive alcohol consumption and the resulting liver damage.
“The phrase is deemed to be insensitive and outdated, prompting Disney’s decision to modify the character.”
Disney gave fans little time to cope with the loss of ol’ Liver Lips, as they immediately followed with news of a replacement.
They wrote: “In the revamped Country Bear Jamboree, Liver Lips McGrowl has been replaced by a new character named Romeo McGrowl.
“While the character’s appearance remains largely unchanged, the name alteration reflects Disney’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and respectful environment for its guests.”
Disney added: “The removal of Liver Lips McGrowl from the Country Bear Jamboree is emblematic of a broader trend within Disney Parks: a commitment to addressing and rectifying outdated or culturally insensitive elements within its attractions.
“This evolution is driven by a desire to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all guests,” they added.
“Disney has undertaken similar initiatives in recent years, with notable examples including the reimagining of Splash Mountain and the Jungle Cruise. These attractions underwent significant modifications to remove stereotypical and offensive portrayals of indigenous peoples and animals.
“The changes reflect Disney’s growing awareness of the need to adapt its offerings to align with contemporary values and expectations.”
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- ‘I named my baby after a Disney character – I don’t care if people hate it’
A Reddit user by the name of @Harry_Skran recorded a video of Liver Lips’ swan song in January of this year – the final day the attraction was open before renovations.
The post said the attraction was packed with many fans there to say their goodbyes to the beloved music-oriented show.
“To say the shows on that day were an absolute blast, would be an understatement,” the caption read. “The last show I sat it on was a few hours later, and one of the last ever performed before it broke down. If you can imagine it, the crowd was even louder, and almost drowned out the bears when it came to singing along.”
