The Shocking Truth About Liver Lips McGrowl: Why Disney Renamed The Controversial Country Bear

The beloved, yet controversial, animatronic bear known for over 50 years as Liver Lips McGrowl is officially gone. In a major update that has sent shockwaves through the Disney Parks community, the character was quietly renamed to Romeo McGrowl as part of the massive refurbishment of the classic Magic Kingdom attraction in early 2024, now called the Country Bear Musical Jamboree. This change addresses a long-standing, decades-old controversy surrounding the original name, which many considered offensive and derogatory.

The reimagined show, which opened its doors to guests in late 2024/early 2025, introduces a new, rockabilly-inspired persona for the bear, transforming him from a simple guitarist into the "Miami Serenader." This deep dive explores the complete history of the character, the reason behind Disney’s decision to change the name after half a century, and what fans can expect from the new, modernized version of this iconic Frontierland star.

Liver Lips McGrowl / Romeo McGrowl: The Complete Animatronic Biography

The character, regardless of his name, has been a central figure in the Country Bear Jamboree since it first debuted at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in 1971. He was one of the original 18 animatronics created for the show, which was originally developed for a ski resort that Walt Disney had planned.

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• Original Name: Liver Lips McGrowl
• New Name (Post-2024): Romeo McGrowl
• Attraction: Country Bear Jamboree (Original) / Country Bear Musical Jamboree (New)
• Debut: October 1, 1971 (Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World)
• Species: Brown Bear (Slightly chubby)
• Appearance: Characterized by his signature "pouty lips," a feature that became the source of his controversial original name.
• Original Role: A traveling performer and guitarist, often depicted playing a moonshine jug or a six-string guitar.
• New Persona: The "Miami Serenader," sporting a fresh rockabilly style and an updated outfit.
• Current Status: Still a star of the show and, notably, a new meet-and-greet character in Frontierland.

The Controversy That Spanned Five Decades

For over 50 years, the name "Liver Lips McGrowl" existed without major public outcry, largely due to the character's obscurity outside of dedicated Disney fans. However, in the context of modern cultural sensitivity, the name's meaning became impossible to ignore.

The term "liver lips" is a derogatory and racist slur historically directed at people of African descent, referring to the size and color of their lips. While the animatronic bear himself is a brown bear and the name was likely intended to be a simple, if crude, description of his physical appearance (his lips are prominent and reddish-brown), the historical and cultural baggage of the phrase was significant.

Disney’s decision to replace the name was a direct response to a broader, company-wide commitment to updating outdated and insensitive elements within its parks and media. The refurbishment of the Country Bear Jamboree, which began in January 2024, provided the perfect opportunity to make this long-overdue change. The move aligns with other recent park updates, such as the complete re-theming of Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

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From Liver Lips to Romeo: The Rockabilly Reimagining

The renaming to Romeo McGrowl is more than just a simple title swap; it signifies a complete transformation of the character's on-stage persona and musical style. Disney Imagineers took the opportunity to revitalize the bear’s look and sound, making him a highlight of the new Country Bear Musical Jamboree.

Romeo McGrowl now embodies a vibrant, rockabilly aesthetic. His new look features a sleek, updated costume that reflects his status as the "Miami Serenader." This rockabilly style—a fusion of country music and rock and roll—is a perfect fit for the show's new concept, which focuses on reinterpreting classic Disney songs in various genres of country music.

His presence in the new show is amplified. Not only is he a key performer, but he has also been elevated to a character who appears for meet-and-greets in Frontierland. This is a massive honor for an animatronic character, allowing guests to interact with a life-size, costumed version of Romeo McGrowl, complete with his new rockabilly flair. This meet-and-greet opportunity has quickly made Romeo a fan-favorite, especially among guests eager to see the updated version of the classic attraction.

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The New Country Bear Musical Jamboree and Its Star-Studded Lineup

The entire Country Bear Jamboree has been rebranded as the Country Bear Musical Jamboree, shifting the focus from traditional folk and country songs to country-genre covers of popular Disney tunes. This change ensures the attraction remains fresh and relevant for a new generation of Disney park-goers while still honoring the spirit of the original show.

The new setlist features a variety of beloved Disney entities, all re-imagined with a country twist. This includes:

• "Try Everything" from Zootopia
• "Kiss the Girl" from The Little Mermaid
• "A Whole New World" from Aladdin
• "The Bare Necessities" from The Jungle Book

Romeo McGrowl, as the Miami Serenader, is a standout star in this new format. He joins the rest of the classic bear ensemble, including the show's host, Henry, the piano player Gomer, the beloved Big Al, and the rest of the Five Bear Rugs band. Other returning entities include Teddi Barra, Wendell, and the Sun Bonnet Trio (Bunny, Bubbles, and Beulah).

Topical Authority: Why the Change Matters to Disney History

The renaming of Liver Lips McGrowl to Romeo McGrowl is a significant moment in the history of Walt Disney Imagineering and the broader Disney Parks narrative. It represents a conscious effort to evolve classic attractions to reflect contemporary values without sacrificing the core nostalgia that makes them beloved.

For decades, the Country Bear Jamboree was a snapshot of a bygone era, featuring humor and cultural references that, while perhaps innocent in their original intent, no longer align with the company’s mission of inclusivity. By addressing the offensive character name directly and giving the bear a vibrant, positive new identity, Disney has successfully navigated a difficult balance.

The new Romeo McGrowl is a testament to the fact that classic attractions can be successfully updated. He retains the charm and animatronic quality of the original while embracing a fresh, modern musical style. Fans of the original show can appreciate the history, while new guests can enjoy a high-energy, contemporary performance. The controversial character name is now a footnote in the attraction’s 50-year-plus history, replaced by a new star ready to serenade the next generation of Disney World visitors.