Disney World Makes Another Inclusive Change to the Country Bear Jamboree

On Monday, Walt Disney World Resort made a major announcement for Country Bear Musical Jamboree fans! Months after the refreshed Frontierland show debuted, Magic Kingdom Park guests will finally have the chance to meet one of its most iconic characters: Romeo McGrowl.

The original Country Bear Jamboree closed in January 2024. In July, it reopened as the Country Bear Musical Jamboree, a modernized version of the classic show featuring the bears singing countrified Disney and Pixar tunes in the style of a Nashville musical revue. Almost all of the bear characters, except for one, remained the same, with new outfits and improved mechanics.

A wooden sign for "Country Bear Musical Jamboree" is displayed, featuring three animated bear characters in hats above the text. The subtitle reads "A Wild & Wooly Good Time." The sign is part of a rustic, log cabin-styled building with balcony rails. — Credit: Disney

As part of the reimagining, Walt Disney Imagineering renamed Liver Lips McGrowl to Romeo McGrowl. The character’s name was considered culturally insensitive due to its mocking of the character’s facial features. The term “liver lips” has long been associated with people who struggle with alcohol abuse.

When the Country Bear Musical Jamboree reopened, many of the walk-around bear characters, including Big Al, Shaker, and Wendell, returned to Magic Kingdom Park in their new costumes. But Romeo McGrowl, who used to meet guests under his old name, was nowhere to be seen.

A bear-like animatronic character with light brown fur, a white tuft of hair on top, wearing a bright blue western-style jacket with red fringes, and holding a yellow guitar while standing in front of a blue curtain. — Credit: Disney

That all changed on Monday, May 5. Walt Disney World Resort took to social media to reveal that Romeo McGrowl has finally arrived at Magic Kingdom Park. Guests can find him roaming Frontierland with the other bears, taking photos and signing autographs throughout the day.

See Walt Disney World Resort’s official Instagram announcement video below:

A little commotion for Romeo McGrowl, please! 💋🎶🌹 #DisneyWorld #CountryBears #DisneyCharacters

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The Country Bears typically roam Frontierland throughout the day, appearing with character attendants but often without PhotoPass photographers. Unlike other Disney character meet-and-greets, the bears don’t have set lines or photo stations, and guests are encouraged to approach them as they roam the park.

Two costumed characters stand side by side in front of a red curtain. The character on the left is a gray bear wearing a red vest and white hat, and the character on the right is a yellow bear wearing a cowboy outfit with a purple scarf. Both are smiling and singing. — Credit: Disney

However, because they don’t have set meet-and-greet sessions, sometimes the bears will move on without greeting everyone in the area. If they’re ready to move on, give them a wave and try again later!

Have you seen the new Country Bear Musical Jamboree? In the comments, share your thoughts on the show with Inside the Magic!