A BELOVED Disney World Character has been removed from an iconic ride over fears it could offend alcoholics.
Magic Kingdom’s “Country Bear Jamboree” attraction will be re-opening after a seven-months break without one of its fan-favourite characters.
The ride, which opened in 1971, saw significant changes during its refurbishment including the removal of Liver Lips McGrowl character.
Fans are bidding goodbye to the robotic mammal as he won’t join the other 17 animatronic bears at the popular ride when it welcomes visitors on Wednesday.
The character has been a staple at the amusement park for 50 years until it was branded “insensitive and outdated”.
According to Disney blog Inside the Magic, the term “liver lips” is deemed rude and derogatory and often refers to alcohol consumption and the harm it causes to the liver.
The term is also considered to be an insulting and disparaging stereotype directed at African Americans, characterising their lip shape as sickly or diseased.
McGrowl will be replaced by Romeo, a bear with the same surname and a hair resembling James Dean’s.
Romeo will become a part of the furry squad that includes Harry, Big Al, Wendell and Teddi Barra, Ernest the “Dude,” Terrence “Shaker,” and Trixie along with the “Five Bear Rugs.”
The “knee-slappin’ good time” experience, which takes place within the rustic theatre Grizzly Hall, will return as the “Country Bear Musical Jamboree” ride at Frontierland at Magic Kingdom.
Liver Lips has been axed as part of a bigger move by Disney to “address and rectify outdated or culturally insensitive elements within its attractions”.
The company has also eliminated its stereotypical depictions of Native Americans during its renovations of Splash Mountain and the Jungle Cruise.
Variety reports that there will be a fresh storyline and soundtrack in addition to the one character alteration.
The new score was produced and orchestrated by Mac McNally, a country singer-songwriter most renowned for his many years of collaboration with Jimmy Buffett.
Disney hits “Bear Necessities” and “Fixer-Upper,” which have been remade into a country style, will also feature McNally’s voice.
The new soundtrack will feature an original song “Country Bear Musical Jamboree” and country renditions of Disney classics such as The Little Mermaid.
The concluding tune, “Come Again,” will be the only song from the original soundtrack that remains after the revision.
