Country Bear will be given an entirely new name as this attraction is reimagined. No name change announcement was made, but the attraction poster image shows the character with the changed hairstyle and name, not the character’s traditional likeness.
Country bear name change
Country Bear is a classic Disney attraction at several parks around the world, but Disney Parks announced this morning that the attraction will be new at Destination D23. As part of the announcement, D23 shared with guests a poster for the attraction where the name of one of the original bears may be changed.
The image shows all country bears from the current version of this attraction, with the exception of Riverlips.
The bear is featured in the current attraction, but is not present on the poster. Instead, a new bear (or the same bear with a different name and hairstyle) sings sweet music with fellow bears.
Aside from the name change and having blonde hair all over his head, Romeo bears a striking resemblance to the bear, which is not included in the poster art.
Excited to meet Romeo McGrawl or disappointed with the name change? Let us know in the comments.
Latest information on diversity initiatives and Disney Park attractions
In addition to the name change, a new musical story for Country Bears was announced today at Destination D23. The Country Bears attraction has been the subject of speculation and rumors of reconsideration for years, but Disney has responded to modern expectations for cultural celebrations by transforming the racial and cultural landscape from an attraction built more than 50 years ago. Attractions continue to be updated to remove insensitive elements. .
The update includes a reimagining of Disneyland Park’s Splash Mountain in California and Florida’s Magic Kingdom based on the romantic slavery movie Song of the South. In fact, Disney hasn’t rereleased a movie related to this ride in decades, and it’s not even included in Disney Plus (a disclaimer about the cultural insensitivity that’s being added to the streaming service’s other movies not even). This classic attraction is now reimagined as Tiana’s Bayou Her Adventures, and Imagineers works closely with a culturally diverse team to create the art, music, and story for this new attraction.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Disney parks have announced their intention to change the theme of Splash Mountain in 2020 with a full renovation inspired by The Princess and the Frog at both Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom. The name of the new attraction was revealed in mid-2022 as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, along with additional concept art and ride details. It was announced later that year.
In Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, guests embark on an adventure with Tiana, Naveen, the music-loving alligator Louie, and other familiar and new characters as they prepare for a Mardi Gras party. “Dozens” of audio animatronics will be built for the attraction, and music for the rides and cues will be composed by award-winning artists PJ Morton and Terrence Blanchard. Complementing the New Orleans jazz-inspired soundtrack is the sweet, tantalizing aroma of beignets that Disney previously announced will be sent to queues.
Guests will be on board as a host of voice actors reprise their roles in the 2009 animated film, including Anika Noni Rose (Tiana), Bruno Campos (Naveen), and Michael Leon Woolley (Louis). You’ll hear some familiar voices. The film has been nominated for two of his Academy Awards (Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song) and marks Disney’s latest foray into traditional animation for a theatrical release.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is currently scheduled to open in late 2024 at both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom. Tiana has already left her mark on Disneyland as Tiana’s Palace Quick Service Restaurant opened in New Orleans Square earlier this week. You can read reviews for each item on the menu here.
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