Critter Country is a themed land at Disneyland, introduced in November 1988 as a retheming of Bear Country (1972–1988) and rethemed again to Bayou Country in 2024. Located near New Orleans Square and Frontierland, it features a rustic, woodland setting with attractions like Splash Mountain (1989–2023, now Tiana’s Bayou Adventure), The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes. The land emphasizes woodland creatures and Southern bayou aesthetics, evolving from its original bear-focused theme.
Below are 10 fun facts about Critter Country (1988–2024) at Disneyland:
- Smallest Land: Spanning just 3.2 acres, Critter Country is Disneyland’s smallest land, designed as a compact, forested area with log cabins and winding paths evoking a Southern wilderness.
- Splash Mountain Debut: Opened in 1989, Splash Mountain was the land’s centerpiece, a log-flume ride based on Song of the South, featuring a 52-foot drop and Audio-Animatronic critters.
- Winnie the Pooh Addition: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, a dark ride with colorful scenes from the Hundred Acre Wood, replaced the Country Bear Jamboree in 2003.
- Canoe Continuity: Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes, retained from Bear Country, allow guests to paddle around the Rivers of America, guided by cast members in frontier outfits.
- Themed Dining: The Hungry Bear Restaurant, carried over from Bear Country, serves comfort food like burgers in a two-story log cabin with views of the Rivers of America.
- Brer Rabbit’s Influence: Critter Country’s early theming drew heavily from Song of the South, with Splash Mountain’s Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, and Brer Bear shaping the land’s narrative.
- Fowler’s Cellar Shop: Located beneath the Hungry Bear Restaurant, Fowler’s Cellar sold Winnie the Pooh merchandise and rustic decor, accessible via a staircase near the canoe dock.
- Hidden Details: The land’s pathways feature animal tracks embedded in the ground, representing critters like rabbits and foxes, enhancing the immersive woodland atmosphere.
- Seasonal Closures: Critter Country occasionally closed entirely during low seasons, as its two major rides (Splash Mountain and Winnie the Pooh) underwent simultaneous maintenance.
- Bayou Retheming: In 2024, Critter Country was rethemed to Bayou Country to align with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, replacing Splash Mountain with a Princess and the Frog-inspired ride and updated land aesthetics.
