Crocodile Mercantile (1989–1995)

Crocodile Mercantile (1989–1995), is a store in Disneyland’s Critter Country, located at the end of the land next to Splash Mountain’s exit. Originally the first gift shop in the rethemed Critter Country (previously Bear Country), it sold country goods and served as the official Splash Mountain souvenir shop before transitioning to a Winnie the Pooh-themed store in 2003.

Here are 10 fun facts about the store during its Crocodile Mercantile era:

1. Critter Country Opening: Crocodile Mercantile opened on July 17, 1989, as Critter Country’s inaugural shop, coinciding with Splash Mountain’s debut and the land’s retheming from Bear Country to reflect Song of the South’s rustic aesthetic.
2. Brer Gator Centerpiece: The store’s standout feature was a massive crocodile figure, Brer Gator, suspended from the rafters in a hammock, designed to resemble a Song of the South character, adding a playful, oversized element to the interior.
3. Splash Mountain Souvenirs: As the official Splash Mountain gift shop, Crocodile Mercantile sold themed merchandise like Brer Rabbit plush toys, briar patch-inspired apparel, and “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” music boxes, tied to the ride’s narrative.
4. Country Goods Variety: The shop offered handcrafted items, including Black Hills gold jewelry, wooden toys, and decorative housewares, evoking a Southern general store with a focus on rustic charm.
5. Indian Trading Post Roots: The location previously housed the Indian Trading Post (1956–1988), a Native American-themed shop, which was rethemed to Crocodile Mercantile to align with Critter Country’s new Song of the South identity.
6. Pooh Corner Transition: In 2003, the store was rethemed to Pooh Corner to tie into the opening of The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh ride, replacing Splash Mountain’s exit shop with Winnie the Pooh-themed decor and merchandise. During its Crocodile Mercantile days, the shop’s exterior featured weathered wood and a sign with Brer Gator’s name, enhancing Critter Country’s swampy, Southern vibe, which shifted to a whimsical Hundred Acre Wood aesthetic for Pooh Corner.
7. Candy Kitchen Addition: Pooh Corner introduced a candy kitchen, offering treats like Tigger Tails (marshmallow wands with caramel and chocolate), honey pots, and Pooh-themed cookies, which remain a staple of the store.
8. Hundred Acre Wood Merchandise: As Pooh Corner, the store sells Winnie the Pooh pins, plush toys, apparel, and collectibles, with a left-side entrance featuring merchandise tied to the adjacent ride, including Eeyore and Tigger items.
9. Country Bear Artifacts: Pooh Corner retains nods to the former Bear Country, with framed pictures of Country Bear Jamboree characters Teddi Barra and Gomer displayed inside, preserving the land’s history.
10. Louis’ Critter Club Future: In 2024, the left-hand side of Pooh Corner was announced to become Louis’ Critter Club, a Princess and the Frog-themed shop tied to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, featuring Louis the alligator and bayou-inspired goods, while the candy kitchen remains Pooh-themed.