Critter Country

Critter Country is a haven of quiet, calm, and shade at Disneyland. While it competes with Mickey's Toontown for the title of "smallest land," it is the clear winner of "land with the least to do." This land has only three rides, three stores, two dining locations, and one character meet-and-greet. Despite this, the isolated location and plenty of shade make it a great spot to wind down a bit before heading back to the bustle of New Orleans Square.

The theme of Critter Country has always been somewhat amorphous, generally just being rustic countryness. Perhaps "anthropomorphic animals" could be considered the theme, though Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes would be an exception to this. It is telling that the two main attractions in Critter Country are in Frontierland and Fantasyland at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.

Disneyland Resort > Disneyland Park

General Information

Location: Far northwest corner of the park. There is only one way in and out of Critter County, follow the Rivers of America waterfront passed Haunted Mansion.

Date Opened: 7/17/1989

# of Rides and Attractions: 3

# of Entertainment and Shows: 1

# of Dining Locations: 1

Rides and Attractions

Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes— Take a trip around the Rivers of America in a self-propelled canoe. Open only under limited conditions.
Splash Mountain— The stories of Brer Rabbit come alive in one of the world's biggest flume rides.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh— A classic dark ride based on the Disney versions of A.A. Milne's Pooh Bear stories.

Entertainment and Shows

Winnie the Pooh and Friends— Meet Winnie the Pooh at this dedicated meet-and-greet location. Eeyore and Tigger are also frequent visitors.

Dining

Hungry Bear Restaurant— Counter service burgers and sandwiches, with a great view of Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer's Island.

Stores and Shopping

Pooh's Corner— Pooh's Corner � Pooh-related merchandise of all types, divided into three sections. Particularly noteworthy is the candy-counter with sweets made on site.
Professor Barnaby Owl's Photographic Art Studio— Purchase photos of your trip down Splash Mountain. Disposable cameras and film are also available.
The Briar Patch— Hats and customizable Mickey ears.

History and Trivia

The area that is now Critter Country used to be much smaller and part of Frontierland. In 1956 the area along the Critter Country riverfront was opened as the Indian Village attraction where you could see representives from many Indian tribes recreate aspects of their cultures. In addition to the replica village you could also ride the Indian War Canoes and shop at the Indian Trading Post.

In 1972 the whole area was rethemed to focus on a new attraction, Country Bear Jamboree. The new land was expanded out to its current dimensions beyond the railroad track and named Bear Country. Also new for this land were the Mile Long Bar, Golden Bear Lodge, and Teddi Barra's Swinging Arcade. The Indian Trading Post still fit the theme and remained while the Indian War Canoes were rethemed and continued as the Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes still in service today.

The next big change came in 1989 when Splash Mountain opened and again the entire area was rechristened as Critter Country. In addition to Splash Mountain the following changes were made: Indian Trading Post became The Briar Patch and started selling hand-made items and Splash Mountain souvenirs, the Mile Long Bar was renamed Brer Bar, and Golden Bear Lodge became Hungry Bear Restaurant.

In 2002 Country Bear Jamboree, Teddi Barra's Swinging Arcade, Brer Bar, and the Briar Patch were all closed to allow construction of The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, which would reuse the Country Bear Jamboree building. Teddi Barra's Swinging Arcade and Brer Bar were turned into Pooh's Corner, a multi-section store selling Pooh merchandise and candy (all of these opened around April 2003). The Briar Patch eventually reopened under the same name, though it is now a hat store.