Critter Country in Disneyland Park has been charming guests with its, shall we say, animal magnetism since opening on March 4, 1972. Originally known as Bear Country, the seventh of Disneyland’s themed lands has been home to the park’s cuddlier creatures, as well as some other appropriately rustic attractions, restaurants and shops from the very beginning. Read on for everything you can see and do in Disneyland’s Critter Country today, from Splash Mountain (for now) to character meet-and-greets.
From Bear Country to Critter Country
Disneyland opened the doors to Critter Country, then called Bear Country, in early March 1972, converting what was then a part of Frontierland called Indian Village into the park’s seventh themed land. At the heart of the expansion was, naturally, none other than the Country Bear Jamboree, which began entertaining guests three weeks later. Originally inspired by various Native American cultures, including everything from a powwow-esque tribal dance show and the Indian War Canoes (now called Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes), the northwest corner of the park was fittingly rethemed around the Pacific Northwest wilderness.
In 1988, the land was christened Critter Country to make way for a herd of new animals with the opening of Splash Mountain in January 1989. The moniker was inspired by a line from 1946’s Song of the South, the muse for Splash Mountain: “Where the folks are closer to the critters and the critters are closer to the folks.” Along with the name change, other creatures also made their way into Critter Country, with various animal homes like burrows, nests and huts nestled around the land.
Sadly, Country Bear Jamboree shut down in Disneyland Park in 2001 (though you can still experience it in Magic Kingdom Park at Disney World). On the bright side, a different bear moved in to take its place two years later: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Now, among the many trees and bushes in the area, which create a forested feeling throughout, guests can also spot the homes of the newest residents of Critter Country, with the likes of Pooh Bear’s and Piglet’s houses tucked atop the area’s rooftops.
Of course, we can’t talk about Critter Country without mentioning the changes coming its way in the near-ish future. With Splash Mountain to close in the coming months to make way for its retheme to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, it remains to be seen what Critter Country will look like in the days ahead—or if it will even exist at all.
What to See, Do and Eat at Critter Country
Disneyland Park offers a host of family-friendly rides, Disney characters and approachable restaurant offerings for guests to enjoy during their visit and, not to mention, plenty of shopping opportunities. While they don’t look the same as they did back when Critter Country first opened, there’s still a lot to do and see in this cuddly corner of the park. Let’s take a look!
Critter Country Attractions
Critter Country at Disneyland Park boasts three different rides: Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes, Splash Mountain (soon to be Tiana’s Bayou Adventure) and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Whether you’re looking for a dash of Disneyland nostalgia or a kid-friendly ride themed around Disney characters, you’ll find it here. Best of all, with the exception of Splash Mountain (and the upcoming Tiana’s Bayou Adventure), most of them have no height restriction, making this area a great spot to go for families with younger children.
Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes
Part of the park since July 4, 1956, when it opened as Indian War Canoes, Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes is one of the more unique attractions at Disneyland. Guests climb aboard a fiberglass, 35-foot-long canoe, each with space for up to 20 guests, from a dock neighboring Hungry Bear Restaurant, then shove off for a guided 730-meter journey down Rivers of America around the Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island. Each craft is helmed by two guides (AKA frontier-garbed cast members), with one at the bow and another at the stern.
Along the way, the guides direct riders’ attention to various points of interest, including a Native American chief riding a horse and an old pioneer cabin. Since the canoes are completely free-floating and powered entirely by guests’ arm strength, the actual ride time varies depending on the speed of the paddlers (that’s you), as well as any traffic you might encounter during the voyage. Don’t worry if you’ve never paddled a canoe before, as a brief lesson is provided at the start of the experience, as are life jackets for small children and adults who aren’t able to swim.
While not one of the rides still operating since opening day, this nostalgic attraction has seen some changes through the years. During its heyday as the Indian War Canoes, the guides onboard were actual Native Americans instead of random cast members. At one point in time, after being rechristened Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes, guides even donned coonskin caps in a nod to the American folk hero’s legendary choice of hat.
Lightning Lane Availability: None
Height Restriction: None
Best for: Kids, Tweens, Teens and Adults
Splash Mountain (COMING SOON! Tiana’s Bayou Adventure – Opening Late 2024!)
Open since 1989, Splash Mountain is a true Disneyland icon and one of the famed Disney mountains. This log flume-style thrill ride takes guests on an exciting journey into the briar patch alongside critters like Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox and Brer Bear. In addition to the attraction’s heart-pounding climax, 52.5-foot drop, guests also float by several dark ride-like scenes themed after Disney’s 1946 film, Song of the South.
Due to the film’s problematic history, Disney announced in June 2020 that the ride would be rethemed to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Set to be the next chapter of 2009’s The Princess and the Frog, the revamp will follow the Disney Princess as she prepares for a Mardi Gras party at her newest business endeavor, Tiana’s Foods—with a little help from Prince Naveen and Louis the jazz-loving gator, of course.
Naturally, with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure currently scheduled to open in late 2024, it’s only a matter of time before Splash Mountain sends its last log into the briar patch to make way for Tiana and the gang. In fact, Magic Kingdom’s Splash Mountain has already said its goodbyes. So, be sure to take advantage of Splash Mountain in Critter Country while you still have the chance. On the bright side, if you still want to experience this iconic attraction after the fact, Splash Mountain in Tokyo Disneyland is, as of right now, not getting the royal treatment. Of course, you’ll just need to travel to the other side of the world to take advantage.
Lightning Lane Availability: Disney Genie+
Height Restriction: At least 40 inches (102cm) or taller
Best for: Kids, Tweens, Teens and Adults
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Move over, Country Bear Jamboree! There’s a new bear in town. Ok, technically, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh has been part of Critter Country since June 1999. But who’s counting? Based on storybooks by A.A. Milne and the ride’s eponymous 1997 film, this adorable dark ride loads guests into a giant honey pot for an animated adventure into the Hundred Acre Wood.
Between the pages that you roll past and the colorful scenes laid out around you, it really feels like taking a step into a storybook. Throughout your journey, you’ll bounce along with Tigger, get caught in a rainstorm, encounter heffalumps and woozles and so much more. What’s more, the honey pots don’t just move through sedately. Their movements often mimic what’s going on around you, such as hopping like Tigger or feeling as if they’re getting swept away in a flood.
If you keep your eyes peeled, you’ll even notice a nod to the ride’s former occupants. In Pooh’s dream sequence with the heffalumps and woozles, trophy heads of Melvin the moose, Buff the buffalo and Max the buck from Country Bear Jamboree are mounted on the wall as you leave the room. However, you’ll need to turn around and look to spot them. All in all, though it’s certainly a ride geared toward kids, we guarantee that adults will find it equally charming.
Lightning Lane Availability: None
Height Restriction: None
Best for: Preschoolers, Kids and Tweens
Critter Country Restaurants
Critter Country isn’t just home to some lovable attractions. You’ll also find a tantalizing selection of quick-service restaurants and snack stands cooking up everything from sandwiches and salads to churros, funnel cakes and other sweet treats. Here’s everything on the menu.
Churros & Lemonade in Critter Country
What could be more satisfying than a refreshing frozen lemonade and a delicately fried churro doused in cinnamon and sugar? No, honestly, we’re asking. Located right around the corner from Hungry Bear Restaurant, this snack stand offers a selection of beverages, as well as both original and seasonally rotating churros.
Cost: Snack – $14.99 or less per adult
Cuisine: American
What to Get: Churro
Reservations: None
Critter Country Fruit Cart
Looking for a healthy snack to tide you over until mealtime? Stop by the Critter Country Fruit Cart next to Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes. Here you’ll find everything from whole and sliced fruits to pickles, chips and Babybel cheese.
Cost: Snack – $14.99 or less per adult
Cuisine: American, Healthy, Vegetarian
What to Get: Snacks!
Reservations: None
Harbour Galley
Designed to look like a salt-worn waterfront shanty, this quick-service restaurant overlooking Rivers of America cooks up a small yet tasty selection of seafood dishes, including Lobster Rolls, Tuna Salad Sandwiches and bread bowls stuffed with Clam Chowder, Louisiana Beef Stew or vegetarian-friendly Mushroom, Vegetable and Farro Stew. Finish it off with a cozy Blueberry Muffin.
Cost: Lunch and Dinner – $14.99 or less per adult
Cuisine: American
What to Get: Lobster Roll, Soup in a Sourdough Bread Bowl
Reservations: None, Mobile Order available
Hungry Bear Restaurant
If it’s abundant seating and heartier fare you’re after—think burgers and chicken sandwiches—make your way over to Hungry Bear Restaurant. (Just be sure to save some room for addictively delicious funnel cake!) This quick-service restaurant even offers an On-the-Go Fantasmic! dining package that’s perfect for those looking for reserved viewing without the steep price tag of a meal at Blue Bayou Restaurant. This isn’t your typical Hungry Bear Restaurant food, either. Choose from items like saucy BBQ pork ribs, a barbecued half chicken or a grilled salmon salad, each served with a selection of sides.
Cost: Lunch and Dinner – $14.99 or less per adult
Cuisine: American
What to Get: Honey-Spiced Chicken Sandwich, BBQ Chicken Salad, Funnel Cake
Reservations: None, Mobile Order available
Pooh Corner
If there’s one thing that honey-loving Pooh Bear knows, it’s sweets. Neighboring The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, this decadent candy kitchen offers all sorts of treats, including toffee, brownies, cake pops, caramel apples, cookies, cupcakes, crispy cereal treats and more.
Cost: Snack – $14.99 or less per adult
Cuisine: American, Bakery
What to Get: Caramel Apple, Churro Toffee Square
Reservations: None, Mobile Order available
Critter Country Entertainment
Unfortunately, you won’t find much by way of entertainment out here in the wilds of Disneyland. Unless you count watching people get drenched on Splash Mountain or try to paddle Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes. That said, some of the themed land’s furry residents do make appearances throughout the day by way of character meet-and-greets.
Disney Character Meet-and-Greets
If you ask us, no Disneyland vacation is complete without a couple of character meet-and-greets. Luckily, a few of the cuddliest Disney characters do regularly stop by to say “hello,” pose for photos and sign autographs for guests, Including Winnie the Pooh, Tigger and Eeyore. This gang of critters from the Hundred Acre Wood greets guests from the morning through the early afternoon in Pooh’s Thotful Spot. Remember that appearance times and characters can vary, so be sure to look at the Disneyland app for the current schedule.
Critter Country Shops
Whether you’re searching for a memento of your trip to the Hundred Acre Wood or a special souvenir from Splash Mountain, there are a couple of shops in Critter Country that are likely to have what you’re looking for. Critter Country merchandise locations include:
Pooh Corner
Along with Pooh-worthy desserts, guests will also find an array of merchandise inspired by the Hundred Acre Wood at Pooh Corner, including apparel, plushies, collectibles and more. Or, for a souvenir that’s both fun and thrifty, get a coin from the penny press.
The Briar Patch
Did you get soaked during your mountain splashdown? Before heading out to take on the rest of Disneyland, take some time to dry off for a bit and take a look at the many wares in The Briar Patch. This log cabin-like shop offers everything you need for your noggin, from Minnie and Mickey Ears to baseball caps.
Well, ya’ll, that brings our guide to Critter Country to a close. Have you spent time in this part of Disneyland? Which Critter Country ride or restaurant is at the top of your list? Are you going to miss Splash Mountain as much as we are? (We’re also equally excited for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, to be fair.) Then, learn how you can make your travel budget stretch with our discount Disneyland tickets.
