Critter Country in Disneyland Anaheim has undergone many changes since opening as Indian Village in 1956. It was later renamed Bear Country and then Critter Country, which is now a prime location for Winnie-the-Pooh characters. The area’s biggest feature is the log flume ride, Splash Mountain, which is one of the largest rides in the park. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is a fun ride and almost always has the shortest lines in the entire park. The Golden Bear Restaurant is a good place for a burger and some rest, and visitors may be surprised by the local feral cat population who may stop by to beg.
Critter Country is one of the smaller Disneyland areas of Anaheim, but contains one of the largest rides in the park. The area has gone through many changes in theme and attractions, since opening as Indian Village in 1956. The area is now a prime location for Winnie-the-Pooh characters.
Originally considered part of Frontierland, Indian Village was once home to tribal displays, Native American crafts, and live entertainment. After changing political views decided the area might be offensive to some, Disneyland removed Native American influences and reopened the area as Bear Country in 1972. Like Bear Country, the biggest feature was an audio show- animatronics called Country Bear Jamboree.
At the show, audience members were treated to a variety of 19th-century Americana-inspired songs and jokes. Even a holiday version ran for several years. The attraction underwent a facelift in the mid-1919s, having been replaced by the Country Bear Playhouse. The updated version featured a holiday theme, but still included many of the characters from the original. The attraction closed permanently in 1980.
Bear Country became Critter Country with the addition of the huge log flume ride, Splash Mountain. In 1989, Splash Mountain became the latest addition to the Disney Mountain Range, towering above the park. The ride was not without controversy, as it used characters from the 1946 Disney film Song of the South, which some believe incorporates racist depictions of African-Americans. Regardless, the ride was instantly popular.
Huge lines have become a Splash Mountain standard, as countless visitors waited to follow Br’ers Rabbit, Fox and Bear through their habitat of singing and dancing animals before taking a dramatically steep plunge down a waterfall. On busier days, take advantage of the Disney Fastpass system, which will give you a specific time to return and board your ride without waiting in the long line. Be prepared to get wet if you choose to take on this ride. Savvy visitors, intent on staying dry, know that a good way to get a glimpse of the ride is to board the Disneyland Railroad Express at New Orleans Square, which passes through Splash Mountain towards Fantasyland.
Following the Country Bears’ eviction from their home, a new type of bear has taken over the former attraction. With the addition of the dark ride, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Critter Country has become a haven for characters in AA Milne’s stories. Visitors have the opportunity every day to meet Pooh, Piglet and other favorite characters from popular books and movies. Winnie-the-Pooh related gifts are also available at Critter Country’s Pooh Corner, a gift shop that also contains a candy store and bakery.
A major feature of Critter Country is the Golden Bear Restaurant, which overlooks the Rivers of America and the boarding area for Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes. The Golden Bear is a good place for a burger and some rest, and visitors may be surprised by the local feral cat population who may stop by to beg. The Golden Bear is a good way to escape the midday crowds and wait for Fastpass time to start.
Although Critter Country is a small area, it is quaint and rustic and a nice place for young children. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is a fun ride and almost always has the shortest lines in the entire park. As you tour the area, pay attention to the high level of detail in the buildings, lampposts, and benches. Though small in scale, Critter Country is a wonderful example of the Disney Imagineers’ love and importance for detail and atmosphere.
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