November 1988 – November 2024
BACKGROUND
In the beginning, this area wasn’t Critter Country at all – the space was an extension of Frontierland called Indian Village, and housed Native American shows and attractions, including dances and canoeing. But the land wasn’t very popular among park guests, and Disney soon turned back to the drawing board to find a better use for the space.
From 1971-1972, the area underwent an extensive overhaul and became Bear Country. This new land celebrated the forests of the Pacific Northwest, with the now-closed Country Bear Jamboree as its centerpiece. But before long, guests were bored by Bear Country, and with extremely low attendance, Imagineers needed to find the land a headline attraction. So in 1988, the land was finally dubbed “Critter Country” to celebrate the opening of Splash Mountain, a ride based on the all but forgotten Disney animation Song of the South.
THE EXPERIENCE
Follow the path along the Rivers of America, past the Haunted Mansion, and you’d stumble across Critter Country. Placed strategically at the front was Splash Mountain, and the path into Critter Country offered excellent views of park guests screaming as they made the 53-foot plunge. Beyond the massive mountain you’d find The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh, and nestled in the corner by the water was a cute and cozy outdoor restaurant.
Critter Country was adorable, and cute decorative accents popped up everywhere: little hanging lanterns, antique signs, and carved statues of forest creatures. Imagineers took great care in creating a homey atmosphere in Critter Country.
ATTRACTIONS
DINING
SHOPS
CLOSURE
Following the same pattern of Splash Mountain and Critter Country, a new headliner mountain called for a new theming in its surrounding area. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure brought in more bayou elements into the area. Though the other attractions remained unchanged, the area became Bayou Country in 2024.
TRIVIA
Every year, Disneyland cast members participate in a race on Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes (still true post-Critter country era!).
Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner wanted Splash Mountain to be a mostly, if not entirely, dry ride. He wanted guests to ride through a water tunnel instead of a giant drop, but was ultimately overruled by the Disney staff and Imagineers.
If you got cold feet waiting for Splash Mountain, Imagineers built in 3 “chicken exits”. They were located right past the entrance, at the turnstiles, and at the loading area.
I liked this land because Disneyworld doesn’t have it, so it was like something new. Very cool!