November 1988 – April 2024
LOCATION
Critter Country – The Briar Patch was somewhat hidden in the sloping trails into Critter Country. You’d find this little cottage on the left-hand side of Critter Country’s main walkway, across from the Hungry Bear Restaurant.
EXPERIENCE
Critter Country’s hat shop clearly once belonged to Brer Rabbit; he hung a giant portrait of himself above the fireplace. This cozy cabin offered a large selection of ears, hats, and classic Disney souvenirs. Even if you didn’t need any accessories, this cute little store was worth visiting – if only for the beautiful décor!
CLOSURE
When Disneyland transformed Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Critter Country eventually evolved into Bayou Country, a new spin on the land. In keeping with that transformation, the Briar Patch made way for Ray’s Berets, named after Ray the Lightning Bug in Princess and the Frog.
TRIVIA
The Briar Patch’s name referred to Song of the South, and was also connected to Splash Mountain. When your log descended down the famous drop, you were jumping into the briar patch. This cabin was hidden within that briar patch.
I saw this on DisneylandToday twitter. Seems like a cool store! To my knowledge, the Magic Kingdom doesn’t have an equivalent.