March 1972 – November 1988
LOCATION
Bear Country – The Mile-Long Bar sat in the rear of Bear Country, to the left of the Country Bear Jamboree. This building now houses “Pooh’s Corner”, a sweets & gift shop.
EXPERIENCE
Details:
- Service Type – quick service
- Seating – indoor dining room
- Entertainment – none
The Mile-Long Bar was a western country bar offering snacks, (non-alcoholic) drinks, and comfort food. What made the bar so famous during its 16-year run was its optical illusion; the bar had mirrored walls on either side, so it looked like the countertop stretched for a mile!
CLOSURE
When Bear Country became Critter Country in 1988, every attraction, shop, and restaurant underwent extensive renovations and re-theming. The Mile-Long Bar did not survive the transition, closing its doors to make room for the Brer Bar, which opened in 1989.
TRIVIA
The Bar wall was adorned with the busts of Melvin, Buff, and Max, the stars of the Country Bear Jamboree.
Back when the Country Bear Jamboree dominated Bear Country, its exit had its own waterfall, which stood adjacent to the Mile-Long Bar entrance.
Though a cute idea, it was pretty tame by modern standards, sponsored by Frito-Lay, they had every possible flavor of chips that Frito-Lay had to offer. I visited there several times while I worked at the park in the late Seventies. During this time the memory of Davy Crockett’s popularity was fading and Frontierland was struggling to maintain its place in the Magic Kingdom. In the 50’s, westerns were half of the network television lineup, but by the late 70’s, shows like Buck Rogers and Battlestar Galactica were much more popular. That the Mile Long Bar lasted until ‘88 is surprising.
I too am surprised it lasted so long! Where in the park did you work?
It’s kind of amazing that something as simple as a mirror can have such a impact. Cool looking little place, wish I could of seen it.