Critter Country
Critter Country! The land where the animals talk and play with the people! This was Disneyland's seventh land, orginally named "Bear Country" and added after the opening of the Country Bear Jamboree in 1972. When Splash Mountain was added a few years ago, the area was changed to the current Critter Country and it is considered a whole other land. It's right next to New Orleans Square and the Rivers of America. In fact, after exiting the Haunted Mansion, you're right where the line normally begins for Splash Mountain. This is another one of my favorite places so let's see what's there!
Attractions
Thanks to Paul of The Country Bear Playhouse for this pic. More for of Paul's Country Bear pics, visit my Pictures Page.
Country Bear Playhouse -
this was originally the Country Bear Jamboree (as I said above) until a few years back they changed the show and the name, but all the bears are the same. I can remember this from when I was a little kid. All the great bears and Buff, Max and Melvin (the buffalo, deer and moose, respectively) hanging on the wall. They're still there singin' away. I remember my dad telling me the rest of Buff, Max and Melvin was hanging on the other side of that wall and they were stuck there. I bought it too! The original show is gone now (as is the Christmas show, I think) and it's a newer, summer vacation show. It is pretty good, with spin-offs from the Beach Boys and Elvis. The show plays every few minutes, so you never have to wait very long. And while to do wait, take a look at the "dressing room" doors for the bears and the pictures from the old show. I recommend you rest your feet and beat the heat here at this show at let Big Al, Swingin' Teddi Barra and the others entertain you!
Splash Mountain -
this is one of my favorite rides! After you wait in the line (I can't say this one moves fast) you get on board your log and away you go. After a peaceful float along the outside of the mountain, down you go! "How do 'ya do?" "Pretty good sure as your born!" I can't get over how many animatronic animals there are in this. They all came from America Sings, which long-time Disneyland fans will remember. America Sings was in the rotating theater in Tomorrowland and it was a show through American music (I miss it!) But when they closed it, they took the animals and built them a home, Splash Mountain. You float along more, following Brer Rabbit while wily Brer Fox and blundering Brer Bear (he cracks me up!) chase him. After you visit your laughing place, everything turns a bit more on the serious side. Brer Fox and Brer Bear catch Brer Rabbit. After Brer Rabbit tells them not to throw him in the briar patch, that's just what they do. And whee! Down, down, (*snap*), and down into the briar patch. This is what you see from the outside; a 52-foot drop down at a 45 degree angle. After you survive, just a little (a lot?) wet, you are welcomed back with Zip-a-dee-do-dah! The big finale. Don't worry, Brer Bear and Brer Fox get it in the end (literally) and Brer Rabbit is back home, in the briar patch. On the way down the big drop, your picture was taken (*snap*) and these pictures are for sale outside the exit. They're fun and a great souvenir. Just remember: No one is very photogenic while plummeting down Splash Mountain!
Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes -
this is only open seasonally. The canoes are really actual canoes you ride in around the Rivers of America. It's the easiest canoe I ever paddled so don't worry about working too hard.
Teddi Barra's Swingin' Arcade -
this is an arcade full of western and not so western style games.
Stores
Briar Patch
Pooh Corner (anything and everything from the Hundred Acre Wood)
Professor Barnaby Owl's Photographic Art Studio (where you get your Splash Mountain picture)
Restaurants
Brer Bar
Harbour Galley
Hungry Bear Restaurant (umm, this one's good!)