It’s been a long time coming, but the final traces of Critter Country have finally been replaced.
Although not one of Disneyland’s original lands, Critter Country has left an indelible mark on the park’s history. Initially launched as Bear Country in 1972, it showcased the beloved Country Bear Jamboree, captivating guests with a delightful mix of animatronics and country music until the attraction’s closure in 2001.
Following the Jamboree’s farewell, the area was rebranded as Critter Country in 1988, introducing attractions like Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and the iconic Splash Mountain.
With the controversial closure of Splash Mountain in 2023, the land is poised for yet another transformation. In November 2024, it will be reborn as Bayou Country, aligning with the grand opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, an exciting new attraction inspired by Disney’s The Princess and the Frog (2009).
Currently in preview mode, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure allows Magic Key holders and Disneyland Resort cast members to be among the first to experience this immersive water ride. While it hasn’t faced the same operational challenges as its counterpart at Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World Resort, where disruptions have plagued its launch since June, it has still encountered a few bumps during its initial days.
Fortunately, Walt Disney Imagineering has plenty of time to smooth out any issues before the official opening on November 15, 2024. In a humorous twist, the attraction was actually recently mislabeled as a restroom on Google Maps.
In the meantime, Disney is getting everything in place for the ride’s debut.
Disneyland shared a photo of the new Bayou Country sign. Critter Country officially becomes Bayou Country on Nov. 15.
https://twitter.com/ScottGustin/status/1849832361157857288
Disneyland has just unveiled a photo of the new Bayou Country sign, marking the official transition from Critter Country to Bayou Country on November 15.
As the park prepares for this exciting change, the new sign is not just a simple replacement; it has been beautifully transformed with Spanish moss and glowing fireflies, drawing direct inspiration from The Princess and the Frog and the enchanting bayous of Louisiana. Carved animals that pay homage to the film and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure enhance the sign’s charm and allure.
Adding to the excitement, Bayou Country also sees the reopening of Hungry Bear Restaurant, now reimagined as the Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree starting today, October 25. This refreshed eatery captures the spirit of the Country Bear Jamboree after a 23-year absence from the Southern California park, featuring “regional barbecue dishes the Country Bears discovered while on tour.”
The land will also feature two gift shops inspired by The Princess and the Frog: Ray’s Berets and Louis’ Critter Club, the latter of which debuts on November 13, 2024.
What are your thoughts on the evolution from Critter Country to Bayou Country?
