It’s time to officially bid farewell to Critter Country.
Though not one of Disneyland’s original lands, Critter Country has played a significant role in the park’s history. Debuting as Bear Country in 1972, it featured the beloved Country Bear Jamboree (RIP) as its centerpiece, enchanting guests with a delightful blend of animatronics and country music until the attraction closed in 2001.
After the Jamboree’s closure, 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 ever-popular Splash Mountain.
With the controversial closure of Splash Mountain in 2023, the land is once again undergoing a transformation. In November 2024, it will be renamed Bayou Country, coinciding with the grand opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a brand-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 water ride. Although it hasn’t encountered the same level of 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 faced a few hiccups in its initial days.
Fortunately, Walt Disney Imagineering has ample time to iron out any issues before the ride’s official opening on November 15, 2024. Notably, the attraction was recently humorously mislabeled as a restroom on Google Maps.
Disneyland shared a photo of the new Bayou Country sign. Critter Country officially becomes Bayou Country on Nov. 15.
Disneyland shared a photo of the new Bayou Country sign. Critter Country officially becomes Bayou Country on Nov. 15. pic.twitter.com/nu0g1l1aNw
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) October 25, 2024
As the park prepares for the transition to Bayou Country, a brand-new sign has now made its debut at the theme park. Disneyland shared a photo showcasing this captivating sign, which officially marks the change from Critter Country to Bayou Country on November 15.
While the new Bayou Country sign closely resembles its predecessor, it has been beautifully enhanced with Spanish moss and glowing fireflies, drawing direct inspiration from The Princess and the Frog and the enchanting bayous of Louisiana. The sign also features carved animals that pay homage to the film and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, adding a layer of charm to the landscape.
In addition to the new sign, Bayou Country also involves the reopening of Hungry Bear Restaurant, now reimagined from today (October 25) as the Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree. This new eatery embraces the spirit of the Country Bear Jamboree after a 23-year absence from the parks, offering “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 transformation from Critter Country to Bayou Country?
