Critter Country
Originally the site of the Indian Village, where Native American dancers performed, this area was renamed Bear Country in 1972.
The Country Bear Jamboree featured over 20 Audio-Animatronic characters (mostly bears as the
name implied) performing a great country show most of the year. During the winter holiday
season, the cast was re-costumed, and an entirely different show was presented featuring holiday
tunes. My personal favorites were Bubbles, Bonnie and Beulah, the little triplet bears,
performing "Sleigh Ride" ("Jing-a-ling jing-a-ling-a-ling!") When the "Country Bear Jamboree"
moved in, the Indian Village went. The area had a couple of food pavillions, but only one show,
and no rides at all. The train didn't even stop here.
Then in 1988, a new mountain rose 87 feet above the Rivers of America in Bear Country. With it came a host of characters that had previously inhabited the "America Sings" show from the old Carousel of Progress theatre in Tomorrowland, supporting the principal players from "Song of the South." Within that mountain, and around its perimeter, a log flume was constructed, taking happy participants through various tableaus featuring Brer Rabbit, Fox and Bear, with the constant admonition that "You might get wet!" The culmination of the ride is the final 52-foot, 45-degree drop at 40 miles per hour directly into the briar patch.
With the opening of Splash Mountain, there were a lot more than just bears in this neck of the woods. Thus the area was renamed "Critter Country" as it now includes critters of just about every kind.
ATTRACTIONS
Splash Mountain
Yes, you will get wet, but usually not very (unless you sit in front!) Plan to ride early, as the lines quickly get quite long.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Occupying the same space as the Country Bear Jamboree (later the Country Bear Vacation Hoedown and seasonally the Country Bear Christmas Show), the chubby little tubby all stuffed with fluffy and his friends moved in in 2003. Ride your own honeycomb/beehive through a blusterry day, look for heffalumps, and celebrate Pooh's birthday. And just so you know, the Country Bears aren't completely gone. Just before entering the final birthday scene, look up. Right there on the wall overhead you'll see Buff, Max and Melvin, just as you may remember them.
FOOD
Hungry Bear Restaurant
Hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, salads, sandwiches. Open air seating along the Rivers of America.
Brer Bar
Mostly snacks or a very light sandwich or hot dog, but they do have cappuccino!
Harbour Galley
One of my favorites, this open air service featured chowder in a bread-bowl, deep-fried clams, and other sea food items. It's located at the head of Columbia's dry dock, Fowler's Harbor. However recently, it's been closed, and when opened, seems to be just another outlet for McFries. Too bad.
As a move toward healthier food, there's also a fruit stand opposite Splash Mountain's lagoon, featuring a variety of fresh fruit and juices, cookies and cold bottled water.
SHOPS
Briar Patch
Originally the trading post for the Indian Village, this shop features a log-cabin style with a sod roof, and contains mostly plush items of Winnie the Pooh and friends, with assorted toys and gifts.
Pooh Corner
A very large variety of nice gifts, including jewelry, together with toys and clothing, and plush figures. Right next door to the Brer Bar.
You can also take home a photo of your drop from Splash Mountain. An electronic camera snaps the picture of each log as it falls, and you can pick up a copy of your photo near the exit to Splash Mountain at Professor Barnaby Owl's Photographic Art Studio. The photo above on the right is an example of these souvenir photos.
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