What should Disney do with Critter Country? Leave it alone. Unless you replace Winnie the Pooh by bringing back the Country Bear Jamboree or a dark ride based on another woodsy animal property. Disney’s lack of funds will be the result of why Splash will not be changed.
They should just leave it alone. Why destroy a classic ride over some flash in the pan controversy of the week on Twitter. The truth is they would build it and the same crowd of people would most likely complain about the ride and land being offensive again. If you give into that crowd it will never end, they will never be happy. I don’t know why this idea is still being entertained.
To be fair, the protests for Song of the South started when the movie originally released. Yes, they removed the controversial elements from the ride, but it’s like a looming shadow of the source material. I understand why they would want to change it.
It’s not even a “classic” ride though. It’s only been there since 1989. Very few people have seen the movie it’s based on, and that movie, Song of the South, has been regarded as problematic since the NAACP protested it’s initial release in 1947. Only reason it was originally used was to recycle animatronics, which they can do just as well with a different IP.
It consistently ranks as #1 ride with guests from all demographics. It’s 31 years old. It’s fair to call it a classic.
The NAACP criticised the live-action portion of the movie for being too idyllic and creating an unrealistic impression of the relationship between plantation owners and their former (now free slaves). They described the animated segments (which are actual African folklore) as “the beautiful Uncle Remus folklore”.
The ride is *not* based on Song of the South. SotS was a vehicle to tell the stories of Br’er Rabbit. These are actual African folklore stories – you can research them if you wish – and they have been told in many books as well as standalone shorts. The ride tells these stories (which existed before SotS & remain separately to it as well) with no reference to the live action portions of SotS
You comment contradicts itself, “very few people have seen the movie it’s based on”…hmm then what exactly is everyone offended by them? Are they offended by something they haven’t seen and know nothing about? Interesting…that’s because the majority of people “offended” are white and speaking on behalf of African Americans. Don’t like it, don’t ride it.
You’d do Chipmunks or Brother Bear before Princesses, wouldn’t you? The re-theme of Splash Mountain will be fun. We’re not American, so we weren’t aware how offensive it was until last year. But you can totally see how the new theme will really work. Camping and white water rafting with Donald would also be fun. He doesn’t have his own ride yet (does he?). Goofy has two roller coasters! But Disneyland is very “Princessy” already. The critters are fun and very Americana. It does kind of cross over with the California Adventure area but in a more classic Disney way.
I did – it was the slave part and the really REALLY unfortunate history of the song Zipededoodah, which is actually white people making fun of African languages. Then I read that the star of Song of the South wasn’t allowed a seat at the premiere because of his skin colour. There were so many reasons when I asked!
Just checking, but do you realize that Song of the South has been considered problematic since it’s initial release in 1947, which was protested by the NAACP? This is not new…
Just checking but do you realize that the NAACP criticized the “idyllic”
Master slave relationship…..they weren’t slaves, they were freed sharecroppers. Uncle Remus is able
To leave the plantation on his own free will, which would not have been possible if he were a slave. so did anyone in the NAACP actually even watch the damn movie?? Doesn’t seem like it…
I think they should retheme it to the Louisiana Bayou. If they are gonna move forward with this project, I think making Critter Country more Bayou like would definitely help go along with the theme. A simple retheme of the Hungry Bear to something like “The Hungry Gator” could go a long way. Maybe Tiana’s Place could be somewhere else in New Orleans Square?
But incorporating Winnie the Pooh may be tough. Perhaps just having that be it’s own mini land called “Pooh Corner” might be as effective until a better solution can be thought of. I mean, Winnie the Pooh is already kinda tucked into the corner of Critter Country. Why not just split it off and make it it’s own thing? That way the rest of Critter Country can become part of New Orleans Square and just add to the theme of that land.
I’m a bit of an Armchair Imagineer, so I love thinking about this stuff.
Just checking, but do you realize that Song of the South has been considered problematic since it’s initial release in 1947, which was protested by the NAACP? This is not new…
If the Disneyland expansion comes to fruition in 7-10 years from now the path/tunnel/bridge across Disneyland Drive will have to come from what is now Critter Country. I’m mostly interested in them making this as beautiful a transition as possible into the new world across the street. I love Winnie the Pooh and the characters but if they have to remove that ride to facilitate a magical tunnel into the new area I’m fine with that!
Leave the Pooh ride and the gift shop. I personally dont like the Princess and the Frog story, especially the dark side. That does not need to be celebrated. Poohs corner is a quiet, cool place to hang out and still has some feel of Bear Country Jamboree. And I appreciate them hanging on to some of the feel of the old Disneyland.
I feel like there is an opportunity to put Pocahontas in there somewhere. Maybe retheme the Davey Crocker explorer canoes and give the Hungry Bear more of a Native American theme (the Smithsonian Museum of the Native American in DC has a really great cafe featuring dishes inspired Native American cuisines). I feel like that could provide a good transition from New Orleans Square to Pooh’s 100 Acre Woods and get some more modern Disney IP into the park.
I think that Disney needs to do what makes a large majority of people happy. Not only catering to whiners who want to find fault and be offended in what they are seeing in a theme park. I love the original Walt Disney style and design. I could care less about Red in Pirates. Why because I am there to enjoy spending time with my family. I do not spend my time at Disney on a fault finding mission.
It’s simple! Leave Splash Mountain and Critter Country alone! I don’t want to lose a themed land for this! Inside the Magic, you’re a disappointment to true Disney fans everywhere!
It’s obvious that it creates a lot of new problems when you change Splash Mountain. I think the better route would be to preserve it as is and then make a whole new and more relevant movie or Disney+ series about Brer Rabbit, Fox, and Bear. The best way to move past the troubled history is to move forward with better content to tie into the good stuff we already have.
Excellent idea – leave Splash Mountain alone. Make a new movie about them. Let’s leave Winnie the Pooh alone – it’s a great ride for little ones. Let’s bring better merchandise back to Pooh Corner – not the same tourist things found all over the Park. Let’s leave the canoes alone – Davy Crockett is part of the original history of the Disney company. I’m all for bringing the Country Bear Jamboree back – if it won’t fit in Critter Country, can we put it over at DCA in the Grizzly Rapids area? Also, a BBQ restaurant with a cool, shady place to relax (perhaps with nearby running water) would be great – both at Critter Country/Frontierland or again, in the Grizzly area of DCA.
As far as the movie “Song of the South”, it is such a beautiful movie. Uncle Remus is the hero of the movie. Everyone wants to be around him. No one cares that his skin is black; they care that his heart is huge, and he is willing to listen and give good advice. I think most all of us would like an Uncle Remus in our lives. What a wonderful example of human character he is – we should all be more like him. We should not hide a movie that portrays such a kind and loving man. What a terrible loss.
Move winnie pooh ride to
Adventure land , or keep it there.
Move the bears back to frontier land for the bear jamboree,
Make an new ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ RESTAURANT LIKE
BIG THUNDER MOUNTAIN RANCH RESTAURANT
Please leave winnie pooh ride alone.if you have to
Move winnie pooh ride move to
Adventure land , area
Move the the county bears
Jamboree
back to frontier land for the bear jamboree,
Make an new ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ RESTAURANT LIKE
BIG THUNDER MOUNTAIN RANCH RESTAURANT
You had. Make and good restaurant where people can sit and relax and enjoy food food in an environment that is
Nice and relaxing
Why would turning splash mountain into a likely critter-filled Princess and the Frog theme require anything to be done to Critter Country? I’ve heard many say that, but it makes absolutely no sense to me. Princess and the Frog, being both set in New Orleans and filled with tons of critters, is a great in-between tradition between New Orleans Square and Critter Country. No need to go any further with it. No need to get rid of or change anything else. It just works for both lands as-is.
They should leave it the hell alone along with Splash Mountain. Utilize the proposed DisneylandForward expansion project to create a brand new PATF attraction and Tiana’s Palace restaurant.
Need something light and fun… like Tangled! That would be the best trip ever to go see Tangled-ish land!!! (The author is off. Already have a New Orleans themed area and several cajun styled eateries and I think the magic in Princess and the Frog was too dark. Little kids don’t need that. Just don’t.)
I don’t see why anything needs to be done with Critter Country. I’m all for the Splash Mountain retheme but part of the reason it’s such a perfect choice is that it creates a pretty seamless transition between Critter Country and New Orleans Square. Princess and the Frog already contains plenty of “critters”, to the point that even many of the Splash Mountain animatronics can likely be reused.
Disney seems to be stuck in a very strange cycle of announcing new projects, scaling them back or cancelling them, and then taking triple the time to build them. I strongly oppose the Splash Mountain re-theme as being entirely unnecessary and unwanted. They really need to finish the things they’ve started. It seems like Tron, Guardians, and Ratatouille have been “being built” for years. It took 2 years to build a walking path to the Grand Floridian, Epcot’s renovation has been scaled back and looks like a construction zone. It’s not anywhere close to being done. Remember when Roy Disney led the company and managed to drain Bay Lake, create the Seven Seas Lagoon, build a power plant, roads, canals, the Magic Kingdom, the Polynesian, and Contemporary in 5-6 years? What is going on with Disney these days?
You know…with the recent announcement of Disneyland Forward – I don’t think Splash Mountain will be receiving a retheme (thank God). If they really want to build Tiana her own ride (which BTW I AM in favor of – just not replacing Splash Mountain) they’ll have plenty of room to do so with the new expansion. Plus – I’m sure that’s where all the money will be going anyway. On top of that, WDW has plenty of room to build Tiana her own attraction anywhere they’d like. So…I really don’t see this happening. I think it would be a step in the wrong direction for Disney. The woke crowd really has no respect for the culture of Disney or its history. They’ve had plenty of room to voice their opinions lately but they must be aware that their views will only go so far. They can’t have it all. If Splash really needs a few changes and updates I’m all for it – again just not a retheme. It’s become part of the park’s culture. Keep the characters. Keep the storyline. Keep the music. Just plain old keep it.
Comments for What Should Disneyland Do With Critter Country?
S1
What should Disney do with Critter Country? Leave it alone. Unless you replace Winnie the Pooh by bringing back the Country Bear Jamboree or a dark ride based on another woodsy animal property. Disney’s lack of funds will be the result of why Splash will not be changed.
Phoebe L Ho
Someone finally said it.
Albert
They should just leave it alone. Why destroy a classic ride over some flash in the pan controversy of the week on Twitter. The truth is they would build it and the same crowd of people would most likely complain about the ride and land being offensive again. If you give into that crowd it will never end, they will never be happy. I don’t know why this idea is still being entertained.
Jon
To be fair, the protests for Song of the South started when the movie originally released. Yes, they removed the controversial elements from the ride, but it’s like a looming shadow of the source material. I understand why they would want to change it.
Ami
It’s not even a “classic” ride though. It’s only been there since 1989. Very few people have seen the movie it’s based on, and that movie, Song of the South, has been regarded as problematic since the NAACP protested it’s initial release in 1947. Only reason it was originally used was to recycle animatronics, which they can do just as well with a different IP.
Nick
It consistently ranks as #1 ride with guests from all demographics. It’s 31 years old. It’s fair to call it a classic.
The NAACP criticised the live-action portion of the movie for being too idyllic and creating an unrealistic impression of the relationship between plantation owners and their former (now free slaves). They described the animated segments (which are actual African folklore) as “the beautiful Uncle Remus folklore”.
The ride is *not* based on Song of the South. SotS was a vehicle to tell the stories of Br’er Rabbit. These are actual African folklore stories – you can research them if you wish – and they have been told in many books as well as standalone shorts. The ride tells these stories (which existed before SotS & remain separately to it as well) with no reference to the live action portions of SotS
DisneyFan
You comment contradicts itself, “very few people have seen the movie it’s based on”…hmm then what exactly is everyone offended by them? Are they offended by something they haven’t seen and know nothing about? Interesting…that’s because the majority of people “offended” are white and speaking on behalf of African Americans. Don’t like it, don’t ride it.
Adam
You’d do Chipmunks or Brother Bear before Princesses, wouldn’t you? The re-theme of Splash Mountain will be fun. We’re not American, so we weren’t aware how offensive it was until last year. But you can totally see how the new theme will really work. Camping and white water rafting with Donald would also be fun. He doesn’t have his own ride yet (does he?). Goofy has two roller coasters! But Disneyland is very “Princessy” already. The critters are fun and very Americana. It does kind of cross over with the California Adventure area but in a more classic Disney way.
Eric M
This!
When you cave into the cry-bully mob, it never will end.
Adam
I did – it was the slave part and the really REALLY unfortunate history of the song Zipededoodah, which is actually white people making fun of African languages. Then I read that the star of Song of the South wasn’t allowed a seat at the premiere because of his skin colour. There were so many reasons when I asked!
S1
Please do not spread lies. Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah is not a racist song and that is a fact.
Ami
Just checking, but do you realize that Song of the South has been considered problematic since it’s initial release in 1947, which was protested by the NAACP? This is not new…
DisneyFan
Just checking but do you realize that the NAACP criticized the “idyllic”
Master slave relationship…..they weren’t slaves, they were freed sharecroppers. Uncle Remus is able
To leave the plantation on his own free will, which would not have been possible if he were a slave. so did anyone in the NAACP actually even watch the damn movie?? Doesn’t seem like it…
Trenton B.
I think they should retheme it to the Louisiana Bayou. If they are gonna move forward with this project, I think making Critter Country more Bayou like would definitely help go along with the theme. A simple retheme of the Hungry Bear to something like “The Hungry Gator” could go a long way. Maybe Tiana’s Place could be somewhere else in New Orleans Square?
But incorporating Winnie the Pooh may be tough. Perhaps just having that be it’s own mini land called “Pooh Corner” might be as effective until a better solution can be thought of. I mean, Winnie the Pooh is already kinda tucked into the corner of Critter Country. Why not just split it off and make it it’s own thing? That way the rest of Critter Country can become part of New Orleans Square and just add to the theme of that land.
I’m a bit of an Armchair Imagineer, so I love thinking about this stuff.
Kimberly W Cook
Turn tom Sawyer Island into the hundred acre wood, problem solved!
Ami
Just checking, but do you realize that Song of the South has been considered problematic since it’s initial release in 1947, which was protested by the NAACP? This is not new…
KevinY
If the Disneyland expansion comes to fruition in 7-10 years from now the path/tunnel/bridge across Disneyland Drive will have to come from what is now Critter Country. I’m mostly interested in them making this as beautiful a transition as possible into the new world across the street. I love Winnie the Pooh and the characters but if they have to remove that ride to facilitate a magical tunnel into the new area I’m fine with that!
Kim
Leave the Pooh ride and the gift shop. I personally dont like the Princess and the Frog story, especially the dark side. That does not need to be celebrated. Poohs corner is a quiet, cool place to hang out and still has some feel of Bear Country Jamboree. And I appreciate them hanging on to some of the feel of the old Disneyland.
Sheetrockero
I feel like there is an opportunity to put Pocahontas in there somewhere. Maybe retheme the Davey Crocker explorer canoes and give the Hungry Bear more of a Native American theme (the Smithsonian Museum of the Native American in DC has a really great cafe featuring dishes inspired Native American cuisines). I feel like that could provide a good transition from New Orleans Square to Pooh’s 100 Acre Woods and get some more modern Disney IP into the park.
Eric M
Leave it, along with splash mountain alone.
Jamie
Leave Splash Mountain alone! Cancel the project!
Deborah Walker
I think that Disney needs to do what makes a large majority of people happy. Not only catering to whiners who want to find fault and be offended in what they are seeing in a theme park. I love the original Walt Disney style and design. I could care less about Red in Pirates. Why because I am there to enjoy spending time with my family. I do not spend my time at Disney on a fault finding mission.
ZandurFox
It’s simple! Leave Splash Mountain and Critter Country alone! I don’t want to lose a themed land for this! Inside the Magic, you’re a disappointment to true Disney fans everywhere!
Dylan Kelly
Leave splash mountain alone.
Spencer G
It’s obvious that it creates a lot of new problems when you change Splash Mountain. I think the better route would be to preserve it as is and then make a whole new and more relevant movie or Disney+ series about Brer Rabbit, Fox, and Bear. The best way to move past the troubled history is to move forward with better content to tie into the good stuff we already have.
Brandon
This!
DisneyFan
Great idea ????
Kathy
Excellent idea – leave Splash Mountain alone. Make a new movie about them. Let’s leave Winnie the Pooh alone – it’s a great ride for little ones. Let’s bring better merchandise back to Pooh Corner – not the same tourist things found all over the Park. Let’s leave the canoes alone – Davy Crockett is part of the original history of the Disney company. I’m all for bringing the Country Bear Jamboree back – if it won’t fit in Critter Country, can we put it over at DCA in the Grizzly Rapids area? Also, a BBQ restaurant with a cool, shady place to relax (perhaps with nearby running water) would be great – both at Critter Country/Frontierland or again, in the Grizzly area of DCA.
As far as the movie “Song of the South”, it is such a beautiful movie. Uncle Remus is the hero of the movie. Everyone wants to be around him. No one cares that his skin is black; they care that his heart is huge, and he is willing to listen and give good advice. I think most all of us would like an Uncle Remus in our lives. What a wonderful example of human character he is – we should all be more like him. We should not hide a movie that portrays such a kind and loving man. What a terrible loss.
Cheryl Wilson
Move winnie pooh ride to
Adventure land , or keep it there.
Move the bears back to frontier land for the bear jamboree,
Make an new ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ RESTAURANT LIKE
BIG THUNDER MOUNTAIN RANCH RESTAURANT
Cheryl Wilson
Please leave winnie pooh ride alone.if you have to
Move winnie pooh ride move to
Adventure land , area
Move the the county bears
Jamboree
back to frontier land for the bear jamboree,
Make an new ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ RESTAURANT LIKE
BIG THUNDER MOUNTAIN RANCH RESTAURANT
You had. Make and good restaurant where people can sit and relax and enjoy food food in an environment that is
Nice and relaxing
Mike F
Why would turning splash mountain into a likely critter-filled Princess and the Frog theme require anything to be done to Critter Country? I’ve heard many say that, but it makes absolutely no sense to me. Princess and the Frog, being both set in New Orleans and filled with tons of critters, is a great in-between tradition between New Orleans Square and Critter Country. No need to go any further with it. No need to get rid of or change anything else. It just works for both lands as-is.
DisneyFan
They should leave it the hell alone along with Splash Mountain. Utilize the proposed DisneylandForward expansion project to create a brand new PATF attraction and Tiana’s Palace restaurant.
Emmett L Brown
Need something light and fun… like Tangled! That would be the best trip ever to go see Tangled-ish land!!! (The author is off. Already have a New Orleans themed area and several cajun styled eateries and I think the magic in Princess and the Frog was too dark. Little kids don’t need that. Just don’t.)
Ami
I don’t see why anything needs to be done with Critter Country. I’m all for the Splash Mountain retheme but part of the reason it’s such a perfect choice is that it creates a pretty seamless transition between Critter Country and New Orleans Square. Princess and the Frog already contains plenty of “critters”, to the point that even many of the Splash Mountain animatronics can likely be reused.
Kaitlin Fong
All I know is we need the TDR version of Winnie the Pooh somewhere. It is one of the best Disney rides ever made.
Sean Golden
Why not make “Zootopia” themed?
KenR
Disney seems to be stuck in a very strange cycle of announcing new projects, scaling them back or cancelling them, and then taking triple the time to build them. I strongly oppose the Splash Mountain re-theme as being entirely unnecessary and unwanted. They really need to finish the things they’ve started. It seems like Tron, Guardians, and Ratatouille have been “being built” for years. It took 2 years to build a walking path to the Grand Floridian, Epcot’s renovation has been scaled back and looks like a construction zone. It’s not anywhere close to being done. Remember when Roy Disney led the company and managed to drain Bay Lake, create the Seven Seas Lagoon, build a power plant, roads, canals, the Magic Kingdom, the Polynesian, and Contemporary in 5-6 years? What is going on with Disney these days?
AL
You know…with the recent announcement of Disneyland Forward – I don’t think Splash Mountain will be receiving a retheme (thank God). If they really want to build Tiana her own ride (which BTW I AM in favor of – just not replacing Splash Mountain) they’ll have plenty of room to do so with the new expansion. Plus – I’m sure that’s where all the money will be going anyway. On top of that, WDW has plenty of room to build Tiana her own attraction anywhere they’d like. So…I really don’t see this happening. I think it would be a step in the wrong direction for Disney. The woke crowd really has no respect for the culture of Disney or its history. They’ve had plenty of room to voice their opinions lately but they must be aware that their views will only go so far. They can’t have it all. If Splash really needs a few changes and updates I’m all for it – again just not a retheme. It’s become part of the park’s culture. Keep the characters. Keep the storyline. Keep the music. Just plain old keep it.
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