Beloved ‘land’ in Disneyland to be renamed, park says. What’s behind the change?

One of the themed “lands” that make up Disneyland will be getting a new name, park officials announced.

Critter Country will be renamed Bayou Country on Nov. 15, Disneyland said in an Aug. 11 news release.

The name will better align the area of the park with the reimagined Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ride, which replaces the former Splash Mountain. The ride also opens Nov. 15.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes rides, as well as the reopened Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree, will also be part of Bayou Country. It also features several shops.

“Bayou Country is situated on the edge of New Orleans Square with shady trees, mesmerizing music and a vast collection of enchanting surprises,” Disneyland said in the release.

In the 1970s, the area was named Bear Country after the Country Bear Jamboree attraction, SF Gate reported. In 1988, it became Critter Country with the opening of Splash Mountain.

Disneyland is located in Anaheim, which is about a 25-mile drive southeast from downtown Los Angeles.

This story was originally published August 19, 2024 at 1:39 PM with the headline "Beloved ‘land’ in Disneyland to be renamed, park says. What’s behind the change?."