Today marks the last of the virtual trips to Disneyland in California…Walt’s park. I started this series because I needed a trip to Disneyland and it’s been so much fun to write these blog posts that I intend to keep the fun going by walking across the way to Disney California Adventure next. However, for today, we’re going to visit Frontierland and Critter Country. When we last left off, we were in Mickey’s Toontown. There are a few entrances to Frontierland. If we were to go from Mickey’s Toontown, we’d make our way through Fantasyland and back around by the Big Thunder Ranch BBQ area. Here’s an interesting video that talks about Frontierland’s origins…

Have you ever seen the opening day Disneyland television show? If not, check back next week and I may include the video on Disneyland’s birthday (July 17th.) Davey Crockett was a big part of the opening of Disneyland back in 1955.

Before Big Thunder Mountain, there was the Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland. The wonders of going to Disneyland virtually is that you can also go back in time. I wanted to start off our trip through Frontierland by remembering what it used to be. I also thought it would be fun to include this because Disney did keep parts of this attraction when they built Big Thunder Mountain.

Part of what I love about Disneyland are the stories. In the video above, you will learn more about this Yesterland attraction.

If you came out for the 2013 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, this attraction was closed as they refurbished it. Big Thunder Mountain is the big attraction in Frontierland. So, most people will probably only visit Frontierland for Big Thunder Mountain. I thought I’d get this attraction out-of-the-way first. There is more going on in Frontierland than just Big Thunder Mountain.

I’m not sure if this show still exists. However, in the Big Thunder Ranch BBQ, they have some sort of show that will play throughout the day. So, if you have made your reservation at the Big Thunder Ranch BBQ, you might get to enjoy a show like this one. From what I understand, the show does change by the season.

At the Rivers of America end of Frontierland is the Mark Twain Riverboat. I’m not sure how to arrange this. But, you can sometimes arrange to ride in the pilot house, like you see in the video. It could be a rather cool experience. Although, you should know that not everyone gets to do this.

The Sailing Ship Columbia boards at the same location as the Mark Twain Riverboat. While neither the Mark Twain Riverboat nor the Sailing Ship Columbia are thrill attractions, it can be fun to explore each.

The Golden Horseshoe Revue is no longer playing at the Golden Horseshoe. It’s a real shame that they took this classic show away. According to the Disneyland web site…

One of several original buildings dating back to the opening of the Disneyland Resort in 1955, The Golden Horseshoe was also where Walt Disney and his wife, Lillian, celebrated their 30th anniversary with the debut performance of the original Golden Horseshoe Revue. Walt kept a private box—now public—upstairs to the right of the stage so he could watch the show whenever he felt like it. With over 50,000 performances logged since then, the Golden Horseshoe Revue was at one time “the world’s longest-running live stage show,” according the Guinness Book of World Records.

The food at the Golden Horseshoe is so-so. However, is fun to walk inside and just feel the history.

I’m sorry for the time trip back in time again. However, this clip features Walt Disney himself at the Golden Horseshoe.

Sorry that this is in so many parts. The show I used to see when it was running was quite different. As I’ve said many times before, I just love the history that Disneyland has going for it.

Formerly known as Tom Sawyer’s Island, Pirate’s Lair is a pretty good place to wear your kids out. Although, it’s also a place that kids can easily get lost. The caves on the island are perfect for kid sized people. Not so much for adults. They re-themed the island around the time of the second Pirates of the Caribbean movie. There’s even a Dead Man’s Chest with beating heart somewhere on the island.

If you want some commentary to go along with the tour of Pirate’s Lair, check out the above video.

I’ve put these last two videos out-of-order. However, the video above video serves as a great transition to going to Critter Country. Plus, you get a bonus virtual ride on the Jungle Cruise. If you want to skip the non Critter Country parts, jump to 4 minutes 20 seconds. The Winnie the Pooh ride is a rather fun dark ride in my opinion. It’s certainly not a must do kind of attraction, but still fun.

The Winnie the Pooh attraction took the place of the Country Bear Jamboree. I really miss this show at Disneyland. So, I made sure to check it out when Brooke and I were at the Magic Kingdom. Ah, the good ol’ days!

As cool as the Winnie the Pooh ride is and the Country Bear Jamboree was, Splash Mountain is the big attraction of Critter Country. If you’re a fan of this attraction at the Magic Kingdom, you’ll love it here at Disneyland. Our version is slightly different from its Magic Kingdom counterpart.

The Davey Crockett Explorer Canoes is the attraction that will give you a workout.

I had to include this video because it gives you some interesting tidbits of trivia about Critter Country.

Well, that’s all from Disneyland. I hope you’ve enjoyed this virtual trip to Disneyland. If you want to check out any of the previous virtual trips to Disneyland, check out the following…

Virtual Disneyland – Main Street U.S.A.

Virtual Disneyland – Adventureland and New Orleans Square

Virtual Disneyland – Tomorrowland

Virtual Disneyland – Fantasyland

Virtual Disneyland – Mickey’s Toontown

I’ll be starting a new tab for my virtual tours of the theme parks where you can easily check out each trip. Check back next we as we move on over to Disney California Adventure!