Ursus H. Bear’s Wilderness Outpost | Disneyland

Last Updated on: March 26th, 2024

Ursus H. Bear’s Wilderness Outpost was a distinctive shop nestled in the heart of Disneyland’s Bear Country, later known as Critter Country. This unique outpost opened its doors in 1972 and served as a charming spot for guests to find gifts and apparel that captured the essence of the rustic, outdoorsy vibe of Bear Country. The shop was a nod to the themed area’s main attraction, the Country Bear Jamboree, and added to the immersive experience of the land.

The outpost operated under the name Ursus H. Bear’s Wilderness Outpost until 1988, when it was transformed into Crocodile Mercantile, marking a shift in theming concurrent with broader changes in the area. This change was part of Disneyland’s efforts to keep the park fresh and engaging for guests, reflecting evolving themes and attractions. In 1995, the location underwent another transformation, becoming Pooh Corner, which aligns with the introduction of The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh attraction in Critter Country. Pooh Corner continues to delight guests with its selection of sweets, treats, and Winnie the Pooh merchandise, maintaining the tradition of themed shopping experiences in this cozy corner of Disneyland​​​​​​.

The evolution of Ursus H. Bear’s Wilderness Outpost into Crocodile Mercantile and eventually Pooh Corner reflects the dynamic nature of Disneyland, a place where stories and settings evolve to create new memories for its guests. While Ursus H. Bear’s Wilderness Outpost is no longer present, its spirit lives on through the continued tradition of unique and immersive shopping experiences in Disneyland’s Critter Country.


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Craig Smith
I am founder and editor of DisneyNews.us. My passion for all things Disney goes pretty far back to my first trip to Walt Disney World in the mid-80's. I have since returned to the magical place more than 20 times. I started this site when I came to the realization that I spent a significant portion of my day reading articles about Disney and watching Disney content with my 8-year old, so it made sense that I would start sharing some of what I read and see and building a little community around it. Other interests include 80's nostalgia, vintage toys, video games, LEGO, Star Wars and tech gadgets. Other sites include DMR and VideoGamesStats.com.