After all the fun things we did in Frontierland, I decided it was time to chill out a bit. So, I chose Bayou Country as the last one before we call it a day. (Fun fact: This area was formerly known as Critter Country until it got renamed to Bayou Country in 2024.) It was a laid-back spot that felt more like a cozy picnic in the woods than a theme park ride. As a mom with four energetic kids, I rarely get a moment to slow down and catch my breath. On the other hand, Henry was the best husband ever by cracking the most annoying jokes about how I was being too serious. Let’s be honest we all know who is the grumpy one here right?
Stepping into the Woods
The minute we entered Bayou Country, I could tell things were different. Bill and Ella ran off ahead, excited to explore every corner. Jake and Annie hung back for a bit, checking out the cool Bayou decor on the trees and walls. Even Henry was relaxed, smiling as he pointed out fun details and hidden Mickeys carved into the wooden signs. It was a breath of fresh air after the roller coaster rides in Frontierland.
A Ride with Winnie the Pooh
One of the highlights was definitely “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.” Bill and Ella, huge fans of Pooh, practically dragged me to get on the ride. Once we all got in, we floated through scenes from the Hundred Acre Wood. Ella couldn’t stop giggling when Tigger bounced by, and Bill kept counting all the honey pots. Jake and Annie were into it too, but somehow Henry was having more fun than I ever imagined. It felt like we were all kids again for a little while.
Grabbing a Bite at the Hungry Bear Restaurant
After our sweet ride with Pooh, our stomachs started to rumble. We headed over to the Hungry Bear Restaurant for some much-needed food. Henry ordered his usual cheeseburger. I went for the fried green tomato sandwich—yes, I know, a little Southern twist at Disneyland! The kids chose chicken tenders and a few sides. We even shared a plate of crispy onion rings. Sitting there by the river, watching boats go by and just chatting about our favorite parts of the day, felt pretty awesome. Sometimes, it’s the simple moments that make a day special.
Paddling with Davy Crockett’s Canoes
With full bellies and happy hearts, we decided to try out Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes. We all got our life vests on, and after a quick lesson, we hopped in a canoe. Bill and Ella’s paddling turned into a splash-fest almost immediately, while Jake took his role as the self-appointed navigator very seriously. Annie kept snapping pictures of our not-so-synchronized strokes, and Henry even cracked a few dad jokes about being a “wild river guide.” It was a fun, silly moment that had us laughing the whole time. The gentle paddling around the river was a nice change from the high-speed rides earlier.
Souvenir Hunt at Pooh Corner
No trip to Disneyland is complete without some cool souvenirs, right? Before we left Bayou Country, we wandered over to Pooh Corner. The shop was full of adorable Bayou-themed items. Annie picked up a cute woodland backpack, Jake grabbed a retro T-shirt that screamed “Bayou Country,” and Bill and Ella both ended up with Bayou plushies they absolutely adored. Henry and I even found a jar of honey that looked too good to pass up—a sweet reminder of our day.
Back to the Hotel, Disney-Style
After wrapping up our adventures in Bayou Country, we headed back to our hotel. And trust me, the hotel was like a mini Disneyland on its own. The lobby had subtle Disney touches that kept the magic alive even off the park grounds. We settled in and then hit up the hotel restaurant for a relaxed dinner. Henry ordered his go-to meal, while the kids dug into Mickey-shaped waffles (a total win for everyone). Henry ended up glued to his phone for a while later and I had to wake up to remind him about family time. I am serious about this. You have to get some digital detox while you are on a trip with family right?
Wrapping Up a Perfect Day
The day had been just perfect—mixing a little bit of adventure with plenty of chill time. We covered 4 spots and were less drained in comparison to yesterday. The thing about Disneyland is that your trip keeps getting better every day. I am saying this from my own experience. So, don’t be in a rush and take your time to relax while exploring. Eat a lot and stay hydrated. These are some tips to stay energized and catch up with your kids. You don’t want to be called old by them right? As I went to bed I was already preparing myself for day 3 of our journey through Disneyland.