Winnie the Pooh has a long history at Disney, starting with The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh animated feature in 1977. But while the lovable bear had his fans, he didn’t make it into Disneyland’s redesigned Fantasyland in 1983 or Mickey’s Toontown in 1993.
Interestingly, Imagineers once planned a “spinnable” honey pot ride, which later inspired elements of Roger Rabbit’s Cartoon Spin. But it wasn’t until Pooh’s popularity soared in the late ’90s—thanks to The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh TV series—that he finally got a proper attraction.
Magic Kingdom’s Version Comes First
Walt Disney World’s version of The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh opened in June 1999 in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland. It replaced the fan-favorite Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. A tribute remains in the ride—a framed photo of Mr. Toad handing over the deed to Owl.
Set in the Hundred Acre Wood, this version features floating scenes through Heffalumps and Woozles, Tigger bouncing, and a windy-day rescue—all inside a honeypot ride vehicle.
Disneyland Gets Its Pooh in Critter Country
Disneyland finally welcomed The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh in 2003. It moved into Critter Country, the former home of Country Bear Jamboree. Max, Buff, and Melvin—the animatronic moose, buffalo, and deer—still hang out inside the ride as a hidden Easter egg. You’ll spot them behind you during one of the final scenes.
This version has a different layout, and while many scenes are similar, sharp-eyed fans will spot differences in pacing, music timing, and even visual effects.
Ride Swap: Mr. Toad vs Country Bears
Here’s a fun twist: The Florida version of the ride replaced Mr. Toad, which you can still enjoy at Disneyland. Meanwhile, the California version replaced Country Bear Jamboree, which is alive and well in Florida. Full circle, right?
Side-by-Side Comparison Ride
This episode of SamsDisneyDiary features a full side-by-side video ride-through of both attractions. Which version do you prefer—Walt Disney World or Disneyland? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let us know what hidden details you spot!
Thanks for watching and following along—there’s always more Disney history to discover.
Disneyland Fantasyland vs Walt Disney World. California Screamin, History of the Country Bears
