Briar Patch — Former Shop · History & Timeline

Former Shop · the memorial record

⚰ Permanently closed · Jan 22, 2023operated 32 years · 1991–2023

Also known as Brier Patch.

Replaced by Critter Co-Op →

This shop is gone, but its history stays documented — the full lifetime log is below.

Shop history

the lifetime record

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2024

◆ Most recent chapter

ChangedJun 30, 2024#

The space was rethemed and reopened as Critter Co-Op, the main walk-up gift shop for Tiana's Bayou Adventure — a reskin that kept the familiar Briar Patch layout under new Princess and the Frog theming.

Briar Patch→Critter Co-Op

Tiana's Bayou Adventure opened June 28, 2024; Critter Co-Op opened June 30, 2024. A separate smaller shop, Tiana's Bayou General, serves the ride exit.

Tracked byTheme Park Patch Notes
2023

RefurbishmentJan 22, 2023#

Ended definitively when Splash Mountain closed permanently for its Tiana's Bayou Adventure retheme; January 22, 2023 was the ride's final operating day, sealing the Briar Patch's roughly 30-year run.

The shop had already been dark since the March 2020 pandemic closure. Some outlets (Wikipedia, Inside the Magic) cite January 23, 2023 as the 'official closing date' — that was the first day closed; the last day guests could ride was January 22, 2023.

Tracked byTheme Park Patch Notes
2020

ChangedAug 2020#

Remained shuttered after Magic Kingdom's July 2020 pandemic reopening; the shop's windows were covered with black plastic and merchandise was consolidated to the nearby Splashdown Photos shop.

Tracked byTheme Park Patch Notes
1991

NewDec 16, 1991#

Opened as a large, elaborately themed gift shop at the exit of Splash Mountain in Frontierland, replacing the earlier, simpler 1986 'Brier Patch' craft store (which was removed). Its roof was twined with branches and vines with hanging lanterns casting a low glow.

D23 dates this store to Dec. 16, 1991; the Splash Mountain flume itself opened October 2, 1992. An earlier 'Brier Patch' selling wooden crafts and baskets had operated in Frontierland since 1986.

Tracked byTheme Park Patch Notes

Questions & answers

When did Briar Patch open?

Per the documented record, Briar Patch at Magic Kingdom opened on Dec 16, 1991.

When did Briar Patch last close for refurbishment?

The most recent closure/refurbishment documented for Briar Patch is dated Jan 22, 2023: Ended definitively when Splash Mountain closed permanently for its Tiana's Bayou Adventure retheme; January 22, 2023 was the ride's final operating day, sealing the Briar Patch's roughly 30-year run.

What changed recently on Briar Patch?

The latest documented change (documented Jun 30, 2024): The space was rethemed and reopened as Critter Co-Op, the main walk-up gift shop for Tiana's Bayou Adventure — a reskin that kept the familiar Briar Patch layout under new Princess and the Frog theming.

How many changes are on record for Briar Patch?

4 documented changes, dating back to 1991 — the fan-kept shop changelog nobody else keeps.

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