Beware of Gloating Wildlife

Could this be the most blunt sign in Disneyland? Once you've hiked all the way to Critter Country to see Splash Mountain, odds are good you're going to find yourself tired, hot and thinking of snacks. There aren't a lot of dining options in this remote cul-de-sac, and as you head up the ramp to the Hungry Bear Restaurant, the first thing you see is this smug little tree muncher rubbing your predicament in your face, as if envisioning his share of the profits.

I  like the concept of the animals finding ways to profit from human visitors. Disney should install related carvings throughout Critter Country; A troupe of opportunity-seizing entrepreneurial  critters could be a great way to tie the whole area together.

A Feral Cat Christmas (with Fish Heads & Crumbs)

The Hungry Bear Restaurant marks the farthest point of guest access along Disneyland's riverbank. From there on, it's pure Anaheim wilderness, full of mecha-moose, electric elk, and some for-real wildlife, such as the park's hidden feral cat colony, which we've visited before.

If you spot feral cats in the park in real life, it's best to leave the cute critters alone. In a comic strip world, however...well...Happy Holidays, and here's Fish Heads & Crumbs...

Disneyland's Mysterious Feral Cats (and Fish Heads & Crumbs)

They're elusive, they're quick, and they know a good home when they see it! They're the Feral Cats of Disneyland.

It's always a nice surprise to spot one of the park's uninvited-but-tolerated feline residents. The lower level of the Hungry Bear restaurant, near the river, is one of the more reliable places to see one of Figaro's wild relatives. Remember, though; look, don't touch. 'Cause, y'know, they're feral.

As it turns out, today's comic strip is -- for once -- in tune with the post. It's Feral Cat Day! 

Click to Enlarge

Time Machine: The Mark Twain Dressed for the 50th

We're hopping back to 2005 this time, just to sit at the Hungry Bear Restaurant and watch the Mark Twain chug by in its Fiftieth Birthday finery.

This picture was taken well into Disneyland's celebration year, and the bunting on the Twain's prow looks a bit rumpled, but that's all right.  It's still a beautiful, steam-powered marvel.