CoolmanJosh
12-07-2005, 11:21 AM
It's hard to believe it, but the eternally childlike Winnie the Pooh was created nearly 80 years ago. A.A. Milne's first stories of the honey-loving bear and his devoted friends were inspired by Milne's son, Christopher Robin Milne, and his collection of stuffed animals. Upon publication of the first Pooh book, "Winnie-the-Pooh," on October 14, 1926, the world took to the lovable teddy bear and several other books followed.
• Walt Disney was attracted to the Pooh stories and wanted to film them because he had read Milne's books to his own daughters, Sharon and Diane.
As a tribute to Pooh's 80 years of friendship and adventure, The Walt Disney Company has planned a series of events, promotions, and special-edition products throughout 2006 featuring the world's most beloved bear in his signature red shirt. Pooh's 80th kicked off with Pooh's stage debut at the "Pooh Live!" show on December 7 at the Beacon Theater in New York. Pooh fans can tune into Playhouse Disney and watch Pooh specials throughout the year, with a special Friendship Day tribute in August. Look out for the release of "Pooh's Grand Adventure: The Search for Christopher Robin," available for the first time on DVD on April 4. From January through March, Radio Disney's Playhouse Disney block will feature Pooh's Days Tuesdays, playing favorite Pooh tunes. Pooh fans can also hear the new Pooh song, "My Friend Pooh," from "Ralph's World" - the release date should be some time in spring 2006. And for those who would like to bring those 80th keepsakes home, Disney stores will be offering an exclusive plush, snowglobe, and gift with purchases starting in January.
All in all, it's an appropriately big bash for a bear who never forgets his friends and always manages to have fun.
From Disney Insider Information
Happy 80th Birthday Winnie
• Walt Disney was attracted to the Pooh stories and wanted to film them because he had read Milne's books to his own daughters, Sharon and Diane.
As a tribute to Pooh's 80 years of friendship and adventure, The Walt Disney Company has planned a series of events, promotions, and special-edition products throughout 2006 featuring the world's most beloved bear in his signature red shirt. Pooh's 80th kicked off with Pooh's stage debut at the "Pooh Live!" show on December 7 at the Beacon Theater in New York. Pooh fans can tune into Playhouse Disney and watch Pooh specials throughout the year, with a special Friendship Day tribute in August. Look out for the release of "Pooh's Grand Adventure: The Search for Christopher Robin," available for the first time on DVD on April 4. From January through March, Radio Disney's Playhouse Disney block will feature Pooh's Days Tuesdays, playing favorite Pooh tunes. Pooh fans can also hear the new Pooh song, "My Friend Pooh," from "Ralph's World" - the release date should be some time in spring 2006. And for those who would like to bring those 80th keepsakes home, Disney stores will be offering an exclusive plush, snowglobe, and gift with purchases starting in January.
All in all, it's an appropriately big bash for a bear who never forgets his friends and always manages to have fun.
From Disney Insider Information
Happy 80th Birthday Winnie