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Disney From The Twenty-Something: The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Caitlin CorselloLocated in the Magic Kingdom® Park’s Fantasyland®, there is one attraction which whisks guests into the pages of a classic tale alongside its beloved characters. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh allows guests the opportunity to leave the Magic Kingdom and enter into The Hundred Acre Woods alongside Winnie the Pooh and his friends on a rather blustery day.

Author A.A. Milne created some of the most cherished characters when he began writing stories about Winnie the Pooh and his friends. The concept was created by Milne for his son, named Christopher Robin. Milne used his son’s name for the boy in his stories who was able to enter into the world of The Hundred Acre Woods and enjoy the company of such friends as Owl, Rabbit, Kanga, and Roo. These stories became huge literary classics, and children all over the world have grown up with the characters.

It thus makes sense that in 1977 Disney released the animated film The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh which featured three Milne stories. Also featured in the film is the ever catchy song “Heffalumps and Woozles” which was written by the Sherman Brothers in the 1960s. The movie was such a hit that soon thoughts began forming about when an attraction in the Disney Parks would feature the honey loving bear. Finally in 1999, those thoughts were answered.

On June 4, 1999, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh opened in Walt Disney World®’s Magic Kingdom. While many guests were thrilled to see the arrival of Pooh, many mourned the attraction it replaced. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride had been thrilling guests since October 1, 1971- the park’s opening day. With almost a cult following, many guests were upset to see Mr. Toad go, but Imagineers were sure to leave some lasting tributes to him which we’ll touch on shortly.

Tokyo Disneyland® opened up its own version of the attraction titled Pooh’s Hunny Hunt on September 4, 2000, and it remains one of the most popular attractions in the park today. Shortly after, Disneyland® opened up a version of the attraction on April 11, 2003. This version replaced The Country Bear Jamboree– another guest favorite. Fortunately, Imagineers also made sure to leave a lasting tribute to the bears in the current attraction. As your Hunny Pot vehicle enters into the Heffalumps and Woozles scene look behind you for a glimpse at Buff, Max, and Melvin still hanging out up on the wall. Soon after another version of the ride was opened on September 12, 2005 in Hong Kong Disneyland®, and next up is the opening of the attraction in Shanghai Disneyland® in 2015.

Caitlin CorselloThe Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh has proven to be an immensely popular attraction with guests all over the world, and as soon as guests step into the queue, they can see why. An interactive queue was recently added and features all sorts of activities to keep guests- children and adults alike- entertained while waiting. As guests pass through Rabbit’s Garden, Piglet’s House, Eeyore’s Gloomy Place, and the Hunny Wall they can create music, unveil hidden pictures behind waterfalls of honey, and buzz along with some bees. Before they know it, guests are already at the loading platform and about to board their Hunny Pot ride vehicles.

The attraction is based upon Milne’s story “A Blustery Day in the Hundred Acre Woods,” and immediately guests are surrounded by pages of a storybook which is introducing them to the tale they are about to enter. The first scene depicts the blustery day and shows the characters trying not to get swept away by the wind. Be sure to look up to find Pooh himself enjoying the breeze while holding a balloon.

Next up is Owl’s House which is home to some of the Mr. Toad tributes I mentioned earlier. Right as you enter into Owl’s House, look to the left wall for a portrait of Mr. Toad handing the deed to the attraction over to Owl. Across on the right wall is also a portrait of the character Mole from Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. While these are two fantastic tributes to an extinct attraction, there is also another one found over at the Haunted Mansion®. Near the exit is a small pet cemetery featuring a statue of Mr. Toad himself in the back right corner. A little morbid? Sure. But then again, it is the Haunted Mansion®.

Following Owl’s House is a scene where guests actually get to bounce along with Tigger. The Hunny Pots are designed to make guests feel as though they are actually bouncing, and this scene features my favorite line from the entire attraction. Listen for Tigger to announce that he “almost bounced right out of the ride!”

Caitlin CorselloAs the bouncing comes to an end, guests see Pooh sleeping and suddenly entering a dream after Tigger’s warning of Heffalumps and Woozles. Soon guests find themselves surrounded by the honey stealing characters in a topsy-turvy room full of fun visuals and the classic Sherman Brothers’ song. Suddenly, there is a thunder clap, and the rain starts pouring as guests enter into a scene showing the residents of The Hundred Acre Woods trying not to float away in the flood. Here the Hunny Pot vehicle begins to feel as though it is actually floating along past the characters who are trying to save Piglet from going over a waterfall.

The rain then clears, and the final scene depicts the characters all celebrating the nicer weather with a party. A great photo opportunity happens right after the party scene where Pooh can be found emerging from the storybook pages as he finally gets to enjoy his beloved honey.

From bouncing with Tigger to a celebratory party, it is no wonder why guests come back to experience The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh over and over again. My favorite part of the attraction lies in the tributes to Mr. Toad, but there are so many great things to be seen and experienced. Just make sure you don’t bounce right out of the ride!

(Photos from the author’s personal collection.)

What is your favorite part of The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh? Do you enjoy the tributes to Mr. Toad? Be sure to let me know in the comments below, I would love to hear from you!

Caitlin Corsello was born and raised in New York. She graduated from Adelphi University with a Masters in Mental Health Counseling in 2012. Her love for Disney started as an infant and has continued to grow with family vacations to Disney parks almost every year since. She holds a particular interest in WDW’s parks and attractions, never passing up an opportunity to visit. She looks forward to continuing to explore and learn about all things Disney and to share that passion with readers.

 

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About Lou Mongello

Lou Mongello is a former attorney who left the practice to pursue his passion, and is now a recognized Disney expert, author, speaker, and host of WDW Radio. Learn more…

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