Throwback Thursday: 10th Anniversary of Disney Buying the Muppets

This week, Feburary 17 to be exact, marked the 10th Anniversary of Disney officially buying The Muppets and Bear in the Big Blue House from The Jim Henson Company. The deal was nearly 15 years in the making after the original deal in 1990 fell through following Jim Henson's passing. 

This image, featuring Kermit and Miss Piggy among a plethora of Disney/ PIXAR characters, was used on the cover of Disney's 2004 Annual Report which also celebrated Disneyland's 50th Anniversary. 

The acquisition of The Muppets would mark the first of many franchises purchased by Disney that would continue two years later with PIXAR, followed by Marvel in 2009, and LucasFilm in 2012. 

 Check out the original press release here.

 Then see how various news outlets covered it like the New York Times, USA Today, LA Times, The Guardian, and  Forbes. 


 What has been your favorite thing The Muppets have done as part of the Disney family?

Disney Store: The Muppets Stationery Kit

And how should you compose your postcards and journal entries? By using this new Muppet stationary kit from the Disney Store of course!

The set Includes 12 markers, 12 colored pencils, ballpoint pen, Bunsen Honeydew eraser, Kermit pencil sharpener, Miss Piggy ruler, scissors, Statler and Waldorf glue stick, and a 30 sheet notepad featuring The Electric Mayhem!  All in one resealable case!

These are available now at Disney Stores and online here.

Disney Store: Muppets Journal

While your sending out postcards, you could document your trip in this new hardcover
journal from the Disney Store. 

It has over 150 pages and a satin bookmark with the new Muppet "M" logo to keep your
place.

  
It available at Disney Stores and online here.

Disney Store: Muppets Tour the Globe Postcard Set

Happy President's Day. Whether you're taking a day trip of a full blown vacation, consider sending a loved one a postcard, like this Muppets Tour The Globe postcard set. 

Here's a closer look at the postcards themselves. They use the same images as the pin set, but you can see much more of the details.

They're available now at Disney Stores and online here.

John Henson (1965 - 2014)

Sad news to report as John Henson has passed away after a "sudden massive heart attack" yesterday. He was 48. 

You can read more about John and the big shoes he filled over at the Muppet Wiki.

Our friends at Tough Pigs also have a great write up. 

Most Wanted Subway ad

Remeber how we reported that the Muppets would be featured as part of Subway's Kids meal? Well, now there's an ad for that!

Happy Valentine's Day!

And what better way show some Muppet love then with two new Muppet videos! 

First, Click here for a Happy Valentine's Day from Muppets Most Wanted!

Then, see the love triangle formed below in the upcoming movie!