New Muppet*Vision Sam Eagle Drinkware!

Even though Disney announced Muppet*Vision is closing, they also just released new Sam Eagle drinkware inspired by the attraction. 

There is a Stanley-style medal tumbler featuring an illustration of Sam above his classic line in the film “A salute to all nations, but mostly America.”

There's also a mug with the same art work. 

You can find both at the Celebrity 5&10 store inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios. 

Thanks to wdwnt.com for the photos. 

Best and Worst of 2024!

As we begin 2025, let's take a look back at some of the best of worst things to happen last year (in no particular order).

BEST: Muppets Studio Celebrates The Muppets 70th Anniversary

From the eclectic mix of characters getting a weekly spotlight (hello Mo Frackle and Baby Skeeter) to each character getting their own exclusive limited edition magnet and digital trading card, The Muppet 70 campaign kicked off what is sure to be an even bigger celebration next year.

FYI, if you're planning a trip to either US Disney Park you can find the magnets at:

Disneyland Resort:

• Star Trader – Tomorrowland, Disneyland
• Ramones House of Body Art – Cars Land, Disney California Adventure
• The Collectors Warehouse – Avengers Campus, Disney California Adventure

Walt Disney World Resort:

• Tomorrowland Launch Depot – Tomorrowland, Magic Kingdom
• Marketplace Co-Op – Disney Springs
  
  

BEST: Jim Henson: Idea Man

It was great not only finally watch Ron Howard's long in development documentary, but see it win many Emmy awards as well. 

BEST: Frank Oz becomes a Disney Legend

If you're following along Disney is celebrating The Muppets 70th Anniversary, has a hit documentary about Jim Henson, crowns Frank Oz a Disney Legend, and THEN ....

WORST: Disney Announcing Muppet*Vision 3D Closing

Why Disney? WHY? This announcement, especially coming just as the Muppets 70th anniversary kicks in and The Muppet Show celebrating it's 50th anniversary in 2026, make no sense. Having The Muppets take over Rock N Coaster adds insult to injury as most of that ride is in the dark most likely won't feature any animatronic characters. 

Oh, and the fact that it's not just Muppet*Vision, but the entire Muppets Courtyard Grand Ave area - consisting of Muppet*Vision, PizzeRizzo, The Muppet-ized Stage 1 Company Store, Gonzo's Royal Flush restrooms, and the Muppet fountain is a travesty and easily makes this the worst and most frustrating news of 2024. 

BEST: The Muppets Mayhem, Sesame Street, and Helpsters won Kidscreen Awards

Even after being unceremoniously cancelled by Disney Plus, The Muppets Mayhem was still winning awards.

BEST: The Muppets Take The Mahoning #2

I headed back to the Mahoning Drive-In for an another unforgettable night of nostalgia, laughter, and pure Muppet magic when The Muppets, once again, Took The Mahoning.

BEST: MOMI Celebrating Jim Henson's Birthday

The Museum of the Moving Image in Queens hosted a day full of events to celebrate what would have been Jim Henson's 88th birthday. Heather Henson and ToughPigs' Joe Hennes hosted a walking tour through New York City. Karen Falk discussed the reprinting of her book, "Jim Henson’s Imagination Illustrated" along with a special screening of rare clips by Craig Shemin. Craig also asked us to coordinate the first ever "Swamp Meet" full of Henson art and collectibles. The event was spectacular and it was truly an honor to be a part of of. 

WORST: HBO not renewing their deal with Sesame Workshop

We don't yet know the full effect of Warner Bros. Discovery decision to not produce new episodes of Sesame Street, but it still stinks like Oscar's left out garbage.

BEST: Reuniting the Muppet Family

In a surprise video celebrating Jim Henson's birthday, all three Muppet families (Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, and The Muppet Show) appeared "together again" for the first time on screen since The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson in 1990!

BEST: MOMI's Frank Oz Retrospective

The Museum of the Moving Image hosted a series of screenings featuring the work of Frank Oz, many with Frank in attendance.

BEST: More Fraggle Rock!

The second season of Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock premiered, John Tartaglia was hired as Fraggle Rock's Creative Supervisor, and the touring production "Fraggle Rock Live"! was announced. 

WORST: Owners of the Muppet History fan account outed as a serial sexual harasser.

When one of the biggest fan accounts "dedicated to the spirit of Jim Henson" is sending unsolicited pictures of their junk and other harassing messages to fellow fans - over a long period of time - seems hypocritical. The fact that they deleted their apology and seem poised to start up their social media accounts again is troubling at best. 

BEST: The Muppet Fandom. 

This year the Muppet fans really came together in so many ways. MOMI hosted many Henson events culminating in the already mentioned Henson birthday celebration, The Muppets Take Mahoning was bigger then ever, and we also showed that we stand up for each other in the wake of scandal and victimization. 

BEST: It was another great year for Henson-related merchandise.

 

A few standouts include the Fraggle Rock: Back to The Rock plush, action figures - and in this age of less physical media - the first season on Bluray!, Muppet GikiTikis, Keychains, a Run Disney Race featuring the Swedish Chef, Sesame Sesame ReAction Figures, and the release of the long awaited Emmet Otter figures. 

2024 had it all, Great news, bad news, and everything in between for Henson fans. 

Here's hoping for more good news then bad for all us Muppet fans in 2025.

In Memoriam 2024

As we reflect on the end of the year, let's take a look back at some of the people in the Muppet community we lost this year. 

Lay's commercial Comedian, Richard Lewis

Follow That Bird's Joe Flaherty

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David Barrington Holt, Manager of Jim Henson’s Creature Shop

The Muppet Takes Manhattan's Martin Price, Murray Plotzky, Dabney Coleman

 Comedian, Bob Newhart

Sesame Street's first celebrity cameo, James Earl Jones

Muppet Show guest star Kris Kristofferson

The Muppet Show and Muppets Take Manhattan guest star, Linda Lavin

Below are few more thanks to our friends at ToughPigs.com.

Muppet Show: Sex and Violence writer, Marshall Brickman

Sesame Street contributor and legendary musician, composer and producer Quincy Jones.

Fitness guru, (since the cretaceous period) Richard Simmons

Sesame Street Teri Garr

Muppet Magazine guest Shelley Duvall

 Sesame Street guest Phil Donahue

The Muppets (2011) guest and Susan’s father on Sesame Street, Bill Cobbs

The Muppet Movie Producer, Martin Starger

Sesame Street writer Dan Wilcox

Disney Drive-On with the Muppets guest star Songwriter Richard M. Sherman

PBS News Hour's Robert MacNeil

Sesame Street guest, symphony conductor and music director Seiji Ozawa

We thank them all for their contributions to Henson productions. 

RIP Linda Lavin (1937-2024)

Sad news, Linda Lavin, the Tony-Winning Broadway Actor who appeared on both The Muppet Show and The Muppets Take Manhattan has died.

Lavin was best known for her Tony-winning performance in the 1986 play Broadway Bound and for her Emmy-nominated role in the 1976 sitcom Alice, based on the movie Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, which ran on CBS for nine seasons and 202 episodes.

She was a guest on the fourth season of The Muppet Show in which she helped plan Kermit's surprise party and later made a cameo appearance as Kermit's doctor in The Muppets Take Manhattan. 

Lavin died unexpectedly due to complications from recently discovered lung cancer. The news is particularly shocking as she was working on the upcoming Hulu series, Mid-Century Modern when she died. 

 

Linda Lavin was 87.

Muppet Stuff Video: All-Day Thrifting Adventure! Part 2: State Theater Vintage and Pick-ups!

In Part 2 of my all-day thrifting adventure! I’ll be checking out State Theater Vintage, a cool spot known for its eclectic mix of vintage clothing, records, and more. You won’t want to miss the finds.

To wrap it all up, I’ll be showing off my massive pick-up haul from the day—everything I snagged during my thrifting adventure, including some unbelievable finds from Toys for the Ages Expo and American Daydream Antiques! It's an action-packed day full of hidden treasures, so come along and join me on this thrifting journey! 

Be sure to watch Part 1 where I explore the Toys for the Ages Expo and American Daydream Antiques. Both a treasure trove of vintage toys and collectibles from different eras - this is a must-see for any toy enthusiast. 

Toys for the Ages Expo: https://www.toysfortheagesexpo.com/

American Daydream Antiques: https://toystoreguide.com/americanday

State Theater Antiques: https://www.facebook.com/statetheaterantiquemall

Be sure to check out more videos on our Youtube Channel.

Muppet Stuff Video: All-Day Thrifting Adventure! Part 1: Toys for the Ages and American Daydream Antiques!

Join me for an exciting All-Day Thrifting Adventure! 

I’m hitting up some amazing spots, starting with the Toys for the Ages Expo, where I’ll be exploring a treasure trove of vintage toys and collectibles from different eras. Whether you’re into nostalgic finds or rare gems, this is a must-see for any toy enthusiast. 

Next, I’m heading to American Daydream Antiques, a fantastic antique mall that’s brimming with vintage toys and collectibles. I can’t wait to show you the hidden gems throughout. 

 

But that’s not all—be sure to tune in for Part 2 of my adventure! (coming next week). I’ll be checking out State Theater Vintage, a cool spot known for its eclectic mix of vintage clothing, records, and more. Trust me, you won’t want to miss the finds I score here! And to wrap it all up, I’ll be showing off my massive pick-up haul from the day—everything I snagged during my thrifting adventure, including some unbelievable finds from all three locations! It's going to be an action-packed day full of hidden treasures, so come along and join me on this thrifting journey! 

Toys for the Ages Expo: https://www.toysfortheagesexpo.com/

American Daydream Antiques: https://toystoreguide.com/americanday

State Theater Antiques: https://www.facebook.com/statetheaterantiquemall

Be sure to check out more videos on our Youtube Channel.

Silver Buffalo Kermit & Miss Piggy Drinkware!

Silver Buffalo has a new collection of Muppet drinkware featuring Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy.

We shared an image of their Kermit mug last week that can be found at TJ Maxx locations.

Please not that we were only able to find ONE mug at ONE TJ Maxx location despite traveling to MANY TJ Maxx, Marshal's, and Home Goods locations (they're all owned by the same company.)

However, Silver Buffalo does have other mugs available online. 

Silver Buffalo Muppets Featuring Miss Piggy Glass Jar Tumbler with Bamboo Lid and Glass Straw, 16 Ounces:

Silver Buffalo The Muppets Miss Piggy Glitter Ceramic Camper Mug:

We've heard these stores may also carry a Kermit Christmas kitchen towel and Kermit dog outfit, though I have not seen these at any of the locations ai checked, so I can't confirm.
If you do see them send us a photo so we can let everyone know what to look for. 

We also found these two made on demand insulated tumblers online, not made made by Silver Buffalo.

Disney Muppets Kermit the Frog Retro ’90s Muppet Matching Stainless Steel Insulated Tumbler

Disney Muppets Miss Piggy Retro ’90s Muppet Matching Stainless Steel Insulated Tumbler

Both are available in black, grey, and white. 

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