Winnie the Pooh turns 100: where to find Pooh and friends at Walt Disney World
Disney is marking 100 years of Winnie the Pooh with new merchandise and a guide to where the Hundred Acre Wood gang appears in its parks. At Walt Disney World that means a Fantasyland ride, a Fab 50 statue, meet and greets at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, and character meals at The Crystal Palace.
Winnie the Pooh turns 100 this year, and Disney is marking the centennial with new merchandise and a guide to where Pooh and his Hundred Acre Wood friends appear in its parks. At Walt Disney World, that runs from a Fantasyland dark ride at Magic Kingdom to a meet and greet in EPCOT's United Kingdom pavilion.
Key Details
- Occasion: 100 years of Winnie the Pooh
- Parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios, plus shops at Disney Springs
- Reservations: Recommended for the character buffet at The Crystal Palace
Pooh rides and photo spots at Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios
A classic dark ride, a golden statue and a new animation attraction put Pooh in front of guests without a reservation.
- The Many Adventures. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, a family dark ride in Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland, rolls through classic scenes and songs with Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore and Tigger.
- Fab 50 statue. A golden statue of Pooh and Piglet from the Disney Fab 50 Character Collection stands near The Crystal Palace on Main Street, U.S.A.
- Animation nods. The Magic of Disney Animation, now open at Disney's Hollywood Studios, includes select nods to Pooh and friends.
A.A. Milne's first Winnie-the-Pooh book came out in 1926, which is where the centennial count starts. The Magic Kingdom ride has been a Fantasyland fixture since 1999, when it replaced Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.
Where to meet Pooh and share a meal with him
Pooh greets guests in two parks and hosts a character buffet on Main Street, U.S.A.
- The Thotful Spot. Pooh and Tigger pose for photos and sign autographs at The Thotful Spot in Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland, at select times.
- EPCOT meet and greet. Pooh also meets guests in the United Kingdom pavilion in EPCOT's World Showcase.
- Character buffet. Pooh and friends join all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at The Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom.
- Greenhouse setting. The Crystal Palace is a greenhouse-inspired restaurant on Main Street, U.S.A., filled with light, topiaries and tropical palms.
Where to buy Winnie the Pooh merchandise at Walt Disney World
Pooh merchandise is sold in Fantasyland, in EPCOT's United Kingdom pavilion and at two large Disney Springs stores.
- Hundred Acre Goods. This Fantasyland shop at Magic Kingdom stocks all things Pooh and friends.
- The Toy Soldier. The United Kingdom pavilion shop at EPCOT carries Pooh accessories and merchandise.
- Disney Springs stores. World of Disney and Disney Ever After at Disney Springs carry select Pooh accessories and merchandise.
- Centennial range. New products celebrating Pooh's 100th include themed apparel, accessories, plush and collectibles, sold at select Disney parks.
Our take. Pooh fans can cover most of this in one Magic Kingdom morning: ride in Fantasyland, meet Pooh and Tigger at The Thotful Spot next door, browse Hundred Acre Goods, then finish with a booked meal at The Crystal Palace and a photo at the Fab 50 statue outside.