It was in 1961 that Winnie the Pooh joined the Disney family after a decades-long battle to acquire the rights to everyone’s favorite honey-loving bear from the A.A. Milne story Winnie-the-Pooh. It was later, in 1986, that National Winnie the Pooh Day was founded, to be celebrated on January 18th in observance of the author’s birthday.
As a beloved character for decades, Pooh and his pals have always been Walt Disney World staples, even if they’re sometimes hard to find. So, if you happen to be at WDW – specifically Magic Kingdom – on January 18th, here’s every way you can celebrate Pooh’s big day!
Ride The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
The once classic Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride was transformed into the Hundred Acre Wood in 1998 when the ride turned into The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. With a typically short wait time, this Fantasyland dark ride takes guests on a journey along with Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, and the rest of their friends as Pooh searches for some much-desired honey.
As you ride through the wood in a giant honey pot, you’ll encounter a bouncy Tigger, a sleepy Pooh Bear, and some unexpected Heffalumps and Woozles, all coming to life off of A.A. Milne’s book pages.
Shop at Hundred Acre Goods
After your many adventures, you’ll find yourself wandering Hundred Acre Goods, a themed gift shop located next to the ride. The store continues the book pages on the ceiling and walls and is the perfect place to grab yourself a souvenir for your day spent celebrating Pooh!
Eat at The Crystal Palace
When you’re craving a meal the way Pooh craves honey, head to The Crystal Palace, located just outside Adventureland. This sit-down restaurant is best enjoyed with a reservation and offers all-you-care-to-enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. While you eat, your table will be visited by Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore, who are partaking in their Friendship Day Celebration while you celebrate Pooh’s Day!
Meet Winnie the Pooh (And Tigger!)
Character meet and greets have seen a slow return to the parks since the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily took them away in 2020, but the little nook beside The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh known as The Thotful Spot has reopened with the chance for guests to meet Pooh and Tigger. Snagging a selfie and getting the bear of the hour’s autograph will be the perfect way to end your National Winnie the Pooh Day festivities!
The post 4 Ways to Celebrate National Winnie the Pooh Day at Walt Disney World first appeared on DIS.