| WORLDS OF WONDER got it's start due to the brainstorm of Ken Forsse and Neil Simmons from Alchemy II, a California based firm that specialized in the creation of large animated figures for stores and theme parks.Ken Forsse is known for his part in Disney's "Animagic" and "Abraham Lincoln" fame.The Alchemy II group had come up with a concept of making the animatronics in a smaller version,you guessed it Teddy Ruxpin.Forsse and his wife had come up with several stories for the talking toy to tell.
They had gotten together with ex-Atari vice president Donald D. Kingsborough ("Kingsborough") for his technical and marketing background to supervise development,who then bought the technology from Alchemy II.
In January 1985 Donald D. Kingsborough licensed Teddy Ruxpin.
In February 1985 WORLDS OF WONDER was founded by Mr. Kingsborough after raising $15 million dollars of investment capital from a Texas Heiress who loved the "talking bear" idea with it's caring,wholesome and most importantly non-violent approach.It was based in Fremont,California.
In September 1985 the release of Teddy Ruxpin which was an overnight sensation,hottest item for Christmas,and "1985 Toy Of The Year".
WOW couldn't keep up with the demand.It is rumored they went to some of their competition to help in keeping the store shelves stocked.WOW stock skyrocketed to unbelieveable highs.
Soon to follow Grubby via a connection cord would talk and animate with his very good friend.Mother Goose and Hector,and others were added to the "Talking" Toy line.
The Company was expanding their ideas and designs with such toys as Action Max a video gaming console,Jaminator a cartridge playing guitar,stuffed toys,water playing toys,Laser Tag their big seller in 1986.
In July 1987 WORLDS OF WONDER ,INC. laid off 55 employees.
In October 1987 66 additional employees are laid off.
In March 1988 Mr. Donald Kingsborough was forced to resign as chairman and CEO.His reported salary was $422,308 prior to his resignation.His severance included $200,000 plus $375,000 he lent the company.
In November 1988 WOW files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy after notification they were suffering multi-million dollar losses and would default on $80 million worth of newly-issued debt.Before a single interest payment was ever paid.There were 441 employees still remaining.
In 1991 WORLDS OF WONDER,INC. closed it's doors for good.Prior to this date designing and production had ceased. The sale of remaining production stock was being sold out of the branched warehouses.
Although WORLDS OF WONDER the Company is gone, their name and products are infamous and it should be noted that their Point Of Purchase Teddy Ruxpin and other animated Store Displays were a revolutionary marketing concept.Their short lived span produced many fun and exciting toys,but unfortunately many were never produced after their prototype stage.
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A Sea of Teddy Ruxpins being tested and packaged for shipping. |
Teddy Ruxpin head assembly and printed circuit boards being tested. |
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Here they are putting together Snoopy eye assemblies. |
Stephen Key,he was Manager of Design at Worlds Of Wonder.Notice the white Mother Goose form on the far right,it is his paper model prototype. | To Take A Visit To Stephen Key's Website
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