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Hello everyone,
Note: Some of you may wonder why I am posting this on the Character Central blog. Well, actually we pride ourselves in being the definitive source for all theme park characters around the world. Our database here at Character Central includes characters from the Universal theme parks, Hershey Park and Alton Towers, amongst others. It just so happens that most of our travels take us to the Disney Parks, and that tends to be where most of the characters we meet appear. Our name isn't Disney Character Central, it is Character Central. So with that taken care of let's get down to the subject at hand!
As you may be aware by now, my most favourite characters of all time and my childhood heroes are the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. First appearing in their comic book debut in May 1984 (they were previewed at comic book convention in New Hampshire on 5th May, to be precise!), the TMNT have gone on to become one of the most successful brands of all time. As well as the original, long running comic, they have spanned three separate animated TV series (1987-1996, 2003-2009 and 2012-present), a live action series (1997-1998), four live action films (1990, 1991, 1993 and 2014), two animated films (2007 and 2009), endless merchandise and further comic book series taking the TMNT to new and exciting heights.
In the early 1990's the Disney-MGM Studios (now Disney's Hollywood Studios - which celebrated its 25th anniversary yesterday) featured a show starring the TMNT and their friend April O'Neil (see, there was a Disney link here!), something which I would have given a limb to see as a kid! A while ago I found a book at work which had some photos of the old show, which I took some photos of on my old phone. Sadly, I no longer have access to the book, and the images aren't the greatest quality, but I thought I would share anyway.
When Nickelodeon bought the TMNT in 2009 they revitalised the brand and in 2012 launched the third incarnation of the Turtles in the new and current series seen on their network. One of the best things that Nickelodeon did was to launch the TMNT as characters at their Nickelodeon Suites Resort in Orlando, Florida. Jon and I have been there and attended the special meal held by the TMNT, and it was one of the most exciting moments of my life - coming face to face with my heroes! You can read all about our wonderful experience at the Nick Suites, here. Some of my most favourite photos from that trip are below.
Last year the TMNT started appearing at other locations around the world, including a theme park in Germany, the Mall of America in Minnesota, and various theme park locations across the UK. In November last year they made an appearance at a local toy store, and I of course just had to be there!
This year the Nickelodeon series will enter its third season, and with no sign of slowing down - especially with a new movie on the way - we have a lot to look forward to with the TMNT.
Happy 30th Anniversary to the Heroes in a Half Shell, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
Dan.
Why not visit our dedicated pages for each individual Turtles here at Character Central!
Donatello
Michelangelo
Leonardo
Raphael
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