| WORLDS OF WONDER got it's start due to the brainstorm of Ken Forsse and Neal 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 Jan had come up with several stories for the talking toy to tell.
Mary Becker was a designer and everything else in between for the development of Teddy Ruxpin.
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.
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The infamous Gabby Bear was a "knockoff" made by one of the competitors used by WOW, they borrowed patterns and made this guy.Gabby was pulled from the shelves due to a lawsuit, but some were sold and then later sold in the overseas market.
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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 (California and Ohio).
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Other language tapes made Teddy Ruxpin an international hit German-Italian-Chinese-Japanese-French to name a few.
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MATTEL was the distibutor
for other language tapes and
international speaking WOW Toys.
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Although WORLDS OF WONDER the Company is gone, their name and products are famous 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 board being tested. |
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Here workers are putting
together Snoopy eye assemblies.
The Hong Kong and Korea factory was an all female workforce. |
Stephen Key Manager of Design at Worlds Of Wonder.
Notice the white Mother Goose form on the far right,it is his paper model prototype. |
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Teddy Ruxpins' being tested. |
Stephen Key and the "Hong Kong Team" designers of WOW toys.
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Here a Teddy Ruxpin is being packaged to be sent to Fremont, CA.Notice all the boxes of Teddy Rs' in the background.
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Stephen Key "We luv ya man" for all your hardwork and devotion, and of course great designs. |
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WOW had some serious packaging cost, here is a complete package of 6 Newton Gimmick small plastic figures.
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To Take A Visit To Stephen Key's Website
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