10 Playhouse Disney shows that will bring out your inner child

The year was 1998, a much simpler time. With great story lines, and memorable theme songs, the shows on Playhouse Disney played a big part in many of our childhoods. From a trio of otters named after a popular sandwich, to a geometric-friendly robot, the morning line-up was never a disappointment. I considered the characters in these shows heroes, teachers, and friends.

So whether you were the babysitter, or the one being babysat, let us go down memory lane and remember the shows that came before today’s Disney Junior. Here are the top ten most memorable Playhouse Disney programs. (Please feel free to sing along to these classic theme songs. You know you want to)

10) JoJo’s Circus

JoJo Tickles was one of the very few clowns that actually put a smile on children’s faces. With her pet lion, Goliath, and her aspiring circus performer friends, JoJo solved daily challenges in Circus Town. She included the viewer to help her throughout every episode, and always sung the lessons that were learned.

What makes it so memorable? Not only was a different song sung every episode, but how cute were the names of the characters on the show; JoJo Tickles, Goliath the Lion, Skeebo Seltzer, Croaky Frogini, Trina Tightrope. A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E.

9) The Koala Brothers 

Claymation took a turn to the Australian Outback. Two koala brothers, Frank and Buster, always lent a helping hand to their neighbors. This dynamic duo flew in their yellow airplane looking for anyone in need in their sleepy town.

What makes it so memorable? Hello! Australian accent. Need I say more?

 8) The Doodlebops 

Every kid wanted to rock out with these three siblings. Deedee, Rooney, and Moe Doodle were the Rolling Stones of Playhouse Disney. With music, dancing, and skits, children were not only able to learn about social lessons, but also got to listen and dance to some very catchy tunes.

What makes it so memorable? One of the best songs that I have ever heard in my life, “Get on the Bus.” Not only does this song get stuck in your head, the rapping skills of Bus Driver Bob is on fleek.

7) The Book of Pooh 

Here is a Disney classic turned puppet, and what child doesn’t like puppets? This show was basically The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh 2.O. The puppet form of these characters revamped the Hundred Acre Woods.

What makes it so memorable? Well, Winnie the Pooh and his friends are, and will always be, timeless. As puppets they made you want to give them a hug and have them as your plush toy. Christopher Robin was such a lucky kid.

6) Stanley 

Do you remember the Great Big Book of Everything? Well, if you do not recall this awesome book, then let me refresh your noggin. The protagonist of the series, Stanley, would always refer to this zoology book to understand a situation. He would use his knowledge about animals to respond to the actions of the people around him.

What makes it so memorable? Beside the catchy theme song, homeboy can talk to animals. Today, he would probably be working at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

5) The Wiggles 

 If the Doodlebops were the Rolling Stones of Playhouse Disney, then the Wiggles were definitely the Beatles. These four Aussies took sing-a-longs to the next level. There was Wiggles mania when they were showcased on Playhouse Disney. Yellow, blue, red, and purple shirts were never so popular until these men came into our lives.

What makes it so memorable? It took me a good half hour to decide which hit song of theirs to feature in this article. That is telling you something.

4) Rolie Polie Olie 

At Playhouse Disney shapes took the form of a robot world with characters who everybody remembers and loved. Rolie Polie Olie featured awesome robots like Olie, Zowie, Billy, and we cannot forget the best character of the bunch, Spot! Right when you heard the opening line, “Way up high in the Rolie Polie sky. Is a really round planet of a really nice guy,” you ran to your television and plastered your eyes to the screen for half an hour.

What makes it so memorable? This was a world full of robots with futuristic gadgets! The moving furniture with faces was also a plus.

3) PB&J Otter  

The classic childhood sandwich came in the form of three little otters. Who didn’t want to live on a boathouse and slide down to a stack of fish shaped pancakes? This critter community was one that kids wanted to join in.

What makes it so memorable? Two words: Noodle. Dance.

2) Out of the Box 

Tony and Vivian were the best hosts of the most exclusive club for kids – well, clubhouse to be more exact. Despite many tries of building my own clubhouse out of cardboard boxes as a child, I never was able to build one like Out of the Box. Luckily, I was able to tune in on Saturday mornings to watch lucky kids do crafts, play games, sing, and hear stories.

What makes it so memorable? You saw actual kids like you on television. The outro song with Tony and Vivian was the best part of every show. The hand clap at the end took a while to master.

 1) Bear in the Big Blue House 

The Moon, the Bear, and the Big Blue House. Produced by the Jim Henson Company, this house full of memorable puppets always put a smile on a child’s face. This was the house that you wanted to room and board in as a kid.

What makes it so memorable? The soulful vocals of Luna the Moon. Every episode was never complete without singing the “Goodbye Song.”

The road down nostalgia has now come to an end, my dear reader. I can unquestionably say that I remember a majority of these theme songs, and have no shame in belting them aloud. I hope you enjoyed looking back at some childhood favorites. So to end on a good note (literally), “So long! Farewell! To you my friends! Goodbye! For now, until we meet ahhhgaaaaaain!”

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What’s your favorite Disney Playhouse show? What are some of your favorite songs from Playhouse Disney? Share them with us in the comments!