Numero uno... They make hundreds of these things, there's not just one of every character, espescially the big guns like GelflingWaldo pointed out. I read somewhere that in MIS they made and used SEVEN Kermits! So seeing as there is an actual Creature Shop on the Disney World premises, there are probably a few of the real Muppet puppets there (
Location A).
Numero dos... dose? Ever read or see the book: "Jim Henson; The Works"? I used to think the puppets were elaborately displayed in bullet-proof glass cases with trip wire and lasers guarding them. But then I saw in said book, a picture of how they store the SS Muppets at their studio. They keep them loosley placed in (are you ready for this?) ... A FILING CABINET!!! There was Cookie, just hanging out of a filing cabinet drawer marked "Cookie Monster". Below him were some birds (puppet ones mind you) and a closed drawer that was marked "Vegetables". So, they are stored on location at the set of Sesame Street (
Location B).
Numero tres... Finally, the people at Henson are wonderful people, honestly. I went to their website (
www.henson.com) and found their contact info. I wrote and e-mailed them many times, saying "Love your work", "Keep up the legacy", "I have a suggestion", "What is Scooter" etc. etc. (okay, not the Scooter thing), and every time, they in some way, shape or form responded to me. Not always thorough answers and responses ("Thank you for the compliment", "We will always honor Jim's legacy", "Thank you for your suggestion, we'll consider it", "What the h*** do you mean 'what is Scooter?"), but a notable and kind effort. HOWEVER, I ask them about 'what's a guy gotta' do to get a real Muppet puppet'... no response (A guy can ask, can't he?) So what's the big secret? What magnificent mass of maniacal Muppet magic are men manifessting behind mosed moors, I mean; closed doors? I think the money pot is at the NY location on 627 Broadway (
Location C).
Let's roll