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Tag Archives: 2000s

January 8

January 8, 2007 – The New Disney.com Portal is Unveiled at the International Consumer Electronics Show

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“We are witnessing an explosion of media and Disney is both reaping the benefits of that explosion and acting as a catalyst by taking a technology-friendly approach.”

On January 8, 2007, President and CEO of the Walt Disney Company Bob Iger was on hand at the International Consumer Electronics Show, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, to present several new technological advancements for the company, including the new Disney.com portal. Among the advancements mentioned were the acquisition of Pixar in early2006, the hit ABC show Lost and its distinction as one of the first series offered on iTunes, ESPN’s updated media presentation for Monday Night Football, and virtual games including Pirates of the Caribbean Online.

January 2

January 2, 2005 – Finger Scans are Now Required for Entry into Walt Disney World

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On January 2, 2005, all guests entering any park within Walt Disney World were required to scan their fingerprints in order to limit access to those who have valid park tickets or passes. The scanner took a biometric reading of a guest’s fingers, capturing it so that all further readings will be matched to the first scan. The idea of fingerprint scanning was met with mixed reactions due to the sensitive nature of personally identifiable information, but it was discussed at the time of adoption that other parks, such as Universal Orlando and SeaWorld, were in the process of adopting the biometric scanning process for guest identification.

December 31

December 31, 2009 – Marvel Stockholders Approve Disney Acquisition Deal

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“We’re thrilled to welcome to the Disney family the talented team at Marvel.” – President and CEO of the Walt Disney Company Bob Iger

On December 31, 2009, a special meeting was held for the stockholders of Marvel Entertainment, Inc., where the planned merger with The Walt Disney Company was front and center for approval. With the approval of the shareholders, Marvel became a Disney-owned subsidiary, with Marvel shareholders receiving $30 a share along with a 0.7452 Disney share for each Marvel stock owned. The merger was completed the same day following the approval.

December 28

December 28, 2005 – NASCAR Driver Kyle Petty Announces Participation in Walt Disney World Marathon

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“This is the greatest marathon I’ve ever seen.”

On December 28, 2005, 26-year NASCAR driver Kyle Petty announced that he would be running in the Walt Disney World Marathon. With this announcement, Petty joined many celebrities that run the Walt Disney World Marathon for charity, as he ran for the Victory Junction Gang Camp charity. Petty’s association with Disney ties in with the Richard Petty Driving Experience at the Walt Disney World Speedway, named after his father, driver Richard Petty.

December 24

December 24, 2001 – Navidad Mágica Disney Premieres on Univision

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On December 24, 2001, the Spanish-language special Navidad Mágica Disney premiered on Univision. The hour-long special featured popular entertainers Bobby Pulido, Daniela Aedo, and Myra, performing from the four parks that make up Walt Disney World. Subsequent versions of this broadcast have been shown on Disney Channel in Spanish speaking countries.

December 14

December 14, 2001 – The Wine Country Trattoria Restaurant Opens in Disney’s California Adventure

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“Experience the Napa Valley’s passion for wine and fresh seasonal fare in an idyllic Mediterranean garden setting.”

On December 14, 2001, the fine-dining restaurant Wine Country Trattoria opened in the Golden Vine Winery area of Disney’s California Adventure. Replacing the Wine Country Market, the restaurant serves healthy Mediterranean cuisine, with each dish listed with an ideal wine pairing from a variety of 25 different wines. The restaurant also has a special World of Color Dining Package, where guests can have dinner and a reserved spot to view the World of Color evening show. Menu items include Aged Cheddar Risotto Bites, Broccolini Aglio Olio, and Wine Country Tiramisu.

December 8

December 8, 2005 – Disney Live! Winnie the Pooh Begins Limited Engagement in New York City

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“Chubby little cubby all stuffed with fluff.”

On December 8, 2005, a month-long holiday engagement of Disney Live! Winnie the Pooh kicked off in New York City’s Beacon Theatre. The show, produced by Feld Entertainment, takes audiences deep into the Hundred Acre Wood for an adventure with Winnie the Pooh and his friends, complete with classic songs from the hit animated features. The show featured several Broadway-caliber contributors, including director B T McNicholl, music director David Loud, and Tony-nominated costume designer Gregg Barnes. The 90-minute show ran until December 28.

November 29

November 29, 2005 – Kim Possible Renewed for Fourth Season

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“Call me, beep me, if you wanna reach me.”

On November 29, 2005, Disney announced that the popular animated Disney Channel Original Series Kim Possible would be renewed for a fourth season. At the time, Disney Channel tended to cancel series after 65 episodes, but a strong fandom base and its critical acclaim caused Disney to reconsider its decision; several shows since then have not adhered to the 65 episode rule. The fourth series premiered on February 10, 2007, and ran for 22 episodes.

November 16

November 16, 2006 – The Broadway Production of Mary Poppins Premieres at the New Amsterdam Theatre

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“I’m so practically perfect in every way.”

On November 16, 2006, the Broadway production of the hit stage musical Mary Poppins premiered at the Disney-owned New Amsterdam Theatre. Based on the hit Disney film of the same name and the books by P. L. Travers, the show was a joint production by Disney and Cameron Macintosh, and opened on the London stage on September 15, 2004. The Broadway production featured Ashley Brown as Mary, and Gavin Lee as Bert, reprising his role from the London production. The show would go on to be nominated for seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical for Gavin Lee; it would go on to win the Tony for Best Scenic Design. The musical had its last performance on March 3, 2013, after running for six years and 2,619 performances.

November 14

November 14, 2002 – Kermit the Frog is Honored with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

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“And now, as you may know, frogs aren’t usually very comfortable being so close to busy roads. It kind of gives us a run-down feeling. That’s a Fozzie Bear joke.”

On November 14, 2002, Jim Henson’s creation Kermit the Frog was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Kermit was given the walk’s 2,208th star, placed in front of the Kodak Theater. On hand for the ceremony was Jane Henson, David Arquette, Steve Whitmire, and president of the Jim Henson Company Charlie Rivkin. Honorary mayor of Hollywood Johnny Grant also proclaimed it as Kermit the Frog Day.