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Tag Archives: 2000s

December 8

December 8, 2006 – MarketWatch Names Bob Iger as CEO of the Year

“This is a well-deserved honor for Bob, and indicative of the passion and perseverance he brings to all of him endeavors.” – Peggy Williams, President of Ithica College

On December 8, 2006, MarketWatch released a statement naming Walt Disney Company President and Chief Operating Officer Robert Iger as CEO of the Year. Iger was named thanks to his contributions to the innovation of the entertainment industry; MarketWatch looks at the track record of CEOs in terms of stock price, performance for customers, treatment of employees, and corporate-governance initiatives. One of the major initiatives that led to this honor for Iger was the careful negotiations for Disney to buy Pixar for $7 billion, extending an olive branch to the company that had suffered a fractured relationship with Disney for quite some time.

November 29

November 29, 2009 – Sleigh Rides are Offered at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

“…a fire-engine red sleigh with garland and holiday lights will take you through parts of the 700-acre backwoods resort.”

On November 29, 2009, the first sleigh rides were offered at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground at Walt Disney World. Part of the park’s holiday offerings, the sleigh ride began from the Blacksmith’s Shop in the Settlement area and took guests through the scenic woods for a 25-minute ride. The ride cost $60 per group, and has become a popular holiday tradition for the resort.

November 28

November 28, 2002 – The New Kermit the Frog Balloon Premieres at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

“Hi ho! Kermit the Frog here!”

On November 28, 2002, the 76th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was held in New York City. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Muppet Show, a new balloon featuring Kermit the Frog was unveiled; this marks the return of Kermit after a 12-year absence from the parade. This was two years before Disney would officially acquire the Muppets in a deal that originally began in 1989. For this parade, Kermit was also named as the official mascot.

November 19

November 19, 2007 – The Film Enchanted Has US Premiere at Ziegfeld Theater in New York City

Enchanted is in many ways an homage to classic Disney films, beginning as an animated tale then turns into a live-action musical.”

On November 19, 2007, the US premiere of the film Enchanted was held at the Ziegfeld Theater in New York City. The film had its world premiere in London, England on October 20; it would be generally released to theaters on November 21, 2007. Attending the premiere were the stars of the film, including Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, and Idina Menzel, as well as producer Barry Josephson, singer Carrie Underwood, and Disney CEO Bob Iger and wife Willow Bay.

November 17

November 17, 2002 – The Animated Feature Treasure Planet Premieres at the Cinerama Dome Theater

“Everyone should be able to relate to Jim. He’s somebody that can’t figure out these things that are special about him, he can’t figure out how to make it work for him, and I think everyone’s been in that position; I know I have.” – Joseph Gordon-Leavitt, voice of Jim Hawkins in Treasure Planet

On November 17, 2002, 43rd animated feature film Treasure Planet had its world premiere at the Cinerama Dome Theater in Hollywood, California. Those involved with the film attended the premiere, including directors/writers Ron Clements and John Musker, songwriter John Rzeznik, animators Glen Keane and John Ripa, and actors Joseph Gordon-Levitt and David Hyde Pierce. Other celebrities that attended the premiere included Melissa Joan Hart, Daveigh Chase, and John Ripa. The film would go on to be generally released November 27, and was released in regular and IMAX formats simultaneously.

November 16

November 16, 2003 – Toni Braxton Holds Final Performance in Aida

“So, I was taking a little bit of a risk, but I came here to New York and I say [Aida] and I was like: ‘Oh, God! It’s so beautiful! I’m so glad I said yes!’” – Toni Braxton

On November 16, 2003, R&B singer and songwriter Toni Braxton gave her final performance as the titular character in the Broadway musical Aida. This was the second time Braxton took the lead role in a Disney musical, with the first being a stint as Belle in Beauty and the Beast. Her engagement in the show began on June 30, and she was replaced by Destiny’s Child member Michelle Williams.

November 14

November 14, 2000 – The Disney Club Membership Program Launches

“Get special savings and exclusive offers when you join The Disney Club.”

On November 14, 2000, the Disney Club membership program officially launched. This club gave guests discounts on theme park tickets, merchandise, guided tours, and food and drink. This membership club replaced the long-running Magic Kingdom Club, which had been in operation since 1958. This incarnation of the club only lasted until December 31, 2003, when it was replaced by the Disney Visa Card.

November 12

November 12, 2006 – Disney Vault 28 has Grand Opening

“Picture a red-carpet grand opening of Orange County’s hippest new upscale boutique that offers funky, fashionable merchandise uniquely targeted to the fashion-savvy shopper who follows the current trends.”

On November 12, 2006, the boutique Disney Vault 28 had its red carpet grand opening in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District, although it had already been open since October 11. Several celebrities and designers were on hand for the celebration, including Nicole Richie, Josh Henderson, and Tim Salmon of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The store sold a variety of designer-brand clothing and accessories, many in collaboration with Disney; designers included Dooney & Bourke, Tarina Tarantino, and HARVEYS for Disney Couture. The store was officially closed on September 24, 2017.

November 9

November 9, 2001 – The Holiday Nighttime Show LuminAria Begins in Disney California Adventure

“Come on in and be a star in our holiday show.”

On November 9, 2001, the holiday-themed nighttime show LuminAria kicked off its run in Disney California Adventure. This was the first holiday celebration for the park. Guests could contribute to the show by drawing images of what the holiday means to them and providing them to a special reception area; these images were then broadcast on screens that were sent out on the water on giant gift boxes. The show also featured low level pyrotechnics accompanied by a variety of holiday music, such as “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” This was the only season for LuminAria, as it was never brought back to the park.

November 7

November 7, 2009 – Disney VoluntEARS Clean Up Brevard County

“Picking up trash on the beach is a simple action that people can take to really make a difference for wildlife and wild places.” – Jackie Ogden, Vice President of Animal Programs and Environmental Initiatives for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts

On November 7, 2009, approximately 400 Disney VoluntEARS headed out to the Brevard County coastline to clean up 1,080 pounds of trash across four miles. This volunteer project was a joint effort between Disney VoluntEARS, the Ocean Conservancy, Keep Brevard Beautiful, the United States Coast Guard, and the Canaveral Port Authority. This was the sixth year of Disney’s involvement with the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup; in this time, over 1,700 VoluntEARS have picked up around 26,000 pounds of trash around the Florida coastline.