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Tag Archives: 2010s

January 16

January 16, 2011 – Toy Story 3 Wins Best Animated Feature Golden Globe

“Were you two even born when the first Toy Story came out?” – Director Lee Unkrich

On January 16, 2011, the 68th Golden Globes were held at the The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. Pixar’s 11th animated feature Toy Story 3 was the winner of the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature, winning against Illumination Entertainment’s Despicable Me, DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon, Sylvain Chomet’s The Illusionist, and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Tangled. Toy Story 3 would go on to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

January 12

January 12, 2016 – The Network Freeform Begins Broadcast

“Freeform is the inspired by the interconnection between content and audience, media and technology, interactive and linear, life stage and life style and the way Becomers interact with them all.”

On January 12, 2016, the reincarnation of ABC Family, now named Freeform, began broadcasting. This marked a change for the network as it tried to move away from the family audience to a target audience of ages 14 through 34. Programming includes series such as Grown-ish, Alone Together, and The Bold Type.

January 11

January 11, 2017 – The Iron Man Experience Opens in Hong Kong Disneyland

“One of the world’s greatest super heroes is among us.”

On January 11, 2017, the Marvel-themed attraction Iron Man Experience opened in Hong Kong Disneyland. The first Marvel-themed attraction to open in a Disney park, the experience gave guests the opportunity to explore the inventions of Tony Stark, along with a chance to meet Iron Man himself and play in the interactive game Become Iron Man. The area is split into four sections: Stark Expo, Take Flight with Iron Man Above Hong Kong, Heroic Encounter with Iron Man, and Become Iron Man at The Stark Expo. Guests are also able to shop for special Iron Man themed merchandise, as well as eat and drink Iron Man themed food and beverages, such as an Iron Man Waffle.

January 10

January 10, 2014 – Les Halles Boulangerie & Patisserie Opens in Epcot

“Sample delectable treats and tempting delicacies at this traditional French bakery – from soups and salads to fresh baguette sandwiches and pastries.”

On January 10, 2014, the new Les Halles Boulangerie & Patisserie opened in Ecpot’s France Pavilion. Previously known as Boulangerie Patisserie, the quick service restaurant serves a variety of French delicacies, ranging from sandwiches, to quiche, to pastries. The original pastry shop had needed an overhaul, as the French pastries had such a good reputation that there wasn’t enough room to accommodate all the guests.

January 9

January 9, 2013 – George Kalogridis is Announced as New Walt Disney World President

“Walt Disney World has a new president: George Kalogridis will take over the top job at the Florida resort on Feb. 1.”

On January 9, 2013, The Walt Disney Company announced that George Kalogridis would take over as the new president of Walt Disney World, starting February 1. Kalogridis had been running the Disneyland Resort previously, and was brought in to oversee the construction of the Avatar-themed land in the Animal Kingdom park, along with the upgrade of the MyMagic+ digital management service.

January 4

January 4, 2016 – The Musical Comedy Series Galavant Premieres on ABC

“Yay! He ruled in every way! A fairytale cliché! And people called him Galavant!”

On January 4, 2016, the musical comedy series Galavant premiered on ABC. Serving as the mid-season replacement for the series Once Upon a Time, the series followed the musical adventures of the knight Galavant as he seeks to reclaim his honor after his love Madalena jilts him for the evil King Richard. Aided by Princess Isabella, who wishes to reclaim her kingdom from Richard, and his squire Sid, Galavant journeys to the Kingdom of Valencia to take on the king. The series lasted for two seasons with 18 episodes, before it was cancelled in 2016. It starred Joshua Sasse as Galavant, Timothy Omundson as King Richard, Vinnie Jones as Gareth, Karen David as Princess Isabella, and Luke Youngblood as Sid. Music for the show was written by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater.

December 29

December 29, 2013 – Downton Abbey Actress Elizabeth McGovern Visits Walt Disney World

Downton at Disney?”

On December 29, 2013, Walt Disney World caught Downton Abbey fever when actress Elizabeth McGovern, who plays Cora Crawley, visited the parks. McGovern notably visited Epcot and took a photo with several cast members from the United Kingdom Pavilion, spoofing the iconic cast photo in front of Highclere Castle, with the pavilion’s landscape subbing for the castle. On hand for the photo was Goofy, dressed in top hat and tails, while McGovern posed in a casual outfit.

December 21

December 21, 2012 – The Walt Disney Company Completes Acquisition of Lucasfilm

“We’re thrilled to welcome Lucasfilm to the Disney family.” – President and CEO Bob Iger

On December 21, 2012, the Walt Disney Company announced that they had completed the acquisition deal of Lucasfilm. In the terms of this agreement, Disney now owns certain Lucasfilm assets, including the Star Wars franchise, Lucasfilm Ltd. LLC, LucasArts, Industrial Light & Magic, and Skywalker Sound. This whole merger had a value of over $4 billion.

December 19

December 19, 2012 – Splitsville Luxury Lanes Opens in Downtown Disney

“Enjoy an upscale new spin on a classic American pastime at this modern take on a bowling alley.”

On December 19, 2012, the bowling alley Splitsville Luxury Lanes opened in Downtown Disney, on the West Side. Now a part of Disney Springs, this two-story deluxe bowling alley includes 30 bowling lanes, five bars, and a restaurant that features a variety of upscale dishes, including sushi and filet sliders, designed by celebrity chef Tim Cushman. Splitsville also features live music and dancing, along with billiards. It replaced the former Ridemakerz area of the Virgin Megastore.

December 16

December 16, 2015 – The Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen Opens in Walt Disney World

“Hungry for adventure? Savor the tropical cuisine of this exotic outpost.”

On December 16, 2015, the restaurant Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen opened in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. Replacing the Adventureland Veranda, this restaurant brings the punny humor of the Jungle Cruise to dining, including small details to bring the feel of the attraction to every room. The cuisine features flavors from Asia, South America, and Africa, featuring dishes such as shiriki noodle salad; “A Lot at Steak” salad; and Kungaloosh!, and African-inspired dessert cake.