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Tag Archives: 2010s

January 19

January 19, 2010 – Disney Announces New Destination Resort Aulani

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“The name Aulani, for you mainlanders, means ‘the place that speaks for the great ones’ or ‘the place that speaks with deep messages,’ and it reflects our company’s ongoing commitment to celebrating the great culture and traditions of these magnificent islands.”

On January 19, 2010, Disney announced the new family destination located on the Leeward Coast of O’ahu, officially named Aulani: a Disney Resort and Spa. Aulani, named from the Hawaiian word meaning “the place that speaks with deep messages,” was originally scheduled to have 360 hotels rooms and 481 two-bedroom villas reserved for the Disney Vacation Club, and had an original opening date of fall 2011. The resort would eventually be opened on August 29, 2011, with a grand opening ceremony held on September 23.

January 14

January 14, 2014 – The FastPass+ Service Rolls Out in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

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“Select, Reserve, Go!”

On January 14, 2014, the new FastPass+ service was rolled out in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park. This new service aims to streamline ride reservations for both on- and off-site guests, and eliminating the legacy FASTPASS services that created paper tickets. Guests could go to one of four FastPass+ kiosks (Pete’s Silly Sideshow, Diamond Horseshoe, Stitch’s Great Escape, and Mickey’s Philharmagic) and choose up to three experiences within the park. Magic Kingdom was the second park to implement the new FastPass+ program, with Animal Kingdom being the first after starting in January.

January 12

January 12, 2014 – Frozen Wins Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature

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“This is a first for Disney Animation, so we might have a toast tomorrow that might go all day.”

On January 12, 2014, the 71st Golden Globes were held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. Nominated for two awards, the Disney animated feature film Frozen walked away with the award for Best Animated Feature, beating out fellow nominees The Croods and Despicable Me 2. Directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee accepted the award on behalf of all those who worked on the film.

January 11

January 11, 2016 – President and CEO of Nike Mark G. Parker Joins Walt Disney Company Board of Directors

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“…Mark is widely recognized for driving the stellar growth of an industry-leading brand. His keen insight into consumers and his broad experience in international markets make him a great fit for the Disney Board.” Walt Disney Company President and CEO Bob Iger

On January 11, 2016, it was announced that President and CEO of Nike, Inc., Mark G, Parker, was elected to the Walt Disney Company Board of Directors. Parker began at Nike in 1979 as one of the company’s first footwear designers, and moved up the ranks to become the CEO and President in 2006. Parker is also renowned for expanding the growth of the company’s global business portfolio, along with leading the way in product design. His addition to the board brings the membership of the Disney Board of Directors to 12.

January 7

January 7, 2012 – The Quick-Service Restaurant Jolly Holiday Bakery Opens in Disneyland

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“Relax on the charming golden patio of this Mary Poppins-themed eatery with fresh baked goods, coffee and tea.”

On January 7, 2012, the quick-service restaurant Jolly Holiday Bakery opened in Disneyland’s Plaza Pavilion, after a soft opening on January 5. Taking its theme from the live-action Disney movie Mary Poppins, the restaurant features characters from the “Jolly Holiday” scene of the film, including stained glass windows of the penguin waiters. The restaurant offers several delectable baked goods, including seasonal cookies and the famous Matterhorn Macaroon. Lunch dishes are also served at the café after 10:30.

January 6

January 6, 2011 – Disney Publishing Worldwide Reports One Million App Downloads

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“Disney Publishing has reached an important milestone, with 1 million downloads for its Disney Book Apps globally on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.” – BookBusinessMag.com

On January 6, 2011, Disney Publishing Worldwide hit a major milestone when it was reported that they had reached one million downloads of their book apps the world over. Of the nine book apps made available on Apple products, they had all been in the Top 10 Paid Book Apps list since the iPad’s release in April 2010.

December 30

December 30, 2011 – Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund Gives $5000 to Appalachian Bear Rescue

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“We are grateful that the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund was able to help ABR care for the cubs orphaned due to the mass crop failure.” – ABR Board President Jack Burgin

On December 30, 2011, it was announced that the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund gave a $5000 grant to the Appalachian Bear Rescue (ABR). This grant was to help the ABR in its mission of assisting the feeding and care of orphan bear cubs within the organization. In 2011, due to a shortage of food supplies in the wild, ABR took in 33 orphaned black bear cubs; ABR will take care of these cubs until they are able to return to the wild.

December 23

December 23, 2015 – The Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival Premieres in Epcot

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“Join us in celebrating the rich imagination and innovation behind animated storytelling.”

On December 23, 2015, the Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival premiered in Epcot’s Magic Eye Theater. The short film festival gives a new 4D experience to three short films: Get a Horse, For the Birds, and La Luna. The theater used to host the likes of Captain EO and Magic Journeys.

December 18

December 18, 2015 – The Fireworks Show Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular Premieres at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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“Conclude your day in a galaxy far, far away with an all-new nighttime spectacular bursting with memorable Star Wars moments.”

On December 18, 2015, the Star Wars­-themed fireworks show Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular premiered at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. This show accompanies many changes made to the park with adding more Star Wars offerings, including the new Launch Bay and the updated attraction Star Tours. The show itself features the iconic music by John Williams, alongside lasers, pyrotechnics, and projection effects.

December 7

December 7, 2015 – Chairman and CEO Bob Iger Holds Ceremony to Dedicate Walt Disney’s Restored Office

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“We put this permanent exhibit together to serve as a source of inspiration to us, a reminder to have greater ambition, to take bold creative risks, to constantly innovate and push the limits of possibility, to relentlessly pursue perfection and to tell fantastic stories that touch people’s hearts. That was Walt Disney.” – Chairman and CEO Bob Iger

On December 7, 2015, Chairman and CEO of the Walt Disney Company Bob Iger held a special ceremony to dedicate the newly restored office of Walt Disney. The office was a painstaking project of the Disney Archivists, restoring it down to the tiniest details. Part of the office was originally seen at the One Man’s Dream attraction in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, while another part was shown at the Main Street Opera House in Disneyland; archivists were able to bring back the original furnishings, awards, and collection of miniatures that were featured decades ago. Also featured at the ceremony were Disney chief archivist emeritus Dave Smith, Disney Legend Richard Sherman, and Walt Disney’s granddaughters Joanna Miller, Jennifer Goff, and Michelle Lund.