September 19, 2013 – Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean Online Closes
“Dead men tell no tales, so I’m forced to let ye live.”
On September 19, 2013, the online multi-player game Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean officially closed. Launched in 2007, the game was based on the hit Pirates of the Caribbean film series, and players could create a pirate character to sail on adventures and explore pirate myths.
June 2, 2003 – Disney’s Toontown Online Officially Launches
“Ever wonder what it’d be like to live life as a toon?”
On June 2, 2003, the online community game Disney’s Toontown Online officially launched. The game was a multiplayer online role-playing game, and was developed by Disney’s Virtual Reality Studio, Schell Games, and Frogchildren Studios. Users could create their own toon avatar, and battle against antagonists called Cogs. There was also an early social media component to the game known as “SpeedChat,” with pre-approved phrases that users could use to chat with other users. The game was officially shut down on September 19, 2013.
May 21, 2008 – The Online Game Virtual Magic Kingdom Officially Shuts Down
On May 21, 2008, the online multiplayer game Virtual Magic Kingdom officially shut down its services. A joint project between Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and Sulake Corporation, the game was created as a promotional tool to celebrate 50 years of Disney theme parks. The beta version of the game opened on May 23, 2005. Guests could create their own avatar and walk around themed lands similar to those found in Disneyland and Walt Disney World and play a variety of mini-games, such as Jungle Cruise Photo Safari, and a Pirates of the Caribbean-themed game of Capture the Flag. Guests were also able to complete special quests and collect display badges, pins, and clothes for their avatar.
August 25, 2011 – Memberships for Disney’s Blast Online End
“The Number One Online Club for Kids”
On August 25, 2011, memberships for Disney’s interactive and educational forum Disney’s Blast Online officially ended. Introduced in 1997, it was originally known as Disney’s Daily Blast, featuring a variety of games and activities for families to enjoy, including Mickey’s Robot Roundup, Goofy Track and Field, and Pinocchio Puppet Theater. It was available as a subscription service, which provided users an ad-free, immersive experience. In 2007, it was renamed as Disney Game Kingdom Online.
July 24, 2009 – Stan Lee’s Time Jumper Motion Comic is Released
“‘Time Jumper’ is more than a typical superhero. He’s a trend-setting breakthrough across all media; a hero for today’s digital age and tomorrow’s multiplatform entertainment.” – Stan Lee
On July 24, 2009, the motion comic Stan Lee’s Time Jumper premiered online. A partnership between comic creator Stan Lee and Walt Disney Home Entertainment, the series follows secret agent Terry Dixon, who works for the government organization HUNT, while using a cell phone/time machine created by his father to search for his missing brother Sam. Each section of the comic was a five-minute episode, complete with music, voice acting, and fast-paced storyboarding.
March 24, 2014 – Disney Buys Maker Studios
“Mickey Mouse became a YouTube giant on Monday.”
On March 24, 2014, the Walt Disney Company announced that it had completed a deal to acquire the YouTube-based video supplier Maker Studios for $500 million. The acquisition deal also includes a stipulation that Disney would pay an additional $450 million if the aggressive growth targets are met. Disney’s acquisition was mainly about expanding its distribution and programming channels, as Maker manages over 50,000 YouTube channels, including Epic Rap Battles of History and PewDiePew. There were concerns over the acquisition, as analysts believe that Maker operates in the red due to its proceeds coming from ads across their channels. However, Disney will operate the studio under the financial area of the company until it is ready to serve the other business units.
December 3, 2013 – it’s a Small World: the animated series Premieres on Disney.com
On December 3, 2013, the animated series it’s a Small World: the animated series premiered on Disney.com. The series is derived from the attraction of the same name in the Disney theme parks, and included original songs by composer and Disney Legend Richard Sherman. The art style for the series was inspired by the original concept art and attraction design by artist Mary Blair. The series ran for eight episodes.
November 7, 2011 – Disney and YouTube Announce Partnership Deal
“…[we need to] bring Disney’s legacy of storytelling to a new generation of families and Disney enthusiasts on the platforms they prefer.” – Co-President of Disney Interactive, James A. Pitaro
On November 7, 2011, Disney and YouTube announced a new partnership to help both companies grow in electronic prominence. The $10-15 million dollar deal would feature Disney Interactive Media creating an original digital video series, with the first planned series being based on the popular app “Where’s My Water?” YouTube was looking for credibility with parents, while Disney was looking to boost web traffic and sales through their own website as well as the joint channel. YouTube also announced that their plan was to act as a neutral distributor and not move into the role of a production company.
December 1, 2010 – Disney Weddings Launches the Blog Ever After
“Inspiration can come from many different styles; just imagine hearing from wedding experts every week on the industry trends and tips.”
On December 1, 2010, the Disney Weddings line launched their official blog titled Ever After. The blog was announced with a special YouTube video, celebrating Disney Wedding’s platinum anniversary. The blog’s focus is on special key elements in creating a wedding either at a Disney location, or with Disney-inspired elements. Categories range from entertainment, inspiration boards, and to wedding ABC’s.
February 21, 1996 – Disney.com Goes Live
“The official home for all things Disney.”
On February 21, 1996, the first online offering from Disney, known as Disney.com, went live. The purpose of the site was to provide information pertaining to all things Disney, including past, present, and upcoming feature films, offerings from the assorted television channels, information about the theme parks, and showcases of Disney merchandise. Since the live date, the site has undergone several changes, including a major overhaul that was announced by CEO Bob Iger in 2007. A new service called Disney Xtreme Digital (Disney XD) was unveiled the same year, but was later de-emphasized and removed to become the name of a new Disney digital cable channel.
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