Park News
Disney Theme Parks commemorated several major milestones this year – Walt Disney World Resort turned 40 and Disneyland Park marked 45 years of "it's a small world." Having made significant Imagineering contributions to the overall design and creation of "it's a small world," Mary Blair's timeless artwork was exhibited at the Disney Gallery on Main Street U.S.A., much to her devotees' delight. Plus, the year saw two attractions take center stage – an updated Star Tours (thrilling Jedi and Sith Lords alike), andAriel's Undersea Adventure, an innovative aquatic experience now residing at Paradise Pier in Disney California Adventure Park.
At the Movies
Disney films – with a plethora of unforgettable characters – were larger than life in 2011. Johnny Depp once again charmed audiences in "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" (costarring Penelope Cruz!), "Cars 2" revved up Lightning and Mater fans with an international tour-de-force, "Winnie the Pooh" welcomed us back to the Hundred Acre Wood (and warmed hearts), while Kermit, Miss Piggy, and all "The Muppets" capped off the year in a hilarious, fur-hits-the-fan movie adventure – their first in 12 years.
Vacation Hot Spots
Globetrotters were treated to world-class R & R with impeccable attention to detail. Disney's brand-new Aulani Resort and Spa charmed visitors with Hawaiian hospitality on the lush island of O'ahu, while Adventures by Disney added the Australian island of Tasmania as one of its premiere destinations. The Disney Dream's grandeur paid tribute to early 20th-century ocean liners, but created a 21st-century splash by being the first-ever cruise ship to tout an at-sea water coaster ride. What's up next? Plans for the Art of Animation Resort(opening in 2012) were recently revealed, as well as the March 31, 2012 date for the Disney Fantasy's maiden voyage – just when you thought vacations couldn't get any more impressive!
Television, Radio & Video Game Stars
On the small screen, Disney Junior debuted with new preschool shows like "3rd and Bird," "Small Potatoes," and "A Poem Is..." for the under-five set. Disney Channel introduced "Jessie," "Austin and Ally," and "Prank Stars," while Disney XD's "Video Ninja," "Kickin' It," Team Smithereen," and "Marvo the Wonder Chicken" wowed. Radio Disney celebrated the big 1-5, and crowned 13-year-old singer Shealeigh as this year's winner of the Next Big Thing new artist series.
Disney Universe enabled players to explore six legendary Disney and Disney·Pixar worlds as one of 45 characters in a multi-level action-adventure game for Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC platforms. Downloadable game Where's My Water? made its way onto iPhones, iPads, and other mobile devices, joined by on-the-go versions of Puffle Launch, Toy Story 3, and Split/Second.
Disney Online
All-new videos for "Taste of Disney" – an ongoing, original web series hosted by mother-daughter gourmands Pam Brandon and Katie Farmand – continue to garner rave reviews with tips and recipes from actual Disney Resort chefs. Potato-Wrapped Red Snapper anyone? Disney.com launched several blogs (Movie News,Music Alert, Disney Insider) to provide the latest from all corners of the Company. The new Disney InsiderTwitter feed updates followers with daily news, history, fun facts, and more, while exclusive Photo Galleries offer a glimpse into Disney Parks' and other live events.
Disney Royalty
Royal-watchers swarmed London's uber-posh Kensington Palace to welcome the flaxen-haired Rapunzel as Disney's 10th Princess at an amazing party October 2 – celebrities, European dignitaries, and little princesses-to-be joined the festivities.
Regarding Disney royalty of another degree, "The Lion King" celebrated 14 years on Broadway, while the second D23 Expo (the ultimate event for all things Disney!) hosted the 2011 Legends Ceremony, where this year's Disney Legends were honored.
Legends' inductees included five actresses, each of whom has lent her voice to a popular Disney Princess – Anika Noni Rose (Tiana), Paige O'Hara (Belle), Jodi Benson (Ariel), Linda Larkin (Jasmine), and Lea Salonga (Jasmine's singing voice) – former Walt Disney Productions' Chairman of the Board Ray Watson, former Chairman of Disney Consumer Products Barton "Bo" Boyd, real-estate developers Jack and Bonita Wrather, and TV personality Regis Philbin. Posthumous Legends awards were given to Muppets' creator Jim Henson and "Zorro" actor Guy Williams.
The year wouldn't be complete without mentioning the 110th anniversary of Walt Disney's birth on December 5. In memory of the man who started it all, let's end the year with his words. "When you're curious, you find lots of interesting things to do. And one thing it takes to accomplish something is courage." Here's to a courageous and inspirational 2012!Disney Crowd Calendar 2012
