The Disney Look... to the past! (Feb. 12-18)

 Here you are this week's look into the DISNEY past:

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This Week in Disney History: Feb. 12-18

Feb. 15, 1950: Walt Disney Pictures releases "Cinderella"

Thirteen years after the international phenomenon of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," Walt Disney introduced another unlikely heroine as his second princess. Forced to tend to every whim of a wicked stepmother and two ungrateful stepsisters, Cinderella catches the attention of her Prince Charming with the help of singing birds, sewing mice and a timely assist from her Fairy Godmother. Although the fairy tale traces back to ancient Greece, 17th century French author Charles Perrault added classic touches like the pumpkin coach and glass slippers. Cinderella is the namesake of castles at two Disney theme parks, including the one at Tokyo Disneyland at Tokyo Disney Resort and Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Feb. 17, 2004: Disney announces the purchase of The Muppets

Jim Henson's first television show featured a cast of puppets including a green, not yet frog-like character named Kermit. After gaining flippers and his trademark collar, Kermit helmed the early seasons of Henson's "Sesame Street," then starred in the worldwide hit "The Muppet Show" which introduced the prima donna Miss Piggy, hopeless comedian Fozzie Bear and consummate weirdo Gonzo. After a lengthy partnership that included the theme park attraction Muppet*Vision 3D, Disney acquired The Muppets in 2004, and Kermit and the gang have stayed busy. Besides winning Webby Awards for the viral videos on their YouTube channel, they're hard at work with executive producer and co-writer Jason Segel on their new film "The Muppets," that will hit theatres this fall.

Also this week in Disney history:

Feb. 12

1958 - The steel hull of Disneyland Park's Sailing Ship Columbia is completed at a shipyard in Long Beach, Calif.

Feb. 13

1993 - Lumiere's Kitchen (formerly Gurgi's Munchies & Crunchies) opens at Magic Kingdom Park

2000 - Pin Trading officially is introduced at the Disneyland Resort

2004 - The Hollywood Tower Hotel marquee is lit for the first time on the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney California Adventure Park

Feb. 14

1997 - Walt Disney Pictures releases a remake of "That Darn Cat"

1998 - Ghiradelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop opens at Downtown Disney at the Walt Disney World Resort

2009 - The American Idol Experience opens at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Feb. 15

1899 - Lillian Bounds (Walt Disney's wife) is born

Feb. 16

1996 - Walt Disney Pictures releases "Muppet Treasure Island"

2000 - Disneyland Park kicks off its 45th anniversary celebration

Feb. 17

1995 - Walt Disney Pictures releases "Heavyweights"

1998 - Disney's Hollywood Studios hosts the ground breaking for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

Feb. 18

1960 - The Winter Olympics opening ceremony, produced by Walt Disney, is held in Squaw Valley, Calif.

2000 - The "45 Years of Magic" parade and "Believe … There's Magic in the Stars" fireworks show debut at Disneyland Park

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