The Disney Look... to the Past! (January 20-26)

It is once again Monday, and this means that you will be able to read a new edition of our special feature: "The Disney Look... to the Past!" Enjoy:
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This Week in Disney History: January 20-26

Jan. 24, 2006 ― Disney announces the acquisition of Pixar Animation Studios

From humble origins as a minor computer division of Lucasfilm, Pixar grew into the world’s premier computer animation studio, producing a string of critically acclaimed box office smashes entwining astonishing visuals and creative, engaging storytelling. But after a distribution arrangement between Disney and Pixar lapsed, leaving future relations in question, Disney CEO Bob Iger permanently fused the two animation giants in a $7.4 billion all-stock deal. After the acquisition, Disney•Pixar released “Cars,” “Ratatouille” and “Wall-E” — all Academy Award nominees or winners for Best Animated Feature. “Up” and “Toy Story 3” notched additional wins in this category and entered exclusive company with “Beauty and the Beast” as the only animated films to earn Oscar nominations for Best Picture.

Jan. 20, 2006 ― “High School Musical” premieres on Disney Channel

It was the start of something new: an unexpected New Year’s Eve karaoke jam between Troy, a varsity basketball captain (Zac Efron), and Gabriella, a shy star student (Vanessa Hudgens), was just what both had been looking for. When word spreads around East High School that they auditioned for the winter musical, some fellow Wildcats want them to keep their heads in their respective games, and manipulative drama club president Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale) is determined to make both stick to the status quo. Though circumstances conspire against them, Troy and Gabriella bop to the top roles, reminding everyone at school that they’re all in this together. Alright, maybe you didn’t get the geeky song references, but your 11-year-old would. “High School Musical” became a Disney Channel sensation and kicked off a film trilogy that captivated the globe with the exploits of the Wildcats. The soundtrack was the best-selling album of 2006 in the United States, with more than 4 million copies purchased to date.

Also this week in Disney history:

Jan. 20
1950 ― “Lion Around” (Donald Duck cartoon short) debuts

Jan. 21
1933 ― “The Mad Doctor” (Mickey Mouse cartoon short) debuts
1955 ―Wrather-Alvarez Hotels, Inc. announces the construction of the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, Calif.
1960 ― “Gala Day at Disneyland” (documentary featurette) debuts
1977 ― Walt Disney Pictures releases “Freaky Friday”
1995 ― “Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable" debuts at The Land at Epcot
1998 ― Disney acquires the Wrather Corporation, owners of the Disneyland Hotel
1998 ― The original Disneyland parking lot closes
2011 ― The Disney Wonder arrives at the Port of Los Angeles, beginning a two-year stay on the West Coast

Jan. 22
1964 ― Walt Disney Pictures releases “The Misadventures of Merlin Jones”
2001 ― “The Book of Pooh” (television series) debuts on Disney Channel

Jan. 23
1948 ― “They’re Off” (Goofy cartoon short) debuts
1987 ― The Mark V trains debut on the Disneyland Monorail System
1999 ― Cirque du Soleil opens in Downtown Disney at the Walt Disney World Resort
2006 ― Monsters Inc.: Mike and Sulley to the Rescue! opens at Disney California Adventure Park

Jan. 24
1941 ― “Pluto’s Playmate” (short) debuts
1993 ―Mickey's Toontown opens at Disneyland Park
2007 ― “Finding Nemo — The Musical” officially opens at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
2007 ― The Seas with Nemo and Friends officially opens in Future World at Epcot

Jan. 25
1961 ― Walt Disney Pictures releases “One Hundred and One Dalmatians”
2002 ― Touchstone Pictures releases “The Count of Monte Cristo”

Jan. 26
1945 ― “The Clock Watcher” (Donald Duck cartoon short) debuts
1975 ― Flight to the Moon closes at Disneyland Park
2003 ― “Jimmy Kimmel Live” debuts on ABC
2011 ― The Disney Dream cruise ship departs from Port Canaveral, Fla. on its official maiden voyage

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Thank you very much for reading, and have a great rest of your day!

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