The Disney magic doesn’t end once the credits roll. Television programming, online content and brick-and-mortar shops are just a small part of what’s available to Disney fans who wish to surround themselves with their favorite characters.
The advent of television in the mid-20th century provided Walt Disney with an opportunity to expand his reach. On October 27, 1954, “Disneyland” premiered on ABC. Hosted by Walt himself, the one-hour program featured cartoons and other material from the Disney studios. The show changed names—and networks—several times in attempts to secure higher ratings. Content also changed from scripted series such as Davy Crockett to edited versions of feature films, including Pollyanna and The Shaggy Dog, and eventually to more nature-oriented programming. The launch of The Disney Channel on cable television in 1983 forced the end of the network show—now airing as “Walt Disney” on CBS—but management changes brought the series back to broadcast television in 1986 as “The Disney Sunday Movies” on ABC. Again, heavy competition from shows on other networks lead to more changes, including the return to the title of “The Wonderful World of Disney.” While its last episode on network TV was in 2008, the show lives on: its most recent iteration can be found on Disney Channel Asia as “The Wonderful World Disney XD.”
Launched in 1996, RadioDisney’s target audience is tweens and teens under 16 years old. Their contemporary hit radio format has featured songs by former Disney Channel stars, including Demi Lovato, Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers, in addition to kid-friendly versions of songs by mainstream pop and R&B artists. As of March 2014, there are 24 RadioDisney owned and operated stations in the United States, only one of which broadcasts on FM radio. The network also broadcasts in Latin America, Europe and Russia, and can also be found on Sirius XM satellite radio. Content is live streamed on RadioDisney’s website as well.
Disney’s official website, Disney.com, touts itself as “the official home for all things Disney.” True to its word, the site is a one-stop shop for Disney fans of all ages, offering games, videos, blogs and an online store. Information on feature films, live shows, and parks and resorts is also available through the site.
Once available only in theme parks, character-specific products can be purchased at Disney Store boutiques. Founded in 1987, the Disney Store sells exclusive merchandise for all ages, such as toys, clothing, costumes, collectibles and housewares. Disney branded items, such as its popular Disney Princess line, can also be found in major retailers.
Exterior of Disney Store.
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Straight-to-video films and featurettes expand on storylines from successful animated features, or are sold as “sequels”, such as The Return of Jafar, The Lion King 1 ½, and Cinderella II: Dreams Come True. Popular sidekick Tinker Bell is the star of the Disney Fairies franchise, which follows her adventures with other fairies that live in Pixie Hollow in Neverland. Founding characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse continue to star in their own films and cartoons, even playing the lead roles of classic Disney characters, such as Minnie-rella, which features Minnie Mouse as Cinderella.
The Disney Theatrical Group was founded in 1993 to focus on adapting Disney films and properties into stage plays and musicals. Beauty and the Beast was the first animated feature adapted for the stage, debuting on Broadway in 1994. It holds the title of the eighth-longest running Broadway production. In October 1997, a staged musical version of The Lion King debuted on Broadway and went on to win six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Other successful stage musicals include Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid and Aladdin.
The Lyceum Theatre in London, England advertises performances of The Lion King.
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Other live productions include Disney Live and Disney on Ice. Both shows tour throughout the country and are crafted to appeal to small children. Disney Live features an interactive element, encouraging young audience members to participate in the performance.
A still from Disney on Ice Let's Celebrate production.
Photo courtesy Leigh Caldwell (http://www.flickr.com/photos/themeparkmom/)
With all of Disney's activities, from making feature films to building a real—and virtual—entertainment empire, what could possibly be next for Disney animation?