This Week in Disney History: February 15-21

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. Though the folk tale traces back to ancient Greece, 17th century French author Charles Perrault added classic touches like the pumpkin and glass slippers. Cinderella is the namesake of two Disney Parks castles, including the one in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World.

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 working on their upcoming movie and frequently adding clips to their YouTube channel, The Muppets were the first official volunteers through "Give a Day. Get a Disney Day." for Disney Parks.

February 15:
1899 - Lillian Bounds (Walt Disney's wife) is born

February 16:
1996 - Walt Disney Pictures releases Muppet Treasure Island
2000 - Disneyland Park kicks off its 45th anniversary celebration

February 17:
1995 - Walt Disney Pictures releases Heavyweights
1998 - Disney-MGM Studios hosts the ground breaking for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

February 18:
1960 - The Winter Olympics opening ceremony, produced by Walt Disney, is held in Squaw Valley, California
2000 - The "45 Years of Magic" parade and "Believe… There's Magic in the Stars" fireworks show debut at Disneyland Park

February 19:
1985 - Mickey Mouse visits China in commemoration of Disneyland Park's 30th anniversary

February 20:
1986 - WED Enterprises is renamed Walt Disney Imagineering

February 21:
1997 - The first Club Disney opens in Thousand Oaks, California
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HAVE A MAGICAL WEEK!