On the twelfth day until Christmas, Doctor Disney brought to you all…one of the greatest and busiest years that the Walt Disney Company has ever seen. It is also the year that Doctor Disney was officially born and it all began for me. That’s why this countdown to Christmas is going to begin with my favorite moments and things from 2012.
Throughout the course of the next 12 days – including Christmas Day – there will be a countdown of some of my favorite things dealing with Disney. It will also incorporate icons, huge accomplishments, and much more.
While this has been a fun year, it has also been a rough one at times with having to get used to my new (yet old) surroundings, taking on the new persona of Doctor Disney, and so much more. My huge thanks have to go to new friends I’ve found that have helped support Doctor Disney including Disney Dreams Delivered and Middle of the Magic Travel. But there is a huge amount of thanks that goes out to all of my readers, visitors, Cast Members, friends, family, and so much more. Without you, Doctor Disney would not even be in existence.
So without further ado, here are my 12 favorite things about 2012 – In no particular order:
12.) The new Test Track – Even though it has only been open a couple weeks, Epcot’s re-design of Test Track is one that truly won’t be forgotten. It is amazing and completely different than what the attraction was before. Not only does it incorporate the world of cars, but it brings about the true essence of Epcot and that’s the future.
11.) Free WiFi throughout Walt Disney World – This may seem small to some of you, but it’s actually a huge deal. Not only does it allow me to continue bringing more Disney magic to all of you, but it allows for the interactive and future world of DisneyTech to become a reality. Believe it or not, the WiFi will be used for many new revelations and innovations over the coming years. And now, it’s available in all resorts, all four parks, and Downtown Disney.
10.) Epcot turns 30 – My favorite Walt Disney World park hit a true milestone this year as it turned three decades old. Some of my favorite things are still there, but there are many that are missing. Those that are missing will be profiled in a 2013 series here on the site called “Doctor Disney Remembers.” Still, there is so much that is great there at Epcot including the entire World Showcase, Future World attractions, and great events such as Food & Wine and Flower & Garden. I do love Epcot and am glad that it’s still going so strong after 30 years.
9.) Pixar’s “Brave“ – Pixar’s first princess is one that is not like any of the Disney Princesses we have all come to know and love. Not only is she strong, loving, and heartfelt, but she also has a spirit unlike that of which we’ve ever seen in a Disney Princess. Merida is a well-loved name in the world of Disney now, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see her in a sequel sometime.
8.) The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow – It was only a matter of time until Captain Jack got more face-time in the Disney Parks, and it was done in a masterful way. Not only does this attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios take you on a trek through the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie franchise, but it puts you right into the middle of it.
7.) New age Disney technology – This goes along with the new WiFi, and some people may not like it, but it’s bringing about a lot of great things to the WDW Resort. New FASTPass systems, new park tickets, new resort room keys, new toys, new attractions, and new souvenirs are just a few of the days that Disney is trying to make your vacations that much more enjoyable.
6.) Disney buys Lucasfilm – Is there any mistaking that this was one of the biggest – and most shocking – revelations of the year. Not only did Disney have it a well-kept secret, but they paid an absurd amount of money for it. Well, an absurd amount of money that will come back to Disney three-fold.
5.) Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – The newest Walt Disney World Resort hotel is also one of the coolest and one of my new favorites. Walking
4.) “The Avengers“ – The movie was phenomenal and 2015 can’t come soon enough so that the sequel hits theaters. The film was a great piece of comic book work brought to the big screen, and it not only brought enjoyment to those that know of the group from comic books, but also those that knew nothing about them at all. A masterful cast brought together with a great story that will only continue from here on out.
Nothing more needs to be said here except that Disney knew what they were doing when they purchased Marvel.
3.) One More Disney Day: Disney 24/7 – For those that did it, congratulations. For those that didn’t, you truly missed out. No matter how many times you’ve been to the Magic Kingdom or how many times you’ve experienced the attractions and restaurants and shows before…there is nothing like staying inside those gates for a full 24 hours. And Doctor Disney was there from moment one until the very end. Very tiring, very fun, very enjoyable, and very much something I’d do again.
2.) New Fantasyland opens – One of the biggest expansions in the history of Walt Disney World is a tremendous success. Storybook Circus, Be Our Guest, Enchanted Tales with Belle, Under the Sea, Ariel’s Grotto, and Gaston’s Tavern are only the beginning of more to come as well with the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train heading into town in 2013.
1.) Doctor Disney is born – In January of 2012, this site was created and made for all to enjoy. For so long, I lived vicariously through the Disney websites of so many others so that my love of Disney could be met from afar. Now, that’s all I want to do for so many others is bring news, pictures, and the the magic of Disney to all of those that can’t be here everyday like I now can. Thank you all for your support and so much more. 2012 was a great year, but 2013 is going to be even bigger.
Check back tomorrow for the 11th day of the countdown!
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