Retro Unboxing: Walt Disney Company 75th Anniversary Studio VHS Video Collection

Step back in time to 1998 and take a look at this VHS Video Collection celebrating The Walt Disney Company's 75th Anniversary! The set features The Walt Disney Story, The Reluctant Dragon and Frank and Ollie!

MICHAEL VARGO NAMED VICE PRESIDENT, D23, SPECIAL EVENTS AND DISNEY CORPORATE CREATIVE RESOURCES

MICHAEL VARGO NAMED VICE PRESIDENT, D23, SPECIAL EVENTS AND DISNEY CORPORATE CREATIVE RESOURCES

BURBANK, Calif., May 13, 2016 – Michael Vargo has been named Vice President, D23,  Special Events and Disney Corporate Creative Resources, it was announced today by Zenia Mucha, Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, The Walt Disney Company.

A 24-year Disney veteran, Mr. Vargo will oversee D23: The Official Disney Fan Club and the Walt Disney Archives. He will also lead production and digital technology operations at Disney Corporate Creative Resources, the in-house creative agency that serves Disney’s Corporate departments. Mr. Vargo, who previously served as Director, Corporate Special Events and General Manager of D23 Expo, will report directly to Ms. Mucha. 

“Mike has displayed superb leadership and talent in producing special events that showcase the very best of Disney, from our Annual Meeting to the spectacular D23 Expo that draws tens of thousands of fans from around the globe,” Ms. Mucha said. “His deep knowledge of the Company and understanding of the Disney brand make him perfectly suited to lead D23 and the Walt Disney Archives to even greater achievements.”

“I am thrilled and honored to be working with the talented teams at D23, the Walt Disney Archives, and Disney Corporate Creative Resources as we deliver creative and innovative content, produce first-class special events, and share our company’s rich history with our fans and audiences worldwide,” Mr. Vargo said.

Rounding out the D23 and Archives leadership teams are Kristin Rodack, Director of D23 Membership and Marketing, Jeffrey Epstein, Director of D23 Communications and Creative Content, and Rebecca Cline, Director of the Walt Disney Archives. 

Mr. Vargo began his career at Disney in 1992 at Disneyland Entertainment. He served as Senior Production Manager, Walt Disney Special Events Group & Disney Live Family Entertainment from 1998 to 2004, before being named Director, Corporate Special Events. He graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications.

The Muppets Named New York City's Family Ambassadors

The Muppets were today named New York City Family Ambassadors by NYC & Company, New York City’s tourism and marketing organization. As part of the year-long collaboration, the Muppets will encourage family travel to New York by highlighting the best ways for families to experience and enjoy the many dining and shopping venues, cultural institutions, parks and attractions across the five boroughs. 

“I’ve loved New York ever since I arrived in New York harbor and saw that the Statue of Liberty is green. What a welcome! New York is a great place for families, frogs, pigs, bears and…uh, whatevers to visit. We can’t wait to show the world the best ways to hop around the city!” said Kermit the Frog, the world’s most famous amphibian.

Added Miss Piggy, “New York is the most fabulous city in the world. In fact, it’s almost as fabulous as moi. So don’t just sit there! Get ready world!  You’re about to take the ultimate diva’s tour of moi’s favorite city! Lucky vous!”

The Muppets will also encourage locals to explore different neighborhoods across New York City by highlighting family-friendly things to do, see, and visit. The Muppets will share their personal City preferences at www.nycgo.com/family where Miss Piggy will discuss shopping, Kermit will help visitors navigate the five boroughs, Swedish Chef will focus on cuisine and more.

“We could not imagine better NYC Family Ambassadors than the lovable and enchanting Muppets,” said George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company. “Appealing to fans of all ages across the globe, the Muppets will highlight what they love about the five boroughs and illustrate why New York City is the perfect place for families to visit this year.”

Julie Andrews Joins Disney, Target in First 'National Princess Week'

World renowned actress, singer and best-selling children’s author, Julie Andrews, in collaboration with Target and The Walt Disney Company, is announcing the creation and inaugural launch of National Princess Week beginning April 22, 2012.
This unprecedented collaboration highlights Julie Andrews’ longtime dedication to nurturing every child’s unique spirit, as demonstrated throughout her career on stage, screen and through her children’s book endeavors. With the support of Target and Disney, National Princess Week will celebrate the sparkle and imagination of every princess – real, aspiring or imagined.
“So many children fall in love with the whimsical wonder of princesses and all the goodness that they represent,” said Ms. Andrews. “Joining Target and Disney to host this annual event nationally will help us to recognize and celebrate the uniqueness that lies within every child.”
The event coincides with the 10-year anniversary of The Princess Diaries, starring Julie Andrews and Anne Hathaway, and the special two-movie collection of The Princess Diaries and The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, available for the first time ever on Disney Blu-ray. Target and Target.com will feature an array of Disney Princess merchandise highlighting beloved princess characters such as Ariel, Cinderella and Snow White — from apparel, toys and books, to CDs, movies, personal care items and stationery. The week will also highlight the newest release in the No. 1 New York Times best-selling The Very Fairy Princess children’s book franchise, The Very Fairy Princess Here Comes the Flower Girl!, co-authored by Julie’s daughter and writing partner, Emma Walton Hamilton and published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
“Julie Andrews is an icon for children who love the magic of fairy princesses,” said Casey Carl, Target’s senior vice president, hardlines. “Our first National Princess Week will give Target’s guests a chance to have a ‘princess experience,’ and take home their favorite princesses and accessories.”
Ms. Andrews will be honored with the Prince Rainier III Award for her outstanding contribution to motion picture, television and theater arts during the Princess Grace Awards Gala on November 1 in New York City. The award is presented to eminent artists who have not only been highly successful in their careers, but have made significant humanitarian contributions to their fields. All award recipients receive a $25,000 grant, which will be donated to select charitable organizations benefiting children.
“We are all excited about the existence of a royal tradition, and I hope that Princess Grace would have been pleased to know that there will be a week that celebrates the sparkle in each one of us – and the belief that dreams can come true,” says Ms. Andrews.