Today Toon Disney became Disney XD. While Toon Disney launched with the Sorcerers Apprentice sequence from Fantasia, Disney XD kicked off with an episode of Phineas and Ferb. Toon Disney began when everyone was trying to launch new cable channels. CNNSI anyone? But the channel struggled to gain an identity. Now Disney XD exists to succeed where Disney Channel cant find success; targeting boys. Now Fox Family tried to launch separate Boyz and Girlz channels when they were trying to create their own family franchise. That didnt work. But then again, neither did Fox Family.
While Disney wont segregate their cable channels to cater to a particular gender, there is no question that the channels have distinct identities. Even the websites, while linked, are distinct. And while I watch Disney Channel, I feel more comfortable watching Disney XD and being on DisneyXD.com as they showcase the types of shows and video games I enjoyed as a tween. Will Disney XD succeed? I have no clue. But if it does, the upside could be huge. Imagine Disney having a franchise that is as big of a hit with boys as Hannah Montana is with girls? Aaron Stone will probably not be Disney XDs first smash show, but it might be a stepping stone to something really big.
A few notes from DisneyXDs launch day:
The last show on Toon Disney was The Incredible Hulk. This show, while not Disney will fit right at home on Disney XD.
Apparently boys dont mind commercials since Disney XD has ads unlike Disney Channel. For the record, the first ad on Disney XD was for the Snuggie.
Twice during its launch day, Disney XD aired the first Narnia film. I wonder if the XD people wish Disney kept the Narnia away from Fox, which ironically originally owned ABC Family.
Quick Takes:
Parks and Resorts: It looks like we are seeing the fallout from the buy out offered to Disney executives. President of the Disney Cruise Line Tom McAlpin has left the company to be replaced by Karl Holz, who is also President of New Vacation Operations which includes things like the Hawaii Resort and Adventures by Disney. DCL fans shouldnt worry though, Karl Holz used to be President of DCL until he was succeeded by Tom McAlpin.
Studio Entertainment: Here is something interesting: See the Jonas Brothers 3D movie at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood on opening day — Friday, February 27th — and get a special signed and dated commemorative photograph of the Jonas Brothers! The exclusive commemorative photo is only available on opening day, starting with the first show at 12:01am (Midnight) Thursday night, February 26th!
Disney Interactive Media: ESPN.com launched a new version of their website a little while ago trying to make the site simpler while still offering a wide variety of content. Maybe Disney.com will do something similar so Rebekahs dream of being able to deep link will come true.
Consumer Products: Disney Store recalled the Playhouse Disney Handy Manny Toy Tool Set. Apparently the tools have eyes that could detach causing a choking hazard. Am I the only one that finds it ironic that toy tools was not manufactured correctly?
Who is Celebrating: Today is Phill Lewiss birthday. The Suite Life star appears in the Disney Channel Original Movie, Dadknapped which premieres on Monday.
Video of the Day: Taking the day off. It is a holiday weekend. (Presidents Day, not Valentines Day)
News from Around the Web:
ABC News: In a victory to those of us that are allergic. A peanut company has filed for bankruptcy. See what happens when you are focused on an evil food. I am sure not having proper safety protocol doesnt help either.
NY Times: Disney sponsor, GM, is eliminating 10,000 salaried workers. This cant be a good sign for them to continue their Test Track sponsorship. Luckily, I am sure there are many auto companies that would love to sponsor a stable attraction like Test Track. Perhaps we should start by seeing if Chrysler or Ford is interested?
USA Today: For millions, the digital switch is now, despite the fact that a Disney backed extension was signed by the President. Some stations decided they are going to turn off their analog signal anyway. Is anyone not ready for this? How could you miss it. If you arent ready, you dont deserve to watch TV. You should read books trying to develop the intellect to not have your head in the sand.
LA Times: The LA Times reports that the biggest obstacle to a Johnny Quest movie is the dismal performance of Speed Racer. Perhaps some studios havent learned the lesson Disney keeps saying. Quality is the best plan. Dont worry about the franchise; just make a good movie in the franchise. You would think Warner Bros would get that. Case in point….Catwoman vs. The Dark Knight If the films is good, it will most likely be successful.
Orlando Sentinel: The Orlando Sentinel covered the opening of The American Idol Experience. I cant wait for the next Walt Disney World attraction to open. Well, I cant wait for the next Walt Disney World attraction to be announced.
Variety: Variety does some reporting on the Disney/Dreamworks deal. While I support the deal, I have no doubt it will provide some interesting conflicts in the next six years. The question is will Bob and Steven be able to handle it.