The Walt Disney Company claimed a number of momentous milestones and achievements in 2012, such as boasting the highest-grossing film of the year (Marvel’s The Avengers). But as Disney reached some considerable points, they also faced and developed a handful of issues. This special edition of Disney In Depth looks back at the world of Disney in 2012, with my top 10 best in this edition, and “bottom” 10 worst (with some suggestions on how to remedy those problems) in next week’s edition.

Continue reading for the best of list.

“˜Tis the season to be surprised with Disney cheer. The gift of the Mouse, or at least the gift from individuals who care about people who love the Mouse, is one that keeps on giving each year. Thanks to the Internet, and specifically YouTube, everyone can enjoy these special holiday moments. Often parents bring their children yuletide joy through bestowing them a Disney present, sometimes as cool as a vacation to one of the magical destinations.

Here below watch some of the funniest and most heartwarming reactions.

Sometimes it takes many years, even decades, for a popular Disney film brand to enter the theme parks in the form of an attraction. For instance, while the Voyage of The Little Mermaid first graced Disney’s Hollywood Studios only two years after the film’s debut, over 20 years passed before a ride shaped up in the parks.

Now the exquisite dark ride exists at both Disney California Adventure Park and Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. In this first section of two-part edition of Disney In Depth I will share five films that deserve to be translated into theme park attractions.

We were all shocked to discover when Darth Vader revealed himself to be Luke Skywalker’s father. But we experienced perhaps even more shock when news broke this week that The Walt Disney Company was acquiring Lucasfilm, George Lucas‘ 41-years-strong company. Now, Mickey Mouse will be both Vader’s and Luke’s parent, though not by blood — what an awkward “modern family” that deserves some critical examination.

Puns and jokes aside, this $4 billion purchase follows what has been a whirlwind of new ventures for Disney in just the past seven years since Bob Iger attained the role of CEO of The Walt Disney Company. 2006 marked Disney’s purchase of Pixar. 2009 signified Disney’s purchase of Marvel. And now 2012 represents news of Disney’s purchase of Lucasfilm. One can only imagine what the Mouse House will obtain in 2015 if this ironically-consistent pattern of buying a big entity every three years continues. These heavily-expensive, but ingenious acquisitions reflect Disney’s focus of branding and leveraging well-known and well-received properties.

The most magical kingdoms on Earth are unfortunately not spared from mistakes taking place. Though the Disney theme parks, resorts and ships are almost perfect in every way in how they operate, every now and then a blunder or error temporarily disrupts the magic.

In this edition of Disney In Depth, I’ll provide some commentary on a variety of funny and regrettable videos found on YouTube that even make Goofy appear less clumsy.