Disney Online to Expand Broadband Portfolio with ''Playhouse Disney

    Business Editors/Internet Writers

    NORTH HOLLYWOOD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 11, 2005--Disney Online, part of the Walt Disney Internet Group, has begun development of "Playhouse Disney Preschool Time Online(TM)," a learning-based broadband service for preschool-age children. Preschool Time Online is slated for release in Summer 2005 and is planned to feature popular characters from Disney Channel's Playhouse Disney programming block, including Bear in the Big Blue House, JoJo's Circus, Higglytown Heroes and Stanley, among others.
    Developed in conjunction with education experts, the service will offer a safe, ad-free environment full of interactive experiences designed to encourage learning through play. Its structured, personalized lessons, hosted by "Bear" from Bear in the Big Blue House, will be updated each week and will include puzzles, games and various learning activities that promote kindergarten readiness. The activities will be led by Playhouse Disney characters, who will provide feedback and encouragement for kids. In addition, recognizing the importance of parents sharing in the educational development of their child, Preschool Time Online will feature an area where adults can manage multiple children's profiles and track their child's activity.
    "Fun, interactive learning has proven to be a great way to engage young kids and it will be truly empowering to let preschoolers interact with the Playhouse Disney characters they love. Broadband allows a new dimension in kids' interactive software by making TV-quality production values readily available on the Internet," said Ken Goldstein, executive vice president and managing director of Disney Online. "Playhouse Disney Preschool Time Online will bring to life the notion of serialized interactive programming, with a new lesson plan offered each week that can be shaped, molded and personalized by parents to keep their kids challenged."
    "Playhouse Disney Preschool Time Online is another example of how Disney and ESPN Media Networks is dedicated to helping our affiliates further evolve their broadband businesses by delivering high quality content like only The Walt Disney Company can," said Sean Bratches, president, Disney and ESPN Network Affiliate Sales and Marketing.
    Disney Online has a rich tradition of providing premium online products for kids that began with the 1997 launch of Disney's Blast, one of the first and longest running Internet services made just for kids. Disney's Blast is a subscription service for kids that features entertaining and educational games, stories and activities based on popular Disney characters. The award-winning Disney's Toontown Online launched in 2003 as the first multiplayer 3D online game created for kids and families. Designed as an Internet-based world of non-stop play, ever-changing adventure and irreverent fun, Toontown combines elements of traditional video games, online community and strategic role playing games. Disney Connection, a broadband entertainment product for families that includes games, activities and videos, is available through select ISPs around the world.
    Playhouse Disney is a daily programming block on Disney Channel which encourages preschoolers to imagine and learn through original series, interstitials and acquired programming that encompasses song, movement and entertainment. Guided by an established curriculum, Playhouse Disney supports multiple areas of child development: physical, emotional, social and cognitive; thinking and creative skills as well as moral and ethical development through carefully constructed themes, storylines and characters.
    Playhouse Disney Preschool Time Online is being developed in partnership with ImaginEngine, an award winning studio known for expertise in software edutainment products.
    To receive more information about the launch of Playhouse Disney Preschool Time Online, visit www.preschooltime.com to sign-up for email updates.

    Disney Online

    Disney Online (www.disney.com) produces the number one kids' entertainment and family community destination on the World Wide Web. Launched in 1995, Disney.com is designed to reflect the vision of an "online theme park," providing an interactive gateway to all of the company's many Disney-branded Internet initiatives. Popular Disney Online places to visit include Disney Channel (www.disneychannel.com), Playhouse Disney (www.playhousedisney.com), shopping at Disney Direct (www.disneydirect.com), Walt Disney Parks and Resorts (www.disneydestinations.com) Walt Disney Pictures (www.disneypictures.com), Disney DVD & Video (www.disneyvideos.com) and Radio Disney (www.radiodisney.com).
    Among the many magical "neighborhoods" found at www.Disney.com are Disney's Toontown Online (www.toontown.com), the first 3D massively multiplayer online role playing game for kids and families, and Disney's Blast (www.disneyblast.com), a premium subscription service for kids ages 3-9. Disney Online also produces FamilyFun.com (www.familyfun.com), the premier online family resource for "great ideas, practical advice, and fun stuff to do" as well as Movies.com (www.movies.com), a leading site that provides a broad array of reviews and information to help movie fans "get movie night right." Disney Online is a part of the Walt Disney Internet Group, which provides integrated strategic and operational services for Internet, broadband, and mobile initiatives of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS).

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CONTACT: The Walt Disney Internet Group Kim Kerscher, 818-623-3266 Kim.Kerscher@dig.com or Disney Channel Patti McTeague, 818-955-6743

KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CONSUMER/HOUSEHOLD TELEVISION/RADIO CABLE INTERNET E-COMMERCE PRODUCT SOURCE: The Walt Disney Internet Group

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