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Disneyland Autopia Cars Race for Charity at the Indy 500

Futuristic Cars Set to Cruise to Hong Kong Disneyland this Summer

HONG KONG, May 29 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Checkered flags waved, crowds cheered and engines roared as two American traditions teamed up to celebrate special milestones.

In honor of Disneyland's 50th anniversary and the 90th running of the Indianapolis 500, "The Happiest Place on Earth" and "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" teamed up for the "Minnie Indy Charity Race" on Wednesday, May 24 (Thursday, May 25 HK Time) at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Minnie Mouse herself was on hand to wave in the likes of Danica Patrick, Dan Wheldon, Eddie Cheever, Jr., and Dario Franchitti who were among the 31 IndyCar Series drivers who participated in the whimsical race. They were driving miniature cars taken directly from one of Disneyland's original opening day attractions -- the ever-popular Autopia.

Instead of racing along the highways of Disneyland's Tomorrowland, the Autopia cars and their speed-loving IndyCar Series drivers traversed a comical obstacle race course (at top speeds of 10 mph!) that took place on a specially designed "Minnie" roadway created on the famous Brickyard.

"The fun of Disneyland and the spectacle of the Indy 500 are two great American traditions," said Matt Ouimet, president of the Disneyland Resort. "As the 50th anniversary celebration enters its finale this summer we are proud that our Autopia cars will be on hand to commemorate 90 years of racing excellence at the Indy 500."

The Autopia tradition will continue this summer as a new generation of futuristic cars cruise over to Hong Kong Disneyland where they will make their new home in Tomorrowland and immerse guests in a cosmic environment. Guests of all ages will whiz down the highway of Tomorrow in their electric space cars and encounter all sorts of alien landscapes, promising a fun adventure for the entire family.

"This summer Hong Kong Disneyland will welcome its very own version of Autopia," said Bill Ernest, executive vice president and managing director Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. "This will be a very exciting moment for all our guests as they experience for themselves the classic Disney Autopia attraction -- with a futuristic twist!"

About Hong Kong Disneyland

Opened on September 12, 2005 and located on lush Lantau Island overlooking Penny's Bay, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is a brand-new, world-class family entertainment and recreation centre consisting of a magical, Disneyland-style theme park of shows and attractions, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel (400 guestrooms), Disney's Hollywood Hotel (600 guestrooms) and Inspiration Lake, a public area featuring boat rentals and a 3.5 hectare arboretum.

Offering guests of all ages a full day immersed in imagination and creativity uniquely Disney, Hong Kong Disneyland is home to Mickey Mouse, Snow White, Mulan and other Disney characters beloved the world over.

About 500 Festival

The 500 Festival was created in 1957 to organize civic events celebrating the Indianapolis 500. It is a not-for-profit organization supported by corporate sponsorships, memberships and ticket sales. More than 7,000 volunteers help produce 500 Festival events. With annual participation of more than 425,000 people from around Indiana and the world, it has grown to be one of the largest festivals in the nation.

About Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been the worldwide leader in motorsports entertainment since it opened in 1909. The facility has played host to the Indianapolis 500, the world's largest single-day annual sporting event, since 1911 and also is the site of the United States Grand Prix Formula One race and the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series.

Celebrating with the Indianapolis 500 is just one of the highlights of 2006 as the global 50th anniversary celebration of Disneyland continues around the world. Throughout the year each Disney resort will showcase more new innovative attractions and spectacular entertainment designed to appeal to guests of all ages with immersive experiences that only Disney can provide.

More information about the 50th anniversary celebration, plus vacations at the Disneyland Resort are available at www.disneyland.com , or by visiting local travel agents.

  www.hongkongdisneyland.com

  For further inquiries please contact:

   Anita Lai
   Manager, Publicity
   Hong Kong Disneyland
   Tel:   +852-3550-3316 / +852-9622-2962
   Email: anita.lai@disney.com

   Zoey Tsang
   Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide
   Tel:   +852-2884-8575 / +852-9550-1503
   Email: zoey.tsang@ogilvy.com