``Mickey & Friends'' Rev Engines at Daytona 500; Disney to Feature Collectibles and Merchandise at 2005 NASCAR Events

BURBANK, Calif.--Feb. 18, 2005--Mickey and his friends will help NASCAR kick-off the Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 20, 2005 at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida. "Race Across America" is this year's theme, as Disney Consumer Products -- for the second year in a row -- will create a comprehensive racing-themed merchandising program to be showcased at several upcoming NASCAR events. Merchandise ranging from apparel to die-cast replica cars will feature Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Big Bad Wolf, and the merchandise will be sold at special Disney-themed stores throughout NASCAR events.

"After witnessing the frenzy over Disney merchandise at last year's Daytona 500, we knew we wanted to share the Disney magic across multiple NASCAR events this year," said Andy Mooney, chairman of Disney Consumer Products Worldwide. "We developed merchandise that not only showcased Disney's wonderful characters, but also truly connected with racing fans."

Disney's presence will be felt throughout the Daytona 500, as six wrapped Monte Carlo cars featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Big Bad Wolf will be prominently featured throughout the speedway. The Disney cars will also have the honor of performing a lap prior to the National Anthem. The Daytona International Speedway's 10,000 square-foot retail center will feature a special Disney store, and a 50-foot Disney trailer will be on site for fans to purchase merchandise. Mickey and his "racin' roadie" friends will then hit the road along with the Disney trailer to the California Speedway for Auto Club 500, and additional NASCAR events across the country.

In honor of the Daytona 500, Wal-Mart stores in Florida will carry the Disney racing merchandise, and QVC began selling Disney racing merchandise in February. NASCAR's Superstore Website will feature the Disney merchandise throughout the racing season at: http://store.nascar.com.

Additional NASCAR events featuring Disney merchandise include the Auto Club 500 in Fontana, CA on February 27 and the Subway Fresh 500 in Phoenix, AZ on April 23rd. For more information please visit: www.nascar.com.

"Of all the special event programs that International Speedway Corporation has participated in, the Disney program has been the most successful in terms of building awareness and product sales," said Karen Mell director of brand management of ISC. "NASCAR and Disney share such a strong emotional connection with their fans -- it is easy to understand why this program is such a winner."

About Disney Consumer Products

Disney Consumer Products (DCP) is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (DIS) that extends the Disney brand to merchandise ranging from apparel, toys, home decor and books to interactive games, food and beverages, electronics and animation art. This is accomplished through the work of DCP's various lines of business: Disney Toys, Disney Softlines, Disney Hardlines, Disney Publishing, Buena Vista Games and Baby Einstein. The Disney Store, which debuted in 1987, also falls under DCP, through licensing agreements for the stores in North America and Japan and wholly owned stores in Europe.