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Disney VoluntEARS Awarded for Community Service to Hong Kong

(HONG KONG, April 11, 2006) - Hong Kong Disneyland today announced the recipients of its 2006 "VoluntEAR of the Year" and "VoluntEAR Team of the Year" awards, held in recognition of Disney VoluntEARS who have dedicated the most passion and effort to community service in Hong Kong.

The recognition ceremony was held at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and was attended by more than 100 guests from partner organizations, the media, Disney VoluntEARS in Hong Kong, and other Cast Members. The Director of Social Welfare, Paul Tang, and the Executive Vice President & Managing Director of Hong Kong Disneyland, Bill Ernest, joined the VoluntEARS to congratulate them and to present the awards.

Tolar Ng was awarded "VoluntEAR of the Year" because of his commitment to a wide range of HKDL VoluntEAR projects in 2005. Tolar, who joined Hong Kong Disneyland in November 2004 as a Disney University assistant, has been a champion of the Park's community spirit from the day he started as a Cast Member. He works in Hong Kong Disneyland's Human Resources Department, which received the "VoluntEAR Team of the Year" award for its passionate support of community and corporate responsibility programs.

Praising this year's recipients, Mr. Ernest said, "Disney's contributions to a number of worthy beneficiaries around Hong Kong would not be possible without the generosity of Cast Members such as Tolar and the Human Resources Department. They clearly derive a sense of fulfillment from helping improve the lives of those around them, which is why they are great ambassadors for Hong Kong Disneyland's spirit of community.

"Disney makes a difference in the lives of children and families around the world through worldwide outreach programs and local community initiatives. Hong Kong Disneyland likewise cherishes community service, and we accomplish it through the commitment and passion of our Cast Members."

Disney's VoluntEAR program aims to develop opportunities for Disney Cast Members to contribute their time, effort and expertise toward making a positive impact in the communities they serve while furthering the traditions and ideals of The Walt Disney Company.

In 2005 Disney VoluntEARS in Hong Kong donated 5,470 hours of their time to various charitable causes in Hong Kong. Among Hong Kong Disneyland's many outreach programs are its support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation as well as spearheading the Jiminy Cricket Environmentality Challenge, arts and reading programs, and much more. So far this year, Disney VoluntEARS have contributed more than 2,000 volunteer hours to worthy causes.

Partner organizations that help spread the Disney magic by working with us are totally in support of our community initiatives and VoluntEARS program.

Professor Rosie Young, Chairperson of Make-A-Wish Foundation, said, "We are grateful for Hong Kong Disneyland's support and patronage of the international Make-A-Wish Foundation around the world. Two of our Wish kids from Taiwan had so much fun when they visited Hong Kong Disneyland late last year, and the smiles on their faces from having their wishes come true are powerful remedy in their battle against illness. This is the power of dreams, and it is the very same power that Disney instills in all its visitors."

Raymond Or, Executive Committee Chairman of the Community Chest, said: "The success of community programs depend on the generosity of many. We are grateful to the efforts of Hong Kong Disneyland for their enthusiastic community spirit - over one million underprivileged supported by the Community Chest have benefited from their philanthropic initiative."

Justina Leung, Director of The Boys' and Girls' Clubs Association of Hong Kong, added, "The magic of Hong Kong Disneyland is not just about fun and attractions at the Park. The Disney storytelling sessions have helped bring smiles to the faces of the children at our centers, who immediately fall in love with all the adorable Disney friends."

Mr. Ernest said, "The VoluntEARS program at Hong Kong Disneyland is one of the most important things we do, and it is my desire to see our efforts continue to grow. I would like to see more Cast Members become involved - and I want to be personally involved, too."

About Disney's Outreach Programs
Disney is dedicated to making the wishes of families and children a reality through public service initiatives, community outreach and volunteerism in the areas of compassion, learning, the arts and the environment. For more information on Hong Kong Disneyland's outreach programs, please click here.

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.

A joint venture of The Walt Disney Company and Hong Kong SAR Government, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort employs 5,000 cast members. The HKSAR Government estimated the first phase of the project will generate a present economic value of HK$148 billion (US$19 billion) in benefits to Hong Kong over a 40-year period. The project was announced in 1999 and construction began in 2003.