In 2002, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts continued its international and domestic expansion while preserving the key family entertainment and quality service characteristics that have made Disney parks the world’s most popular tourist destinations since Disneyland opened in Anaheim nearly 50 years ago.

Among the year’s highlights was the inauguration of the Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Resort Paris during the resort’s 10th anniversary celebration. The new park brings a broad range of additional shows and attractions to Europe’s number-one tourist draw.

Disney now offers four captivating destination resorts in three countries – the United States, Japan and France – each featuring multiple theme parks, first-rate accommodations and bustling nighttime centers for dining, shopping and entertainment. Work is underway on a fifth resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, scheduled to open on Lantau Island in late 2005 or early 2006.

In June, the company introduced an innovative safety initiative with the release of its first Report on Safety and announced the appointment of a chief safety officer responsible for all aspects of attraction safety efforts. This year, the initiative will include an education campaign featuring Disney characters and targeting young families in the parks and surrounding communities.