While Disney Consumer Products (DCP)has a year-round focus on merchandise inspired by its wealth of popular franchises, including Winnie the Pooh, Power Rangers and Baby Einstein, in 2003 two brands in particular – Mickey Mouse and Disney Princess, took center stage.

Mickey Mouse

In 2003, Mickey Mouse saw success through a variety of initiatives, including a retro clothing program driven by Disney Softlines in one of the trendiest retailers in the United States – Fred Segal. As a result, Mickey attire was spotted on a variety of today’s most popular stars in countless magazines and numerous television shows.

In June 2003, Disney Publishing and Gemstone Publishing reintroduced comic books featuring Mickey and his friends Minnie, Donald and Goofy.

In commemoration of Mickey’s 75th anniversary, a variety of artists and celebrities designed 75 Mickey statues. They were unveiled at Walt Disney World on Mickey’s anniversary and will spend much of 2004 on exhibit in cities across the United States. In 2005, the statues will be auctioned off to benefit various charities.

Mickey has also inspired the official event car for NASCAR’s Daytona 500, airing Feb.15, 2004. Throughout the remainder of the year, he will be a part of more great products and fun company-wide initiatives.

Disney Princess

The Disney Princess brand brings the beloved Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Mulan, Pocahontas, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White together in a collection of products, entertainment and interactive experiences for girls ages 2-8.

Since the debut of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937, girls have had an emotional connection with the Disney princesses. The brand taps into the power of imagination, storytelling, transformation and fantasy. In fact, Disney Princess has become the best-selling licensed Halloween costume assortment. When it comes to dressing up for this big event, more little girls want to be Disney Princesses than any other licensed characters.

The Disney Princess brand has grown over the past two years to represent an impressive 10 percent of DCP’s overall global retail sales revenue, with products in every category from dress-up and sleepwear to interactive games and books.

Disney Princess retail sales worldwide totaled more than $300 million in 2000, mushroomed to $700 million in 2002 and exceeded $1.3 billion for 2003. This significant growth is expected to continue well beyond 2003.