Walt Disney International (WDI) helps individual business units grow and succeed by focusing on business development and growth activities in new and established markets around the world.

In the past year significant headway was made in expanding Disney's presence and reach in developed markets, such as Europe and Japan, while at the same time laying the foundation for future growth in emerging markets such as China, India and Russia.

Disney magic and fantasy have been present in China since the 1930s, when Mickey Mouse first appeared and delighted audiences. Some 70 years later, the 2005 opening of Hong Kong Disneyland represented a new chapter in the evolution of the Disney brand. For the first time, every business unit has a presence in this rapidly growing country.

In China, Disney animation is seen by more than 91 million children; 23 Disney-branded programming blocks and Disney Clubs reach out to more than 380 million households; Disney Consumer Products has established more than 1,800 "Disney Corners" in Chinese department stores, and Disney Publishing has grown ten-fold since Mickey Mouse Magazine was launched in China 11 years ago.

In India, Disney Channel and Toon Disney launched in December 2004. Television is expected to be a key brand driver to promote other Disney businesses, especially in consumer products, the Internet and mobile communications.

In Russia, where the Disney brand is held in high regard, the Company is in the process of appointing its first country manager to further develop Disney's potential in this market. Russia is already among the Top 10 markets worldwide for Disney's theatrical releases.

While these foundations are being laid for long-term growth in emerging markets, the Company has outstanding near-term opportunities in the more developed economies of Western Europe, Japan and Latin America. These regions are already significant contributors to the Company and plans are in place to take advantage of ongoing technological and economic growth.