Official Walt Disney World Resort Press Release

BURBANK, California; April 20 - The Walt Disney Company and Compaq Computer Corporation today announced a broad 10-year corporate alliance highlighted by Compaq's sponsorship of the new Mission: SPACE attraction at Epcot, located at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.  The pact will enable Disney's theme park guests to enjoy entertainment and discovery experiences based on entirely new combinations of imagination and technological innovation.

Compaq is a major provider of servers, PCs and services to The Walt Disney Company and its Internet initiatives.  Both companies hope to expand this relationship through the new alliance.

Compaq is the world's second-largest computer company and provides the technological infrastructure for many Disney theme park attractions.  Compaq will provide its knowledge of computer systems and technology, along with funding, for Mission: SPACE.  This "thrill ride of the future" will use new proprietary ride systems to provide guests with a deep space adventure that simulates challenges faced by real astronauts, as well as the experience of lifting off, leaving Earth's atmosphere and soaring millions of miles through the solar system on a space ship.

"Disney and Compaq are both highly regarded and well-known global brands that strive to achieve standards of excellence in their respective fields," said Disney Chariman and CEO Michael Eisner.  "This new alliance demonstrates how storytellers can use technology to entertain audiences in new ways and how technology can enhance the way guests experience the story."

"The ability to entertain millions of people on some of the world's largest stages - theme parks - requires mission-critical technological innovation and support that Compaq provides on a daily basis to all types of businesses and individuals," said Compaq CEO Michael Capellas.  "Today's announcement further confirms Compaq's commitment to contributing to the ever-expanding entertainment world and the education of children - both big and small."

"The combination of Disney's entertainment expertise and Compaq's unparalled capability in computer systems and technology will provide our guests with a highly compelling and true-to-life adventure at Mission: SPACE," saide Disney Vice Chairman Sanford M. Litvack.

The exact details for this "thrill ride of the future" will be posted after tonight's press conference in the area in front of Horizons.  Stay tuned!