DISNEY'S THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG MERCHANDISE IN HIGH DEMAND WEEKS BEFORE FILM'S DEBUT
Disney's Newest Princess Is A Hit With Consumers; Outsells Other Disney Princess Merchandise By Double Digit Percentages As Holiday Shopping Season Begins

GLENDALE, CA - November 18, 2009- Weeks before the theatrical release of Disney's upcoming animated feature The Princess and the Frog, the excitement for film-inspired merchandise is already building in a big way as anticipation for the film intensifies. Since its launch just a few weeks ago, retailers report that the merchandise has already begun out-selling other Disney Princess items by double digit percentages. More than 45,000 dolls have sold in less than a month with 17,000 selling last week alone. At one major retailer, The Princess and the Frog bedding has sold nearly triple the amount of regular Disney Princess bedding. At Disney Store locations nationwide and DisneyStore.com, the Princess Tiana role-play dresses are selling above all other Disney Princess characters.

The Princess and the Frog toys have also captured industry praise as the Disney Princess Tiana Just One Kiss doll tops FunFare magazine's "Holiday Hot Dozen" and the Toys"R"Us "Fabulous 15" holiday lists. The doll was also recently nominated for the "2009 Girls Toy of the Year" award by the Toy Industry Association. Sales of the Princess Tiana Just One Kiss doll are up by over 150% and industry and media have reported it could be among this Holiday season's sell-out toys.

The Princess and the Frog introduces Disney's newest princess character in more than 10 years and the first African-American Disney princess. The product line from Disney Consumer Products (DCP) is supporting the film with a wide range of products spanning toys, fashion, home décor, food, personal care, beauty, stationery, books and an assortment for adults including collectibles, art, bridal wear and couture fashion.

"Generations of little girls have experienced the enchanting and magical stories of the Disney Princess characters. Now, with Princess Tiana, as the first new princess in a decade, they will experience a new adventure, woven by the master story-tellers at Disney. This modern-day princess character must muster her determination and perseverance as she faces and overcomes her challenges, providing little girls with another inspiring role-model," stated Reyne Rice, Toy Trend Specialist at the Toy Industry Association.

"It is typical with any major Disney film to see movie-inspired product available as early as six weeks prior to the film's release, and the same is true for The Princess and the Frog," stated Mary Beech, vice president franchise development and marketing for Disney Consumer Products.

"However, the historic nature of the release of The Princess and the Frog film has generated tremendous consumer excitement well in advance of the film - and sales thus far have been very strong, something that is remarkable for characters with which fans are not yet completely familiar."

The Princess and the Frog is also a hit on the social media circuit, as well: DCP is taking fans and families behind the scenes with an exclusive The Princess and the Frog YouTube video series that premiered today on its channel www.YouTube.com/DisneyLiving. The series will provide an inside look at how some of the most interesting products came to life and will release new videos weekly leading up to the national release of the film on December 11th. From never-before-released footage such as interviews with Anika Noni Rose http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0npCpcxaBc, film voice for the Princess Tiana character, to the unveiling of the Princess Tiana wedding gown live on the runways at New York Bridal Week and cooking demonstrations from Princess Tiana's Cookbook Recipes for Kids, the videos will delight any Disney and Disney Princess fan.