The Walt Disney Company and Compaq Computer Corporation Announce Broad 10-Year Corporate Alliance
Business Wire - April 20, 2000 12:16
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 20, 2000--
Houston-based Computer Company to Sponsor
New "Mission: SPACE" attraction at Walt Disney World Resort
The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) and Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE:CPQ) 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 Chairman and CEO Michael D. 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 unparalleled capability in computer systems and technology will provide our guests with a highly compelling and true-to-life adventure at Mission: SPACE," said Disney Vice Chairman Sanford M. (Sandy) Litvack.
Under terms of the alliance, Compaq also will:
-- Be a sponsor of and the production power behind the "Believe,
There's Magic in the Stars" Skystravaganza, a spectacular
fireworks display that is highlighting the 45th anniversary
celebration of Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif. Compaq computers
were used in the development of Skystravaganza, and also are
integral to the production of each live event. The "Believe,
There's Magic in the Stars" Skystravaganza began in February and
is the largest fireworks display in Disneyland history.
-- Continue its existing sponsorship of Disneyland's Innoventions
pavilion, an interactive attraction that showcases cutting-edge
technologies developed by an array of highly respected companies.
A sponsor of Innoventions since its opening in November 1998,
Compaq has demonstrated the breadth of education, entertainment
and information opportunities available via computer by showcasing
products such as the Internet PC, notebook and handheld computer.
Compaq also will continue to play a key sponsorship role in Disney's Regional Entertainment business, the DisneyQuest interactive family entertainment centers.
Scheduled to open in 2003, the Mission: SPACE attraction will be located in a new Epcot facility at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. It is the first ride system ever built to use technologies to simulate weightlessness in outer space.
Mission: SPACE is the latest in a series of new attractions and entertainment offerings at Walt Disney World Resort, continuing a period of growth which includes the resort's year-long Millennium Celebration. |
