Kermit the Frog's Next Role: World Traveler

Kermit the Frog's Next Role: World Traveler

BURBANK, California, September 27/PRNewswire/ --

- World's Most Beloved Frog Celebrates 50 Years in Entertainment
With 50-Stop Global Tour

One Frog. One Planet. Fifty Years. Put them together and you have the
hoppiest celebration on Earth. To honor the 50th anniversary of his meteoric
rise from the swamp to international icon, The Muppets Holding Company today
announced that Kermit the Frog is taking his celebration on the road with a
whirlwind tour of 50 destinations around the globe. The world's most beloved
frog will kick off his worldwide adventure on October 14 in the aptly named
town of Kermit, Texas.

"Kermit the Frog has not only transcended genres, he has entertained
generations of fans for more than five decades," said Chris Curtin, general
manager and vice president, The Muppets Holding Company, LLC. "For someone
who has touched the hearts of millions, it only seems fit that we honor
Kermit with the grandest of celebrations."

Through the end of 2006, Kermit will meet fans and participate in major
events, visit famous attractions, and enjoy local celebrations in 50
destinations, touching down in numerous countries across four continents.
The globe-hopping star will see renowned monuments such as the Statue of
Liberty, the Eiffel Tower and the Great Wall of China, among others. Our
ever-youthful frog will touch down at NASA's Johnson Space Center, brave
a Frog Leg Festival in Fellsmere, Fla., as well as run with the bulls in
Pamplona, Spain. Other activities will include a visit to Hong Kong
Disneyland, a performance with the Rockettes and Kermit's first-ever USO
appearance, where he'll bring a smile to service men and women abroad.

"Kermit is truly an international star, with a fan base that reaches the
far corners of the globe," added Dave Burchianti, director of marketing, The
Muppets Holding Company. "We're taking Kermit's celebration to places both
far and near -- and everywhere in between."

Those who can't meet Kermit frog-to-face along his journey can follow him
on Muppets.com. Fans will be able to download pictures and videos, as well as
review Kermit's memories and adventures in an online journal -- his "Frog
Blog." Truly a frog of the people, Kermit will allow his beloved fans around
the world to determine his final destination via an online vote.

The Muppets have geared up for Kermit's World Tour with a "rainbow
connection" of activities and promotions to celebrate their favorite frog's
50th Anniversary.

- The Muppet Show - Season One DVD Box Set -- In August, the Muppets
released the first season of their hit television show, "The Muppet
Show," on DVD for the first time in its entirety since its original
broadcast in 1976. Delighting fans both old and new, "The Muppet Show"
Season One quickly rocketed to the top of the sales charts, reaching
number one on Amazon.com.

- Celebrity T-shirt Designs Honoring Kermit's 50 Years in Show
Business -- Some of today's hottest celebrities teamed up with Kermit
the Frog to inspire designs of one-of-a-kind T-shirts. The tees are
being auctioned off through the end of the year to benefit Childrens
Hospital Los Angeles. Celebrity participants included Robert DeNiro,
Quentin Tarantino, Jennifer Garner, Kelly Ripa, Teri Hatcher, Eva
Longoria, Virginia Madsen, Tony Hawk, and Jimmy Johnson.

- "It's Not Easy Being Green and Other Things to Consider" Hits Stores
Shelves -- On September 15, Hyperion Publishing released the book "It's
Not Easy Being Green and Other Things to Consider." With commentary
from some of Jim Henson's most well-known characters, such as Kermit
the Frog, the book provides insight into the philosophy and humor that
was essential to Henson's creations.

- Commemorative Postage Stamp -- On September 28, the United States
Postal Service will issue a commemorative stamp collection in honor of
the late Jim Henson and the Muppets. For the first time ever, Kermit
the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Sam the Eagle, Statler & Waldorf,
The Swedish Chef, Animal, Bunsen and Beaker, Rowlf and the Great Gonzo
will be featured on postage stamps.

For more information about Kermit the Frog's 50th Anniversary activities,
visit www.muppets.com.

About the Muppets

The Muppets deliver smiles and laughter to the world through heartwarming
characters and stories inspired by the art of puppetry. Led by Kermit the
Frog, the Muppets are a broadly appealing global franchise built on 50 years
of original, award-winning entertainment that includes 44 Emmy nominations,
six feature films, and The Muppet Show which captured over 235 million weekly
viewers worldwide. The Muppets are true celebrities, with Kermit the Frog
having his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In the past year, under
the management of The Walt Disney Company, the Muppets have been embraced by
millions of people as part of a global re-launch of the beloved franchise
that will culminate in the release of significant filmed entertainment
projects. This year marks Kermit the Frog's 50th anniversary, a major
milestone The Muppets will honor through a 15-month worldwide celebration
that kicks off in October 2005 with Kermit's World Tour. Visit
www.muppets.com for more news and information.

About Muppets Holding Company

The Muppets Holding Company, LLC (MHC) is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney
Company (NYSE: DIS). MHC was established in April 2004 when The Walt Disney
Company purchased the Muppets from The Jim Henson Company. MHC's mission is
to ensure that this beloved, world-class brand franchise entertains audiences
of all ages by leveraging Disney's best creative resources and worldwide
distribution platforms. MHC plans to develop new content in all arenas,
including television, feature films, music, stage plays and theme parks, and
to enhance the Muppets global licensing and distribution presence.

Contact: Corie Jackson
Porter Novelli
+1-310-444-7027

Web site: http://www.muppets.com

Source: The Muppets Holding Company

Corie Jackson of Porter Novelli, +1-310-444-7027, for The Muppets Holding Company

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