This Year's Most Popular Costumes Range from Plundering Pirates on the High-Seas to Magical Mermaids Under the Sea

Princesses Continue to Top the List

PASADENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 1, 2006--(NASDAQ: PLCE) Disney Store's Halloween costumes have landed with this year's most popular outfits inspired by classic Disney characters from The Little Mermaid to the sea-faring buccaneers in Disney's blockbuster Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest; the swashbucklin' Captain Jack Sparrow and Ruler of the Ocean Depths, Davy Jones. For the 2006 line, heroes will be more valiant, princesses will be more regal, pixies will be more magical, and pirates will have more "Arggg!" than ever before.

"This year Disney Store will take theatrical authenticity to the next level," said Amy Hauk, Senior Vice President and General Merchandising Manager, Disney Store. "Classic character costumes such as princesses have been redesigned to more closely match the Disney film characters that kids love. And this year's pirates look like they jumped straight out of the theater screen."

New deluxe costumes and an assortment of accessories and embellishments allow this year's trick-or-treaters to immerse themselves in the folklore surrounding Disney's magical characters. Disney Store will continue to offer costumes that are durable, well-made, and comfortable enough that kids will want to wear them year-round! Parents will be pleased to learn that many of this year's costumes offer separately-sold hard-constructed shoes that are character-individualized, much more comfortable and awesome for trick-or-treating indoors and out.

As an exclusive Disney Store bonus, all deluxe costumes also come with a storybook hangtag providing history and insight in to the character.

For Girls

Disney's most popular princesses will receive the royal treatment this year with enhanced fabrics and even more of the glitter and glamour that little girls crave. These revamped, deluxe versions of Cinderella, Belle and Ariel (SRP $79.50/$99.50 Canada) are the embodiment of Disney's Princesses, bringing the enchantment and fantasy alive for every little girl that wants to be a Disney Princess!

To recreate the Cinderella ballroom gown, designers have researched in depth the classic 1950 film to develop an authentic costume that includes an elegant brocade bodice highlighted with a neckline featuring an inset rhinestone, a peplum graced with a tie back bow, a shimmering crystal organza skirt, and as a finishing touch, luxurious long, silver gloves.

On September 25, to commemorate the release of The Little Mermaid 2-disc Special Edition DVD, Disney Store will present an exclusive Ariel costume inspired by the film, featuring a glittered organza wavy tail that shimmers like the magical mermaid herself.

To complete the fantasy, your princess can add on Princess dress shoes for all princess costumes which provide the sturdiness, support and comfort girls need for a long night of trick-or-treating and year-round play (SRP $12.50-$16.50 U.S./$22.50 Canada). Also sold separately, exclusive accessory sets such as glittering tiaras and sparkling necklaces offer little princesses even more dress up options.

Disney's other popular princesses such as Snow White and Sleeping Beauty also enjoy upgraded designs and fabrics, including glittery, character icon-bordered prints featuring themes and iconic art from the films (SRP $39.50/$49.50 Canada). Dress up any princess costume with a crown and a light-up wand providing extra trick-or-treating magic.

Belle, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty costumes, including separately sold shoes and accessories, will arrive in Disney Stores in early August. The deluxe Cinderella and Belle sets, as well as, Jasmine, Snow White, Mulan, Tinker Bell, Kim Possible, Minnie Mouse and Pocahontas costumes will be available by August 20 (SRP $39.50/$49.50 Canada). All costumes are available in sizes XXS-L, except for deluxe styles and Kim Possible which are available XS-L.

For Boys

In response to the high-demand generated by this summer's blockbuster sequel Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Mans Chest, Disney Store will offer its first deluxe costume for boys - Davy Jones. Based on the film character that morphs into a sea monster, the cursed Davy Jones includes a tentacle beard, a right hand claw, dimensional and textured barnacles and a garment-washed jacket that looks like it rose straight from the ocean's briny depths. Additionally, Disney Store will offer an authentic Captain Jack Sparrow costume enabling boys to take on the persona of this charming rogue. Optional accessories for both pirate costumes include a spyglass and eye patch.

Younger boys can safely and comfortably navigate trick-or-treating this year in the fully padded, suspender-upheld Lightning McQueen costume. For boys with minds for fantasy, Disney Store will offer Peter from The Chronicles of Narnia, presented in all his heraldic glory. The superhero in every young man will enjoy dressing up as Dash from The Incredibles along with Red Power Ranger from the Mystic Force television show.

All boys' costumes are available for a suggested retail price of $39.50 ($49.50 Canada) except Davy Jones deluxe costume, which retails for SRP $79.50 ($99.50 Canada). Costumes are available in sizes XXS-L, except for Pirates costumes which are available XS-L.

Plush Bubble Costumes For Infants And Toddlers

Disney Store will carry a completely new line of "bubble plush" costumes for children ages 6-36 months designed to transform them into cute and cuddly stuffed animals based on Disney's most adorable characters (SRP $24.50/$34.50 Canada). These new costumes come with plump, round foam padding, plush character hoods, booties and mittens. New designs include Mickey, Winnie-the-Pooh, Lumpy and Nemo. Additionally, Disney Store will offer a non-padded Chicken Little costume and a Jack-Jack (from The Incredibles) bodysuit sleeper (SRP $19.50/$24.50 Canada). Back by popular demand, the Minnie Mouse costume will also be available.

For the first time, parents can turn their infant girls into Disney's most popular princesses. These mini versions of the Tinker Bell and Cinderella dresses (SRP $24.50/$34.50 Canada) are replete with beautiful detail including that special Disney magic.

Costumes are scheduled arrive in stores on August 20 nationwide. For store locations in the U.S. and Canada, call 800-757-5933.

About Disney Store North America

Disney Store originated the themed retail environment when it opened its first store in Glendale, California in 1987. Disney Store currently operates over 300 locations in the United States and Canada that offer immediate access to magical Disney products. Disney Store North America is owned, and under license operated, by a subsidiary of The Children's Place Retail Stores, Inc., a leading specialty retailer of apparel and accessories for children.

Contact: Kraves Ronstadt PR
Nina Ronstadt, 619-807-9848

Source: Disney Store North America