BURBANK, Calif.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Nov. 19, 2001--After an incredible 43-year career with The Walt Disney Company, Jim Cora, chairman of Disneyland International and a Disney theme park veteran, has decided to retire in mid December, it was announced today by Paul Pressler, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

Cora, 63, was hired in 1958 as an hourly Cast Member at Disneyland, just three years after the park's opening. Over the next 20 years, Cora held positions at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World in supervisory and managerial roles with increasing responsibility.

In 1979, he was named director of operations for the Tokyo Disneyland project, beginning a role that would later define his Disney career.

In 1982, Cora was promoted to vice president, Walt Disney Productions Japan, and relocated to Tokyo, where he was instrumental in providing ongoing support and advice to Oriental Land Company Ltd., owner and operator of the Tokyo Disney Resort.

Between 1982 and 1992, Cora worked on master planning and site research for Disneyland Paris, eventually becoming executive vice president and chief operating officer of Disneyland Paris.

In 1992, Cora was named president of Disneyland International, with responsibility for the development and creative direction of Tokyo Disneyland, as well as the development of Tokyo DisneySea, which opened Sept. 4, 2001.

In 1999, Cora was promoted to his current position as chairman of Disneyland International.

``Throughout his career, Jim has played a key role in the development or operation of our Disney parks in Anaheim, Orlando, Tokyo and Paris,'' said Pressler. ``And, while his legacy to this Company will be his work on the development of the Tokyo Disney Resort -- which today boasts the highest attendance of any theme park worldwide -- we will also remember Jim for his wisdom, experience and superior leadership.''

Michael D. Eisner, chairman and chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, commented: ``Jim is one of the few privileged Cast Members at our Company to have worked with our founder, Walt Disney. Over the course of his career, Jim has carried forward Walt's passion for an expertly run operation and has taught hundreds of Cast Members around the world the Disney ideals of Guest service and excellence. I know I speak for all of us at Disney when I thank Jim for his unwavering leadership and commitment.''

Toshio Kagami, president of Oriental Land Company Ltd., owner of the Tokyo Disney Resort, said: ``Throughout the years, Jim has been an incredible partner and teacher, as well as a good friend. Although we wish him well, we will miss his leadership and counsel.''

Disneyland International was responsible for the start up of Disneyland Paris and is directly responsible for the Disney support of and coordination with Oriental Land Company in matters regarding the operation of Tokyo Disney Resort.

     Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
     Leslie Goodman, 818/460-5396