Rafiki's Tree website allows guests creative expression

Disney.com's Blossoms With Guests' Original Creations at Rafiki's Tree Web Site

Disney.com has launched Rafiki's Tree, a unique and highly innovative community-building activity where messages posted by kids and families contribute to the growth of an online tree.

Rafiki, the baboon sage from The Lion King, invites online guests to write stories and draw pictures that illustrate what they love best about family life. All messages live on in the leafy canopy of his virtual tree for guests to browse, as well as in the trunk, where one special submission holds the honor of being "Pick of the Week."

"Our guests share a common affinity for the family-friendly magic of Disney,'"said Ken Goldstein, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Online. "With Rafiki's Tree, kids and families strengthen the online community by actively participating in the development of what others experience. Guests become hosts as well as visitors of the site."

The "Invite" feature enables guests to become hosts by allowing them to send an unlimited number of e-mail invitations to all their friends and family. Those who are interested in looking around can browse through the messages tucked away in the leaves of the tree, escorted by two very helpful ladybugs. Those with a particular message in mind, or who want to find everything created under their username, can click on "Search" to locate special postings.

Rafiki's Tree can be accessed in the "Fun for Families" section of Disney.com or you can click here to go directly to it. Before becoming part of Rafiki's Tree, all messages pass through a moderation process for appropriate language, guaranteeing the trusted nature of the Disney.com online community.

-- Posted 12/21/99

Source: Company Press Release