July 23, 2002

THE "ABC PRIMETIME PREVIEW WEEKEND" AT DISNEY'S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE™ ON AUGUST 24-25 FEATURES PERFORMANCES BY JIM BELUSHI, GEORGE LOPEZ, "WHOSE LINE…" LIVE!, A CAVALCADE OF STARS PARADE AND MORE…

Stars of the ABC primetime fall lineup will descend on DISNEY'S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE on August 24 and 25 for the first-ever "ABC Primetime Preview Weekend." This unprecedented event is scheduled to feature stars from established primetime hits, including "Alias," "The Practice," "NYPD Blue," "Whose Line is it Anyway?," "The Drew Carey Show," "Monday Night Football," "According to Jim" and "George Lopez." The two-day event will also introduce stars from new shows set to premiere on ABC this fall, including "8 Simple Rules…," "Life With Bonnie," "Less Than Perfect," "That Was Then," "MDs" and "Push, Nevada."

"ABC Primetime Preview Weekend" will engage the stars in live question-and-answer sessions with DISNEY'S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE guests, give guests the opportunity to participate in two live performances of "Whose Line is it Anyway?" and challenge their knowledge of ABC primetime Happy Hour shows at "Happy Hour Trivia." To bring the stars even closer to the guests, a daily 'Cavalcade of Stars' will travel along the DISNEY'S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE parade route. Sneak previews of pilot episodes of new fall season shows will be screened throughout both days. In addition, Jim Belushi, star of "According to Jim," will perform in concert with his band "Sacred Hearts," with comedian and ABC star George Lopez opening the show with his unique brand of standup comedy.

Stars scheduled to appear during "ABC Primetime Preview Weekend" from returning shows include Drew Carey ("The Drew Carey Show"), Al Michaels and Melissa Stark ("Monday Night Football"), Jim Belushi ("According to Jim"), George Lopez ("George Lopez"), Michelle Kwan, Keith Jackson and Dan Fouts (ABC Sports), as well as stars from "Alias," "The Practice," "NYPD Blue" and "Whose Line is it Anyway?."

Stars scheduled to appear from new shows include John Ritter ("8 Simple Rules…"), Bonnie Hunt ("Life with Bonnie"), and stars from "Less Than Perfect," "That Was Then," "MDs" and "Push, Nevada." Additional talent from both returning and new shows will be announced at a later date.

Susan Lyne, president of Entertainment, ABC, and Cynthia Harriss, president of the DISNEYLAND® Resort, announce this event jointly. "This unprecedented, primetime preview weekend at Disney's California Adventure is the perfect vehicle to help launch our fall promotional efforts," said Ms. Lyne. "What better way to excite viewers about our new season than to allow them unparalleled access to the stars from our new and returning series? These two days are going to be a lot of fun and should generate tremendous buzz for ABC."

Ms. Harriss added: "This will mark the first time ever a primetime event will be held at one of our parks. We are working together with our ABC partners to provide a unique, synergistic 'never-before-seen' experience that will further enhance our guests' visit."

The DISNEYLAND Resort features two theme parks -- DISNEYLAND park, "The Happiest Place on Earth," and DISNEY'S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE park that captures the excitement of California through Disney storytelling -- a place where Disney magic meets California fun. DOWNTOWN DISNEY® District is a public esplanade of dining, family entertainment and shopping. Hotels include the luxurious 751- room Disney's Grand Californian Hotel®, the 502-room Disney's Paradise Piersm Hotel and the 990-room Disneyland Hotel. For general information call (714) 781-4565 or visit www.disneyland.com.

© ABC Medianet

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