Italy’s state-owned telecommunications company Telecom Italia and Walt Disney Corporation teamed up recently to introduce Disney Blast Italia and Topolino (Mickey Mouse) Italia, two new Internet sites for those who cannot get enough of their favorite cartoon film characters.
The combined Web sites offer online entertainment and educational resources targeted at users of all ages.
“Lead by popular Disney characters,” explained a spokesperson for Telecom
Italia, “children can navigate through a world of games, fun, and surprises
at Disney Blast Italia or Topolino Italia. The importance of these sites is that they are highly interactive and offer virtual communication between Disney patrons and the popular cartoon characters.”
Inspired by the success of Disney’s North American Web site, the new Disney
sites are operated exclusively by Telecom Italia Net, a company created through the merger of Telecom On Line and Video On Line.
One of the major benefits, from a parent’s point-of-view, is the security
of Disney’s new Italian sites, as pointed out in a recent TIN media
release: “In addition to the various interactive activities, there are
on-line chat and forum areas where children can communicate with others.
The dialogues are constantly monitored to insure the protection and
security of young users.”
The Disney sites will initially be offered free of charge to Internet
users. After the initial launch, however, they can be accessed through a
special subscription from Telecom Italia Net. While Topolino Italia
requires no special programs, the Disney Blast site requires Shockwave
software, which can be downloaded free-of-charge from the Web site
introduction page.
