Mickey Mouse woos Russian kids

Disney is tapping into markets where spending power is strengthening

Disney has launched a Russian website to introduce the country's children to the likes of Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh and Jack Sparrow.

The site will have details of Disney movies, TV shows, computer games, as well as the company's worldwide theme parks and where to buy Disney products.

Similar sites have been launched in the US, UK and Japan, Disney said.

Disney is targeting markets such as Russia as a booming economy creates a middle class with disposable income.

"Sites like disney.ru are usually top-ranked among children and families in the countries that offer a Disney-branded website," said Marina Jigalova-Ozkan, the managing director of Disney in Russia.

"We hope disney.ru will achieve a similar position in Russia over time."