Who knew that MMOs could be so squeaky clean and wholesome?

Kids and their parents are gathering their gags, gassing up their Toon's go-karts, and prepping their character costumes for ToonFest 2006, the first official fan fest dedicated to Disney Online's family-friendly game, Disney's Toontown Online. Thousands of fans, among them Kyle Massey of That's So Raven and the upcoming show, Cory in the House, will gather at an event at the Walt Disney Studios on Saturday, August 26, 2006, to play Disney's Toontown Online and take part in a host of themed activities and competitions.

Designed specifically for kids and families, the MMO is filled with nonstop play, ever-changing adventure and kiddie fun. It is a vast online world where you live life as a cartoon character. Players can create their own Toon, furnish an estate, customize a race kart, train a pet Doodle, and team up with friends to defeat the invading robot Cogs. With an arsenal of gags to add to the fun, the Toontown experience is always growing, always changing, and as wild as the imagination.

At ToonFest 2006, fans will take part in activities and competitions throughout the day including an in-game scavenger hunt,  carnival games such as Pin the Tail on the Doodle, a costume parade and contest, Q&A panels with the game's developers, and a sneak peek at future game expansions and features. Fans at home will be able to participate in the in-game scavenger hunt, as well.

MMO gaming has grown by leaps and bounds in the U.S. over the past five years, but most of these games feature high-intensity combat and violence. As such, they are aimed at older players (12-30+); few games are available for younger children. Cartoon Network plans to change that with the development of its first MMO in partnership with a leading Korean game developer, Grigon Entertainment. .

"Cartoon Network is an immersive experience for our fans, and this MMOG will allow our fans to interact with their favorite characters like never before," says Cartoon Network executive VP Jim Samples, . "Not only will kids be able to play with their favorite characters like Mac and Bloo, Ben 10 and the Kids Next Door, but they will also be able to develop their own online gaming personalities and interact, virtually, with other players in a safe way."

Grigon Entertainment brings their experience in successful MMOG development to the relationship. "With Grigon's experience and technical know-how, we think Cartoon Network's MMOG will have great success and longevity," says Paul Condolora, senior  VP of Cartoon Network New Media.

"It's my greatest pleasure to work as partners with Cartoon Network, the world's most influential entertainment brand," says Grigon CEO Byung-Kyu Cho (no relationship to Margaret). "When I look at the globally adored characters of Cartoon Network getting together harmonically with the renowned strength and uniqueness of Grigon, I have all my confidence that we will proudly present an online game which will astonish the world."

Cartoon Network's MMORPG will be comply with the Children's Online Privacy and Protection Act (COPPA) and will offer a safe gaming environment for players.