Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios are generating excitement around the upcoming film “Ratatouille” with a multi-city tour that lets fans get up close to the characters and storyline.

The Big Cheese Tour plays off the animated film about a rat named Remy who lives in a world-class Parisian restaurant and wants to become a chef. But Remy’s family and a rat-despising staff hinder him in his dream.

The event is targeting food festivals and other venues with interactive components like the Big Cheese Slide, which lets kids slide down a 25-foot wedge of cheese. Visitors can also see a sneak peek of “Ratatouille” the Eiffel Tower Digital Theater.

In addition, a center stage area features daily cooking demonstrations with a real chef, “Ratatouille” video game demonstrations and an inside look at how the movie’s animation was created through multiple kiosks. The film hits theaters nationwide on June 29.

During the tour, visitors can sample Chocolate Chex cereal from sponsor General Mills or take a crack at the latest video game from publisher THQ.

Brand ambassadors from Intel Corp., another event sponsor, will roam the area to promote Intel Core 2 Duo processors, taking photos of consumers with “Ratatouille” characters imposed in the background. Visitors can also play an interactive game or register for a chance to win a host of prizes.

The 10-city tour, handled by The Becker Group, makes stops at the Taste of Cincinnati, the Three Rivers Arts Festival in Philadelphia, the International Cultures Festival in New York and the Safeway BBQ Challenge in Washington, D.C.

“Guests will feel like they stepped into the world of Ratatouille,” said Eddie Newquist, president of The Becker Group’s creative studio, in a statement.

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