Is Mickey really getting ready to take on Chuck E. Cheese?

It's been said that "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."

Well, in the Walt Disney Company's case, imitation is also often a great way to start a lucrative new business line.

Take, for example, that Tote a Tail line of plush that the Mouse introduced at the parks 8 months back. Which -- obviously drawing its inspiration from both Paris Hilton's pets as well as the Build-a-Bear franchise -- allows theme park guests to first purchase a miniature version of their favorite Disney animal (ex: Marie from "The Arisocats," Lady from "Lady and the Tramp," Pegasus from "Hercules") for $13.00. They can then buy a $6.00 purse to place their new plush pal in as well as a $2.00 crown, visor or bandana to dress this "Tail" in. And -- Presto ! -- through the magic of accessorizing, a $13.00 purchase quickly becomes a $25 purchase.

Or, better yet, that new Disney Dreams organizer that just appeared on property a few weeks back. Which -- what with its collection of plastic sleeves & zipper pockets to hold your theme tickets, maps, brochures and even pressed pennies -- is going to look awfully familiar to you fans of the PassPorter line of books.

And then there's that Disney-themed Starbucks knock-off that's expected to open at WDW's Downtown Disney in the coming year. With the Mouse then hopes to use as the prototype for a series of coffee bars that will open at Disney parks & resorts worldwide over the next five years.

But when it comes to Mickey playing copycat to put a few more coins in the corporate coffers, the company's most ambitious imitation may be lie just over the horizon. Word is now coming out of Walt Disney World that the Mouse is looking to take on the Rat. As in: The biggest rodent in themed dining. Chuck E. Cheese.