Disney Junior to Launch 24 Hour Television Network on March 23, 2012
Enjoy this article? You may also be interested in these related items from our partners
 Swarovski Disney - Mickey Head Charm from Swarovski |  Swarovski Disney - Lady from Swarovski |  Swarovski Disney - Scamp from Swarovski |
Replacing SOAPnet on most television content providers, Disney Channel today announced that its 24 hour channel, Disney Junior, aimed at the ‘preschool-plus’ market, will begin broadcasting on March 23.
At launch will be the new show, ‘Doc McStuffins,’ which heralds the tales of a six year old girl with a talent to be able to communicate with her stuffed animals and plays veterinarian to them. Future programs will include ‘Gaspard and Lisa,’ ‘Guess How Much I Love You,’ ‘Sofia the First’ and ‘Oki’s Oasis.’
‘Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,’ ‘Little Einsteins,’ ‘Handy Manny,’ ‘Rolie Polie Olie’ and ‘Jake and the Never Land Pirates,’ which have already found a niche on the existing Disney Junior programming block on Disney Channel will also air on the new 24-hour channel. The Disney Junior programming block is also expected to remain on Disney Channel.
Visit GETDISNEYJUNIOR.COM to see availability in your area.
Categories: Television Tags: Disney Junior, DJR
Sneak Peek: ‘Jake and the Never Land Pirates’ Special Featuring Peter Pan
Disney’s beloved Peter Pan makes his way back to Never Land and makes his debut in the popular Disney Junior series ‘Jake and the Never Land Pirates’ in an all-new primetime special, ‘Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns.’
Premiering on Disney Channel on February 13 at 7:00 pm ET/PT, Peter Pan (voiced by Adam Wylie) arrives on Pirate Island to enlist the aid of Jake, Izzy, Cubby and Skully in finding his lost shadow. The special will also include six original songs.
Starting Monday, February 6, DisneyJunior.com/PeterPan will feature ‘Jake’s Countdown to Peter Pan’ and the debut of a new two-part game, ‘Shadow Shenanigans,’ where players can take on the role of Peter Pan’s shadow to try to wake the sleeping Jolly Roger crew and then play a shadow matching game.
A full-length preview of ‘Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Peter Pan Returns’ will become available via Disney Channel on Demand on February 6. Mobile providers Sprint TV and MobiTV will simulcast the special in conjunction with the television premiere on February 13 on Disney Channel. The special will be available the following day on mobile VOD for AT&T, Sprint and Verizon customers.
Disney Junior has provided us with these sneak peek images from the special:
The second season of ‘Jake and the Never Land Pirates’ continues on Disney Junior with all new episodes starting February 20. Special guest stars include Sharon Osbourne, Josh Duhamel, Jane Kaczmarek and Tiffani Thiessen who will join series regulars David Arquette, Tori Spelling, Lisa Loeb, Adam West and Ariel Winter.
Images courtesy of and © Disney Junior
Categories: Television Tags: DC, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, DJR, Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Peter Pan
‘Octonauts’ to Debut on Disney Junior, January 9
‘Octonauts,’ the BAFTA-nominated animated show for preschoolers, based on the popular children’s book series of the same name, will make its U.S. debut Monday, January 9 at 11:30 am ET/PT on Disney Junior on Disney Channel. Created by award-winning design team Vicki Wong and Michael Murphy of Meomi Design, the series follows the lively underwater adventures of Captain Barnacles Bear, Lieutenant Kwazii Cat and Medic Peso Penguin, as they explore the ocean and work to protect all of its unique sea creatures. Produced by Silvergate Media with animation by Academy Award-nominated Brown Bag Films, the animated series made its initial debut in the UK in October 2010.
‘Octonauts’ introduces young viewers to exciting new underwater worlds and fascinating marine life. In each 22-minute episode, Captain Barnacles, Lieutenant Kwazii and Medic Peso receive an ‘octo alert,’ which serves as a call to action for the heroes to embark on the day’s mission. With help from their extended crew –Tweak, a bunny mechanical engineer; Shellington, a marine biologist sea otter; Dashi, a dependable dog who serves as the Octonauts’ official mission photographer; Professor Inkling, the Octonauts’ octopus founder; and Tunip, a special breed of underwater sea creature called a vegimal – the team sets out to explore, rescue and protect their unique underwater habitat.
Categories: Television Tags: DC, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, DJR, Octonauts
Disney Junior’s ‘Sofia the First’ to Feature Talents of Ariel Winter, Wayne Brady, Tim Gunn
Disney will introduce a little girl princess to its celebrated legacy of princess fairytales in an animated television movie and series, “Sofia the First,” premiering in fall 2012 and spring 2013 respectively, on Disney Channel and Disney Junior channels around the world. While Disney princess fairytales have been enchanting audiences for more than 70 years, this is the first time a series has centered around a princess as a little girl. The stories are designed to communicate positive messages and life lessons that are applicable to preschool-aged children. The series and movie are productions of Disney Television Animation.
“Sofia the First” stories are set in the storybook world of young Sofia who starts out life as a regular girl. But when her mom marries the king, she is whisked off to a glamorous, but sometimes confusing, castle world of royalty, pomp and new step-siblings, Amber and James. “Sofia the First” will include appearances by Fauna, Flora and Merryweather (fairies seen in Disney’s classic “Sleeping Beauty”) as the headmistresses of Royal Prep, the academy that Sofia, along with other princes and princesses, attends. Special event appearances will be made by classic characters including Cinderella and other Disney Princesses.
In announcing the series, Nancy Kanter, Senior Vice President, Original Programming and General Manager, Disney Junior Worldwide, said, “In Sofia, we have a ‘peer to peer princess,’ a relatable girl experiencing the same social issues as our young viewers – learning how to fit in, making new friends, conquering new skills and building sibling relationships.” She continued, “Although Sofia will have plenty of pretty dresses and sparkly shoes, our stories will show Sofia, and our viewers, that what makes a real princess is what’s inside, not what’s outside. That the inner character of kindness, generosity, loyalty, honesty and grace make you special, not the dress you wear.”
Providing the voice of Sofia is Ariel Winter (ABC’s “Modern Family”). Also highlighting the voice cast is Sara Ramirez (ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy”) as Queen Miranda; Wayne Brady (“Whose Line Is It Anyway?) as Clover, a wise-talking Rabbit; and Tim Gunn (ABC’s “The Revolution,” “Project Runway”) as Baileywick, the family’s Royal Steward. The actors providing the voices of King Roland, Amber and James will be announced soon.
The series was developed by Craig Gerber (“Pixie Hollow Games”) who also wrote the movie. Jamie Mitchell (“Special Agent Oso”) serves as both Executive Producer and Director on the series. Gerber is Co-Executive Producer and serves as the Story Editor.
Photo courtesy Disney Junior
Categories: Television Tags: Disney Junior, DJR, Sophia the First
Disney Channel Announces Holiday Line-up with Guest Appearances by Justin Bieber, Kelly Clarkson
Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior unwrap a joyful slate of new holiday specials for kids and families beginning Friday, December 2. The festive fare includes the premiere of Disney Channel Original Movie “Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas!,” worldwide music sensation Justin Bieber performing his new holiday hit “Mistletoe” on “So Random!,” Grammy-Award winner Kelly Clarkson guest starring in a seasonal special of “Phineas and Ferb” and more.
To get in the spirit, viewers are invited to visit DisneyChannel.com, DisneyXD.com and DisneyJunior.com for holiday activities and games. Among them are a new “Pair of Kings” game, “Super Sled Scramble,” launching Friday, November 18, and “Snoco Launcho,” a winter version of the popular “Loco Launcho” game, debuting Thursday, December 1 at DisneyXD.com/Holidays. Beginning Friday, December 2 at DisneyChannel.com/Holiday, users are invited to build a personalized snowman greeting for family and friends, and at DisneyJunior.com/Holiday, a new “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” interactive game will debut – “Hook’s Merry Winter Treasure Hunt,” where kids and parents can help Captain Hook and Mr. Smee search for Jake and the crew’s missing presents. On Saturday, December 17, the site will debut the “Imagination Movers” holiday episode “A Little Elf Esteem” prior to its premiere on Disney Junior.
Following are the highlights for Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD’s Holiday Line-up (all times ET/PT):
DISNEY CHANNEL:
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2
7:30 p.m. – “Fish Hooks,” “Merry Fishmas, Milo”
Milo and Oscar throw a Christmas party, but when they need help with the party prep, they send a special holiday request to their favorite magical dude, Fish Santa. Meanwhile, Bea tries out for the role of Fish Mall Santa.
7:45 p.m. – “Phineas and Ferb,” “Phineas and Ferb’s Family Christmas Special”
The boys decide to put on a traditional family Christmas special featuring their family, friends and a few very special guests, including Kelly Clarkson (playing herself). The episode features three new holiday songs – Isabella’s “Let it Snow,” a Buford and Baljeet rendition of “Good King Wenscelas,” and the whole gang singing “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
8:00 p.m. – “Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas!”
In the Disney Channel Original Movie, the Duncan’s scramble to reunite in time for Christmas… and along the way they get more than one unexpected gift.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4:
7:30 p.m. – “So Random!”
Worldwide music sensation Justin Bieber performs “Mistletoe” from his holiday album. Also in the episode, MC Grammar raps about Christmas and introduces Dr. Dreidel; Coolest Kid enjoys holiday treats and advises kids to stay in school; Becky Beaver learns she has a wonderful life; Platowski Bros. sing about one another to the tune of holiday jingles; and Harry Potter shops at Voldemarts for the holidays.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9:
8:30 p.m. – “A.N.T. Farm,” “sANTa’s Little Helpers”
Everyone is in the Christmas spirit at Webster High School, including principal Skidmore, who asks Chyna, Olive and Fletcher to build toys for needy kids. But when they discover that Skidmore is actually selling the toys for profit, they devise a scheme to booby trap the gifts.
9:00 p.m. – “Jessie,” “Christmas Story”
When Christina and Morgan Ross get caught in a snowstorm, the family fears they won’t make it home in time for Christmas and Jessie is left with shopping for the kid’s Christmas presents and getting the house decorated for the holiday. When Jessie takes the kids to the mall to see Santa, they have a run-in with his mischievous elves.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11:
8:30 p.m. – “Shake It Up,” “Jingle It Up”
CeCe does some last minute Christmas shopping for her mom, but buys herself a purse instead. With no money left for her mom’s scarf, CeCe gets herself a couple of jobs at the mall to make some extra cash. Meanwhile, Rocky tries to make a young boys Christmas wish come true and Deuce reluctantly invites Dina to join his family for some Christmas caroling.
DISNEY JUNIOR PROGRAMMING BLOCK ON DISNEY CHANNEL:
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2:
8:30 a.m. – “Jake and the Never Land Pirates,” “It’s a Winter Never Land!/Hook On Ice”
Jake, Izzy and Cubby awake to find that Peter Pan has left the crew presents and a tree to celebrate Winter Treasure Day/Captain Hook invites Jake and the crew on a winter treasure hunt.
8:55 a.m. – “Minnie’s Bow-Toons,” “Dance Lessons”
Minnie and Daisy help Clarabelle get ready for the Snowball Dance by teaching her the Snowflake Shuffle and altering her droopy dress into a dazzling new Winter Wonder.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16
7:00 a.m. – “Handy Manny,” “Snow Problem”
In the new half-hour special, Manny and the tools get separated from each other on the way to fix a broken ski lift, so Manny must set out to rescue the tools and save their winter ski vacation.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23
7:30 a.m. – “Imagination Movers,” “A Little Elf Esteem”
The Movers help Carol, a young elf-in-training, learn everything she needs to know to earn her elf bells in time to help Santa deliver presents on Christmas Eve.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30
7:00 a.m. – “Handy Manny,” “Snow Day”
Manny and the tools help Kelly get to her store during a big snow storm and build sleds to play in the snow.
DISNEY XD:
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5
8:00 p.m. – “Pair of Kings,” “Pair of Santas”
In an effort to bring their holiday traditions to Kinkow, the kings promise the islanders a Super Christmas and enlist the island elves to make presents for the kingdom.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6
8:00 p.m. “Kick Buttowski – Suburban Daredevil,” “Cousin Kyle Christmas/Snow Problem”
Kick battles an ice storm and bizarre obstacles in order to find a last minute Christmas gift for Cousin Kyle. When Kick’s family gets snowed in from an avalanche, Kick goes to the extreme to rescue them before cabin fever sets in.
Categories: Television Tags: Christmas, DC, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, DJR, DXD, Holidays
Photos: Jake from ‘Neverland Pirates’ to Meet and Greet at Disney Parks
It’s been a long time coming, but Jake from ‘Jake and the Neverland Pirates,’ the top rated animated program in the Disney Junior programming block on Disney Channel, will finally be landing at the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts beginning this month.
We first met Jake back in March during a private event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios which is where he will begin meeting guests on Monday, November 13. He will be found at the meet and greet area outside the Disney Junior stage show. While Handy Manny will continue to also meet and greet fans at the location, Annie, June, Leo and and Quincy from ‘Little Einsteins’ will no longer be there.
However, Jake will also be joining the ‘Play ‘n Dine’ character meal at Hollywood and Vine, where June will remain, along with Special Agent Oso and Handy Manny.
Beginning a week later, on November 20, Jake will be on hand to meet and greet fans at Disney California Adventure at the Disneyland Resort.
We also hear he’ll be setting sail aboard the Disney Fantasy when it launches in March, 2012.
‘Disney Junior’ Magazine Now Available from Disney Publishing Worldwide
In early 2011, the Disney Channel debuted Disney Junior—a brand that invites parents and caregivers to join their child in the Disney experience of magical, musical, and heartfelt stories and characters, while incorporating learning and development themes for young children.
Now, families can take these familiar characters and stories off-screen! Disney Junior, a new magazine for preschoolers, is full of magical stories and playful activities featuring favorite Disney Junior characters. Children aged 3 – 5 can join their favorite pals as they play games, solve puzzles, and learn about helping, celebrating, and sharing.
Disney Junior magazine includes:
- Games highlighting such shows as ‘Jungle Junction’ and ‘Handy Manny’
- Crafts from ‘Special Agent Oso’ and ‘Mickey Mouse Clubhouse’
- A Fun Adventure Story about ‘Little Einsteins’
- Coloring activities and a pull-out poster from ‘Jake and the Never Land Pirates’
Disney Junior magazine is now available at major retail outlets today or by subscription (8 issues for $29.92).
Categories: Publishing Tags: Disney Junior, DJR
EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK: ‘Jake and the Neverland Pirates’ Meet & Greet Character
Last night, attendees of the second annual Disney Social Media Moms Conference were treated to a fantastic experience in way of a dinner/dance party presented by Disney Junior on the set of ‘Lights, Motor, Action’ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
We’ll have more on the event and its many surprises soon, but for now we thought we’d share these photos of Jake from ‘Jake and the Neverland Pirates’ who made his onstage debut at the event. After spending some time on the dance floor, jamming to a live performance of ‘Roll Up The Map’ by Sharky and Bones, Jake treated us to an exclusive photo shoot.
At this time, there are no known plans for Jake to be greeting park guests on a regular basis, but it’s always a possibility that he may become available for meet & greets as early as April/May when there is traditionally a significant change in Disney character appearances.
Jake does currently appear in puppet form, however, along with Izzy, Cubby and Skully in an all new segment of the popular ‘Disney Junior: Live on Stage!’ show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Categories: Television, Theme Parks, Walt Disney World Tags: Characters, Disney Junior, DJR, Jake, Jake and the Neverland Pirates
Disney Junior to Present ‘Imagination Movers in Concert’ March 6
Disney Junior, the new multiplatform destination for kids age 2-7, will present “Imagination Movers in Concert,” a 45-minute primetime special featuring more than a dozen songs from the Emmy Award-winning “Imagination Movers” television series. Premiering during Mardi Gras week, Sunday,March 6 at 6 pm ET/PT on Disney Channel, the concert was filmed before a sold-out crowd at the Lakefront Arena in the Movers’ hometown of New Orleans. The special includes appearances by series guest stars Joey Fatone (*NSYNC) and Duff Goldman (Food Network’s “Ace of Cakes”), along with Nina and Warehouse Mouse.
On Monday, February 21, DisneyJunior.com will launch an “Imagination Movers in Concert” supersite featuring the new “Join the Band” interactive game, where parents can help their child upload a photo to create their own Mini Mover and play along as kids help the Movers learn their big dance moves in time for the concert. The site will also feature printable personalized Imagination Mover name tags and a dedicated section for parents and caregivers with Mover-inspired recipes, crafts and party planning tips and ideas.
The popular Imagination Movers are currently on a Disney Junior 50-city national concert tour with stops including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston and Washington, DC. For details on the tour dates and venues visit www.imaginationmovers.com.
The Imagination Movers are Rich Collins, a former journalist and father of five young children; Scott Durbin, an award-winning teacher and father of two young children; Dave Poche, an architect and father of two young children; and Scott “Smitty” Smith, a New Orleans firefighter who was a member of the Katrina search and rescue effort. Since signing to Walt Disney Records, the Imagination Movers have sold more than 100,000 albums.
Categories: Internet, Music, Television Tags: Disney Junior, DJR, Imagination Movers
Mickey and Minnie Mouse Light Up Times Square in Anticipation of Disney Junior
Hearts of New Yorkers felt a bit of warmth this morning as lovebirds Mickey and Minnie Mouse took to the heart of chilly Times Square. The couple were celebrating Valentine’s Day a few days early in anticipation of the launch of the Disney Junior programming block which begins February 14 on Disney Channel and Radio Disney, with a whole new 24-hours network launching in 2012.
The A-list couple were also joined by Disney starlet Madison Pettis who joined in on the early celebration. Pettis, who is no stranger to any Disney Channel viewer, provides the voice of Izzy on the Disney Junior original animated series, ‘Jake and the Neverland Pirates.’
Photos by Lou Rocco, courtesy of and © Disney Channel
Categories: Television Tags: DC, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, DJR, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse
New Disney Store Arrivals for May 13, 2013 (46 Items) (Haunted Mansion,
PHOTOS/VIDEO: Merida Royal Coronation Event at Magic Kingdom
Merida Coronation Celebration Tee Available Online for Limited Time
‘Disney Junior Live On Tour! Pirate & Princess
Disney Animator Eric Goldberg to Present ‘Animation
New Disney Arrivals at Junk Food Clothing for May 10, 2013 (7 Items)
New Disney Store Arrivals for May 10, 2013 (6 Items)
‘Guardians of the Galaxy,’ ‘Captain America: The
WATCH: ABC Teases ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ Television
First Look: ‘Big Hero 6′ Hi-Res Concept Art, Film Clip
QR Code Business Card