Disney Junior will replace Playhouse Disney from July 11. With the new programming, Disney Junior is extending its appeal to the older kids (6 – 7 year olds). There will be a bigger focus on storytelling elements to engage the new target audience. At the same time, there will be more family-favourite movies from Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios.
Despite its rebranding, Disney Junior promises that it will retain all the learning and developmental values such as math and social skills that are specific to the preschoolers (2 – 5 year olds).
What kind of programs can I expect on Disney Junior?
Also debuting with the launch of Disney Junior is a series of Disney Poetry Shorts, designed to bring fond memories of Disney classics to parents and create new ones for kids. The series is presented with the voice-over of celebrities like Jennifer Garner reading poetry over scenes and imageries from classic Disney films. It aims to introduce preschoolers to the beauty of a well-read poem and cement it in their memory with extraordinary moments in Disney animation history.
You can expect more fun learning experiences for your preschooler on Disney Junior, through a more varied program line-up with more engaging stories, catchy music and well-loved characters. Popular programs like Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Special Agent Oso and Handy Manny will continue to air on the newly-branded channel. However, viewers can look forward to new episodes of these shows.
On top of that, there will be new additions including exciting programs like Jake and the Neverland Pirates and Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About That.
Jake and the Neverland Pirates will debut for the first time and exclusively on Disney Junior. Your child will be engaged in exciting educational adventures with Jake and his pirate crew on their quest for hidden treasures and to outsmart a very naughty Captain Hook and Smee.
Preschoolers can learn early academic skills such as counting and simple math, as well as self expression skills through catchy music and songs featured in each episode.
As for the beloved character by Dr. Seuss, Cat in the Hat will lead 6-year-old neighbours Nick and Sally, the Fish, and Thing One and Thing Two on a variety of adventures that are prompted by either Nick or Sally at the beginning of each episode.
You kids will travel around the globe with them to discover the natural world around them. Preschoolers can learn about natural world such as the eco-systems or harness thinking skills and learning how to ask the right questions.
Will I need to pay extra fee for Disney Junior?
There is no extra fee for Disney Junior if you are an existing Playhouse Disney subscriber as of 11 July 2011.
Do I need to switch or reprogram my channels?
You will not need to do anything as Disney Junior will maintain the same channel number. Just key in the same number as Playhouse Disney (Starhub channel 311) to enjoy Disney Junior.
