Disney Junior Premieres February 14, 2011!

We are just full of pre-school programming news today aren’t we? First we let you know about a new Nickelodeon show entitled Bubble Guppies (I can’t wait to see it!). What news do we have now? It’s all about Disney Junior! The new platform, which is geared towards kids ages 2 to 7, kicks off on Valentine’s Day, February 14th.

At 8:30 a.m. ET/PT, Disney Junior will debuted with the new animated series “Jake and the Never Land Pirates.” Five other new series also join the Disney Junior schedule: the short form titles “Mickey Mousekersize,” “Special Agent Oso: Three Healthy Steps” (supporting Disney’s Magic of Healthy Living initiative) and “A Poem Is…” (narrated by Jennifer Garner and Katie Holmes, among other familiar voices), and full length series “Babar and the Adventures of Badou” and “Tinga Tinga Tales.” Viewers’ current favorites, “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “Handy Manny,” “Special Agent Oso,” “Jungle Junction” and “Imagination Movers,” will also be seen on Disney Junior.

We have all of the show details below, as well as the schedule for February 14th.

New Series and Short Form Programming Descriptions:

“Jake and the Never Land Pirates” is a new animated adventure series that introduces a crew of kid pirates – leader Jake and pals Izzy and Cubby – and follows their Never Land adventures as they work to outwit two infamous characters, the one and only Captain Hook and Smee, from Disney’s classic “Peter Pan.” The series, which emphasizes teamwork, features original pirate rock music performed by The Never Land Pirate Band. Many of the key creative professionals behind Disney’s #1 series for preschoolers, “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” are at the helm of “Jake and the Never Land Pirates.” Rob LaDuca executive-produces, with Mark Seidenberg serving as producer/story editor, Kelly Ward as voice director and Howy Parkins directing the series. It is a production of Disney Television Animation.

“Mickey Mousekersize,” a new short-form series part of Disney’s Magic of Healthy Living initiative is hosted by Mickey Mouse and focuses on the fun of exercising, encouraging children at home to get up and move along with Mickey and pals.

“Special Agent Oso: Three Healthy Steps,” a new short-form series part of Disney’s Magic of Healthy Living features Oso and friends as they watch a live-action kid demonstrate three healthy steps to exercising and eating right. Sean Astin and Brad Garrett star as Oso and Buffo.

“A Poem Is…” is a short-form animated series showcasing poems for children set to scenes and imagery from classic Disney films including “Dumbo,” “Bambi” and “Lady and the Tramp.” Narrated by Katie Holmes and Jennifer Garner, the series is designed to cultivate fond memories of Disney classics for parents and create new ones for kids by introducing young children to the beauty of a poem.

“Babar and the Adventures of Badou” is an updated version of the classic “Babar” series and introduces King Babar’s energetic eight-year-old grandson, Badou, and friends as they explore the world of Celesteville.

“Tinga Tinga Tales” is a vibrant animated adventure series inspired by traditional African animal folktales and the art of Tanzania.
The premiere schedule is as follows:

Schedule for Monday, February 14 (all times listed are ET/PT)

6:50 a.m. Finding Nemo
8:30 a.m. Jake and the Never Land Pirates Series Premiere “Hide the Hideout/The Old Shell Game”
8:55a.m. A Poem Is… Short-Form Series Premiere
9:00 a.m. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse “TBD”
9:25 a.m. Special Agent Oso Three Healthy Steps Short-Form Series Premiere
9:30 a.m. Handy Manny “Art Show/The New Time Capsule”
9:55 a.m. Mickey Mousekersize Short-Form Series Premiere
10:00 a.m. Babar and the Adventures of Badou Series Premiere “The Key/Grotto for One”
10:25 a.m. Jake and the Never Land Pirates Music Video
10:30 a.m. Chuggington Season Two Premiere “Wilson & the Dinosaur/Quiz Master Hodge”
10:55 a.m. A Poem Is…
11:00 a.m. Tinga Tinga Tales Series Premiere “How Lizard Hides Under Rock”
11:15 a.m. Timmy Time “Timmy the Postman”
11:25 a.m. Handy Manny School for Tools
11:30 a.m. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse “A Surprise for Minnie”
11:55 a.m. Mickey Mousekersize
12:00 p.m. Jake and the Never Land Pirates (encore)
12:25 p.m. Special Agent Oso Three Healthy Steps
12:30 p.m. Jungle Junction “Hiccup Power/Fifi Frenzy”
12:55 p.m. Handy Manny School for Tools
1:00 p.m. Special Agent Oso “Green Finger/For Sleepy Eyes Only”
1:25 p.m. Jake and the Never Land Pirates Music Video
1:30 p.m. Imagination Movers Season Three Premiere “Goldilocks and the Four Movers”

Source: Disney