Disney Channel Bulks Up Preschool Schedule

BURBANK, March 31: Disney
Channel has renewed Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and My Friends Tigger & Pooh for additional 35-episode seasons, and has begun
production in the U.K. on a new preschool program, Jungle Junction.

Set to launch on Playhouse
Disney and Disney Channels around the world in 2009, Jungle Junction follows a group of fun-loving animals on wheels as
they explore a road-filled jungle. The CG-animated series delivers a positive
environmental message and has a set curriculum to foster pre-literacy with
regard to signs, symbols and their meanings in the everyday world.

"We are thrilled to
begin production with our partners in the U.K. on what will be Disney Channel's
second full-scale international production," said Nancy Kanter, the senior
VP of Playhouse Disney Worldwide. "The humorous character-based stories
are structured around an innovative curriculum that highlights the
juxtaposition we all recognize between natural and urban habitats. We are
hopeful that Jungle Junction
will introduce preschoolers early on to the importance of fostering an
appreciation of and responsibility for the environment."

Disney Channel has also
given third-season orders to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and My Friends Tigger & Pooh. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse combines CG animation with classic Disney
characters to introduce a whole new generation of preschoolers to Mickey and
his pals. My Friends Tigger & Pooh revolves around the classic characters—Pooh, Tigger, Piglet,
Eeyore and other favorites—solving mysteries in the Hundred Acre Woods,
featuring an interactive curriculum for young viewers.

"Mickey Mouse
Clubhouse and My Friends Tigger
& Pooh have captivated
preschoolers and their parents around the globe," added Kanter. "Both
have proven to be ratings winners from day one, and we are looking forward to
successful third seasons filled with more exciting Clubhouse and Hundred Acre
Wood adventures with Mickey, Pooh and all the gang."

—By Kristin
Brzoznowski