Amy Kleinhans with her daughter Georgia at the launch party for Disney Junior. The event took place in Jozi yesterday (31 May) and the channel launched today (1 June) at 11h00.
Ashley Hayden at the launch, with her children Cara and Guy.
As reported on TVSA last month, a second new Disney channel joins the Disney stable on DStv this month.
The action orientated Disney XD launched on channel 304 in mid-May and Disney Junior has gone live on channel 309 today.
It's available on the Compact and Premium bouquets and caters to children aged between 2 and 7. The line-up includes a combination of Disney favourites and new titles.
Here's an overview of some of the shows and movies premiering in the debut week:
Jake and the Never Land PiratesPremiere date: Wednesday, 1 June 2011 at 07h30
A new Disney series that centres round Jake who leads his team into adventures aboard their ship Bucky.
Jake and his friends Izzy, Cubby and their parrot lookout, Skully need to work together to outsmart Captain Hook and Smee, earning gold doubloons as they conquer tasks.
The HivePremiere date: Wednesday, 1 June 2011 at 07h55
A series about Buzzbee, a friendly Bee who lives with his family in Honeybee Hive alongside his family, Pappa Bee, Mamma Bee and Rubee.
The Little MermaidPremiere date: Wednesday, 1 June 2011 at 09h15
A series based on the movie that follows Ariel as she goes on adventures with her friends Urchin, Sebastian, Flounder and Gabriella. Her quest begins with her struggle to stop enemies who want to take over the kingdom she lives in.
A poem is ...Premiere date: Wednesday, 1 June 2011
New shorts air between shows on Wednesdays and Saturdays
Two minute short clips of classic children's poems read aloud with a montage of images from Disney films and TV shows used to express the meaning behind the poems.
MOVIE HIGHLIGHTS
Movies in the premiere week include:
Toy Story 2On: Wednesday, 1 June 2011 at 12h15
Repeats at: 18h00
Peter PanOn: Saturday, 4 June 2011 at 08h30
Repeats at: 18h00
THEMED PROGRAMMING BLOCKS
The channel also features themed programming blocks, in the week and at weekends.
Upcoming themes include:
Escape To Never LandOn: Saturday, 4 and 5 June 2011
A weekend of series and episodes with a pirate and treasure theme.
Warehouse Mouse WeekendOn: Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 June 2011
A weekend themed round two series: Imagination Movers and Warehouse Mouse, with a focus on ideas and brainstorming.