LPWire: Disney Channel Welcomes Mickey Mouse for Playhouse Disney's Preschoolers

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The World's Most Beloved Mouse to Star in New Disney Channel Series for Preschoolers

"Mickey Mouse Clubhouse," a new television series starring Mickey Mouse and his pals joins Disney Channel's learning-based Playhouse Disney programming block for preschoolers in early 2006, it was announced by Gary Marsh, Executive Vice President, Original Programming and Production, Disney ABC Cable Networks Group.

Combining The Walt Disney Company's rich tradition of storytelling with Playhouse Disney's "whole child" curriculum of cognitive, social and creative learning opportunities, "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" engages preschool viewers and their parents/caregivers in an interactive adventure. In each episode, the series' stars -- Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy and Pluto -- help viewers solve a specific age-appropriate problem utilizing basic skills, such as identifying shapes and counting to ten. Along the way, Mickey encourages viewers to respond and actively participate as they work together to complete multiple, easy-to-understand tasks and puzzles in order to find a successful resolution to the problem at hand.

"As endearing as he is timeless, Mickey Mouse is has entertained kids and families for over 76 years," said Marsh. "We are honored to have the opportunity to showcase Mickey on Playhouse Disney and introduce him to a whole new generation of television viewers."

"Walt Disney Television Animation is excited to have the opportunity to work with Mickey Mouse again and to collaborate for the first time with the Playhouse Disney team," said Barry Blumberg, President, Walt Disney Television Animation. "We look forward to building upon the legacy of entertainment, laughter and joy that Mickey has brought to children and families around the world."

"Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" is the third series featuring Mickey Mouse to be produced Walt Disney Television Animation, following "Disney's House of Mouse" (debuted in 2001) and "Disney's Mickey Mouseworks" (aired in 1999) which was the first-ever, original animated television series to feature Disney's Fab Five -- Mickey, Donald Goofy, Pluto and Minnie.

Playhouse Disney is a daily programming block on Disney Channel which encourages preschoolers to imagine and learn through original series, interstitials and acquired programming that encompasses song, movement and entertainment. Guided by an established curriculum, Playhouse Disney supports multiple areas of child development: physical, emotional, social and cognitive; thinking and creative skills as well as moral and ethical development through carefully constructed themes, storylines and characters.

--Posted March 2, 2005
Source: Disney Company Release