Playhouse Disney Changes

My kids are almost past the whole Playhouse Disney thing (sigh). They still enjoy the occasional episode of "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse," but really they have moved on to "Phineas & Ferb," "Sonny With a Chance," etc. But in years past, many an evening or afternoon has been salvaged in my home by using "On Demand" to play episodes of the Playhouse Disney classics like "JoJo's Circus" and "Little Einsteins." Because of modern technology, my children have no concept of a world where children's programming only exists at certain times of the day/week. Still, there are times when "On Demand" goes on the blink and finding appropriate programming for a grumpy teething tot is difficult.

But no more! Playhouse Disney is about to get its own 24-hour-a-day channel. Well...sort of...but not anytime soon. See, Playhouse Disney is in the process of morphing into Disney Junior, a block of morning programming geared toward two- through four-year-olds. (Basically, it's just a new name at this point for what already exists as Playhouse Disney.) This minor transition should take place in early 2011. But by 2012, Disney Junior should be ready for it's own channel.

As is always the case with Disney, we will be hearing about this for a long time before anything actually happens. (Remember seeing promos for Camp Rock 2 a full two months before it premiered? Yep, me too.) Disney will begin teasing us by introducing the Disney Junior  logo, which will feature the letters J-U-N-I-O-R "clothed" in the costuming of the main six characters--instantly recognizable to most children and Disney fans. Promos will run during popular Playhouse Disney shows. (Has anyone seen one yet?)

So, parents of small tots, you have something to look forward to...in a year or so. For now, you'll have to rely on your DVD stash, "On Demand," or your TiVo. Still, our kids have got it pretty good, haven't they? Anybody else remember when the only children's programming was on Saturday morning or a brief hour on weekday afternoons?