Disney Invites Fans to Participate in the JAKE AND THE NEVER LAND PIRATES Birthday Bash

Disney Invites Fans to Participate in the JAKE AND THE NEVER LAND PIRATES Birthday Bash Disney Junior is inviting "Jake and the Never Land Pirates" fans to help celebrate Jake's birthday by submitting videotaped birthday greetings for the chance to appear on Disney Channel and Disney Junior. Beginning Thursday, January 31, parents and caregivers can log on to DisneyJunior.com/JakesBirthday to download a printable birthday card for their child to decorate and showcase in a video submission wishing Jake a happy birthday. The videos will be posted on DisneyJunior.com and some will be chosen for air Monday, February 25 - Friday, March 1, leading up to the debut of a new birthday-themed episode of "Jake and the Never Land Pirates" FRIDAY, MARCH 1 on Disney Channel (8:30 a.m., ET/PT) and Disney Junior (5:30 p.m., ET/PT).

The "Jake's Birthday Bash" experience on DisneyJunior.com/JakesBirthday will also feature downloadable pirate-themed recipes, crafts, party favors and a "Pin the Tail on the Croc" activity. On Jake's birthday, Friday, March 1, the site will launch an interactive treasure hunt game where kids help Jake search Pirate Island for his hidden birthday presents.

In the new episode "Jake's Birthday Bash," Jake's crewmates Cubby, Izzy and Skully surprise him with a special birthday treasure hunt. The episode will launch on iTunes in conjunction with the television premiere on March 1 as part of the "Disney Junior Birthday Bash!" bundle which features birthday-themed episodes of additional favorite Disney Junior series including "Doc McStuffins" and "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse."

Produced by Disney Television Animation, "Jake and the Never Land Pirates" consistently ranks among the Top 3 cable TV series in Kids 2-5, and for the 2012-2013 season to date, is the #1 cable TV series in Boys 2-5. The series currently airs in 163 countries and 33 different languages. "Jake and the Never Land Pirates" is executive-produced by Rob LaDuca. Mark Seidenberg is producer/story editor and Howy Parkins is the director.

Disney Junior reflects the emotional connection generations of consumers have to Disney storytelling and Disney characters, both classic and contemporary. It invites mom and dad to join their child in the Disney experience of magical, musical and heartfelt stories and characters, while incorporating specific learning and development themes designed for kids age 2-7. Disney Junior's series blend Disney's unparalleled storytelling and characters kids love deeply with learning, including early math, language skills, healthy eating and lifestyles, and social skills. Disney Junior launched in February 2011 with a daily programming block on Disney Channel. In its first year, Disney Junior posted the network's biggest yearly audience in the daypart in Total Viewers, Kids 2-5, Boys 2-5 and Women 18-49, increasing by double-digit margins among preschooler demographics over year-ago levels. On March 23, 2012 Disney Junior added a cable and satellite channel in the U.S. Disney Junior channels in Japan, India and Disney Junior Portugal launched in fall 2012, bringing the total number of channels to 33 worldwide.