Disney Channel's January is highlighted the debut of the new animated comedy series THE EMPEROR'S NEW SCHOOL, based on the feature, THE EMPEROR'S NEW GROOVE on Disney Channel, Toon Disney and Saturday mornings on ABC Kids. For the youngest viewers, a new season of HIGGLYTOWN HEROES debuts with guest stars Emmy Award-winning choreographer and actress Debbie Allen as the dance instructor who helps saves the day.

Disney Channel looks to roll into 2006 with approximately 41 million votes — its highest ever — for the 8th annual New Year's Eve Viewer's Choice programming event. The polls have been open for three weeks at www.DisneyChannel.com/NewYearsEve and close at 12:00 midnight, PT, tonight (Dec. 30).

The episodes with the most viewer votes determine the programming lineup for Saturday, Dec. 31 (6:00 pm-12:30 am, ET/PT). It's all wrapped up with an on-air party hosted by Dylan and Cole Sprouse, Ashley Tisdale and Brenda Song, originating from the set of their hit series THE SUITE LIFE OF ZACK & CODY.

On Sunday, Jan. 1, the eight-hour Toon Disney marathon (11:00 am – 7:00 pm, ET/PT) features the animated movies ROBIN HOOD, A GOOFY MOVIE, OLIVER & COMPANY and HERCULES plus, a preview of BRANDY & MR. WHISKERS (4:35 pm, ET/PT) before its debut on Toon Disney later in the month.

On Monday, Jan. 2 at 7:30 am, ET/PT, Debbie Allen guest stars as the voice of the dance instructor in the season premiere of HIGGLYTOWN HEROES during the learning-focused Playhouse Disney block for preschoolers on Disney Channel. In the story, Eubie's delight at being the ring-bearer in his cousin's wedding quickly turns to anxiety when he discovers he will have to dance at the wedding. Well-meaning members of the community demonstrate various dance moves from disco to break-dancing, but the real hero is the Dance Instructor who teaches Eubie how to do The Waltz. Also among the celebrities providing the voice of various heroes this season are: Wilmer Valderrama, Henry Winkler, Jorge Garcia, Katy Sagal, Joey Fatone, Wayne Brady, Kathy Najimy and Aisha Tyler.

In addition, JoJo's adorable pet Goliath from JOJO'S CIRCUS gets the lion's share of attention in the specially themed week, Go Goliath Go, featuring Goliath-centric episodes every day plus, a new episode on Friday, Jan. 6, at 8:30 am, ET/PT.

On Sunday, Jan. 8 at 5:00 pm, ET/PT, Toon Disney will air a new episode of the Jetix action/adventure KONG: THE ANIMATED SERIES. Kong and Tann must save their friends Jason and Lua from the clutches of an evil Professor.

Moreover, a special primetime presentation (7:30 pm, ET/PT) of the Playhouse Disney hit series LITTLE EINSTEINS reveals how Leo, Annie, Quincy, June and Rocket came to be the Little Einsteins. The storyline depicts the kids on the day they met Rocket and embarked on their first mission: a 'round the globe adventure to help Rocket find a home. Also featured this evening are THE CARE BEARS BIG WISH MOVIE (6:00 pm) and Disney Channel's premiere of MUPPETS WIZARD OF OZ, a retelling of the classic story starring recording artist Ashanti, Kermit, Gonzo, Fozzy and Miss Piggy (8:00 pm, ET/PT).

On Thursday, Jan. 12 at 4:30 pm, ET/PT, Jake goes undercover as professional wrestler Dragonfire to rescue Hobie, a 400-pound giant, from the evil clutches of King Hammer, owner of the King Extreme Wrestling League (K.E.W.L), on a new episode of AMERICAN DRAGON: JAKE LONG on Disney Channel.

On Saturday, Jan. 14, BRANDY & MR. WHISKERS premieres on Toon Disney with a six-episode marathon (1:00-4:00 pm, ET/PT). The regular time slot is Monday-Friday, 8:00 am, ET/PT. Kaley Cuoco and Charlie Adler provide the voices of the title characters in this quintessential buddy comedy that follows the comical misadventures of a pampered pooch (Brandy) and an excitable, offbeat rabbit (Mr. Whiskers) who must forge a friendship while stranded in the Amazon rainforest.