Webkinz Jr.
"Lots to love, lots to learn."
Webkinz Jr. was the preschool counterpart of Webkinz. It was intended to be a more educational site for a younger audience of children aged 3-6.
History
The first Webkinz Jr. pets were released in April 2009 when they appeared in the Ganz eStore. The site's construction took some time, but Webkinz Newz announced the site was ready on April 2, 2009, although the tour and other parts of the site were ready before then. Webkinz Jr. pets cost $25.00 USD MSRP both as a plush and in the eStore.
Ganz stated in March 2011 that Webkinz Jr. would continue to be supported, but had no further plans to make more pets.[1]
As of January 31st, 2018, Webkinz Jr. is no longer in service and has shut down.[2] Accessing it leads to a 403 forbidden error.
Features
Ganz put an emphasis on pet emotions (sleepy, hungry etc.) and advertised heavily around the Webkinz Jr. site.
In the Parent's Area, users could change their pet's names, manage their account, and adjust the difficulty levels.
Like Webkinz, Webkinz Jr. had a "Deluxe Membership" subscription service that allowed users and parents to access more features on the site.[3] For Webkinz Jr., this included a faster rotation of Playhouse games, Daily Surprises at the Caring Center, more Little Acorn Academy activities, and a new activity at the Park. For the Parent's Area, this included the ability for parents to view detailed reports on their child's playtime, create a to-do list of activities, and download learning printable.
Areas
Players could access several areas, starting from their Home. Areas would change appearances depending on the season.
In February 2010, a new area was added that could be accessed by clicking the school bus.[4]
Home
Every home contained a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, playroom, and front and back yard. In the playroom, pets could play with toys and watch TV.
Caring Center
Ran by Miss Biscuits.
Kinzpost Office
Little Acorn Academy
The school. Taught by Miss Lily the rabbit.
Park
Hosted by Ranger Kenny the moose.
Playhouse
A treehouse where players can play arcade games. Hosted by an unnamed sheep girl.
Rosie's Bakery
A bakery ran by Rosie and her husband Burt. Rosie's Bakery was adding as part of an update in December 2009.[5]
W-Shop
Pets
First Set
The first set released March 2009.
Second Set
The second set released January 2010.
Third Set
The third and final set released June 2010.
Gallery
- Wjrmap.png
Webkinz Jr. map.
Coloring Book
The Webkinz Jr. website had a free coloring book PDF up for download.
External Links
References
- ↑ http://web.archive.org/web/20110308103428/webkinzinsider.com/
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20180129213012/http://www.webkinzjr.com:80/
- ↑ https://webkinznewz.ganzworld.com/newz-blog/?s=webkinz+jr.&cat=-1&Sort=3
- ↑ http://web.archive.org/web/20100503203235/http://www.webkinznewz.com/wp-mu/2010/02/webkinz-jr-time-to-take-a-field-trip-in/#more-11224
- ↑ https://webkinznewz.ganzworld.com/announcements/rosie-s-bakery-is-open-for-business/