Here is look at the new programming coming to Disney Channel, Disney Junior, and Disney XD in January 2024, including the season three premiere of “Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends.” There are also new episodes of “Pupstruction,” “Firebuds,” “The Ghost and Molly McGee,” “SuperKitties,” and “Kiff.” Here is everything new coming to Disney Channel,… Read More »Everything New Coming to Disney Channel, Disney Junior, and Disney XD in January 2024
On January 1, 2024, the copyright for the original 1928 Mickey Mouse character design from the animated film “Steamboat Willie” will expire and enter the public domain. This means anyone can use or profit from that early version of Mickey without permission from Disney.
What Enters Public Domain
The black and white, pie-eyed, rascally Mickey Mouse from “Steamboat Willie” will be in the public domain. This includes features like his rudimentary design, skinny frame, long tail, etc.
What is Still Protected
Disney will retain trademarks and copyrights on all later versions of Mickey Mouse. His more modern design with white gloves and pupils, as well as his name and image, are still fully protected intellectual property belonging to Disney.
What People Can Do
Use the 1928 Mickey design in new creative works, merchandise, films, art, etc. But this must be done without infringing on Disney’s continuing trademark and copyrights in ways that cause brand confusion. Parody and commentary may have more flexibility.
Background on Copyright Extension
Disney has lobbied extensively to extend copyright protections, with the 1998 Copyright Term Extension Act pejoratively called the “Mickey Mouse Protection Act.” But after multiple extensions, the earliest Mickey Mouse finally enters the public domain after 95 years.
The History of Mickey’s Debut in “Steamboat Willie”
Mickey Mouse first appeared in the 1928 animated short “Steamboat Willie”, which was groundbreaking as the first cartoon released with fully synchronized sound. Some key historical notes:
Produced by Walt Disney and directed by Ub Iwerks
Debuted November 18, 1928 in New York City
Distributed by Celebrity Productions
Soundtrack recorded by Pat Powers’ Cinephone system
Was the first Disney cartoon with synchronized sound
Premiered as a preview before the film “Gang War”
The runaway success of “Steamboat Willie” made Mickey Mouse an overnight sensation. This laid the foundation for the Disney empire and the “Golden Age” of animation that followed.
Conclusion
Losing exclusivity to the original 1928 Mickey Mouse design is mostly symbolic for Disney. But it still represents the public finally gaining access to creative works that have been strictly private for nearly a century. For artists, filmmakers and entrepreneurs, this will provide some new opportunities and freedoms involving that iconic early Mickey version.
But Disney’s trademarks ensure they will still vigorously defend Mickey’s image and likeness from substantial brand exploitation without permission. Overall, the entry of the first Mickey Mouse into the public domain is a milestone for intellectual property laws. And it caps the long history of a character who defined and transformed the animation business from his debut in Steamboat Willie in 1928.
The Disney100 celebration, commemorating 100 years of The Walt Disney Company, comes to a close with the end of the year and Disney shared a magical montage to wrap things up. The new Disney100 montage takes us through some of our favorite Disney films and series, from Steamboat Willie and Snow White to Raya and Asha. […]
We caught a whiff of change in the air in Storybook Circus, as landscaping changes around Dumbo the Flying Elephant include large manicured swaths of hedge removal. One of the areas cleared roughly matches the locations of a popcorn elephant statue in the “Smellephants on Parade” concept art, so it may be preparation for the project’s installation at Magic Kingdom.
Possible “Smellephants on Parade” Site Preparation
To the right of Dumbo the Flying Elephant, a large section of landscaping has been removed.
The clean edging lines of the landscaping here around an empty area may indicate that the site has been prepped for other landscaping additions, but the location matches the concept art pictured below.
Larger features in the landscaping, such as these woody pieces, have been pruned or removed. The hedges have been recently trimmed as well; while this is normal maintenance around the edges for Disney’s landscaping team, there are typically not large manicured voids in flower beds when they perform this maintenance.
The ground has been covered in a conifer needle substrate that is easily raked and removed, which is used to protect against washout of dirt. The same product is used in many of the service dog relief areas around the resort as a temporary surface that can be quickly raked, removed, and replaced when needed.
The left side of Dumbo the Flying Elephant has been similarly cleared, but this time with a larger section of ground left bare.
Another planter near the seating area in Storybook Circus also has a section that has been cleared of its plants, prepped for a new installation.
“Smellephants on Parade” Details
This new “family-friendly ‘search and sniff’ adventure” is sponsored by multi-level marketing company Scentsy, which is the official home fragrance for Walt Disney World. The experience takes inspiration from the “Pink Elephants on Parade” sequence from “Dumbo” and concept art includes a popcorn-themed elephant statue and was announced in July.
Cast Members will provide guests with a “Smellephants on Parade” map and sticker sheet at the ticket booth in front of Big Top Souvenirs. “Wiff-sistants” in training can then explore Storybook Circus to find Smellephant statues and record their unique scents.
Scentsy branding was added to Dumbo the Flying Elephant attraction signage in November.
If you need to ring in the New Year a little early due to young ones, Disney Junior has posted a new video with Mickey and Minnie Mouse that will help you do just that. The Details As part of the channel’s “Me & Mickey” video series, Disney Junior’s latest installment showcases Mickey and Minnie… Read More »Disney Junior Helps Families Ring in the New Year with Mickey and Minnie
Take a stroll through the turn-of-the-century seaside carnival atmosphere at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort, and stop in for a souvenir from Screen Door General Store that captures some of the charm of the resort.
This new DIsney’s BoardWalk Resort Loungefly backpack has just arrived to the resort.
The red-and-cream design has an allover print with architecture from the resort, Minnie Mouse wearing a cloche hat with a flower, Mickey Mouse in a boater hat, ice cream, pizza, pretzels, friendship boats, and surrey bikes.
The bag has contrasting red around the zipper and lining the side slip pockets.
The straps and handle are the same matching red. The straps have gold hardware.
The top of the bag has a metal Disney Parks x Loungefly plaque in cream enamel. Above this, a sparkly red bow sits between sparkly red Minnie ears, which have been edged with red and dotted with circles resembling boardwalk lights.
The large front pocket has the resort’s lights logo and a gold zipper. It is edged in red.
Tags on the bag indicate that it glows in the dark…
…and it’s also scented. We thought it smelled just like the lobby fragrance for the resort.
Disney’s BoardWalk Resort Corkcicle – $44.99
This cream colored Corkcicle bottle has a simple design on the front.
The back of the bottle has the Corkcicle wordmark.
The design on the bottle has architecture from the resort, with a fanciful roller coaster design behind it. A friendship boat pulls up to the dock between the arches of the design. Beneath the resort’s wordmark, a banner reads, “Showplace of the shore!”
The bottom of the Corkcicle has the standard rubberized foot. The bottle is 25 oz and should not be washed in the dishwasher or microwaved.
Pink Disney’s BoardWalk Resort Tee – $34.99
This simple shirt is a saltwater taffy pink color.
The resort’s wordmark is written in a darker pink across the front of the shirt.
Blue Disney’s BoardWalk Resort Lights Knotted Tee – $34.99
This lightweight tee is a bright saltwater taffy blue color. The shirt has a knotted hem.
The printed design of the resort logo has a sparkly red background and coordinates with the Loungefly backpack above.
Disney’s BoardWalk Resort Beach Towel – $29.99
This beack towel has the same classy logo design as the Corkcicle bottle above.
The beach towel is cream with a red border that matches the design of the graphic.
Will you be enjoying the Atlantic City-styled seaside escape of Disney’s BoardWalk Resort and bringing home one of these new souvenirs from your trip? Let us know in the comments.
This week, a look back at The Fifth Estate. This Dreamworks Pictures movie was one of many films to be produced by the Spielberg led company and released in the dying days of Touchstone. Is The Fifth Estate worth celebrating and claiming as a Disney classic? Or should it be forgotten in the vault of Walt? […]
Today marks the official announcement regarding the launch of the United Football League (the “UFL”), the premier spring football league that will result from the merger of the XFL and USFL, with games apparently coming to both ABC and ESPN. The 2024 season for the UFL is set to kick off on Saturday, March 30, 2024. […]
If you’re searching for a unique way to celebrate the New Year, check out the new change at this EPCOT restaurant! Review the details so you don’t miss out on the fun. Japan Pavilion Whether you’re a first-time or frequent visitor to Disney World, EPCOT has so much to explore! The Japan Pavilion is located […]
This post contains sponsored content from Be Our Guest Vacations. Help support WDWNT by using the links in this article to book your next resort stay with our sponsors, Be Our Guest Vacations.
The Animator’s Palate restaurant exists in slightly different forms on the four original Disney Cruise Line ships. During our Alaska sailing on the Disney Wonder, we enjoyed a Nordic-inspired menu at Animator’s Palate for “Frozen” night, but this isn’t the restaurant’s usual menu. During the rotational Disney Cruise Line dining schedule, we did return to Animator’s Palate for a standard meal at the ink and paint-inspired restaurant.
Animator’s Palate
When guests first arrive at Animator’s Palate on the Disney Wonder, the restaurant is mostly black and white, with sketches of Disney characters appearing on screens.
The black and white colors extend to the tables and chairs.
The tables have paint palette-shaped placards.
The butter knives are famously shaped like paintbrushes.
Columns throughout the restaurant are giant paintbrushes, touching equally giant paint palettes on the ceiling.
During the meal, the sketches on the screens are filled in with color.
The meal culminates in a celebration of animation called “Drawn to Magic.”
Behold the evolution of animation—from pencil test to ink-and-paint. Follow a hero’s storytelling journey through Disney and Pixar animation, where wishing upon a star paves the way for happily-ever-after. In an emotional finale, the black-and-white interior of the restaurant is transformed with splashes of vibrant color. Join Sorcerer Mickey as he leads the fun!
The space lights up with color, and Sorcerer Mickey arrives to dance through the restaurant.
Animator’s Palate Menu
Sorcerer Mickey is also featured as a holographic sketch on the front of the menu.
And sketches of Mickey, some with color, fill the menu.
The dessert menu guests receive later looks like a notebook.
Most food and beverages are included in the price of your Disney Cruise Line sailing. Some specialty beverages, including alcoholic drinks, cost extra.
Bread Service
Garlic and Herb Focaccia
with a Roasted Garlic Dip
The bread isn’t warm, but it’s good. The special focaccia is soft and fresh.
Bread service also includes multigrain dinner rolls and soda bread.
The special roasted garlic dip has a strong garlic taste, but it’s good if you like that.
Specialty Cocktails
Blueberrilicious
Tequila, fresh Blueberries, Passion Fruit Juice, Orange Flavor Liquor, and Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
This drink isn’t bad, but there’s not a lot going on with it. Blueberry and lime is a weird flavor combination.
Great Reef
Rum, Elderflower St. Germain, Watermelon Purée and fresh Lime Juice
This cocktail is visually stunning and tastes spectacular. The watermelon purée at the bottom is almost like a jelly. We highly recommend this drink.
Bora Shake (non-alcoholic)
Piña Colada, fresh Bananas and Blue Ocean
This is creamy and really tastes just like a piña colada but without any alcohol, so it’s a win for us.
Appetizers
Tomato Tarte
with Glazed Goat Cheese and shaved Radish
This looks like a pizza so we sliced it and ate it like one. But don’t be deceived — it’s a flaky pastry, not a pizza dough. That said, it’s a nice buttery pastry. The goat cheese is good but we wish there was more of it. It just hits on the backend. The tomato is present and this is an overall fine appetizer.
Black Truffle Pasta Purseittes
Pasta Purses filled with Truffle-scented Cheese and coated with a delicate Champagne Sauce
These are great. The cheese inside is rich and thick. The champagne sauce over the dish gives it a buttery sweetness.
The pasta purses are cooked perfectly al dente. They’re topped with carrots, celery, and mushrooms. We would have this again.
Smoked Salmon Tartar
with Dill, Capers, Onions, Pickles, and a Horseradish Cream
This is a little fishy but not bad. The horseradish isn’t too intense, it just gives the dish a creamy flavor. This is the best version of this appetizer we had on the sailing.
Soups & Salads
Chicken and Walnut Salad
Dried Cranberries, Red Onions and a Cranberry Dressing
This is a refreshing, small solid perfect for before a big meal. The dressing is mild (in a good way) and the greens are crisp.
Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
Garnished with Chives and drizzled with Sour Cream
This is rich and creamy with a profound butternut squash flavor — just what it says in the name.
Baked Potato and Cheddar Cheese Soup
with Bacon Bits and Chives
This is a little different from your standard baked potato soup. The first note you get is a spice, not the taste of potato. We get a strong chive taste, too. It’s super salty and the bacon is soaked in, hitting on the backend. It’s not bad, just surprising.
We prefer the butternut squash soup.
Main Course
Pennete Bolognese
Pennete Pasta mixed with a rich Bolognese Sauce Garnished with shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano and Toasted Garlic Ciabatta
This is just fine. There’s nothing wrong with it and it’s serviceable, so it’s good for picky eaters. The garlic bread was a little soggy from the sauce, which isn’t surprising, but it tasted old.
Ginger-Teriyaki dusted Angus Beef Tenderloin
served on Wasabi Mashed Potatoes with Bok Choy and a Tamarind Barbecue Reduction
This is a surprisingly edible steak. In fact, it was good. The meat was soft and tender (we literally cut it with a butter knife). It’s a nice portion size. This was the best steak we had during rotational dining on the Disney Wonder.
The potatoes have the wasabi flavor up front, but they aren’t spicy or intense. We recommend this dish.
Grilled Tuna Steak
with Fingerling Confit, Caponata, Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto, and Aioli
The “fingerling confit” is mashed fingerling potatoes. They’re delicious and steal the show.
The tuna steak is gray on the outside and pink on the inside, which is normal. It’s a nice big piece and cooked well. It’s dry on its own but with the aioli (served on the side), it’s better.
Black Bean Chipotle Cakes (Vegetarian)
over Corn Kernels and Brown Rice topped with Tomato-Cilantro Salsa
This needs more sauce to give it more flavor and juice, but the base is good. It tastes just like a black bean burger and it’s soft. There are bits of onion in the rice and corn. We maybe would have preferred a non-grain side since the black bean itself is grainy. But it’s constructed well and not a bad meal.
Sesame Halloumi Parcels (Vegetarian)
with Sweet Potato Tahini Mash and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
This is a very interesting dish, both visually and taste-wise. It won’t be for everyone but it’s good. The soft mash is inside a crispy pastry. The red sauce is surprising but welcome.
This is one of the Disney Wonder’s most interesting and creative dishes. We would recommend it alongside the black bean chipotle cakes, as it feels like a more appropriate side.
Desserts
Cookies ‘n Cream Sundae
Cookies & Cream Ice Cream with Chocolate Sauce and Chocolate Chip Cookies
This is a good sundae. We appreciate the real whipped cream and chocolate syrup.
Lemon Icebox Pie
served with Lemon Curd and Berry Crème
This is perfect for key lime pie lovers as it’s essentially that but with a lemon taste.
It’s a solid option.
Warm Sticky Date Pudding
served with Butterscotch Sauce, Vanilla Ice Cream, and Phyllo Crunch
We recommend this dessert. It’s soft, warm, gooey, and sweet. The phyllo and ice cream counter the date pudding well.
Chocolate Fudge Cheesecake
creamy Vanilla Cheesecake with a Chocolate Fudge base
This is a simple but good dessert. It has the right ratio of cheesecake to fudge. The cheesecake is standard and the fudge is a soft cake-like brownie bar.
Overall
Though Tiana’s Place offers the best overall dining experience on the Disney Wonder, Animator’s Palate has the best food. It’s also a great environment with a cute show and an iconic part of Disney Cruise Line. Don’t skip this meal.
Watch our review video below.
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