Donald’s Boat (1993–2022) was a walk-through play attraction in Disneyland’s Mickey’s Toontown, opening on January 24, 1993, and themed as Donald Duck’s houseboat, the Miss Daisy. Located on Toon Lake near Mickey’s House, it featured interactive elements for kids. It closed in March 2022 and reopened on March 8, 2023, as Donald’s Duck Pond, a water play area.
Below are 10 fun facts about Donald’s Boat during its 1993–2022:
- Toontown Opening Attraction: Donald’s Boat debuted with Mickey’s Toontown on January 24, 1993, designed as a two-story playhouse docked on Toon Lake, reflecting Donald Duck’s nautical persona from his animated shorts.
- Miss Daisy Naming: Named the Miss Daisy after Daisy Duck, the boat featured a figurehead of Daisy at the bow and nautical flags spelling out her name, adding a romantic nod to Donald’s girlfriend.
- Interactive Play Areas: The lower deck included portholes displaying Donald’s belongings, a spiral staircase, and a tugboat horn activated by a rope pull, while the upper deck had a captain’s wheel for kids to “steer.”
- Duckburg Backstory: The boat was not Donald’s permanent home but a vessel he docked in Toon Lake while living in Duckburg, a detail later omitted from guides.
- Safety Modifications: By the late 1990s, features like a slide, rope climb, and kiddie entrance were removed due to safety concerns, limiting the boat to simpler interactive elements like buttons and levers.
- Accessible First Level: Guests using wheelchairs or ECVs could access the ground floor, which featured wide pathways and interactive displays, though the upper deck required climbing stairs.
- Donald’s Decor Details: The boat showcased Donald’s sailor suit on a clothesline, a life preserver with his face, and photos of Huey, Dewey, and Louie, creating a lived-in, quirky duck home vibe. The boat’s roof was shaped like Donald’s sailor cap, complete with a black ribbon, reinforcing his seafaring theme and making it a standout landmark in Toontown’s colorful skyline.
- Hidden Mickey: A subtle Hidden Mickey appeared in the picture frame above Donald’s hammock on the lower deck, a playful detail for eagle-eyed guests exploring the boat’s interior.
- Shady Rest Area: A patio with benches behind the boat, shaded by Toon Lake’s waterfall, provided a rest spot for parents while kids played, enhancing the attraction’s family-friendly appeal.
- Media Appearances: The Miss Daisy’s design inspired Donald’s home in Mickey Mouse Works and House of Mouse, and appeared in games like Toontown Online and Epic Mickey, extending its legacy beyond the park.
