New Look at “Steamboat Willie” Splash Pad at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel

Mickey Mouse captured the heart of audiences everywhere with his nautical shenanigans in the iconic Walt Disney Animation Studios short, “Steamboat Willie.” Soon you will be invited to join his zany steamboat journey in a brand new splash pad at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel dedicated to the endearing creativity and adventurous spirit of everyone’s favorite deckhand!

Beginning on September 28, 2023, Guests staying at this exciting new Disney Vacation Club property will have the opportunity to bask in the California sun in the brand-new Palette Pool area, an inviting oasis designed for relaxation and play.

The new refreshing retreat includes the Palette Pool, Palm Breeze Bar, and a whimsical splash pad incorporating elements from “Steamboat Willie.”

As you can see in the brand-new animation below, a large grayscale model inspired by the boat in “Steamboat Willie” will be helmed by none other than Mickey Mouse as it springs to life with imaginative water play features. From the boat’s cascading waterfall, misty fog effects rising from the boat’s funnels and variety of pop jets and fountains, little ones are sure to have a splashtastic time!

Guests will be able to soak up more inspiration by taking a dip in the crystal-clear, palette-shaped swimming pool or by recharging in the rainbow glow of multicolored lounge areas in this mid-century modern hangout.

Guests can also enjoy refreshing drinks and snacks at Palm Breeze Bar. This delightful outdoor venue will feature modern decor inspired by the imaginative artistry of Disney Legend, Mary Blair. You may recognize Mary Blair’s quirky designs from the timeless attraction, it’s a small world or the fanciful murals in the Grand Canyon Concourse at Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort Hotel. However, her unique styling and bold use of color influenced the artistry of so many Disney Animation films, including some featured in the rooms at the Villas at the Disneyland Hotel!

And the Disney magic continues long after the sun sets on the Palette Pool. Families can watch their technicolor dreams come true as the Steamboat Willie splash pad transforms from black and white to vivid colors with the help of some artistic lighting.

The Villas at Disneyland Hotel will be the fourth tower at the award-winning Disneyland Hotel, offering more than 340 rooms and welcoming guests to a variety of villa-style themed accommodations featuring just-like-home amenities. Each room will showcase modern décor inspired by Disney Animation classics such as “The Jungle Book,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “Fantasia” and more.

We cannot wait for your story to begin at the Villas at Disneyland Hotel when it opens on September 28, 2023!

About the Author: DBTN - FOUNDER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF DBTN

My enthusiasm for all things Disney all started when my parents took our family to WDW for a vacation. My first trip was at age 13. Since that first time, I have made a trip to WDW almost every year from age 13. As far as I knew there was only one place to vacation! My fascination with WDW began on that first trip. I wanted to know how things at WDW operated and what made it so magical. I wanted to know details like how many people worked there and the length of the monorail track. It is that fascination that fueled my interest in WDW. Each year that my family vacationed at WDW, I learned more about WDW as they built more parks and added more attractions. I am not the average fan; I want to know all the details and I love researching the facts of WDW. I research facts through the Internet, books and DVDs. To me, the best part is to conduct research trip at WDW. After college, my father was transferred to Orlando and I moved with my parents. Seeking employment, I applied for a job at WDW. I passed the first rounds of interviews and was proud to join the Disney family as a security cast member! The job was great. It included Disney-specific training and security training before assuming four duties: driving a security vehicle, standing a post, working in a resort or walking a park or other area. Sometimes I even had special duties like working the Epcot Christmas Processional. I would escort the celebrity guests from backstage to onstage. Interestingly, every cast member is given a WDW fact book monthly to aid in answering guest questions. The pocket book contained great Disney facts that added more fuel for my thirst of Disney facts. Well, all-good things must come to end so we moved back to NJ. In the summer of 2010 I moved back to Florida I am now living in Orlando less then 15 minutes from WDW and living the dream and have fun along the way. Favorite Park – Magic Kingdom Favorite Character – Mickey Mouse Favorite restaurant – California Grill Favorite attraction – Toy Story Mania Favorite resort – Bay Lake Tower / Contempoary First time at a disney park – 1976 & have been every year since Who was on your first disney trip – My entire family Favorite disney memory – My first trip and my first trip with my kids How far do you live from disney now – 15 minutes When is your next Disney trip? – every weekend Favorite Disney Movie – Jungle Book & Toy Story

New Look at “Steamboat Willie” Splash Pad at The Villas at Disneyland Hotel