Are you tired of seeing the same old Disney characters on every piece of merchandise? Well, prepare to be delighted! Walt Disney World has just released a new animation tumbler that shines a spotlight on lesser-known, yet equally charming, classic characters. This isn’t your average Disney souvenir—it’s a celebration of the unsung heroes of Disney’s rich animation history. But here’s where it gets exciting: these aren’t just any obscure characters; they’re deep cuts that even die-hard fans might not recognize at first glance. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about the characters; it’s about the art style. The Disney Animated Classics 40oz Tumbler, priced at $44.99, features a stunning hand-drawn, sketchbook-inspired design that feels like you’ve stepped into a Disney animator’s studio. Each character is rendered in a unique half-sketch, half-colored style, with vibrant hues and brush-like swishes that pop against the tumbler’s sleek white stainless steel body. The bright blue twist-off lid, complete with a matching carrying handle and built-in straw, adds a playful touch to this functional piece of art.
Now, let’s dive into the characters that make this tumbler truly special. Among the lesser-known figures, you’ll find Johnny Appleseed from Melody Time (1948), a musical short that brings the American folk hero to life in Disney’s signature style. But here’s where it gets controversial—while many celebrate this inclusion, some fans argue that Johnny Appleseed isn’t as ‘obscure’ as other characters could have been. What do you think? Should Disney dig even deeper into their archives? Another surprising addition is the duo Johnnie Fedora and Alice Bluebonnet from the 1946 short of the same name, featured in Make Mine Music. Fun fact: Make Mine Music is the only Disney animated feature film not available on Disney+—a detail that has sparked debates among fans about accessibility to Disney’s full catalog. And let’s not forget Amos the mouse from The Liberty Story, a 1957 short from the Disneyland TV series. These characters aren’t just niche; they’re a love letter to Disney’s experimental and lesser-celebrated works.
Of course, the tumbler also includes fan-favorite mainstays like Sorcerer Mickey Mouse, Bambi, Snow White, and Tinker Bell, ensuring there’s something for everyone. We spotted this gem at Calypso Trading Post in the Caribbean Beach Resort, but given its broad appeal, it’s likely to pop up at other Walt Disney World locations soon. Whether you’re a collector, an art enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a good tumbler, this piece is a must-see—or rather, a must-sip! But here’s the real question: Does Disney owe it to fans to highlight more of these forgotten characters, or should they stick to the classics? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
If you’re in the market for a new Disney tumbler or just want to stay updated on the latest Disney Parks news, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. And don’t forget to share your tumbler finds with us on social media—we’d love to see your Disney haul!