I was so amused by how confident Mickey was to build such a huge boat, even when he got the idea from reading a scrappy catalog page that was an excuse for a blueprint. I quote the message at the bottom: "Even a child can do it." Yeah right! After all the sweat, blood and Lord knows what else they put into that boat and then see it fall apart is something to ponder, but what can I say? It's supposed to be comical, right?
Oh, and my favorite part is when Goofy lands in the nail pail and then freaks out after reading the label. That scene still flashes back when I least expect it.
This is one of the few Disney cartoons I've seen on the big screen as it was attached to prints of 'Meet the Robinsons' in cinemas. I was surprised, but delighted, by how well it was received by the audience. People were obviously pleased to see it and were really enjoying it. Goofy in particular got a great audience reaction. Similarly, when I recently saw 'Princess and the Frog', the Steamboat Willie clip that played as part of the 'Disney Animation' logo got an excited reaction.
I think there's still a strong and immediate appeal to be found in the early Mickey and co design and animation that can really delight. Perhaps the fact that they're seen fairly rarely nowadays adds to this effect when they do pop up.