“New York Weenie” is one of nineteen new Mickey Mouse shorts, that take Mickey and friends across the world exploring cities from Paris (in Croissant de Triomphe) to New York City. The New York City short, which is currently available on disney.com, takes Mickey on an adventure through the genteel paths of Central Park in search of an elusive hot dog. Below, we explore some of the sites that Mickey visited and determine whether they can actually be found in New York City.
1. Aerial View of Central Park
The short opens with an aerial panorama of Central Park. Situated directly on the bottom of the park is the Empire State Building and off to the left is the Chrysler Building. This isn’t the first time Hollywood has taken liberties with New York City’s geography, as seen in the special effects of The Great Gatsby. But as a cartoon, the goal is of course to capture the spirit of New York City.
If we were to nitpick, the Empire State Building should be over a mile further south and the Chrysler Building should also be further south and east. The one identifying feature depicted in the park is the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, but it should be further north.
2. Central Park Benches
Much care was given to the detail of the park’s lampposts and benches, truly bringing viewers into the heart of the park.
3. Dalehead Arch
What appears to be the Dalehead Arch can be seen while Mickey is searching for Minnie’s hot dog in numerous strollers. The arch, which was constructed between 1860 and 1862, is located near 64th Street and Central Park West (not off of Central Park’s Mall, where it is situated in this short).
4. Bethesda Terrac
Bethesda Terrace is one Central Park’s greatest iconic locations. It possesses a fountain, monumental staircases, and unparalleled tile and sculpture work. The top portion of the terrace can be seen as Mickey throws blankets into the air in search of his prize.
5. Bow Bridge
Frustrated, Mickey walks across Bow Bridge. The bridge is the second oldest cast-iron bridge in the United States and is named for its shape which is supposedly reminiscent of an archer’s or violinist’s bow. The two towers behind may be a reference to the San Remo along Central Park West apartments.
6. Harlem Meer Boathouse
Some of the architecture of this building along the lake is reminiscent of the original architecture of the Central Park Dairy, but Untapped Reader Paul Heikkila pointed out that it’s more inspired by the Harlem Meer Boathouse. However, Paul also noted that currently, the Harlem Meer does not have any boats.
7. Central Park Zoo
Mickey chases the hot dog into the Central Park Zoo. This entrance to the zoo was dedicated in 1965 to house the clock donated by George T. Delacorte. The clock contains a penguin, kangaroo, bear, elephant, goat, and hippo parading with a variety of musical instruments as well as two monkeys with mallets that strike the bell. One the hour, between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM, the clock plays one of 32 nursery rhyme tunes.
Also check out Mickey and Minnie’s exploration through Paris in Croissant de Triomphe.
