I ran across a few interesting tidbits in the recent release of The Great Mouse Detective (Mystery in the Mist Edition) DVD. One is documented at a few other sites and the other might be nothing more than an interesting coincidence.
When Basil and Dr. Dawson are searching the Toy Shop, Olivia turns the corner to chase a bubble. The bubbles emanate from a Dumbo bubble blower with a rotating head. Notice the circus drum that Dumbo is sitting on and the circus-like tent with the large D.
During the final chase scene, Ratigan boards his dirigible to make his escape. When I first saw the airship, I immediately thought of theAirship Hyperion from the 1974 film, The Island at the Top of the World
Cory at Voyages Extraordinaires looks at Discovery Bay and its connection to 1970s Disneyland.
http://www.imaginerding.com
Oh jeez! That Hyperion connection never clicked before!
I thought it was a pretty good match or tribute to the Hyperion.
I am glad that I have an expert to call on. Thanks!