Year: 1940
Runtime: 8 mins
Language: English
Director: Clyde Geronimi
Mickey Mouse and Pluto set out on a vacation train from Burbank to Pomona, but conductor Pete refuses to let Pluto aboard. Determined, Mickey stuffs the mischievous dog into his suitcase and tries to keep him hidden for the entire journey, though his efforts are constantly foiled. Eventually Pete seems to catch Pluto with a mail hook—though the outcome remains comically uncertain.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Mr. Mouse Takes a Trip yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of Mr. Mouse Takes a Trip (1940), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Mickey Mouse (played by Walt Disney) and Pluto (portrayed by Lee Millar) head out for a vacation and arrive at a train station in Burbank, California—the home of Walt Disney Productions. They plan to board a westbound train to Pomona, but their plans are halted when the conductor, Pete (portrayed by Billy Bletcher), tells them dogs aren’t allowed and kicks them off.
Not willing to give up, Mickey decides to smuggle Pluto on board by tucking him into a suitcase, and the duo manages to slip aboard the caboose just as the train begins to pull away. Inside the passenger car, Mickey urges Pluto to stay quiet to avoid getting tossed off, briefly freeing him from the suitcase before the moment requires him to tuck Pluto back in as Pete collects tickets. When Pete spots the suitcase peeking from the seat, he forcefully hurls it into an overhead baggage net, and Pluto’s bark raises suspicion.
To cover his tracks, Mickey hides behind a large newspaper and pretends the barking is coming from him. Pete, growing more suspicious, demands to know if Mickey is alone. Realizing Pluto has been concealed, Pete fabricates a story about owning a little cat that would cry if left alone, mimicking a cat to illustrate his tale—causing Pluto to leap out and bark at the “cat.” The ruse collapses, Pluto darts back into the suitcase, and Pete quickly catches on. Before they can be nabbed, Mickey and Pluto sprint away, triggering a chase that weaves through the train.
The pair first duck into a sleeping car, where Pete accidentally intrudes on a female passenger and gets knocked around. He then stumbles into another bed, only to find Mickey and Pluto (disguised as infants) hiding there. Pete apologizes for the interruption but soon uncovers Pluto’s tail, and the would-be capture resumes. A sudden blackout, caused by the train rushing through a tunnel, gives Mickey and Pluto a narrow escape as Pete tires himself out by beating the mattress and the springs.
With a clever pivot, Mickey and Pluto slip into Pete’s own coat and hat, posing as the conductor and slipping past him. Mickey even directs Pete with a deep voice to mislead him, but the deception backfires when Pete once again disturbs a passenger. The pair then try a more elaborate disguise: Mickey pretends to be an American Indian chief, with Pluto tucked in a papoose. Pete sees through this ruse after Pluto bites his hand, ending that undercover gambit.
Next, as they ride beside an open window, Pluto becomes tangled with a passing mail hook and is swept away from the train. Mickey hurries after his companion through the cars and narrowly manages to grab Pluto as he’s pulled back in from the outside. Enraged, Pete orders them to stay out and throws their luggage after them, sending both tumbling to the ground when the mail hook snaps them free.
The train finally arrives, and Mickey’s eyes light up at the Pomona station sign, signaling that their vacation voyage has reached its intended stop. The two friends end their escapade by exchanging a firm, hopeful handshake, marking the end of a chaotic but triumphant journey on the rails.
Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 12:33
Don't stop at just watching — explore Mr. Mouse Takes a Trip in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Mr. Mouse Takes a Trip is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Mr. Mouse Takes a Trip with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like Mr. Mouse Takes a Trip that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Mr. Mouse Takes a Trip (1940) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Mr. Mouse Takes a Trip (1940) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Mr. Mouse Takes a Trip (1940) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like Mr. Mouse Takes a Trip – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
A Gentleman’s Gentleman (1941) Film Overview & Timeline
Plutopia (1951) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Mickey Cuts Up (1931) Film Overview & Timeline
Mickey Steps Out (1931) Movie Recap & Themes
Mickey’s Pal Pluto (1933) Movie Recap & Themes
Mickey’s Kangaroo (1935) Complete Plot Breakdown
Pluto and the Gopher (1950) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Mickey and the Seal (1948) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Playful Pluto (1934) Movie Recap & Themes
Pluto’s Purchase (1948) Full Summary & Key Details
Pluto’s Dream House (1940) Full Movie Breakdown
Mickey Down Under (1948) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Pluto and the Armadillo (1943) Film Overview & Timeline
Mouse-Taken Identity (1957) Complete Plot Breakdown
Mickey’s Elephant (1936) Movie Recap & Themes