Which Disney short first showed Mickey Mouse speaking in a fully developed voice?

The Karnival Kid first showed Mickey Mouse speaking in a fully developed voice.

Released in 1929, The Karnival Kid is notable because Mickey says “Hot dogs!” while working at a carnival. Earlier Mickey cartoons had used vocal sounds, laughter, and other effects, but this short gave him recognizable spoken dialogue.

The distinction matters because Steamboat Willie is often assumed to be Mickey’s first speaking appearance. Steamboat Willie is famous for synchronized sound and musical effects, but The Karnival Kid is generally identified as the first Mickey cartoon in which he speaks words.

The short was directed by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks. Its carnival setting also reflects the visual and comic world of early Mickey films, where simple jobs and chaotic environments provided the setup for physical comedy.