So even though it was still E3 2013 recovery mode, how could I say no?
Maybe Im still in recovery mode; its not a factory at all.
Despite the success of the House of the Mouses internal mobile studio with original games such as Wheres My Water? and JellyCar, its actually much more of a small craftshop than a factory, albeit one located in Disneys extensive Glendale complex in Los Angeles.
And its about to launch its most ambitious game yet - hence the reason for our visit.
Oh, boy!
As its name suggests Wheres My Mickey? is an extension to the franchise thats racked up over 200 milion downloads with Wheres My Water? and Wheres My Perry?
Mickey Mouse remains its signature brand and one that Disney has been working hard to rebuild in recent years.
Its been doing this quietly, focusing on young kids with the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and now with 19 short animated films being released (3.5 minutes each), it had a big opportunity to combine this reboot with Wheres My Water?'s success.
Of course, its this approach of animated shorts with mobile games that have provided the launchpad for Disney-wannabe Rovios success as well.
The Finnish company is never mentioned during our trip, however, and perhaps thats the most obvious sign that this upstarts view that it is the new Disney has had an impact.
Eat my shorts
Were relaunching Mickey on apps and shorts TV. These are the entry points for kids these days. Were on the right platforms, emphases Tim FitzRandolph, VP of creative at Disney
Mobile.
The core part of this double-whammy approach was the animation reboot. After all, it was commissioned first.
Were introducing Mickey to a new generation, with a contemporary tone, commented Eric Coleman, Disneys SVP of original series, TV animation.
He pointed out that the shorts will be shown in 167 countries via the Disney channel; something reflected in the settings for the 19 animations - ranging from Tokyo to Paris, Switzerland, Beijing, Brazil and the US.
Were using the locations to showcase different art styles, explained legendary animator Paul Rudish.
In this way, the Chinese short has a watercolour brush style, while the Tokyo bullet train short is bright and somewhat manga-esque.
But Mickey is always in the foreground, Rudish adds.
The three circles are instantly recognisable, hes a very iconic character.
Digging into changes to the character, the team had gone back to the old black-and-white animations, re-engaging with a more slapstick or rubber-hose style.
And, instead of a rather dull and goody-too-shoes Mickey, this mouse is mischievous, getting into scrapes, but smart enough to get out of them
Want a game with that?
And the short animations provide the perfect platform for Wheres My Mickey?, which takes the same animation and tweaked character and places him into a world of physics-puzzling.
As with the previous games, youre cutting into the ground to direct flows of water through pipes so Mickey can fill up his bucket.
His reasons for wanting water changes in different worlds. In one hes running a lemonade stand, in another hes trying to put out a fire in a mine.
At launch, there will be three themed worlds, each containing 20 levels, plus two Goofy-themed worlds - using a new liquid called Fizzle - that you can unlock using in-app purchases. Tablets will get 20 exclusive levels, and there are a bunch of hidden easter eggs leveld.
Like most Disney Mobile titles, Wheres My Mickey? is paid game with IAP; 99c for smartphone and $1.99 for tablets, or $4.99 for Windows 8.
In the clouds
As well as Fizzle, the development team have added plenty of new gameplay elements.
Instead of being awarded ducks, each level contains three stars, which are characters who need to be filled up with water. When theyre getting wet, theyll jiggle and smile, while becoming sad the longer they stay dry.
Another new feature are clouds, which are a way of storing water and moving it around the level; something you do by manipulating the wind.
And theres the Fizzle. Its a sort of sugary soda pop that Goofy likes to eat. Dont mix it with water though, and be careful if you spray it onto plants as it will kill them
But the thing that FitzRandolph is most pleased with is the tight integration between the gameplay, the character and the story.
Mickey is always on screen; a visible motivation - and when hes got his water, the level transforms into a short cutscene, which itself is packed with humour.
So on this performance, who needs a new Disney? The old ones seems to be doing just fine.