Have a lot of fondness for 'House of Mouse'. Love Disney and the concept was such an interesting and for Disney shows at the time a unique one. There are times where it could have done more with the concept, with showing more of some of the guests and not focusing all the featured cartoons on Mickey and the gang. It is however so much fun and how it makes an effort to retain the spirit of the classic old cartoons is to be lauded.
"Donald's Pumbaa Prank" is not one of the best 'House of Mouse' episodes, but it is still very enjoyable, with much of what makes 'House of Mouse' great evident. Really like that it and the rest of the show tries to and succeeds in making the personalities of Mickey and the rest of the gang true to those of their "golden age" ones when they first came out (1930s-1950s), especially Donald. Except that Mickey is far more interesting in personality in 'House of Mouse', feels like a lead character, is used well and isn't over-shadowed by the rest of the characters. Minnie is also more resourceful.
Of the featured cartoons, 'Whitewater Donald' is the superior one. It has very amusing and clever gags, a lively story, inventive visuals and Donald is close to his original personality. Daisy is not as annoying as she can be in the cartoons. 'Mickey's April Fools' is the closest to the episode's April Fools Day theme, it's also fun with some cool pranks but for me it was at times mean-spirited, no matter how much he dislikes Mortimer that prank went too far and out of character mean for Mickey.
Always have loved what the show does with the guest Disney characters. Timon and Pumbaa get the lion's share and "Donald's Pumbaa Prank" does a nice job with them. Pete is a great villain as always and the episode doesn't make Donald too unlikeable, showing that when angry he can be easily misled and taken advantage of (something that Pete was a master of doing throughout the show).
While not surprising as such on the most part, the story is lively and engaging, and don't worry it is not near as distasteful as the premise makes out. The writing is clever and very funny, even with the deliberately corny moment and pun which made me grin rather than groan.
Furthermore, the animation is very colourful, smooth in movement and with some meticulous detail. The cheap recycling footage for the audience reactions at the end of the featured cartoons does jar and annoy though. The music is suitably groovy and cleverly used, while the theme song is one of the catchiest of any Disney show in the past twenty years.
Voice acting is very good, Tony Anselmo is the standout of the leads and Jim Cummings is note-perfect as Pete.
In conclusion, very enjoyable. 8/10 Bethany Cox