Retro Donald

Donald transforms into his original version of the earlier Disney cartoons when he visits Timeless River with Sora and Goofy. In this form, Donald is called Retro Donald.

Donald's classic look seen here, is largely unchanged from his modern appearance. As the Journal states, his first appearance was in 1934's The Wise Little Hen, though by that time, the Disney shorts were already rendered in color.

In this form, he is able to use all kinds of magic and fighting skills he previously learned from the game.

Kingdom Hearts II
The Wise Little Hen (1934)

The Royal Court Magician.

To save Disney Castle, Donald went through a doorway Merlin conjured up into a black-and-white world that seemed strangely familiar.