Holy wow. Did some perusing and stumbled upon
this one-time-Junction Point concept artist's site, and I think this is what Gamasutra stumbled upon.
This looks like a Country Bear or something after acid. File calls it a "Beetle Thing"
This is pretty terrifying take on Mickey Mouse, the file says "Beetleworx," and I presume this is a variation of the BWX guy in the OP.
File's named "Cityscape."
Concepts for the Castle seen in the OP.
Another concept
This file is named "Mean Street," which I guess is a take on the Main Street section of the Disney parks, and suggests that there may be exploration of the various "themed lands."
This one's named "Tomorrowland," and would also suggest that there that one is exploring various "Themed Lands." Maybe even space.
That beach scene the Gamasutra writer was describing. It's absolutely amazing.
So, in conclusion:
THIS GAME MUST COME OUT!!! (Feel free to add this to the OP, BTW.)