If you ask any Disney World aficionado about Hidden Mickeys, they’ll more than likely be able to name you their top 5 – and name you a few Hidden Mickeys at Disneyland.
Everyone knows what makes up the shape of Mickey’s head: 1 larger circle to form his head and 2 smaller circles to form his ears. But what makes Hidden Mickeys so special is the ability for the Hidden Mickey to subtly make up anything. Mickey can be hidden in wallpaper, paint, within plants, in the sidewalk, etc. In fact, finding Hidden Mickeys have been such a fan-favorite activity at both Disneyland and Disney World for so many years that there are books, websites, and even social media accounts dedicated to showcasing the most iconic and hardest-to-find Hidden Mickeys!
Being a local to Walt Disney World, I want to give you a list of my favorite Hidden Mickeys across the Walt Disney World Resorts, including the theme parks, resorts, and beyond!
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Hidden Mickey: A Brief History
Believe it or not, Hidden Mickeys actually trace their way back to the planning days of EPCOT back in the 1970s and 1980s.
EPCOT was originally planned to be without any of the “Fab Five:” Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto. This was because the combination of alcohol and Disney characters were believed to be improper. Yet, Disney Imagineers saw this as a challenge and found clever ways to still sneak Mickey Mouse into the theme park. Even as EPCOT grew and eventually included the Fav Five in the theme park, the tradition of the Hidden Mickey was so well-established at that point.
The Hidden Mickey quickly became a staple of all theme park designing since then.
What Makes up a Hidden Mickey?
With how subtle Hidden Mickeys can be, it’s not surprising that some Hidden Mickeys that guests claim to be true Hidden Mickeys might not be interpreted as true ones by other guests.
For the purposes of this article, we’ll go by the definition provided by the Hidden Mickey Guy himself, Steven Barrett. The Hidden Mickey is “a partial or complete impression of Mickey Mouse placed by the Imagineers and artists to blend into the designs of Disney attractions, hotels, restaurants, and other areas.”
The thing is, a Hidden Mickey can take different forms. While the most common is made up of 1 large circle to make up Mickey’s head and 2 smaller circles of equal size to make up his ears, other Hidden Mickeys include a side or angled profile of Mickey’s face and head. Others include a side profile of his entire body, a full-body frontal silhouette, a detailed picture of his face or body, or even a 3-dimensional Mickey. To keep it simple, any of these will count as Hidden Mickeys and anything different will not count.
So what are we waiting for? Let’s find some Hidden Mickeys!
Where to Find Hidden Mickeys
Since the first Hidden Mickeys were placed into EPCOT, there have been many that have stayed and countless others that have faded into history.
For this article, we’ll focus on the Hidden Mickeys you’re more than likely to find time and time again when you visit Disney World. That way, you’ll always have something fun to look forward to! What makes some of these challenging is that some of these Hidden Mickeys are on rides and attractions that you have a split second to spot.
So, hunt away!
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Magic Kingdom
For a map of Magic Kingdom so you can find these Hidden Mickeys, click here!
Adventureland
- Jungle Cruise: Toward the end of this attraction, as you near the end of the dark temple, you will see a broken pillar on your left. What looks like a normal broken section of the pillar actually makes up the outline of Mickey!
- Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse: As you approach the top of the tree, look toward the tree’s trunk and you’ll spot a lighter spot that makes up Mickey’s head and ears.
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin: Between this fun attraction and the Agrabah Bazaar, make sure to look on the ground as it’s pressed with plenty of jewelry. One of these pieces of jewelry has an imprint of Mickey on it!
Frontierland
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: As you near the end of the Wildest Ride in the Wilderness and your train brakes, look to your right for 3 gears that make up this classic Hidden Mickey.
- Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: As you’re in the cave surrounded by countless jewels, make sure to look at the gems near Dopey. This classic Hidden Mickey is formed by 3 of these gems!
Fantasyland:
- Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid: While this iconic Hidden Mickey is best seen on Mickey and Minnie’s birthday as the light shines on the rockwork at the perfect angle to make a Hidden Mickey shadow, you can actually see the outline of Mickey on the edge of the rockwork itself! About half way into the queue, make sure to turn around and look up at the edge of the rockwork to spot this Hidden Mickey!
- It’s a Small World: In the Africa room, guests can find this Hidden Mickey on the leaves of the purple vine just before passing under the elephant – each leaf is a Hidden Mickey!
Liberty Square
- Haunted Mansion: This classic Hidden Mickey is also shared at Haunted Mansion in Disneyland! Find this one in the ballroom scene on the dinner table, made up of 1 large plates and 2 smaller plates. Be on the lookout each time you ride though, because this one can move around!
- Memento Mori: This is the smallest Hidden Mickey in Disney World! Find this one on the wallpaper surrounding the cash register closest to the shadowboxes. Look closely, because it’s tough to spot!
- Columbia Harbour House: While this Hidden Mickey has moved around this quick-service restaurant throughout the years, it currently resides on the first floor just as you enter the restaurant. Guests will find this Hidden Mickey on the framed picture made up of 3 circular nautical maps.
Tomorrowland
- Carousel of Progress: Walt Disney’s famous attraction actually has 2 Hidden Mickeys, both that are in the final Christmas scene. The first is a Mickey nutcracker on the left side of the fireplace mantle, and the second is a Mickey plush behind some of the wrapped gifts under the Christmas tree.
- Peoplemover: Toward the end of this classic ride, as guests pass a woman getting her hair done, look closely at her belt buckle and you’ll see this classic Hidden Mickey.
- Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin: This easy-to-spot Hidden Mickey is in the queue as guests pass the poster displaying the planets of the Galactic Alliance just before the Buzz Lightyear animatronic. The Pollust Prime landmass forms this Hidden Mickey!
EPCOT
For a map of EPCOT so you can find these Hidden Mickeys, click here!
Imagination Pavilion
- Journey Into Imagination: There are 2 classic Hidden Mickeys on this attraction. The first is drawn on a whiteboard half-way through the ride. The second is made up of 3 onion rings in the upside-down scene in the kitchen!
The Land Pavilion
- Living with the Land: This attraction is chalk-full of Hidden Mickeys – most of them in the greenhouses. Find 1 of them formed by the hose in the pool of tilapia and another formed by metal wiring inside the tube of shrimp. But 1 of my all-time favorites to look for is formed by the matrix of lettuce. Their different colors make the outline of a Hidden Mickey!
- Soarin’ Over the World/California: Both versions of this popular ride have Hidden Mickeys! In Soarin’ Over the World, this Hidden Mickey is made up of 3 hot air balloons in the Monument Valley scene. In Soarin’ Over California, this Hidden Mickey is on the golfball that flies past guests in the Palm Springs scene. Be sharp though, because these Hidden Mickeys go by quick!
The Seas with Nemo and Friends
- Entire Area: One classic one is made of rocks on the bottom of the aquarium floor. Another can be found as a classic Mickey Mouse hat on top of one of the sea urchins in the smaller aquarium section!
World Celebration
- Spaceship Earth: There’s plenty of Hidden Mickeys on this classic ride, but here’s 3 in the Renaissance scene that appear in this order: 1) On the right upper corner of the parchment paper of the sleeping monk; 2) One made up of white paint on the table of paint; 3) To the right of the seated painter made up of 1 larger bowl and 2 smaller bowls
Mexico Pavilion
- Grand Fiesta Tour: Find this Hidden Mickey as you approach the stage of our singing Three Caballeros! It’s made up of 3 drums and is on a small floating boat.
The American Adventure
- Atrium: Make sure to explore the atrium and check out the incredible art on the wall – many which were painted by former Imagineers! One of the paintings depicts a man making a speech. One of the women is sporting a beautiful hat with roses on it, 3 of which make a Hidden Mickey!
Japan Pavilion
- Entire Area: One of my favorite Hidden Mickeys in Japan Pavilion is in the koi pond at the bottom of the wheelchair ramp. As you step close to the railing of the pond, look down at the drain and spot this Hidden Mickey!
Morocco Pavilion
- Entire Area: A classic and less-subtle Hidden Mickey, this one greets guests as they walk by the entrance of Morocco Pavilion and is made up of 3 massive plates on the door
France Pavilion
- Entire Area: This more subtle Hidden Mickey is on the metal grates that surround each tree in France Pavilion. As you look down, look closely at the circular pattern of the grate, with 1 large circle and 2 smaller circles making up Mickey!
Canada Pavilion
- Entire Area: This Hidden Mickey can be hard to spot if it’s sunny out. Find this one near the top of one of the totem poles!
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
For a map of Disney's Hollywood Studios so you can find these Hidden Mickeys, click here!
Sunset Boulevard
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Staring Aerosmith: Guests might be aware of the classic Hidden Mickey made up of a guitar cable in the pre-show, but not many guests might know of this Hidden Mickey on the sign for the quick-service location, KRNR The Rock Station. This one is on the “R” of “Rock!”
- Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: There are quite a few Hidden Mickeys on this attraction. One of my favorites involves a Mickey Mouse plush, held by the little girl in the pre-show video
Toy Story Land
- Slinky Dog Dash: In the loading area of this popular ride, Guests can find this Hidden Mickey on one of Andy’s drawings taped to the cardboard box. The picture shows Slinky Dog Dash as well as a Hidden Mickey.
- Toy Story Mania: As guests pass by the Mr. Potato Head animatronic, there’s a midway games poster with Trixie the dinosaur on it. Look closely at the markings on Trixie that make up a Hidden Mickey!
Grand Avenue
- Muppet Vision 3D: There’s plenty of Hidden Mickeys in this classic attraction. When entering the show building, guests can find this Hidden Mickey shaped as a lock
Echo Lake
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue: Guests can find 1 hidden Mickey in the queue as they pass C3-PO. Look at the screen next to him that depicts the classic 3 circles! Look closely for the second Hidden Mickey in the pre-show video. Keep an eye out for the Ewok holding a small Mickey Mouse plush!
Hollywood Boulevard
- Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway: As you look around in the Grauman’s Chinese Theater queue, you can spot a Hidden Mickey up above as a large circular yellow light with black detailing. There’s also so many shapes of Mickey Mouse throughout the ride!
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: This Hidden Mickey can be found right after Kylo Ren fails to use the Force to pull guests but gets blown away by the exploding walls behind him. Right after this scene, guests pass by 2 control panels, with the second one featuring 3 buttons that make up Mickey!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
For a map of Disney's Animal Kingdom so you can find these Hidden Mickeys, click here!
Pandora: The World of Avatar
- Entire Area: As you enter Pandora from The Tree of Life, you can spot this Hidden Mickey on one of the rock benches on the right just after passing the massive interactive water-spitting plant
Dinoland, U.S.A.
- Chester and Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures: As you enter this store after riding Dinosaur, look to the right at the “Cold Drinks” refrigerator. Just under the sign, you can spot a Hidden Mickewy made up of 3 dark spots
- Daisy Duck Meet-and-Greet: Just outside the queue for Daisy’s meet-and-greet, look down at the pavement at this Hidden Mickey made up of the cracks in the ground!
- Restaurantosaurus: This one can be a little harder to spot, but just above the painting in the large seating area, look up and you’ll find a pair of shoes toward the ceiling. At the bottom of one of the shoes is a Hidden Mickey!
- Dinosaur: Just after boarding your Time Rover, guests move into a small room with a whiteboard on your left. Spot this Hidden Mickey drawn into the whiteboard on the left bottom corner!
Africa
- Kilimanjaro Safaris: One of the most classic Hidden Mickeys in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is in the area housing the flamingos. Look to the bottom of the palm trees and you’ll see a big Hidden Mickey made up of the island!
- Tamu Tamu Refreshments: Between the entrance of the queue and exit of the seating area, look down at the ground to find a Hidden Mickey made up of a small manhole cover and the rocks surrounding it!
- Harambe Market: Guests may be familiar with the drawing of Mickey Mouse and “Fichwa!” on the wall by the bicycle, but not many are familiar with the coffee mug-holding Mickey Mouse on a painting inside Harambe Market!
Asia
- Expedition Everest: In the queue of this thrill attraction, guests can spot this Hidden Mickey in the Yeti museum on a photo of a bear standing on its 2 hind legs. Look at the bear’s ears, which form a silhouette of Mickey! FUN FACT: Another cool Hidden Mickey is actually made of a large portion of this ride’s track! Look it up on the map in the My Disney Experience app to see it!
- Maharajah Jungle Trek: Guests walking through this self-guided tour can find a Hidden Mickey just before entering the aviary. On the carving, one of the men has earrings on, one of which shows a classic Hidden Mickey!
Walt Disney World Resorts
: While this is arguably not a Hidden Mickey, I love this one because it can be easy to miss for the resort’s beautiful atrium. Find silhouettes of Mickey Mouse and the gang on the floor just as you enter through the sliding door entrance!
Disney’s Polynesian Resort: Some of my favorite Hidden Mickeys in the resorts is in the lobby of Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Find 1 as you enter the lobby through the front doors – look down on the stone flooring that makes up this classic Hidden Mickey! Another classic one is up above you and is made up of 3 colorful orbs hanging from nets. Another one is on the coutertop where guests order their drinks at Kona Island Coffee Bar!
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village: Just outside of Sanaa, guests can spot 2 Hidden Mickeys. One of them is made up of the circular art at the check-in desk for the restaurant. The other is closer to the double doors leading to the savanaa. It’s carved in the rockwork!
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort: Just after walking out the back doors of Destino Tower and toward Laguna Bar, look down at the ground by the flag pole to spot this Hidden Mickey made up of tiny holes!
Disney’s Riviera Resort: This Hidden Mickey can be tough to see if you’re not looking for it. As you’re walking to the resort from the Skyliner, look to the right of the building and you can spot this Hidden Mickey made up of 3 palm trees!
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn: In the lobby, there are plenty of Hidden Mickeys. Find 1 on the miniature carousel on several of the horses!
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: Another resort with plenty of Hidden Mickeys, there’s a few in the lobby area. Find 1 Hidden Mickey in a key on display between the check-in desk and Wilderness Lodge Mercantile. Another Hidden Mickey is on the right of the fireplace just below the red rocks.
Disney's Beach Club Resort: When walking into the Solarium and looking at the first painting on your left, you can spot a few Hidden Mickeys on the center of the spare wheels of a few parked cars.
Disney Springs and Beyond
For a map of Disney Springs so you can find these Hidden Mickeys, click here!
Disney PhotoPass Studio: Near the top of the columns at both sides of the counter, guests can find this Hidden Mickey in the design!
Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant: Look high on the wall along the corridor to the Hideaway for a Hidden Mickey among the music notes!
Maria and Enzo’s Ristorante: Find this Hidden Mickey on the propeller of a model airplane near the lower level seating area of the restaurant
Disney Springs West Side: This one can only be viewed on a map through your My Disney Experience app! This Hidden Mickey is made up of the entirety of Exposition Park. The 2 planters under the bridge make up Mickey’s ears, the larger tree on the right is Mickey’s eye, the larger tree on the left is Mickey’s nose, and the long curved planter on the right is Mickey’s smile!
Solar Hidden Mickey: Another Hidden Mickey that can only be completely seen from up above, guests pass by this Hidden Mickey right before entering the EPCOT Toll Plaza from World Drive. It’s made up completely of solar panels!
This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the Hidden Mickeys at Walt Disney World, but they are certainly some of my favorites.
But you know which is my favorite of them all?
The Hidden Mickey I’m going to stumble upon next at Disney World.
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How many Hidden Mickeys are in Disney World?
With the Disney parks and resorts continually changing and improving, it’s virtually impossible to say for sure how many Hidden Mickeys there are in Disney World. However one thing is for certain: you’re definitely not going to find all the Hidden Mickeys in Disney World in 1 day, let alone in a week!
What is the rarest Hidden Mickey?
The rarest Hidden Mickey is found in the queue for Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid. While this iconic Hidden Mickey is a shadow only to be seen on Mickey and Minnie’s birthday as the light shines on the rockwork at the perfect angle, you can actually see the outline of Mickey on the edge of the rockwork itself! About half way into the queue, make sure to turn around and look up at the edge of the rockwork to spot this Hidden Mickey!
What is the point of Hidden Mickeys?
So the story goes, the point of Hidden Mickeys was originally a way for Imagineers to infuse the spirit of Mickey Mouse into EPCOT in the 1970s and 1980s at a time when the combination of alcohol and Disney characters were believed to be improper.
What are the rules of Hidden Mickeys?
For the purposes of this article, the rules of Hidden Mickeys we’ll go by include the definition provided by the Hidden Mickey Guy himself, Steven Barrett. The Hidden Mickey is “a partial or complete impression of Mickey Mouse placed by the Imagineers and artists to blend into the designs of Disney attractions, hotels, restaurants, and other areas.” As you explore, keep a tally of how many Hidden Mickeys you find!
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