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Guide to Finding Hidden Mickeys at Disney World

One of my favorite FREE things to do at Walt Disney World is to find Hidden Mickeys. You can find Hidden Mickeys all over the Walt Disney World Resort.

What is a Hidden Mickey?

First, let’s talk about what a Hidden Mickey is and what it is not.  A Hidden Mickey is a representation of Mickey Mouse that has been inserted subtly into the design of a ride, attraction, or other location in a Disney theme park, Disney properties, movie, or other Disney product. The most common Hidden Mickey is a formation of three circles that may be perceived as the silhouette of the head and ears of Mickey Mouse, often referred to by Disney lovers as a “Classic Mickey”.

A Hidden Mickey is not a purposeful placement of Mickey Heads that is in plain sight or a repetitive design of Mickey heads in the decor. There are sometimes hidden Goofys, Minnies, and other Disney designs like Moana’s circle design hidden in the Frozen Ever After ride.

A Hidden Mickey can be super large like the Mickey Head Solar Garden which can be seen in aerial photos to teeny tiny like painted on the Grand Floridian Gingerbread House.

You may be wondering how many Hidden Mickeys can be found at Walt Disney World. Disney World is always changing but there are at least 1,200 Hidden Mickeys.

Finding Hidden Mickeys at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World has Hidden Mickeys in all of the four parks, Disney Springs, and their resorts. It is a great Disney Scavenger Hunt Activity that will even give local passholders something to do if they think they have seen it all. Since they are not just in the parks finding them is something fun to do on a non-park day.

At Christmas time there are Hidden Mickeys on the Chocolate Carousel and Gingerbread House.


The One Time a Year Hidden Mickey- Happy Birthday Mickey!

One of the best Hidden Mickey’s only appear for a few minutes each year. It is special because it can only be seen on November 18th at exactly noon. November 18th is Mickey’s birthday. The Imagineers decided to pay tribute to the famous mouse over at the Under the Sea attraction in the Magic Kingdom. They carved part of the rock formation in the queue to allow the sun to shine through onto the base of a wall. The sun’s rays are at the perfect angle on this day at noon to form Mickey’s head.

Tips for Finding Hidden Mickeys

Though I wish I could say I have found all the Hidden Mickeys, I have not. Here are tips I use for finding them when I am looking. I am just ok at finding them, my husband is awesome!

1. Get the Hidden Mickey Guidebook

Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World’s Best Kept Secrets book is great because there are vague hints just telling the area and there is another section that gives you the precise location.

2. Take a Step Back

Sometimes I get so engrossed in looking for teeny tiny details that I miss one. Get a look at the big picture.

3. Ask a Cast Member for Help

Many Cast Members know where the Hidden Mickeys are located. They usually give you the general area. It is also fun when they don’t know too and you are looking together, it’s a great way to interact with awesome Cast Members.

4. Make a Hidden Mickey Game

Make it a game to see who in your group can find the most Hidden Mickeys during your vacation. Below are some rules you can have. Feel free to add or take away rules to make it less or more challenging for your group.

  • Hidden Mickeys found while on or in a moving attraction are 2 points.
  • Hidden Mickeys found elsewhere are 1 point.
  • Take a photo for proof.
  • Have team/partners.

Continuing the Disney Magic at Home

Make a Game of It at Home

A Mickey Head shape can be found in so many things naturally. It is a fun at home game to find Hidden Mickeys in everyday life. Did a puddle form in a Mickey Head? Is that potato chip shaped weird? Does that dog’s spots form a Mickey? So many possibilities!

Hidden Mickeys in Movies

Did you know that even the first movie “Snow White” has Hidden Mickeys?   They are a little harder to find in the older animated movies but as you get to the 90’s and newer they can easily be found. Hidden Mickeys in current movies are usually a little easier to find and just one of several Easter Eggs to look for when watching a Disney movie.

Consider planning and booking your next Walt Disney World vacation with a Concierge Vacation Planner like Favorite Grampy’s Travels. I’ll take away the stress of planning a Disney vacation and help you get the best price! Let’s Start Planning Now!

Post Originally published: March 8, 2013

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