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They might be lurking in a mosaic restaurant floor, in the queue of your favorite attraction, or in an unassuming garden bed.
Hidden Mickeys are everywhere in Walt Disney World, whether you’re visiting Disney’s Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom Park.
Eagle-eyed Guests can even spot them in their Disney Value, Moderate, or Deluxe Resort Hotel, and at Disney’s shopping, dining and entertainment complex, Disney Springs.
Here are some of our favorite Hidden Mickeys in Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park. How many of these have you found in your WDW travels?
What Are Hidden Mickeys?
Before we begin our list, what exactly is a Hidden Mickey?
Simply put, it’s a representation of Mickey Mouse that’s been hidden in the design of any surface in Walt Disney World. It could be the simple, but unmistakeable three-circle shape of Mickey’s head. It could also be Mickey’s profile or his entire body – and nowadays, other Disney characters are also hidden in the design of a new restaurant, attraction, or other structure on property.
Hidden Mickeys can be absolutely anywhere, made out of any material, from flowers to tile to rope. It’s estimated that there are upwards of 1,000 Hidden Mickeys in Walt Disney World!
So the next time you’re on vacation at WDW, keep your eyes peeled – you never know when you’ll spot one.
Credit: Disney Tips
Haunted Mansion
One of our favorite all-time Hidden Mickeys is conveniently located on one of our favorite all-time Disney rides, Haunted Mansion, in Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square.
When you reach the Great Hall (or ballroom) scene, it’s easy to be distracted by the spooky spectres cavorting in front of you, thanks to the fabulous Pepper’s Ghost effect that might just have you believing in ghosts.
But tear your eyes from the waltzing spirits for a moment, and look at the dishes on the dining table. You’ll soon spot three circular dishes arranged in such a way that they form a clear Hidden Mickey.
Credit: Disney Tips
Gaston’s Tavern
Fans of Disney’s classic animated film Beauty and the Beast (1991) can answer all of their burning questions about the Disney villain we love to hate (spoiler: he does indeed use antlers in all of his decorating) at the quick-service restaurant Gaston’s Tavern in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland.
Credit: Disney
Once you’ve grabbed a yummy Cinnamon Roll and a swig of LeFou’s Brew, circle around to the back of Gaston’s statue, at the front of the tavern.
It’s hard to spot, but if you look near the waterline close to Gaston’s leg, you’ll see a tiny Hidden Mickey made of grey circular impressions in the rock.
Tom Sawyer Island
You’ll need to hop on a raft and sail across the water for this one, but hey, that’s part of the charm of Frontierland’s Tom Sawyer Island.
There are several Hidden Mickeys to find on the island, but this one stands out because it’s a Hidden Mickey that doesn’t actually depict Mickey Mouse.
Venture into Old Scratch’s Mystery Mine, and about halfway through, you’ll see a group of bright gems embedded in the mine wall. They make Goofy’s profile, looking to your right.
Pirates of the Caribbean
If you think Pirates of the Caribbean in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland is the perfect place to search for Hidden Mickeys, you’re absolutely right!
When you near the end of this classic Walt Disney World attraction, pay close attention to the shape of the locks on the jail cell on your right, and in the treasure scene with Jack Sparrow on your left.
Look closely, and you’ll notice the locks are shaped like a certain famous mouse.
Credit: Disney Tips
Columbia Harbour House
Sometimes all you have to do to spot a Hidden Mickey is explore a bit, before or after your meal!
The classical nautical theme of Columbia Harbour House, a quick-service restaurant in Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square, is great for wandering. And wanderers will be rewarded if they head up to the second floor!
Take a look at the old maps lining the walls. You’ll find one that contains images in three distinctly Mickey-shaped circles.
Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid
One of our favorite Disney animatronics ever is Ursula, featured in Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid. At 7 ½ feet tall and a dozen feet wide, she’s mesmerizingly terrifying!
But there’s another reason to hop on a clamshell to visit Ariel and her pals. A hard-to-find Hidden Mickey waits to be discovered!
Credit: Disney
As you exit this Fantasyland ride, look at the pond on your right beside the exit walkway. The rocks to the left of the pond form a huge Hidden Steamboat Willie, steering wheel and all when viewed from the right perspective (you’ll have to bend down to the height of a child to see it, which seems entirely appropriate!).
If it takes you some time to find it, don’t worry – this is one of the most difficult Hidden Mickeys to spot in all of Walt Disney World!
Cinderella Castle
No search for Hidden Mickeys would be complete without the iconic Cinderella Castle!
The stunning murals under the Castle’s archway would be worth a visit even without Hidden Mickeys. The hand-made mosaics took almost two years, and more than 300,000 pieces of glass, to complete.
Credit: Matthew Cooper (www.thetimethespace.com)
In one panel, you’ll see a small rabbit on its hind legs, looking up and to the right. If you glance just under and to the right of the rabbit’s legs, you’ll see three bright green circles that form an upside-down Hidden Mickey.
Bottom Line
There’s more than meets the eye at Walt Disney World. For years, Disney Imagineers have delighted in hiding Hidden Mickeys all around Disney property.
Try finding a few on your next WDW trip – you might be surprised how addictive it is!
