A Hidden Mickey is a representation of Mickey Mouse that has been subtly placed at the Walt Disney World® Resort. The Hidden Mickeys are placed by the Imagineers and artists to blend into the designs of attractions, hotels, restaurants, and other areas.
| How To Look For Hidden Mickeys |
At the Walt Disney World Resort Hidden Mickeys can be found ANYWHERE. They can be any size and appear in a variety of ways. Some are painted, others are made from objects. Some Hidden Mickeys are references such as someone wearing Mouse Ears in a painting. The most common type of Hidden Mickey, sometimes called the “classic Mickey” is the type formed by three circles that resemble the head and ears of Mickey Mouse. However, throughout the resort there may be other types of hidden representations of the World’s Most Famous Mouse.
Hidden Mickeys started in the late 1980’s at Epcot® as an inside joke among the Imagineers. Some historians believe in that Hidden Mickeys were born as the Imagineers were designing Epcot® in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. At that time, Disney management felt that the characters belonged in the Magic Kingdom® Park only. The Imagineers disagreed and began slipping Mickeys into Epcot®! Because of the popularity, Imagineers are encouraged to place them all over the Disney parks and cruise ships.
A true Hidden Mickey is one that is not meant to be seen immediately and is usually placed purposefully by a Disney Imagineer or artist in a context that would not normally contain Mickey Mouse. When the shape of Mickey Mouse is used as an obvious part of the design, such as Mickey ears on the top of lampposts, it is considered decorative and sometimes referred to as a decor Mickey.
The actual number of Hidden Mickeys at the Walt Disney World Resort is not known. Hidden Mickeys can be created by Imagineers and Cast Members, so it would be difficult for The Walt Disney Company to compile an official list, but that does not mean you can’t make a list of your own!
How Many Hidden Mickey’s Can You Find During Your Visit?