What are Hidden Mickeys at Disney World?

Have you ever heard about the Hidden Mickeys inside of the Disney parks? Have you wondered what a Hidden Mickey is? Hidden Mickeys are Mickey Mouse shaped designs (a circle for the head with two smaller circles for ears) that have been intentionally or accidentally left for guests to find throughout the Disney theme parks.

What is a Hidden Mickey?

Hidden Mickeys are small images or representations of Mickey Mouse that are subtly hidden throughout Disney World attractions, resorts, and parks for guests to discover as a fun scavenger hunt. They can be found in various forms such as in paintings, sculptures, and even in the shape of objects. Many are large and obvious but there are some that are small and more difficult to spot.

Hidden Mickeys are not just inside of the Disney parks though, you can also find them in Disney movies, on the Disney cruise ships, and even at the resorts or in seasonal decorations. Some Hidden Mickeys are left intentionally by the Imagineers for others to find, and others just happen coincidentally. There are Hidden Mickeys at both Disneyland and at Walt Disney World. 

Hidden Mickeys are just another way to add to the fun of the Disney experience. There are over 1,000 hidden throughout the Most Magical Place on Earth! The number of Hidden Mickeys in any of the parks, restaurants, resorts, and attractions is always changing. This is because some of the Hidden Mickeys are part of the seasonal decorations at special times of the year. Here are some fun facts about Hidden Mickeys that you might not know about.

How did Hidden Mickeys start? 

The concept of Hidden Mickeys started as a fun game among Disney Imagineers to hide Mickey Mouse silhouettes in various locations throughout Disney parks and attractions. It later became a popular phenomenon among Disney fans and visitors who enjoy finding these subtle nods to the iconic character.

Hidden Mickeys first began with the construction of the Epcot theme park. Mickey Mouse was the prominent theme of the Magic Kingdom, but there was no plan when construction began to have characters as a part of Epcot, so the Imagineers took it upon themselves to leave hidden Mickeys throughout the park. When expansion continued in the Magic Kingdom and other parks were built, the tradition of hidden Mickeys continued. 

What are Hidden Mickey Pins? 

Hidden Mickey pins (formerly known as Cast Lanyard Pins) are pins that cast members can exchange with guests. The back stamp is silver and indicates that the pin is a Hidden Mickey Pin, and how many pins are in that particular collection i.e.. one of five. 

The front of the pin will have a small Mickey hidden in the artwork. Note that Hidden Mickey Pins are not considered limited edition pins, and besides exchanging them you can find them to purchase as part of the Hidden Mickey Mystery Pouches in the Disney gift shops.

What are some of the most popular Hidden Mickeys at Disney World?

Here are some spots to look for some of the most popular Hidden Mickeys at Disney World. No specific details, so you’ll have to hunt on your own but that’s part of the fun!

• Haunted Mansion – Magic Kingdom
• Soarin’ – Epcot
• Living with the Land – Epcot
• Morocco – Epcot
• Gran Fiesta Tour in Mexico – Epcot
• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – Hollywood Studios
• Toy Story Midway Mania – Hollywood Studios

Hidden Mickeys are so popular that there is even a book written all about them by Steven M. Barrett. The book is called Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide and there is a version for both Disneyland and Disney World, the books are paperback so you can take them with you to the parks and see how many hidden Mickeys you can find. 

The next time you find yourself at a Disney park or resort make sure to keep your eyes peeled for Hidden Mickeys! If you are having trouble locating a specific Hidden Mickey be sure to ask a cast member, they are happy to help if they know where it is. Where is your favorite place to search for Hidden Mickeys?