Just when you thought Walt Disney World couldn’t get any more magical, there’s an extra bit of fun hidden throughout the parks!
Going on a Disney vacation is quite the magical experience thanks to the “Imagineers.” Imagineers are in charge of designing and building Disney’s theme parks, attractions, resorts and more. With the expansion of the Disney franchise, it can only be presumed they work harder every day. While being employed by Disney is likely perceived as one of the most exciting jobs to be had, there is a great deal of work that goes into dreaming up these remarkable parks, ergo the famous hidden Mickeys were born.
Instagram: @brit_at_wdwBack in the early 1980’s, Imagineers had been relishing in their success from building Magic Kingdom for nearly 10 years. It was time to branch out and explore something new. Before he passed away, Walt Disney devised an outrageous plan to create the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, better known as “EPCOT.” This was part of his plan to be incorporated into the parks, which were all built after his passing. Since EPCOT was to be a utopian society, it didn’t involve mystical characters like Magic Kingdom, so the imagineers had to get creative. They knew Mickey Mouse was Walt Disney World’s trademark but how could they possibly incorporate him into a park with no characters? What better way to do this than to make it a game!
Instagram: @lisafollowingthemagicIt started as an inside joke between Imagineers. As they were designing buildings, rides and attractions, they would integrate the shape of Mickey Mouse’s head into walls, floors, paintings, or anything they could disguise him in just noticeably enough for them to get a kick out of it. The “inside” part of the joke did not last very long, as Disney cast members (employees) and visitors alike started to notice these hidden Mickeys. It quickly became a game. Hidden Mickey’s were being interspersed everywhere throughout the parks. Some are incredibly easy to spot, while others are detective-level difficult to find. Mickey’s head is often camouflaged pretty well. Once you spot him, however, you will not be able to unsee it!
Instagram: @disney2uThere are now hidden Mickeys in all four main parks, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. There are over 1,200 of them, and some Disney-goers have made it a game for themselves, or even a competition! Lots of families will battle it out to see who can spot the most hidden Mickeys throughout the duration of their trip, adding just a little more spark to an already lively vacation. Spotting these small treasures is also a way to pass the time while waiting in lines, dining or strolling through the parks.
Photo by Kyle DeSantis on UnsplashShould you decide to take part in this fun little game, here are a few hidden Mickey’s to look out for in each park!
- The Africa scene of it’s a small world.
- The lock on the jail cell in Pirates of the Carribbean.
- The woman’s belt buckle as she is getting her hair done on the PeopleMover.
- Paint rings on a table during the renaissance scene of Spaceship Earth.
- Three drums perfectly placed at the end of the Gran Fiesta Tour.
- The bubbles in the mural of the Living with the Land queue.
- Balloons in the final scene of Muppet Vision 3D.
- The tile floor in the lobby waiting area for Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster.
- A configuration of stars before the final drop on the Tower of Terror.
- The flamingo island on Kilimanjaro Safaris.
- Photo of a bear in the queue of Expedition Everest.
- Above the hippo’s eye on the Tree of Life.
Instagram: @vacation_planner_by_nicoleNow that you’re ready to impress friends and family with your knowledge of the hidden Mickeys, you can have an extra magical time at Walt Disney World.
