Where to Find Hidden Mickeys at Disney Resorts
Before the theme parks arrived, Disney animators had some fun while creating illustrations for the now-classic films by placing hidden Mickey Mouse ears into movie scenes. When it came time to add the theme parks, the architects (known as Imagineers) also got a bit creative, leaving hidden Mickeys in the least expected places.
As Disney visitors began to notice these Easter eggs, Disney's crew members also started to add their special touches. Now, part of the fun of visiting a Disney theme park or hotel is going on a scavenger hunt to find as many hidden Mickeys as possible.
Here's a leg up on your next search with clues to hidden Mickeys found across Disney Resorts.
Hiding Wires
While shopping in the stores in Disney, don't just look at what is on the rack.
This wiring element is found in Mission: Space gift shop in Walt Disney World Resort's Epcot in Orlando.
Sign Language
It's just a sign for sports equipment at the United Kingdom pavilion in Epcot, right?
Look closer...
Music to Our Ears
You could say hidden Mickeys are "instrumental" to the fun.
A Simple Scroll
Parents renting a stroller may think the sign is a simple scroll design, but think again.
Watch Your Step
Pavement and pathways are often mixed with rock and glass, but every now and then, you may spot a shape.
This glass is found in front of Disney California Adventure Park in Anaheim.
Trim the Bushes
Disney creates many beautiful landscapes just ripe for a Mickey or two.
Lemon Spheres
Have a glass of water at the Yacht Club Resort in Orlando, and you may find a treat.
Up on a Hill
You'll have to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to catch this collection of gears on a hill.
I See You
In Orlando's Animal Kingdom Lodge, this antelope face looks suspiciously like mouse ears.
Mickey on TV
A stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge also means you'll find televisions hidden behind closed doors.
But open them up to reveal the surprise.
Mickey Goes to Hollywood
When you take a stroll down Disney's Hollywood Studio's version of Sunset Boulevard, we bet you didn't know you were right on top of a grand-scale hidden Mickey.
In All Sizes
Mickey's ears don't have to be the same size, as is the case on the Carousel of Progress' signage at Magic Kingdom.
Gear Shift
Imagineers love using gear decor throughout the parks.
They make it easy spots to place hidden Mickeys, as is the case for these ones featured in It's a Small World.
Shadow Dancing
Even when a Mickey is obvious, Imagineers review patterns of the sun, so shadows will reflect additional Mickeys at the right time of day.
Circular Chandeliers
Disney's new Riviera Resort in Orlando illuminates more Mickeys.
Bamboo Shoots
By now, you've learned that where there are circles, there are bound to be mouse ears.
Bamboo at the Polynesian Village Resort in Orlando makes the perfect cover for Mickeys.
At Great Heights
From the ground floor of the Polynesian Village Resort's Kona Cafe, this spherical decor looks merely playful.
But from the second floor, they start to take shape.
A Little Fishy
You may be too busy watching the koi fish swimming to notice this drain cover in the pond at the Japanese Pavilion in Epcot.
Helmet Head
Did you know the Vikings loved Mickey? This mural in Epcot's Norway pavilion is a tricky one to spot.
All Tied Up
All boat docks, including ones at the Yacht Club Resort, need rope, but not all shape them like Mickey.
Coral Circles
Resort swimming pools make perfect places for scavenger hunts.
Look to the coral reef at the Art of Animation Resort pool — where you'll spot more than one.
Don't Fear the Reaper
As you near the end of the Haunted Mansion ride, a quick glance may lead you to believe the Grim Reaper is holding a lantern shaped like, yep, Mickey.
Lettuce Hide It
Even the greenhouse crew in Epcot have fun with the placement of plants.
Roll Out the Red Carpet
What did we tell you about watching your step? This is the Grand Floridian Resort at Walt Disney World Resort.
Lend Me Your Ear
Disney doesn't make it easy to spot all the hidden Mickeys.
Try scanning the ears (or hair tassels?) of this man depicted in the Maharajah Jungle Trek.
A Few Screws Loose
Think the lug nuts at Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters in Cars Land fell off on their own?
That's just what the Imagineers want you to believe.
Aerial View
You wouldn't even notice Disneyland Drive's surprise unless you used Google Maps.
Solar Circles
Even Disney World's solar power hides a Mickey to all who are on the ground.
Eat Up
As you check out the grand banquet in the Haunted Mansion, you can spot a place setting that stands out from the rest, courtesy of playful crew members who rearranged the plates.
Wrapped in Circles
Aerosmith visits the pre-show room before you ride the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, and take a look at their gear.
Down the Drain
If you are too busy scrubbing your hands at the sink in Cars Land, you may miss something.
Yo Ho
You need really good eyesight to spot the hidden Mickey during this scene on Pirates of the Caribbean.
The Shape of Things
The cacti surrounding Big Thunder Mountain Railroad actually do grow in the perfect shape.
Take a Seat
The Grand Floridian Resort's opulence found in its furnishings, such as this desk chair, is used for secret Mickeys.
Posh Mickey
Even the Four Seasons Resort Orlando joined in on the scavenger hunt.
Obviously Missing
Think this was easy? Did you look to the sign's left?
Tools of the Trade
When making a trek up Everest, you'd expect climbing tools, but you may need to look twice at Expedition Everest in the Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
Rocky Ears
Disney's Hawaiian resort, Aulani, features a manmade beach.
Of course, Imagineers added their special touches.
The Writing's on the Wall
Note any special pattern on the wallpaper at Aulani?
Birthday Surprise
The most hidden Mickey can only be seen once a year.
The Imagineers paid tribute to Walt Disney by creating a Mickey that appears when the sun shines at the exact moment of his birthday within Ariel's Grotto in the Magic Kingdom.