On the Hunt for Hidden Mickeys at Walt Disney World® Resort

From magical rides and attractions to enchanting parades, dazzling firework displays, and iconic character interactions, there is so much to see and do at Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, Florida. But one activity that often goes unnoticed is the elusive hunt for Hidden Mickeys!

Throughout all four theme parks at Walt Disney World® Resort, you can find Mickey-shaped images hidden in plain sight. These sneaky little Mickeys can take many forms, from subtle silhouettes to intricate designs, and are ingeniously integrated into the architecture, decor, and attractions of the parks.

So, fellow adventurers, are you ready to embark on the ultimate scavenger hunt? Gather your friends and family, grab your map (or download the My Disney Experience app), and prepare to unlock the secrets of Walt Disney World® one Hidden Mickey at a time. SPOILER ALERT! This blog provides clues of where you can find Hidden Mickeys at all four Disney® Theme Parks.

The legend of Hidden Mickeys at Walt Disney World®

As the legend goes, the concept of Hidden Mickeys began as a fun game between Disney Imagineers as they developed new attractions and concepts. Hidden Mickeys first appeared with the construction of EPCOT® . While Mickey Mouse was to be a prominent theme of Magic Kingdom® Park, there was no plan when construction began on EPCOT® to have Disney characters as part of that theme park. So, the Disney Imagineers took it upon themselves to conceal hidden Mickeys throughout the park. And, as expansion continued in Magic Kingdom® Park and other parks were built, the tradition of Hidden Mickeys continued.

Today, the hunt for Hidden Mickeys throughout each Disney ® Theme Park is a phenomenon. While nobody knows exactly how many Hidden Mickeys there are (after all, all good legends have an element of mystery), some say there are over 1,000 throughout the entire resort complex.

How to find Hidden Mickeys at Walt Disney World®

When searching for Hidden Mickeys, it helps to know where to look and what you are looking for. While some are obvious, others are tricky to spot. Below, we provide clues of where to find Hidden Mickeys in all four Disney® Theme Parks. But, we don’t give them all away. For some, you’ll have to hunt on your own—but that’s part of the fun!

1. Hidden Mickeys in Magic Kingdom® Park

• Haunted Mansion® – Look at the bottom left corner of the banquet table during the ghostly scene. The Hidden Mickey is made of two saucers and a plate.

• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin® – As you enter the attraction, look at the first poster on your right named, “Planets of the Galactic Alliance.” Then, as you leave the attraction, be on the lookout for a Mickey-shaped planet.

• Under the Sea- Journey of the Little Mermaid – During the attraction, when Sebastian sings “Under the Sea,” you will see several purple corals that take on a familiar shape.

• “it’s a small world” ® – When waiting to enter this attraction, pay careful attention to the wait signs. If you tilt your head to the left, a Hidden Mickey may appear. Then, during the ride, as you pass through Africa, check out the purple leaves hanging from the ceiling near the giraffe.

2. Hidden Mickeys in Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park

• Tree of Life® – When looking at the front of the Tree of Life, focus on the moss to the right of the tiger.

• Na’vi River Journey – Nestled within the otherworldly landscape of Pandora – The World of Avatar, is the Na’vi River Journey, where guests can take a riverboat tour of a bioluminescent forest. During the tour, you’ll encounter the Shaman of the Songs. Pay close attention to the right hand of her shawl, a Hidden Mickey may appear.

• Kilimanjaro Safaris® – When moving through the safari, be on the lookout for a “big” Hidden Mickey when you encounter the flamingos.

• Dinoland U.S.A ® - Look for two large dinosaurs holding up a “Chester & Hester’s DinoRama” sign near the Tricera Top Spin ride. When you stand under the sign, look at the dinosaur’s wrist!

• It’s Tough to Be a Bug® – This one can be tough—no pun intended! When you enter the underground room of the attraction, locate the other entrance on the far side of the room. On the left wall, you can find a not-so-obvious Hidden Mickey.

3. Hidden Mickeys in Disney’s Hollywood Studios®

• Front Entrance Gate – As you enter the park, pay close attention to the grill of the park’s gates.

• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ – Once you board your elevator, the elevator will move forward and enter The Twilight Zone. Just before the drop shaft, beams of light will come together at a central spot before disappearing. Keep your eyes on the lights to see a hidden figure.

• Star Tours® – The Adventures Continues – There are several opportunities to find Hidden Mickeys at this attraction. When waiting to board your ship, you will move through a queue filled with familiar faces and futuristic props. Here’s a tip: pay attention to the shadows. Then, during the attraction, look for R2D2 wearing an iconic pair of Mickey Ears.

• Slinky Dog Dash – When approaching the loading area, you will see hand-drawn plans for the attraction. These plans include a hidden image!

4. Hidden Mickeys in EPCOT®

• Spaceship Earth – Perhaps the most recognizable attraction in EPCOT, Spaceship Earth is housed inside the massive geodesic dome just outside the park entrance. On the ride, you will move through major moments in history. When you get to the Renaissance scene, look to the left of the time machines. You’ll see “three paint rings.”

• Soarin’ Around the World – During the ride, be on the lookout for hot air balloons floating across the desert. Then, at the end of the ride, pay attention to the fireworks as they explode.

• EPCOT® World Showcase – The EPCOT® World Showcase consists of pavilions representing eleven different countries from around the world. You can find Hidden Mickeys in each of the pavilions. Below, we’ve highlighted five for you to find:

o Mexico Pavilion – In the central plaza, look at the banners near the merchandise stand selling mugs and glasses.

o China Pavilion – At the entrance, look at the light posts with flower sculptures.

o Germany Pavilion – Near the Biergarten restaurant, look for a Hidden Mickey underneath the lion’s paws near the lamp.

o United Kingdom Pavilion – Look at the shop sign for the Sportsman’s Shoppe.

o Canada Pavilion – On the totem pole in the pavilion, look at the top of the raven’s wings.

Extra tips for spotting Hidden Mickeys at Disney World

Now that you have clues to the most popular Hidden Mickeys at Disney World, you’re ready to embark on a fun scavenger hunt. But just in case, here are a few more tips to help you along the way:

• Ask Disney Cast Members – If you’re having trouble locating a specific Hidden Mickey, ask a Cast Member. They can point you in the right direction.

• Know what to look for – In general, there are three types of Hidden Mickeys to find: 1) a traditional three-circle Mickey Mouse head; 2) a Mickey Mouse head silhouette; 3) a Mickey Mouse shadow.

• Take photos – While some Hidden Mickeys appear quickly during rides and attractions, others are integrated into architecture, décor, and landscaping. For these, it’s easy to snap a photo. Log your progress through the scavenger hunt as a fun memento of your trip.

Visiting Disney World®? Stay at Caribe Royale Orlando—a Walt Disney Good Neighbor® Hotel

If you’re planning an epic adventure to Walt Disney World® Resort, there’s no better place to stay than Caribe Royale Orlando. With all-suite accommodations, sparkling pools, and a waterslide, eight unique dining experiences, including the all-new Stadium Club, a luxury spa, and on-site biking, fishing, Sport Court, Caribe Royale Orlando is the premier destination for your magical Walt Disney World® vacation.

Plus, as a Walt Disney Good Neighbor® Hotel, Caribe Royale Orlando is conveniently located just 1.5 miles from the main entrance to Walt Disney World® Resort and shuttle transportation is included to all Walt Disney World® Theme Parks & Disney Springs® .

Plan your epic Disney vacation now. Book your stay at Caribe Royale Orlando here.