A Hidden Mickey is when you see the classic three circles, one larger and two smaller circles on top of the larger circle, to make up Mickey Mouse’s head.
These can be in an obvious or not so obvious places somewhere on Disney property, in a Disney movie, or appear in just about anything else Disney creates.
Hidden Mickeys can be from the size of a dime to a 22-acre solar panel field and every size in between. They are not just restricted to the classic three circles; they can be a full-size Mickey or a side profile of Mickey’s face.
The official definition of a Hidden Mickey is: a partial or complete impression of Mickey Mouse placed by the Imagineers and artists to blend into the designs of Disney attractions, hotels, restaurants, and other areas.1
So how did Hidden Mickeys get started?
No one knows exactly how they began, however it is said Hidden Mickey’s began around the time EPCOT construction started. When EPCOT was being planned it was going to be more of an adult park with alcohol and no characters.
Imagineers didn’t agree with not having characters in EPCOT, and started to add Hidden Mickeys into the design of the rides, murals and more. As Cast Members and Guests began to notice and talk about them, Hidden Mickeys became more popular, giving Imagineers a reason to continue keep including them in new designs.2
Hint: it is towards the top of the picture
One thing to keep in mind about Hidden Mickeys is that they are ever changing. By this I mean, as things evolve on Disney property, so will the Hidden Mickeys. When an attraction goes through a refurbishment, a Hidden Mickey could be lost or added.
One great example of this is, when MGM Studios, now known as Hollywood Studios, opened in 1989, Imagineers created Mickey’s face right into the park layout!
In order to see this Hidden Mickey, you had to view it from the sky, or look at the park map upside down. As the park has expanded and changed, this Hidden Mickey has become less and less of a Hidden Mickey.
For me Hidden Mickeys are not just for finding when I’m on Disney property, I find them in everyday life.
One of the best ones is in the tail lights of Buick Lacrosse, I believe from the early 2000’s.
Next time you are in the parks, watching a Disney movie, or even playing a Disney game, how many Hidden Mickey’s can you spot?
Pillow in a room at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort. 
Steakhouse 71; Disney’s Contemporary Resort 
Mickey topiary in Living with the Land, ride. 
Mickey topiary in Living with the Land, ride. 
Lettuce growing; Living with the Land ride 
EPCOT; character meet and greet – can you see it on the wall behind Goofy? 
Rafiki’s Planet Watch; Animal Kingdom 
Rafiki’s Planet Watch; Animal Kingdom 
It’s a Small World; Magic Kingdom – the purple flower vine 
It’s a Small World; Magic Kingdom – back of the koala’s head
goofinaroundtheworld.com 
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