And here's the post you've all been waiting for: our Hidden Mickey challenge!!!
[Throughout this post, we will often be referencing Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World's Best Kept Secrets by Steven M. Barrett and hiddenmickeysguide.com (please see below for full citations). These are two EXCELLENT, thorough, well researched and frequently updated resources for anyone looking to scavenge for as many Hidden Mickeys as possible. Even if you don't plan on doing the scavenger hunts, check both the book and the website out. They're full of such wonderful information!]
To start off, we want to explain what a "Hidden Mickey" is and how they came to be. Essentially a Hidden Mickey is a hidden image (partial or complete) of any classical Disney character (i.e. Mickey Mouse, Donald, Pluto, etc.) incorporated into a ride, hotel, restaurant, or even in the landscaping throughout Disney World; they are designed to blend in, hence the “hidden” label. The concept of the "Hidden Mickey" began during the ‘70s and ‘80s when the use of Mickey, Minnie, etc., was restricted to the Magic Kingdom; as the Imagineers, artists and other workers spent months and months developing attractions, they began surreptitiously painting or sculpting Mickey Mouse heads on walls, in rocks, basically anywhere they could get away with it. The more the parks developed, the more intricate these "Hidden Mickeys" became, and over the years, more and more park goers began taking notice and even hunting for these hidden gems. As simple as it may seem, the random appearance of everyone's favorite mouse is like a surprise treasure as you move through the parks.
When we decided that we were going to go on a Hidden Mickey hunt this vacation, I did my research and I read almost the entire 3rd addition of Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide.... The most important piece of my research was the definition of a Hidden Mickey: there are many categories of “Hidden Mickeys.” The first is the “classic Mickey,” but a profile view of Mickey’s head or his entire body, a front view of his silhouette, a detailed image of his face or body, and even a 3-D representation of Mickey are considered “Hidden Mickeys”; random appearance of Mickey’s shoes, gloves, ears or even his initials are included. Unfortunately, there a lot of collections of shapes that one could argue form a classic “Hidden Mickey,” but all of them cannot possibly be a “Hidden Mickey.” Therefore, we decided to use Mr. Barrett's guidelines to help us define any and all classic “Hidden Mickeys.” They read as follows:
[Throughout this post, we will often be referencing Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World's Best Kept Secrets by Steven M. Barrett and hiddenmickeysguide.com (please see below for full citations). These are two EXCELLENT, thorough, well researched and frequently updated resources for anyone looking to scavenge for as many Hidden Mickeys as possible. Even if you don't plan on doing the scavenger hunts, check both the book and the website out. They're full of such wonderful information!]
To start off, we want to explain what a "Hidden Mickey" is and how they came to be. Essentially a Hidden Mickey is a hidden image (partial or complete) of any classical Disney character (i.e. Mickey Mouse, Donald, Pluto, etc.) incorporated into a ride, hotel, restaurant, or even in the landscaping throughout Disney World; they are designed to blend in, hence the “hidden” label. The concept of the "Hidden Mickey" began during the ‘70s and ‘80s when the use of Mickey, Minnie, etc., was restricted to the Magic Kingdom; as the Imagineers, artists and other workers spent months and months developing attractions, they began surreptitiously painting or sculpting Mickey Mouse heads on walls, in rocks, basically anywhere they could get away with it. The more the parks developed, the more intricate these "Hidden Mickeys" became, and over the years, more and more park goers began taking notice and even hunting for these hidden gems. As simple as it may seem, the random appearance of everyone's favorite mouse is like a surprise treasure as you move through the parks.
When we decided that we were going to go on a Hidden Mickey hunt this vacation, I did my research and I read almost the entire 3rd addition of Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide.... The most important piece of my research was the definition of a Hidden Mickey: there are many categories of “Hidden Mickeys.” The first is the “classic Mickey,” but a profile view of Mickey’s head or his entire body, a front view of his silhouette, a detailed image of his face or body, and even a 3-D representation of Mickey are considered “Hidden Mickeys”; random appearance of Mickey’s shoes, gloves, ears or even his initials are included. Unfortunately, there a lot of collections of shapes that one could argue form a classic “Hidden Mickey,” but all of them cannot possibly be a “Hidden Mickey.” Therefore, we decided to use Mr. Barrett's guidelines to help us define any and all classic “Hidden Mickeys.” They read as follows:
1. Purposeful (sometimes you can sense that the circles were placed on purpose)
2. Proportionate sizes (head larger than the ears and somewhat proportionate to
the ears)
3. Round or at lest “roundish”
4. The ears don’t touch each other, and the ears are above the head (not beside
the head)
5. The head and ears touch or are close to touching
6. The grouping of circles is exceptional or unique in appearance
7. The circles are hidden or somewhat hidden and not obviously intended to be
part of the decor
Reprinted with permission from "Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World's Best Kept Secrets," 5th edition, by Steven M. Barrett, 2011, published by The Intrepid Traveler.
Reprinted with permission from "Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World's Best Kept Secrets," 5th edition, by Steven M. Barrett, 2011, published by The Intrepid Traveler.
The guidelines were very helpful and we referenced them quite often when we were doing our scavenger hunt, which, by the way, we also got from Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide.... I read through every single scavenger hunt in the book and ultimately decided on the EPCOT hunt for a few reasons. The first is that EPCOT has a tendency to be the park that we are in the most often: we love it so much and frequently end our day in one of the restaurants. The second reason was that there were many more “Hidden Mickeys” on slow moving, well lit rides or on the line queues than there were in any other park. This did not make it any easier to find the “Hidden Mickeys,” but it did help make photographing them easier.
Our first stop on the “Hidden Mickey” challenge was “The Seas with Nemo and Friends.” This one was SO HARD! Nothing discourages your scavenger hunt than the fact that the first clue is next to impossible to locate on the ride! The “Hidden Mickeys” throughout the aquariums were a bit easier; although, I'm not sure that everything we identified as a “Hidden Mickey” is actually a “Hidden Mickey.” Here are some of our photos, with captions, from “The Seas.”
Our first stop on the “Hidden Mickey” challenge was “The Seas with Nemo and Friends.” This one was SO HARD! Nothing discourages your scavenger hunt than the fact that the first clue is next to impossible to locate on the ride! The “Hidden Mickeys” throughout the aquariums were a bit easier; although, I'm not sure that everything we identified as a “Hidden Mickey” is actually a “Hidden Mickey.” Here are some of our photos, with captions, from “The Seas.”
Good luck finding the "Hidden Mickey" in this one. I cannot even remember where to find it.
The top photo is very clearly a "Hidden Mickey," the bottom has baby ears. I don't care. I think it counts.
Ok, so these aren't exactly hidden. But look at the size of those manatees!
This is located on the floor of an aquarium. Just goes to show that you need to look EVERYWHERE.
Next up: The Land pavilion. We spent a good 25 minutes trying to identify the “Hidden Mickeys” in the pavilion before we even got on line for “Livin' with the Land.” Impressively, we found every single Hidden Mickey on the list. *Please be advised that there are no photographs from “Soarin'” as I am a rule follower and have absolutely no intentions of being kicked out of the parks and losing a full day of fun by breaking aforementioned rules. If you want to test your “Hidden Mickey” hunting skills, check out youtube.com for a full video of “Soarin'.” (Hey, I may not break the rules, but I thoroughly appreciate those who do and then post the fruits of their labors on the internet.)
These two "Hidden Mickeys" are from the mosaics outside of the pavilion. Check out the main sign and the entryway. You'll find them eventually.
Can you find the "Hidden Mickey" in this hanging globe?
And how about this guy? Hint: it's 3/4 silhouette of Mickey in the mural of the Garden Grill
This guy is on the queue for "Livin' with the Land." Can you tell us where?
As you board the boat, check out the farmer's hat!
And this guy can be found right before your boat leaves the dock and enters the first tunnel.
These guys are in the seafood farming section...
The "Hidden Mickeys" found in the produce sections change on occasion. On our trip, it was the lettuce. On yours, it could be a pumpkin, or lemons.
These last two are found in the lab at the end of the ride.
“Journey into Imagination” is next! These “Hidden Mickeys” are easily found if you are dedicated and alert to details throughout the ride. Unfortunately, we do not have photos of these Mickeys (the vehicle moved just quickly enough to blur every attempt), but we do have photos of the “Hidden Mickeys” in the Imageworks. When on the ride, just remember to look up, down and all around... especially at the end.
Keep an eye out for this Mickey as you exit the ride!
And this one you definitely have to hunt for.
Ok. So this video is constantly moving. At some points, the circles create classic Mickeys. Does this count?
From there we sauntered over to “Spaceship Earth.” I love this ride. Not only does it cater to my art historical, anthropological dorky side, I also pin point A LOT of “Hidden Mickeys” every single time. Once again, no photos from this ride because of the speed of the vehicle and the low lighting, but I am going to describe a couple of “Hidden Mickeys” that are not listed in the 5th Edition of Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide....
1. When your ride vehicle enters the scene of Ancient Rome, you are going to see two Roman soldiers talking. To the left of the foot of the Roman with his back to you, there is a rolled up blanket with two overturned pots on top of it. Maybe this “Hidden Mickey” is questionable, but I don't know. Something is telling me that this was very intentional.
2. This one isn't so much a “Hidden Mickey” as something very ironic and funny. In the family room of the 1960s, there is a family watching the moon landing on their very white sofa, atop their very shaggy rug. On the floor behind their sofa is a board game: Mouse Trap. Thank you, Imagineers, for this very punny addition.
3. My favorite Hidden Mickey that is, surprisingly, not a part of the field guide can be found in the computer room from the '70s. As soon as you enter this scene, there is a desk on your right with a wooden plaque that says "IMAGINE" on it. (Nice little nod to “Journey Into Imagination.”) On this desk is a pumpkin orange mug. On the mug, only half visible, is a Mickey Mouse sticker. SURPRISE!
Like I said before, stay alert and you can be creating your own Hidden Mickey guide.
Following “Spaceship Earth,” we hopped over to “Ellen's Energy Adventure.” These “Hidden Mickeys” are also difficult to snap a photo of, so we do not have them, BUT they're there and you WILL feel accomplished when you spot them. Hint: they're in the final part of Ellen's trek through history as she tries to understand the evolution of man's energy usage. And they only flash up on screen for a very short time period. If you're like me and Kristin and you use this attraction as a perfect time to rest up and maybe catch a few zzzz's (sorry, but a dark air conditioned, 25 minute ride is a perfect cat nap location), you're going to miss them. Try to ride this ride at least once when you're awake. It's fun whether you spot the Hidden Mickey's or not.
Confession: We did not do the scavenger hunt on Mission Space. I can't ride the full ride for medical reasons and nobody in our party was very fond of the claustrophobic feel of the space capsule. We apologize for not taking one for the team, but we made the decision to forgo Mission Space in lieu of skipping over to Mexico for margaritas. I'm sure many of you understand.
Last but not least, Test Track. This ride is JAM PACKED with the “Hidden Mickeys,” both on the queue and throughout the ride. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend pulling your camera out to photograph them on this ride. There are so many twists, turns, sudden stops and bumpy moments that it almost feels irresponsible to tempt fate with your camera out and about. However, these “Hidden Mickeys” are so well incorporated into the scenery that it's possible that you will see them without even realizing it. There's nothing ambiguous about the “Hidden Mickeys” on the dry erase boards or the larger than life Mickey head in the crash test. Go on, do the scavenger hunt and walk away feeling like a champion.
This is where our scavenger hunt stopped. Although there are plenty of “Hidden Mickeys” in World Showcase, most of them appear to be in restaurants. Mr. Barrett still encourages you to explain to the host or hostess what you are doing so that you can continue your search; however, we opted out. We didn't want to interrupt anybody's meal and we'd much rather find the “Hidden Mickeys” while dining in the restaurant. Hopefully, we will be able to complete our EPCOT challenge on our next trip.
We apologize for not being able to capture everything, but we think it will make your future hunt more fun!
We really hope that we have not given too much away with this post. Our goal was to peak your curiosity enough so that you would pick up your own copy of Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide... or check out the website before your next trip to WDW. The scavenger hunts are a great way to pass some time on ride queues and to bring your family, friends, etc. together with a common goal: find ALL the Mickeys! We love this game and can't get enough of it.
Another hint: you can hunt for “Hidden Mickeys” in almost any Disney movie, too! This tradition has become such a beloved part of the Disney corporation that they've been incorporating “Hidden Mickeys” into their movies for years and years. Don't believe me? There are unlimited online resources documenting these “Hidden Mickeys”; OR curl up on a couch and pop in your favorite Disney flick. I bet you'll be able to find at least one.
We really hope that we have not given too much away with this post. Our goal was to peak your curiosity enough so that you would pick up your own copy of Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide... or check out the website before your next trip to WDW. The scavenger hunts are a great way to pass some time on ride queues and to bring your family, friends, etc. together with a common goal: find ALL the Mickeys! We love this game and can't get enough of it.
Another hint: you can hunt for “Hidden Mickeys” in almost any Disney movie, too! This tradition has become such a beloved part of the Disney corporation that they've been incorporating “Hidden Mickeys” into their movies for years and years. Don't believe me? There are unlimited online resources documenting these “Hidden Mickeys”; OR curl up on a couch and pop in your favorite Disney flick. I bet you'll be able to find at least one.
Bibliography:
Steven M. Barrett, Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World’s Best Kept Secrets, 5th Edition, The Intrepid Traveler, 2011
“Hidden Mickeys Guy,” Hidden Mickey Guy, copyright 2011, www.hiddenmickeysguide.com
