Hidden Mickeys at Disneyland Resort in California

Hidden Mickey's started long ago as an inside joke among the Walt Disney Company Imagineers. While working on the construction of a ride the Imagineers would very subtly "hide" one or more Micky Mouse heads in plain sight. In the 1980's this practice became known to the general public and Hidden Mickey enthusiasts were born. What started off as a joke among coworkers has now turned into a full fledge obsession for some Disney fans.

What is a Hidden Mickey? A Hidden Mickey is an image of Mickey Mouse that is hidden in the design of something. They take the shape of a large circle for its head and two smaller circles for its ears. Basically, you are looking for a silhouette of Mickey's head. They can be found on rides, in the cue's for the rides, in restaurants, on walls, sidewalks, gardens, just about anywhere you can imagine. There are a few ground rules when trying to decide if what you are seeing is a Hidden Mickey or not. First, the head needs to be proportioned correctly. Next, it should be obvious when you look at it. You shouldn't have to use your imagination when looking at it. It may be hidden, but once you spot it the Hidden Mickey should be very clear. The Hidden Mickey is not always up and down. You might see them sideways, tilted, or upside down. Finally, if the Hidden Mickey you spotted is large or has intricate detail it probably isn't a true Hidden Mickey.

Hidden Mickey's can be found in each and every "land" in Disneyland. They can also be spotted at all of the Disney hotels, Disney's California Adventure, and the plaza area between the two parks.

So what are you thinking so far? Will you be searching to see how many Hidden Mickey's you can spot on your next trip? Do you want to know where to start? Really, you can start anywhere. Just look around and pay attention to the scenery. You may be surprised just how many you see from the time you step foot on Disney property until you reach the castle.

Do you think you need some more information before going off and searching for Hidden Mickey's? Well then, let's travel to Toontown in Disneyland together. This "land" is chalk full of Hidden Mickeys. Look at the lamp posts, I promise you will find at least one. Look at the road signs, and don't forget that Hidden Mickeys can be upside down or sideways. Visit Mickey Mouse's house. There are way too many Hidden Mickey's to list here. Start looking as soon as you enter and don't stop until after you leave the Mickey greeting area. You will probably be surprised just how many the Imagineers created here. Same thing goes for Gadgets Go-Coaster. Spend your time looking for them in the cue. Look at everything. You should be able to spot three Hidden Mickey's on the rock wall. And don't just look at the rides and scenery. Go check out Clarabelle's Frozen Yogurt. Hidden Mickey's are everywhere, and Toontown has an abundance of them.

Now dust off your camera, get on your walking shoes and go have some fun. If you want more information stop by City Hall and ask about them. You may also want to talk to a cast member, they are a wealth of knowledge. Happy hunting!