The Hidden Mickeys of MGM Hollywood Studios' Hollywood Boulevard

Those of you that have no idea what a Hidden Mickey (HM) is need look no further then my first article which explains exactly what they are and how they came about. Magic Kingdom and EPCOT are so much fun when you're looking to enjoy life as a child or to learn about the world many of us will never get to travel. Sometimes though you may just want to relax with a good film or learn what goes on behind the camera straight from the director's chair. There is no better place to do such things then Disney's Hollywood Studios which was formerly known as MGM Studios. Being a bit nostalgic for the days of old; I kind of combine both names because it's so much easier to just say "MGM" when someone asks you what park you're going to today. None the less, MGM is a fantastic way to be a movie star and experience a life on screen.

Your first step into the park will take you back in time to the Golden Age of film when movies were much simpler and also a bit more exciting even though there weren't tons of explosions or big car crashes. Old time slapstick and street performers walk the boulevards just looking to entertain and generate smiles. Photography taken from under a hood with a plume of smoke was just as common as reel-to-reel cinematography, but those of us that missed that generation can now enjoy it full force. And for those that just want to take a beautiful trip through the history of film and check out the ride I first ever found out about Hidden Mickeys; then there's no place like MGM Hollywood Studios' Hollywood Boulevard.

Mickey's of Hollywood

~ Much like in the Emporium at Magic Kingdom; the merchandise poles have cut-outs of traditional tri-circle HMs.

~ The ends of the fixtures holding hanging clothes have golden Mickey heads on them.

~ Spread throughout the store on four separate wall dividers is some iron work that distinctly says "MICKEYS" on them.

Cover Story

~ Outside of the store and on the black border between the first and second floors, there are a few tri-circle designs that are perfect Mickey heads.

Hollywood Plaza

~ This is a unique Hidden Mickey much like that in Liberty Square at the Haunted Mansion. It can only be seen from above the park in the air. Actually, the center portion of MGM itself was in the shape of Mickey's head. It even had his features including his mouth, nose, and eyes. With the changes to the park and the addition of Sunset Boulevard; Mickey became sort of deformed since one of his ears was taken away and now the big sorcerer's hat sits in the middle of his face.

Check out the pictures included with this article and you'll see a copy of one of the original maps I still possess. One image is the whole map and the second is the Mickey face you could see when the map was turned upside-down.

The Great Movie Ride

~ While in the loading and unloading dock area, look toward the center of the giant mural on the opposite wall and find the gazebo. Above the gazebo and cut out of a bush is a silhouette of Minnie Mouse's head.

~ Upon entering the gangster scene, look for the huge Public Enemies poster on the left wall where you can see a poster with Mickey's feet underneath it.

~ There is another HM I've seen in the gangster scene and it's actually right before the poster of Mickey's feet. On the same wall on one of the windows is what looks to be a few soap or dirt stains. It's way too coincidental to not be Mickey. There are no connecting pieces but you can see two feet, a body, a head, and two ears. Check it out and tell me it doesn't look like a full-bodied Mickey Mouse.

~ Near the end of the gangster scene above the bank is a long yellowish window. A side silhouette of half of Mickey's head is looking out.

~ Now for the first HMs I was ever told about that one day a long time ago when this particular attraction broke down for a while. In the Indiana Jones room, look to your left and just above eye-level. In the hieroglyphics is R2-D2 and C-3PO of Star Wars' fame.

In the same room and on the same wall but right before you exit behind one of the giant statues sit two more famous characters. About halfway up the wall is another set of hieroglyphics with Mickey Mouse sitting on a throne and Donald Duck facing him.

How about that? Only one ride or attraction in this entire section of MGM and there are still so many Hidden Mickeys to look for and find. The Hollywood Studios are a great place to spend an entire day because it has so many great attractions and HMs, but also a ton of other hidden things and little secrets to uncover. You never know either when you just may run into one of your favorite movie stars. The Studios often do cement handprints, concerts, interviews, filming, and even ESPN coverage. It's a great park to have so much fun in and enjoy.

Please feel free to let me know if there are any I've missed or that you think are truly there. Oh, and for those that are brand new to the world of Hidden Mickeys? Don't let searching for them ruin your trip to the happiest place on Earth please. Always make sure that you are taking in everything and enjoying all you can while there with friends and family. Hidden Mickeys are fun to look for and find, but there really is so much to do that you don't want to be on a wild goose chase for your entire trip.