The Hidden Mickeys of MGM Hollywood Studios' Backlot

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.

So you've wandered down the Star-Studded way of Hollywood Boulevard and through your favorite cartoons to see how they're drawn. Not a bad way to start your morning in MGM (yes, it's still MGM to me), but there's still a lot more to be done. It's now time to get the full force of the movie-world so that nothing is missed. When it's time to leave the park at the end of the day, you may very well be ready to make your own movie.

Ok, so maybe not that ready.

There's such a wonderful time to be had at the Hollywood Studios that you often forget about all that goes on in the making of a feature film. You see all these great stars on the screen before you and come face-to-face with your favorite animated characters that people don't always remember or even realize all of those that work behind the scenes in order to make the magic come to life. The stuntmen, the directors, the set builders, the extras, the producers, the writers, and so many more are never once in front of the camera yet they are so important to the movies we love. Hidden in the shadows just as so many Mickeys are in the MGM Hollywood Studios' Backlot.

Honey, I Shrunk The Kids' Movie Set Adventure

~ No HMs that I've ever seen in this giant playground set, but if you know of any then feel free to e-mail them to me: dacox415@yahoo.com.

Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show

~ Upon entering the queue and going around the corner of the building, look outside a window for a red metal tool chest. Stuck on the tool chest is a black HM magnet.

~ As you're watching the show, look for the "Antiquities Brocante" store in the back right of the set. On the big window on the front of the store, there is a chair to the right side and holding onto it is an old-time full-figured Mickey Mouse. Very cool HM.

Muppet*Vision 3-D

~ In the awesome waiting area for the show, there are television screens all over the place. At one point you will see a video display test that looks like a set of blueprints show up on them for a short period of time. The blueprint actually looks like Mickey's head with the ears, mouthy smile, and nose. All that's missing are the eyes.

~ Enter the theater and look on the walls for giant Christmas wreaths. They may appear rather deformed but you'll see the giant circle wreaths have two small ear-like shapes on each of them.

~ After the Swedish Chef makes most of the theater explode and Kermit rides through the hole on a fire truck ladder; watch for Mickey Mouse balloons to fly by or sit in the hands of guests.

~ Outside in the fountain of Muppets, you'll see that Gonzo is standing on a small raft which looks exactly like our favorite mouse.

Star Tours

~ As you enter the queue and turn to your right, there is a big phone directory that has a full bodied Mickey Mouse on it.

~ The first worker robot you'll in see in the queue is named G2. Look closely at his wrist because he's wearing a traditional Mickey Mouse watch.

~ While watching the instructional video on how to buckle up and keep yourself safe; keep an eye open for the Ewok that is carrying a plush Mickey.

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!

~ Reportedly the only HM is on the backs of the jackets the cast members wear at the show. I've seen them and can understand it, but so far it's the only one these eyes have seen.

There are a great deal more HMs in this section of the Hollywood Studios then you'll find in a few of the others, but that doesn't mean you should take your focus off of the attractions at hand. By all means, don't miss out on anything in the Muppet area because there's so much fun to be had there. The pre-show is one that you shouldn't even actually look at as a time killer for the movie to start but something that is a central cog of the entire attraction. Take the time to enjoy the giant "Honey, I Shrunk" playground too. I'm talking to both children and adults because it is a lot of fun and built for everyone. If you can't be a child at Disney World, then where can you?

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.