Visiting Disney is always an exciting experience but after the first visit it is easier to start to absorb the environment and pay more attention to the subtleties of the designs around you. This is the time that you may notice your first "Hidden Mickey".
Hidden Mickeys can be found all over the Disney Parks, Hotels and Restaurants but what are they?
A true Hidden Mickey is an image of Mickey Mouse or another Disney character that has been hidden into a design. Disneys Imagineers added them in so subtly that the images are almost invisible to all but the most eagle-eyed Hidden Mickey hunter. Hidden Mickeys originated around 1980 and they have been a growing phenomenon ever since. Cast members are also known to arrange objects into Hidden Mickeys as well so although most are static occasionally you may be lucky enough to spot one that is transient and will have disappeared a week later.
The commonest Hidden Mickeys are in the shape of the outline of Mickeys head- a larger circle for his head and two smaller circles for ears. The next group involve the Mickey Profile either just his head or sometimes his whole body. Occasionally it will just be a recognisably item such as his ears or his name that will qualify. The final group consists of other Disney characters such as Minnie or Goofy, these are often much harder to spot. The simplest Mickeys are usually formed by plates, cogs, biscuits etc.
Hunting for Hidden Mickeys is a great way to pass the time, especially when waiting in-line or waiting for a parade. Children love the excitement of spotting a new one and it is not uncommon to hear a cry of "Hidden Mickey" whilst in the parks, this will sometimes bring other hunters out of the crowds to spot the hidden gem.
Some of the designs are so clever that it can take a lot of searching to spot an image that you have been told is there. Once you have started to spot them it is amazing how many there. There are well over 700 in Walt Disney World, Florida.
The best way to start your quest to become a spotter is just to keep your eyes open. If you are waiting inline at Test-Track look at all the stickers on the cars, pay attention to what is on the desk and whilst on the ride look at photos on the wall, rust marks on cars and even figures drawn in the dust. Suddenly you will begin to realise the imagination and the sense of humour the Disney Imagineers have. If you buy a photograph of your group on Test-Track you will have a Hidden Mickey to treasure, just look carefully at the hoses on the floor. You will find yourself paying far more attention to the details around you and this really makes you appreciate the skill of the Disney designers, no detail is small enough to be overlooked.
Once you have spotted all the obvious Mickeys you will have caught the bug and you will want to move onto the next stage. Now you will want to find the special Hidden Mickeys, the ones that are really hard to spot. At this point it is wise to get a copy of the "Hidden Mickeys- A field Guide to Walt Disney Worlds best kept secrets" by Steven Barrett. This little book lists all the recognised Hidden Mickeys and it sets scavenger hunts or gives you full details of where to find what you are looking for. For a return visitor to Disney this adds new excitement to a familiar destination. As a family we have been known to return to an attraction again and again until we spot the listed Hidden Mickey, it is a great family activity and brings out friendly competition between the children.
Sometimes you will spot a Hidden Mickey that is not listed in the book. This is great fun, you need to make a note of it and take a photo if possible. After your vacation send Steven Barrett an e-mail and he will look out for it on his next trip. If your Mickey is verified it will be added to the website and you will be credited with its discovery. This makes you feel part of the whole Hidden Mickey experience.
Be warned though, once the Hidden Mickey bug has taken hold you will spot them everywhere, at work, in the supermarket, even whilst walking in the country. It becomes a great family game and really that's what memories are made of.
More information is available at www.HiddenMickeysGuide.com