Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a park brimming with movie magic, thrilling attractions, and captivating shows. But for eagle-eyed guests, there’s an extra layer of enchantment to discover: the legendary Hidden Mickeys! These subtle, three-circle silhouettes of Mickey Mouse are cleverly incorporated into the architecture, theming, and even the natural elements throughout the park. Finding them is a beloved scavenger hunt for Disney fans of all ages, adding an exciting dimension to your visit.
Ready to become a Hidden Mickey master? Grab your camera and get ready to explore!
What are Hidden Mickeys?
Hidden Mickeys are intentional designs or arrangements that form the iconic shape of Mickey Mouse’s head: one large circle for his head and two smaller circles for his ears. They can be found in various forms, from obvious placements to incredibly subtle details that require a keen eye and a bit of luck. Imagineers, the creative minds behind Disney parks, love to sprinkle these little tributes to the mouse that started it all!
Why Hunt for Hidden Mickeys?
- Adds a Layer of Fun: Transform your park day into an exciting scavenger hunt! It’s a fantastic way to engage everyone in your group.
- Encourages Observation: You’ll notice incredible details you might otherwise miss, truly appreciating the immersive storytelling of the park.
- Creates Lasting Memories: The thrill of spotting a tricky Hidden Mickey is a unique and memorable experience.
- Free Entertainment: It’s a fantastic, free activity that can fill time in queues or during breaks.
Your Hollywood Studios Hidden Mickey Checklist: Where to Find Them!
Hollywood Studios boasts a fantastic collection of Hidden Mickeys. While some may change with refurbishments, here are some of the most well-known and beloved spots to begin your search:
Entrance Area & Crossroads of the World
- Park Entrance Layout: Did you know the original layout of the studios was designed as an upside-down Mickey? While the park has evolved, it’s a fun piece of trivia!
- Ironwork Gates: Look closely at the intricate ironwork on the main entrance gates; you might spot some familiar ears.
- Crossroads of the World: On the charming globe atop the Crossroads of the World shop, a classic Mickey shape awaits discovery.
Hollywood Boulevard
- Sid Cahuenga’s Antiques and Curios: To the left of the store entrance, a Dalmatian statue has a black classic Hidden Mickey spot on its left rear thigh.
Sunset Boulevard
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™:
- Lobby Balcony: A row of Mickeys can be found in the balcony design in the hotel lobby.
- Library Sheet Music: In the library pre-show, examine the sheet music.
- Library Video: Keep an eye out for a little girl in the elevator holding a Mickey Mouse plush in the pre-show video. This plush also appears when she’s a ghostly figure on the ride!
- Boiler Room Stain: Just after the queue splits in the boiler room, look for a water stain on the wall that forms a Mickey.
- Swirling Stars: Before the elevator doors open for the final drop, a Mickey is formed by the swirling stars.
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster® Starring Aerosmith: In the studio scene, if you get close to the front, several electrical cords coiled on the floor form a Hidden Mickey.
Commissary Lane
- Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant:
- Bulletin Board: On a purple folder on the bulletin board in the waiting area.
- Sculpted Tree: To the left rear of the screen above the kitchen area, a Mickey shape can be found in the sculpted branches of a tree.
- Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano: Look for a spot on the Dalmatian in the waiting area – it’s a tricky one! Also, some grape clusters on the right of a statue might form a familiar shape.
Grand Avenue
- Muppet*Vision 3D:
- Outdoor Fountain: An inflatable toy raft in the outside fountain forms a Hidden Mickey.
- Queue Sign: On the “Top Five Reasons for Turning in Your 3D Glasses” sign in the queue area, look carefully.
- Lobby Video: During the lobby video, look for a test pattern the second time Scooter crosses the screen.
- Final Scene Balloons: Keep an eye on the balloons in the final scene!
Animation Courtyard
- Walt Disney Presents (formerly One Man’s Dream): Throughout this exhibit, especially in older concept art, maquettes, and display items, you might find several Mickey designs tucked into props and backdrops. A photo of Walt Disney drawing Steamboat Willie in the gift shop exit is also considered a Hidden Mickey reference.
Echo Lake
- Hollywood & Vine: In the “San Fernando Valley” wall mural inside the restaurant, look closely.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- Droid Depot: Among the scrap parts along the conveyor belts inside the Droid Depot, a classic Mickey head can be found.
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: Imagineers subtly worked a Hidden Mickey into the floor paneling near the control rooms in the queue.
Toy Story Land
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway: This attraction is reportedly packed with Hidden Mickeys due to its focus on the beloved duo and modern projection technology. Keep your eyes peeled throughout the factory scenes and on the red lanterns in the queue. There’s a set of three buttons on a control panel in one scene that forms a classic Mickey!
- Slinky Dog Dash: Look for a classic Hidden Mickey cloud in the sky on the very top right of the ride photo display, above the two parachutes from the Green Army Men.
- Toy Story Mania!:
- Mural: In the mural above the cash registers.
- Queue Area: Near the Mr. Potato Head animatronic, there’s a poster for the midway games with Trixie the dinosaur. Look closely at the markings on Trixie’s body for a classic Hidden Mickey. The same poster appears later in the ride!
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
- Queue Area:
- Phone Directory: On the phone directory.
- Pre-show Video: One of the Ewoks is carrying a plush Mickey in the pre-show video.
- Robot Worker G2: The robot worker “G2” is wearing a Mickey watch.
- AT-AT Tree: In the outdoor portion of the queue, looking back at the AT-AT, then to your left at a tree supporting walkways, a small white classic Hidden Mickey is on the bark.
Tips for Your Hidden Mickey Hunt:
- Look Everywhere: Hidden Mickeys can be formed by anything – rocks, plants, props, paint, shadows, even trash cans!
- Think in Threes: The classic Hidden Mickey is three circles. Sometimes, it’s a full silhouette, and other times it’s just the arrangement of three circular objects.
- Angles Matter: Some Hidden Mickeys are only visible from a specific angle or viewpoint.
- Take Your Time: Don’t rush! Part of the fun is slowing down and appreciating the intricate details of the park.
- Ask a Cast Member: While they might not reveal all the secrets, some Cast Members might offer a subtle hint if you’re stuck!
- Use a Guide (or this blog post!): While discovering them on your own is exciting, a little guidance can help you find some of the trickier ones.
- Don’t Forget Your Camera: Capture your discoveries!
Embarking on a Hidden Mickey scavenger hunt at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a fantastic way to immerse yourself deeper into the magic. So next time you’re strolling down Sunset Boulevard or exploring Toy Story Land, keep your eyes peeled – you never know where Mickey might be hiding! Happy hunting!