A Hidden Mickey is a subtle representation of Mickey Mouse intentionally inserted by Disney Imagineers and artists into the design of rides, attractions, resorts, restaurants, and other areas within Disney theme parks or properties. The most common form of a Hidden Mickey is the "Classic Mickey," which is made up of three circles arranged to resemble Mickey's head and ears—one large circle for the head with two smaller circles for the ears. Hidden Mickeys can appear in various forms: painted images, objects arranged in Mickey's silhouette (such as rocks or plates), three-dimensional figures, or more abstract references like gloves, shoes, or initials. They are carefully blended into the design elements, making them a kind of Easter egg for guests to find. The tradition started with Disney Imagineers during the design of EPCOT in the late 1970s and early 1980s, as Disney management initially wanted to keep Mickey and other characters confined to the Magic Kingdom. The Imagineers challenged that by hiding Mickey Mouse shapes in EPCOT's design. Since then, Hidden Mickeys have become a popular and expected feature throughout Disney parks worldwide and in Disney-related media as well. Finding Hidden Mickeys is a popular activity for Disney fans and adds an extra layer of fun and discovery to visiting Disney parks and experiencing Disney entertainment.
