Ask Magically Speaking

In each issue we like to answer questions from you. Are you wondering about a certain attraction? Are you curious about a resort or cruise? Do you have some nagging little trivia question that you are just dying to know the answer to? If so, please send them to us. We have a great team of Disney experts and sleuths that who would love to answer your questions! If you have a question, send it to us at magicallyspeaking@themouseforless.com.

Ask Magically Speaking is a regular feature in the Magically Speaking newsletter. The following Ask Magically Speaking was published in the June 16, 2008 issue
of Magically Speaking ISSN: 1556-3863

Q. My children and I are planning a family trip to WDW in August. Our question is approximately how many "Hidden Mickeys" are there throughout the parks? (Submitted by Erica)

A. Erica, to answer your question, we turned to Steve Barrett, author of the Hidden Mickeys books and webmaster of www.HiddenMickeysGuide.com. Here's what he had to say:

Erica, I describe over 700 Hidden Mickeys in the third edition (2007) of my Walt Disney World Hidden Mickeys book. Since last year, a few Hidden Mickey images have been lost and many new ones have been found (or "voted in" on the Questionable Hidden Mickey section of my website). So, a more accurate number is the current total count on my website, which I update almost daily. As of the time I'm writing this response, there are 1007 Hidden Mickeys on Walt Disney World property.

One of the most concentrated areas for Hidden Mickeys is Rafiki's Planet Watch, where you can find 39 of the little gems in this relatively small area. Most of these are outstanding images, and you can take your time here in air conditioned comfort. Another area of concentration, although it's a bit more spread out, is Mickey's Toontown Fair, which has 50 Hidden Mickeys.

 

These photos by Jesse Kline show classic Mickeys in Animal Kingdom's Conservation Station and on the checkers table in Mickey's Country House.

Ask WDW Cast Members whenever you have the chance, and many of them will describe or point out Hidden Mickeys nearby. The Animal Kingdom Lodge and Wilderness Lodge Resorts usually have their own Hidden Mickey hunts in printed form (ask at the Lobby Concierge area). The Hidden Mickey Clues in these hunts are often described in a poetic, rhyming format, which can be difficult to follow, so most guests eventually need to get help from resort cast members.

You can also read about Hidden Mickey Clues for any area of WDW in my book – I plan to publish the fourth edition of the WDW book next summer. A list of Hidden Mickeys by title is available from the Hidden Mickeys Catalogue area of my website; just click on an area (such as Magic Kingdom) and print the list.

Have fun with Hidden Mickeys during your family trip!

Many thanks for the expert help, Steve!