Searching Disney with Steve

If you live in Florida, especially if your address is near Walt Disney World, you can expect to be visited often by friends and relatives. Occasionally, you'll be pleasantly surprised by friends from long ago.

Judy, a past college friend of my wife and mine, recently journeyed to central Florida. She was accompanied by her husband Steve, daughter Amy, and grandkids Isaac and Noah. We rendezvoused in the Magic Kingdom, had lunch, and wandered around looking for Hidden Mickeys.

Judy's family met Mickey at the Judge's Tent in Mickey's Toontown Fair. I showed them the classic Mickey images in the apples near the end of the queue under the video screen and inside the blue ribbon on the wall behind Mickey.

In the photo, Steve is holding a shy Noah, and Amy stands left of Judy.

The Hidden Mickeys game interested Isaac from the start. He quickly discerned the difference between Hidden and decorative Mickeys. In the photo, Isaac stands between Mickey and Minnie. Notice the blue classic Mickey in the middle of the blue ribbon on the wall behind Mickey and Minnie in the photos.

We wandered around Tomorrowland and shot targets in Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. The boys got their photos with Buzz Lightyear at his greeting area near the Carousel of Progress.

I pointed out one of my favorite Hidden Mickeys traced in the cement close to a support beam near Astro Orbiter on the side toward Space Mountain, between Cool Scanner and The Lunching Pad. This image always inspires Hidden Mickey hunters, newbies and oldsters alike!

Read more about Steve's Hidden Mickey finds on AllEars.net

Steve maintains a Catalog of Hidden Mickeys on the Hidden Mickeys Guide.

The Third Edition of Steve's Walt Disney World Hidden Mickeys book is available on Amazon.com. Hidden Mickeys, 3rd Edition: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World's Best-Kept Secrets

His First Edition of Disneyland's Hidden Mickeys is also available on Amazon.com Disneyland's Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to the Disneyland Resort's Best-Kept Secrets

Recently, I was reminded that Hidden Mickey images, even some really good ones, may disappear. When areas are refurbished, Disney can decide to remove perfectly decent Hidden Mickeys. I was searching out Hidden Mickeys at Disney's Hollywood Studios and discovered that several were gone.

When the Block Party Bash revved up last year, Hidden Mickeys were in the confetti decorations around the "Block Party Bash" post on the Tip Board.

A Cast Member told me that these Hidden Mickeys were not "official," and that the Manager or Imagineer for the area could remove them at any time. The CM's warning was accurate. I checked the Tip Board recently, and the Hidden Mickeys were gone.

The Studio Backlot Tour was refurbished this winter. The mural backdrop for the Special Effects Water Tank area was repainted, and three decent Hidden Images (two Hidden Mickeys and Clarabelle the Cow) disappeared!

Here is the new one. I couldn't find any Hidden Mickeys in this new mural. If you can, let me know!

For years, classic Mickeys were in the tile floor along the inside entryway to Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. I wasn't fond of these images, since all the circles were the same size, but many guests and Cast Members liked them as Hidden Mickeys.

As you can see, these images were not continued in the new tile floor.

We must stay vigilant about Hidden Mickeys (especially our favorite ones)!

Read more about Steve's Hidden Mickey finds on AllEars.net

Steve maintains a Catalog of Hidden Mickeys on the Hidden Mickeys Guide.

The Third Edition of Steve's Walt Disney World Hidden Mickeys book is available on Amazon.com. Hidden Mickeys, 3rd Edition: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World's Best-Kept Secrets

His First Edition of Disneyland's Hidden Mickeys is also available on Amazon.com Disneyland's Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to the Disneyland Resort's Best-Kept Secrets

I visited Disneyland, California recently to look for Hidden Mickeys and update the Disneyland Hidden Mickeys book.

I stayed at the Paradise Pier Hotel on property. The Disneyland area is all connected, and I like the ability to walk everywhere on property: Disneyland, California Adventure, Downtown Disney, and the on-property hotels.

Brian Bergstrom wrote to me about a tiny classic Mickey in the Village Haus Restaurant in Fantasyland. Walk in the front entrance and turn left to the seating area. In the middle of the room, a beam with a shelf crosses near the ceiling. A tiny white classic Mickey is painted on the stern of a ship that sits on the shelf. It's a cool classic Mickey, hard to spot!

Cast Members are sometimes helpful with Hidden Mickeys, so I often ask. A friendly CM showed me a classic Mickey at the Mulholland Madness attraction. It's a silver metal image near the floor of the loading dock, to the right of the vehicles and at the bottom of the yellow sliding fence. Check it out!

Even though some Hidden Mickeys are behind the scenes, you can still manage to find a few of these with deft maneuvering. Luis Valdez wrote to me about a classic Mickey behind the scenes in Mickey's Toontown. To the right of Minnie's House is a huge blue door, and to the right of this door is a "Cast Members Only" walkway. Step into this walkway and turn left to see a rock classic Mickey on the wall!

I enjoyed Toy Story Midway Mania, although the queue is not as elaborate as the one at Walt Disney World. In the background of the photo, notice that the huge classic Mickey is no longer on the side of California Screamin.'

Read more about Steve's Hidden Mickey finds on AllEars.net

Steve maintains a Catalog of Hidden Mickeys on the Hidden Mickeys Guide.

The Third Edition of Steve's Walt Disney World Hidden Mickeys book is available on Amazon.com. Hidden Mickeys, 3rd Edition: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World's Best-Kept Secrets

His First Edition of Disneyland's Hidden Mickeys is also available on Amazon.com Disneyland's Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to the Disneyland Resort's Best-Kept Secrets

I've been working all of my spare time recently on the update for the Walt Disney World Hidden Mickeys book. Epcot has been my emphasis for the last few weeks. Of course, I take a short break here and there to enjoy the Epcot offerings. My friend and neighbor Jim and I sang along with The Turtles at the Flower and Garden Festival. Great fun! In the photo, Jim is on the right.

Now and then, Disney removes or changes Hidden Mickeys.

I discovered two at Epcot that had changed locations. One is the rock Mickey on the floor of the aquarium at The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion. Julie Chappa informed me that this Mickey had moved. Indeed, Disney removed the original one and created another classic Mickey made of rocks that can be spotted in a different location halfway around the observation walkway on the upper level. The photo shows the new Mickey. To Disney's credit, this Mickey concept has been preserved (for the present).

In addition, the brass plate classic Mickey in Morocco has changed doors! For years, it's been on the outside green door of the Souk-Al-Magreb shop on the promenade. Recently, I saw it on the nearby red door of the shop. At least, Disney is not removing this Mickey image, just changing its location!

I was dismayed to find that the rock Mickey (in the photo below) on the bottom floor of the Manatee Tank of the Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion had disappeared! It appears that the rocks have either been moved or covered by sand or dirt. Rock Mickey images such as this one (as well as other types of movable Mickey images) must be maintained by Disney personnel or they might be disturbed or lost. Let me know if it reappears!

Read more about Steve's Hidden Mickey finds on AllEars.net

Steve maintains a Catalog of Hidden Mickeys on the Hidden Mickeys Guide.

The Third Edition of Steve's Walt Disney World Hidden Mickeys book is available on Amazon.com. Hidden Mickeys, 3rd Edition: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World's Best-Kept Secrets

His First Edition of Disneyland's Hidden Mickeys is also available on Amazon.com Disneyland's Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to the Disneyland Resort's Best-Kept Secrets

My son Steven and I acquired tickets to one of the last 2009 Spring Training games of the Atlanta Braves. The Saturday game at Disney's Wide World of Sports was sold out because the New York Yankees were in town! In fact, we had to park offsite since the main parking lot filled quickly. I took a photo of Steven boarding our shuttle bus to the stadium.

The weather was perfect for baseball, and Yankees fans were well represented here at the Braves' home field. The outfield classic (three-circle) Mickey is still in place, although the grass texture inside the Mickey has changed.

Adding to the excitement, the spectators were pleasantly surprised by a jolt that shook the entire stadium shortly after 3 p.m. The jolt was a sonic boom caused by the Shuttle Discovery as it passed overhead nearby on the way to its landing strip at Cape Canaveral.

The drama continued to the bottom of the ninth, as the Braves had an opportunity with men on base to tie or even win the game (with a home run). However, the Yankees prevailed, possibly foretelling a good season for them?

After the game, Steven and I drove to Epcot. We wandered around World Showcase and the Flower and Garden Festival exhibits. Along the way, we confirmed that the rock Hidden Mickey in Japan is still there. (I worry about the longevity of this one!)

We made our traditional stop at the park in the United Kingdom pavilion to hear great 60's music by The British Invasion. It's fun to watch the kids dance to the retro beat, and even Tigger was rocking on outside his character greeting spot at the back of the park.

We checked out the Flower Power group; tonight featured Paul Revere and the Raiders. I think Steven enjoyed the performance. After all, I raised him on Rock 'n' Roll music. He told me he remembered most of the songs they played!

I joined my sister Donna and a few friends recently at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Debbie and Randy are old friends of Donna's, and they came to Disney World for a short visit with their grandson Charlie.

Donna made her own travel plans without their knowledge and surprised them on their arrival day to Disney World! That's pixie dust for you!

We enjoyed Voyage of The Little Mermaid and then dinner at 50's Prime Time Cafe. From left to right in the photo are Debbie, Charlie, Randy and Donna. (Notice the decorative Mickey on the red utensil holder near Donna.)

Like many Disney veterans, I relish new experiences in the Land of Magic. Carol and Bob allowed me such an experience.

They escorted me through a side door of the Test Track pavilion and up a private elevator to a lounge area overlooking Future World. This lounge is for General Motors employees (such as Bob) and their families and guests. On one side are windows with views of parts of the Test Track ride, such as the vehicle entry into the environmental heat chamber.

On the opposite side of the lounge is an awesome overlook of the center of Future World. After relaxing for a while in the lounge, you receive a special pass to the ride. Another special elevator takes you down to the loading area for direct access to the ride vehicles. Makes you feel a bit special! Carol, Bob and their grandson Curtis are in the photo with Spaceship Earth in the background.

Marie and Bruce Daigneault and Matthew Clemons let me know about an interesting Hidden Mickey image in the Spaceship Earth ride.

As soon as you enter the large computer room, look to the right of your vehicle and find an orange mug on a desk. You'll see one side of a Mickey Mouse sticker on the mug. That's a good Hidden Mickey in itself, but here's the really cool part.

As you pass by this desk, look back to your right to the large mirror at the rear of the room. You can spot the full Mickey sticker on the mug! A Hidden Mickey times two! As you can see, it's difficult to get a decent photo of this Mickey. I think it's a terrific effect! Circles highlight the mug and its mirror image in the second photo.

As Disney veterans know, it's hard to imagine an experience more enjoyable than showing a Disney park to someone who's never been. Especially if it's a good friend!

A few weeks ago, Nona, a friend of ours for many years, visited Orlando and Walt Disney World for the first time. My wife Vickie and I were honored to be her chaperones. Where to begin? Magic Kingdom, of course! In the photo, Nona is wearing her "1st Visit" button, which we picked up at City Hall. Vickie is smiling beside her.

We rode the Headliner attractions first; Nona really enjoyed Splash Mountain. Of course, I pointed out Hidden Mickeys here and there (if I could get her attention between laughs and giggles). We drove to Disney's Hollywood Studios that first afternoon. Nona is a fan of American Idol, so we had to try out the new attraction: The American Idol Experience. She was impressed and told me that the Disney show was a very good reproduction of the television event. We had a blast!

Check out a new Hidden Mickey on the stage. A classic Mickey image is on the light brown arch in the stage backdrop, between the second and third round archway lights (counting from the lower right of the arch). (Thanks to Joe Franceschino, Jordan and Kenya Swiss, Jason trendymagic, Matt Hochberg, Sharon Stevenson, and Marie and Bruce Daigneault)

Over the next few days, Nona experienced great cuisine at the Plaza Restaurant, 50's Prime Time Cafe, Afternoon Tea at the Grand Floridian, Jiko, California Grill, Sci-Fi Dine-In, Flying Fish, and San Angel Inn. Whew! I wonder if she put on a few pounds? Late one night, Vickie took her to Jellyrolls for a rousing good time.

Epcot was also a big hit with Nona. I had to show her one of my favorite Hidden Mickeys on a fish in the Northwest Mercantile shop in the Canada Pavilion.

IllumiNations and the American Adventure show impressed her, and her last delightful experience before leaving for the airport was the Voices of Liberty singing group.

I hope Nona returns some day and brings along her husband Buzz and sons Jacob, Joseph and Jordan. By the way, Jacob bought her plane ticket to Orlando as a Christmas gift, so she could visit her old friends and enjoy Disney World. Thanks, Jacob!

Read more about Steve's Hidden Mickey finds on AllEars.net

Steve maintains a Catalog of Hidden Mickeys on the Hidden Mickeys Guide.

The Third Edition of Steve's Walt Disney World Hidden Mickeys book is available on Amazon.com. Hidden Mickeys, 3rd Edition: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World's Best-Kept Secrets

His First Edition of Disneyland's Hidden Mickeys is also available on Amazon.com Disneyland's Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to the Disneyland Resort's Best-Kept Secrets

I like to check out old favorite Hidden Mickeys, just to be sure they're still around. (It gives me another reason to experience the Disney attractions!) In Splash Mountain, the fishing bobber classic Mickey is right where it supposed to be.

The reclining Mickey near the end of Splash Mountain is brighter than ever. Thanks, Imagineers! Remember that this Hidden Mickey is also visible from the Walt Disney World Railroad train as it passes through the Mountain.

Sharon Dale informed me about Hidden Mickeys in the new afternoon parade at the Magic Kingdom, Move it! Shake it! Celebrate it!.

Look for classic Mickeys in the confetti decorations along the sides and back of the Grand Marshal guest automobile:

and on Mickey's float:

I didn't see the art cyclists and their palettes with classic Mickey paint spots, so I may have to move those images to the Lost section of my website, unless Disney brings them back!

The new parade has many of the floats from the previous parade, and you'll now enjoy energetic dancers between floats and a new musical score.

Read more about Steve's Hidden Mickey finds on AllEars.net

Steve maintains a Catalog of Hidden Mickeys on the Hidden Mickeys Guide.

The Third Edition of Steve's Walt Disney World Hidden Mickeys book is available on Amazon.com. Hidden Mickeys, 3rd Edition: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World's Best-Kept Secrets

His First Edition of Disneyland's Hidden Mickeys is also available on Amazon.com Disneyland's Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to the Disneyland Resort's Best-Kept Secrets

One evening, I met Jim and Mark, two friends and neighbors of mine, at the California Grill Restaurant. It was their first time to dine there.

We had reservations for 9 p.m. or so, but we arrived at opening (5:30 p.m.) in hopes of getting an earlier seating. It worked! After about 40 minutes, we were seated in the table area to the right, where we had a great view of Cinderella Castle.

As you can see in the photo, Mark and Jim (with the red wine) were impressed with this fine venue.

After sunset, we walked to the outside viewing area overlooking the Magic Kingdom from 15 floors up. We watched Cinderella Castle change colors.

We had a panoramic view of the Wishes fireworks show.

We all had good food and a fun evening at the California Grill!

Although it was Saturday night and I knew it would be crowded, I suggested we meet up at Jellyrolls on the BoardWalk. Sure enough, it was standing room only inside the dueling pianos club. At least, Mark and Jim now know about this great night spot, and we'll return soon when it's not so crowded.

The next day, I rode Pirates of the Caribbean several times looking for Hidden Mickeys.

Several locks on the left side at the end of the boat ride are decent classic (three-circle) Mickeys and are more convincing Mickey images than the lock on the jail cell door (to the right of the boat). This lock with a key is on the left door at the entrance opening of the treasure room. (Thanks to Sharon Dale, and Kristy, Scott, Jim and Kim Todd)

Read more about Steve's Hidden Mickey finds on AllEars.net

Steve maintains a Catalog of Hidden Mickeys on the Hidden Mickeys Guide.

The Third Edition of Steve's Walt Disney World Hidden Mickeys book is available on Amazon.com. Hidden Mickeys, 3rd Edition: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World's Best-Kept Secrets

His First Edition of Disneyland's Hidden Mickeys is also available on Amazon.com Disneyland's Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to the Disneyland Resort's Best-Kept Secrets

I was at WDW looking for Hidden Mickeys while thousands were running the Disney marathon and half marathon. I was fortunate to track down Lou Mongello at the Contemporary Resort, and we sampled the food at the new Contempo Cafe (where the Concourse Steakhouse used to be located). At this new eatery, you place your order at a touchscreen kiosk, pay for your food, and then pick it up at the counter when it's ready. The food was delightful; the Contempo Cafe is a level above the usual counter-service restaurant.

I tracked down a few decent Hidden Mickeys at the Magic Kingdom that folks had sent to me. Paul Klein informed me about an image inside the Main Street Bakery, along the left side of the entrance queue. It's a Mickey-shaped serving platter partially hidden in the upper left of a display case. Other plate arrangements in the display cabinet aren't proportioned properly to be Hidden Mickeys.

The hanging coins and jewels in the gift shop near the exit from the Pirates of the Caribbean ride continue to intrigue Hidden Mickey hunters. Victoria Newhuis sent me an image from the jewel collection, which is located just as you exit the ride into the gift shop. These jewels form a sideways classic Mickey and are perched along the rim of the hanging plate, near a large green gem.

A bunch of folks (Sharon Dale, Peter Caldwell, Erin Blackwell, Kyle Lighting, and Martha Tischler) spotted classic Mickey music stands along the upper shelves near the ceiling of the gift shop at the exit of Mickey's PhilharMagic. I usually wait a while to see if Mickey images in shops will stick around. I hope this Hidden Mickey is here to stay!

I might try to run a Disney race one of these years, but for now I'd rather search for Hidden Mickeys!

Read more about Steve's Hidden Mickey finds on AllEars.net

Steve maintains a Catalog of Hidden Mickeys on the Hidden Mickeys Guide.

The Third Edition of Steve's Walt Disney World Hidden Mickeys book is available on Amazon.com. Hidden Mickeys, 3rd Edition: A Field Guide to Walt Disney World's Best-Kept Secrets

His First Edition of Disneyland's Hidden Mickeys is also available on Amazon.com Disneyland's Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to the Disneyland Resort's Best-Kept Secrets