Searching Disney with Steve

Hello from Disneyland II

2009-06-30T10:00:25Z

I just finished updating the Disneyland Hidden Mickeys book, so now we're involved with proofing and readying the book for the printer. I want to mention several more compelling Hidden Mickey images at Disneyland.

This classic Mickey image in the cement may be relatively new. In California Adventure's Sunshine Plaza, face away from the Sun Fountain and locate to your right a cement bench that surrounds a planted area. A small classic Mickey is etched in the ground under the right side of the round lip of the bench that juts out. Cast Members and Security Guards nearby may know about this Hidden Mickey, so ask if you need help! (Thanks to Kristi B., Annie Lin, and Phillip Lemon).

The second Hidden Mickey may have been recently placed as well. After the ballroom scene on the Haunted Mansion ride, as soon as you enter the attic, look to the right for a clock on a bureau. It's to the right of the round portrait of a bride and groom and just to the right of a bright orange and blue lamp. A brown classic Mickey is behind the pendulum of the clock. Remember, look for this gem as soon as you enter the attic. (Thanks to Sarah, Alex Goslar, Brad Steinbrenner, Sylvia McNeil and Matt Dickerson, Tamera, and Jennifer Peterson).

You know how excited you feel when you spot a Hidden Mickey that's hard to find? (At least, that's how I feel!)

Well, I finally found this reference to Mickey in Indiana Jones Adventure. Across from the first drinking fountains in the inside Standby queue, Mickey’s initials “M M” in Mara script are on the left wall, just above a horizontal crack in the wall. "M M" is on the far left of the photo below. (Thanks to Luis Valdez).

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

Fun in The Magic Kingdom with a College Friend

2009-06-09T10:00:22Z

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!

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

Lost Hidden Mickeys at Hollywood Studios

2009-05-26T10:00:00Z

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)!

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

Hello from Disneyland - Hidden Mickeys

2009-05-22T10:00:06Z

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.'

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

Researching Epcot Hidden Mickeys

2009-04-30T10:00:05Z

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!

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

Spring Training and More

2009-04-07T10:00:46Z

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!

Meeting Disney Friends and a Hidden Mickey Double Take

2009-03-31T10:00:58Z

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.

Disney World with a First-Timer

2009-03-10T10:00:40Z

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!

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

Notes from the Magic Kingdom

2009-02-21T10:00:01Z

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.

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

California Grill and Pirates of the Caribbean

2009-02-09T10:00:00Z

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)

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

Looking for Mickey in the Magic Kingdom

2009-01-24T10:00:01Z

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!

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

December in the Magic Kingdom

2009-01-06T10:00:08Z

Central Florida has enjoyed glorious weather most of this December, so I looked forward to my several days of holiday Hidden Mickeys research. In fact, on a comfortable, sunny Florida day at Walt Disney World, I'm easily distracted and often forget the purpose of my visit!

Craig Canady, Alan, and Bill Griffin sent me Hidden Mickey images on the tires of the Grand Marshal's vehicle, the car that carries the Grand Marshal guests before every afternoon parade in the Magic Kingdom. I also spotted some classic Mickeys on the front bumper of this attractive replica of an antique touring car.

The main parade follows the Grand Marshall's vehicle. Throughout the parade, cast members ride on "art" bikes. The Moriarty family and Rebecca Webster spotted some paint splotches on the bike palettes that resemble classic Mickeys. What do you think?

Jonathan Peczinka found a baggage ticket with an image that looks somewhat like Mickey. It's in the right front of the front window upstairs at the Main Street Train Station. Do you like this image as a Hidden Mickey?

I finally took the time to stroll along the long walkway in front of the Magic Kingdom. Paved with personalized bricks, the trail stretches toward the Grand Floridian Resort and ends at a small canal. Across the canal, a backstage dirt path snakes toward the resort. I don't believe Disney wants folks to linger or picnic here, because the sidewalk is devoid of chairs, benches and trash cans. The photos were taken at the end of the walkway.

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

MouseFest, 2008 Hidden Mickeys

2008-12-24T10:00:54Z

I had a great time meeting up with the rest of the All Ears team at the Gaylord Palms Resort on Friday evening of MouseFest. This was a perfect venue for dinner and mingling. After dinner, those of us from the south donned parkas (the Northerners would have been comfortable in swimsuits!) to walk through the Ice artistic display, a unique and awe-inspiring collection of ice sculptures.

My Hidden Mickeys Hunt the next morning at 8 a.m. was attended by old and new friends. We met in front of Spoodles Restaurant and explored the resorts and restaurants in the Epcot Resorts around Crescent Lake for about one hour. Our first stop on the tour was the lobby of the BoardWalk Resort to spot the classic Mickeys on the carousel horse. These Hidden Mickeys have not been moved for years, so I think they're here to stay.

Our group then wandered along the BoardWalk and over to the Beach Club Resort. I pointed out that hundreds of folks walk right by a waving Mickey in a sand castle on the wall beside Cape May Cafe without seeing him.]

I asked the group to vote on a Hidden Mickey submission by Jennifer Keller. It's a group of shells below the Ariel statue in front of the Beach Club Villas entrance. Our folks were split down the middle on this image, so I'll put it on my website for a vote. Let me know what you think.

Thankfully, the globe in the Yacht Club lobby was not moved backstage this holiday season but was still in view in the hall in front of the Fittings & Fairings shop. I showed the group a marvelous Hidden Mickey on the globe. The story goes that a child poked a hole in the globe with a pencil, and the hole was covered with a blue classic Mickey!

Wouldn't you know it, a member of our Hidden Mickeys hunt (I didn't get your name, so please write me) found a new Hidden Mickey! As we were strolling from the Beach Club to the Yacht Club, he spotted a classic Mickey on a curtain inside the Ariel's special meeting area. You can find it by standing at the door to Ariel's from inside Martha's Vineyard lounge. The Hidden Mickey is on a mural or curtain material on an inside wall to the right.

MouseFest provides an opportunity to reconnect with Disney friends and meet new ones. I look forward to MouseFest every year, and I hope this event continues for a long time.

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

Thanksgiving Week at WDW

2008-12-04T10:00:35Z

I had the pleasure of spending time at WDW with family and friends during Thanksgiving week. We enjoyed a few of the Christmas decorations in the parks and resorts; more and more of them appear as the week unfolds.

Most of the decked out Christmas trees and elaborate gingerbread displays have decorative and hidden Mickeys. I snapped this photo of a Hidden Mickey on the Epcot holiday tree, which is located between Future World and World Showcase.

I met my sister and cousins from Texas at the Grand Floridian Cafe for breakfast. My server put a cinnamon classic Mickey on my cappuccino. Check it out!

After breakfast, we rode the monorail over to the Magic Kingdom. My sister Donna showed me a tiny classic Mickey she'd found along the entrance area of Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor. It's in a window display of a city, on the rear of the wall to the right just past the entrance doors to the second room. The classic Mickey is under the apex of the triangular roof segment on the building in the front center of the window display.

We had a fun day at the Magic Kingdom, using FASTPASS to our advantage and stuffing ourselves with soup, sandwiches and ice cream at the Plaza Restaurant for lunch. We screamed on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad as the Wishes fireworks lit up the night sky. (I like to ride Big Thunder at night!) This photo shows (from the right) Sherry, Olan, Donna, Camp, Carson, and Landon waiting near Liberty Tree Tavern for the second SpectroMagic parade. The kids' parents, Amy and Kevin, stood near the rope with me. (The later parade is almost always less crowded than the earlier one).

Sharon Dale wrote to me about a possible Hidden Mickey in SpectroMagic.

Does the Cinderella carriage form an upside down classic Mickey? I'll put it to a vote on my website; let me know what you think!

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

A Visit to The Oasis in Animal Kingdom

2008-11-13T10:00:23Z

I enjoy visiting Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Some folks don't consider that this park has a full day's worth of activities, but I beg to differ. The Animal Kingdom has plenty to offer, especially if you can slow down and observe the animals after first enjoying the headliner attractions.

I like to spend time in The Oasis. This area with its tranquil animals has a relaxing effect on me. I wandered along the trails and said hello to the Scarlet Macaws.

and the Patagonian Cavy (a long-legged rodent)

and two chattering Black Neck Swans.

These trails are usually not crowded, so The Oasis is a great place to unwind.

I strolled over to Camp Minnie-Mickey.

Bradley Lewis submitted to me a photo of a distorted Mickey image, formed by pebbles in the cement. It's near the bridge over the creek before the Lion King Theater. Go to the second fence section between the creek and the cabin in front of Grandmother Willow's Grove (theater). Stand near a bench and close to Donald Duck, who's fishing in the creek. I'll put this image on my website, in the Questionable section. Let me know what you think.

Disney's Animal Kingdom is filled with rocks and pebbles embedded in the walkways, posts, walls, benches and other structures. Which three-pebble images are Hidden Mickeys? I try to imagine if a specific image is purposeful, placed by an Imagineer, or is it just a random collection of rocks? Sometimes that's a difficult decision!

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