There are hundreds of hidden gems at the Walt Disney World Resort. From nods to classic Disney movies to insider details put into the parks by Imagineers, you can find gold when you know where to look.
The “Secrets at Walt Disney World” article has been changed up throughout the years from a list to a map and finally landing on what you’ll find below. It’s not the comprehensive collection, because there are secrets and stories being unravelled all the time.
Let’s take a look at the things in the parks that are super cool to find and share with your friends and family!
The Magic Kingdom Secrets
- At the Train Station, keep your back to the castle and look up. In the rafters you can see some Disney character “items” left behind.
- There are hidden “instagram walls” all around Walt Disney World, but the most photographed locations are in Tomorrowland.
Main Street USA
- Walt’s name only appears on one window on Main Street. It is the one above the ice cream parlor and is the only one that faces the Castle.
- On Centre Street, go to the end of the street and listen carefully. You can hear tap dancing and singing lessons going on upstairs.
- Also on Centre Street: After the afternoon parade goes by, watch the upstairs windows. They will close automatically because that is where some of the music is piped.
- Paw prints of Lady and the Tramp are found outside of the porch on the sidewalk at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant.
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Fantasyland
- Behind the castle and to the left is a fountain with Cinderella. When children look at her (from a shorter perspective) it appears as if she has a crown. Adults need to bend (or bow) to her in order to see it too.
- Gus and Jaq (and many more characters) are found in the breezeway of Cinderella Castle.
- If you go to Cinderella’s Royal Table, look at the glass menu case. The eyes of Gus and Jaq are actually out-of-place and have never been fixed. Small detail – but hilarious!
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Tomorrowland
- In Carousel of Progress, there’s a picture of Walt Disney hidden in the daughter’s room in the 1940s scene. Look on the wall you are facing as you sit in front of the stage wall in the upper left corner.
- In the final scene of Carousel of Progress, look for the Mickey Mouse salt & pepper shakers in the kitchen, Mickey Mouse plush doll near the Christmas tree, and the Mickey nutcracker on the fireplace mantle (it’s the farthest left nutcracker).
- Also in Carousel of Progress, the bulletin board behind Sarah’s computer has a note that says “Marty called — wants changes.” This is a reference to legendary Imagineer Marty Sklar.
Liberty Square
- The sidewalks are brown but the streets are not. People in that time dumped garbage out the windows, so Disney made it appear dirty to be historically accurate.
- All the shutters on the windows are hanging crooked. This is because in those times leather was used to fasten shutters on and would stretch over time to hang crooked. The Imagineers used crooked metal fasteners.
- There is a silver plate that runs between Liberty Square and Frontierland. This plate represents the Mississippi River, separating the east from the west, and there is water flowing out from the plate into the Rivers of America.
- Hall of Presidents: Bill Clinton is the only president to wear a tie that features Mickey Mouse.
- At the Haunted Mansion, the top of the facade (building) looks like chess pieces. The only one missing is the knight. (It’s inside in the attic scene)
- Haunted Mansion Ballroom Scene: The ladies are leading the men in dancing.
- As you exit the Haunted Mansion, look in the pet cemetery for a statue of Mr. Toad.
Adventureland
- In the Pirates of the Caribbean queue, you will see two skeletons playing chess. Imagineer Marc Davis set up the chess pieces so that any move would create a checkmate, thus resulting in an eternal stalemate.
- As you are entering the Jungle Cruise, stop and look at the truck parked at the entrance. The spare tire has been placed on the front over the radiator and the two headlights line up as Mickey’s ears.
Frontierland
- At Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, three rusty gears lying in the grass as you reenter the station form a Hidden Mickey.
- In the queue area for Big Thunder, look for a crate that says “Lytum & Hyde Explosives Company.”
- The portrait of Barnabus T. Bullion (proprietor of Big Thunder Mining Company) in the queue is actually based on Imagineer Tony Baxter, who designed the attraction.
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: In the queue for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, look for Tiana’s test kitchen and office with historic family photos and recipes. The queue is packed with details about the Tiana’s Foods employee co-op.
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EPCOT
Park-Wide Secrets
- The Odyssey: Did you know that the lake in front of the Odyssey is actually a sink hole? That’s why the lake is so weirdly shaped vs the other side of the bridge.
- When viewed from the air, you can see a massive Hidden Mickey formed by the park’s layout and features.
- The tables at Connections Cafe have built-in phone chargers.
World Showcase
- Morocco: In EPCOT, if you stand in the correct spot, you can see the Tower of Terror appear to be part of Morocco. The best spot to see it is near the souvenir stands between Future World and World Showcase, specifically the souvenir stand closer to Mexico. And since both have similar colors, they blend together decently.
- UK: There is a path running down the side of the Rose & Crown pub, which leads to a ‘secret’ garden.
- Canada: Watch out for the rock formations on the shores of the Canada pavilion during the fireworks show. One of these boulders “breaks open,” rising up into the air, a contoured piece of rock topping a pole equipped with lights and speakers for the show. Once the show ends, the pole silently retracts back into the boulder.
- Germany: The stone “castle” building, located in the Germany pavilion alongside the Biergarten Restaurant, was to have been the home of a Rhine River cruise attraction taking guests on a boat ride through the German countryside. But the attraction was never built.
- France: Look for Hidden Mickeys in the Impressions de France film and in the architecture of the pavilion.
- Japan: In the fish pond, the drain forms a Hidden Mickey.
- China: The temple details and landscaping contain multiple Hidden Mickeys in the rock work.
Future World
- Spaceship Earth: In the scene with the monks writing, one has fallen asleep and has a Mickey shaped ink blob next to him.
- Journey into Imagination: As you are about to go into the sound room, look at one of the doors. It says Dean Finder (Dreamfinder).
- Also in Journey into Imagination, in the finale, look to the Figment with the music book glider. There is a Dreammobile.
- In the Mission: SPACE queue, look above the door as you’re entering Training Ops Bay. You’ll see the number 42, which is a reference to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy where 42 is “the answer to life, the universe, and everything.”
- Test Track’s house number is “10182” which represents EPCOT’s opening date: October 1, 1982.
- The closing line of Test Track matches Spaceship Earth exactly: “Thanks for joining us. See you in the future.”
- In the fish tank area near Living with the Land, the drain forms a Hidden Mickey.
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DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
Park-Wide Secrets
- When viewed from the air, there’s a massive Hidden Mickey formed by the park’s layout and features.
Hollywood Boulevard & Echo Lake
- In the Hollywood Tower Hotel gift shop window, look below where it says “Melrose” and the pattern creates several Hidden Mickeys.
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular: There are crates stacked in the bushes that say “don’t open”… Go ahead and open them.
- Outside of the Indiana Jones theater there is a well. Pull on the rope that’s dropped inside of the well and listen.
Galaxy’s Edge
- The building that houses Oga’s Cantina is shaped like Donald Duck’s head when viewed from the east side. The rooftop forms his sailor hat, and the blue banner becomes the hat’s ribbon.
- The full-size Millennium Falcon has a tiny Millennium Falcon hidden in its undercarriage. Look for it under the vented part of the cockpit near the entrance to Smugglers Run.
- Throughout Galaxy’s Edge, you’ll see the numbers 77, 80, and 83. These reference the years the original Star Wars trilogy was released: 1977, 1980, and 1983.
Toy Story Land
- Andy’s footprints are embedded in the pavement throughout the land. You can walk in them and see how your feet compare!
- Tables and chairs throughout the land are made from leftover food wrappers and packaging, just like Andy would create.
- Clear tape and push pins hold Andy’s signs and plans to boxes throughout the area.
Sunset Boulevard
- The screams from Tower of Terror are pre-recorded to maintain consistency.
- Look for Hidden Mickeys in the Tower of Terror pre-show video—the little girl is holding a Mickey Mouse plush.
- In the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror queue, look at the test pattern in the theater lobby for a Hidden Mickey.
Grand Avenue (RIP)
- At the former MuppetVision 3D, outside of the building there is graffiti written all over.
- The key was under the mat when entering the theatre (there’s a sign that says “Back in 5 minutes key is under mat”).
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ANIMAL KINGDOM
Park-Wide Secrets
- Look down at the pavement and you’ll find peanuts and animal footprints embedded in the concrete throughout the park.
- DeVine: Look for “DeVine” a real human vine, usually “hanging around” behind the Tree of Life or in the Oasis beside the camera center.
- The Tree of Life has over 300 animals carved into it, and there’s a Hidden Mickey made of moss on the front. Look to the right of the tiger.
Discovery Island
- The Tree of Life has a Hidden Mickey made of moss on the front to the right of the tiger carving.
- DeVine (the walking plant character) can usually be found behind the Tree of Life or in the Oasis near the camera center.
- Look closely at the Tree of Life carvings—there are over 300 different animals represented in the trunk and roots.
Africa
- Tusker House: Sit outside on the back patio area when you eat and listen carefully. You can hear people upstairs who seem to be having trouble cleaning.
- Behind Tamu Tamu Refreshments there is a half wall where a meet and greet takes place. The paint is chipping and one area of chipped off paint is a hidden Baloo.
- When on Kilimanjaro Safaris, be sure to look out for the flamingo pond on your left after you enter the elephant country. The flamingo pond is shaped like a Hidden Mickey.
Asia
- Expedition Everest: In the queue there is a photograph and “Yeti” footprint cast from TV personality Josh Gates.
- The Yeti depicted in the Expedition Everest murals is modeled after Imagineer Joe Rohde, the lead designer of Animal Kingdom.
- In the Expedition Everest queue, look for a photograph of a bear with Mickey Mouse ears.
Pandora – The World of Avatar
- The distant waterfalls in Pandora aren’t actually water—they’re plastic molds running on a constant loop to create the illusion of slower-moving water in the distance.
- At Pongu Pongu, look up at the ceiling. There are dozens of leftover RDA nametags hanging from the ceiling, including one featuring former-Imagineer Joe Rohde!
- In the Avatar Flight of Passage exit, you can spot three red handprints on a wall. Each has initials: J.R. (Joe Rohde), J.C. (James Cameron), and J.L. (Jon Landau, the film’s producer).
- Na’vi footprints are embedded in the pavement. Step into them to see how you compare to the Na’vi people!
- In the Satu’li Canteen checkout queue, look at the photos on the wall. They show the original RDA mess hall before it was transformed.
- At the drum circle area in the Valley of Mo’ara, look for giant scratch marks on the ground—a reminder that Pandora can be a dangerous place.
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DISNEY SPRINGS
District-Wide Secrets
- Hidden Mickeys can be found throughout Disney Springs in unexpected places like restaurant logos, pavement designs, and architectural details.
- At Art of Disney, they run a quiz every day and give out prizes if you get them all right! It’s free to enter and you can win actual Disney merchandise. Just ask at the store!
The Marketplace
- The LEGO Store has incredible LEGO sculptures outside including a sea serpent in the water.
- Look for Hidden Mickeys in the World of Disney store—they’re everywhere from the floor tiles to the architecture.
The Landing
- The Landing features vintage Florida architecture and hidden details in the brickwork and signage.
- At the Boathouse, look at the collection of vintage boats on display—each has its own story.
Town Center
- The architecture throughout Town Center features hidden nods to classic Florida design.
- Look for the water tower—it’s a landmark you can see from various points throughout Disney Springs.
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RESORTS
CONTEMPORARY RESORT
- Near the Monorail loading dock, there is a huge mosaic. Look for the 5-legged goat within that mosaic. It was designed by legendary Disney artist Mary Blair.
- The main building contains more than 25 Hidden Mickeys. Look in the eyes of animals in the entrance mural, on butterfly and insect wings and bodies, and in the tree trunks of the rain forest.
Wilderness Lodge
- Fire Rock Geyser (often called “Old Faithful”) shoots a 120-foot spray of water every half hour from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Get a hidden Mickey list from the concierge desk and go on a hunt!
- In the Territory Lounge, there’s a Hidden Mickey on the ceiling mural in the colored area on the rear end of a pony.
- In Whispering Canyon Cafe, look in the bottom ironwork of the fireplace in the back room for a Hidden Mickey.
Boardwalk
- At Trattoria al Forno, you’ll find one of the tiniest Hidden Mickeys at Walt Disney World in the restaurant’s logo. Look at the bottom of the first “A” in “Trattoria” – you need to zoom in on a photo or look very closely in person to see the three tiny circles.
- At AbracadaBar, there’s a framed Hidden Mickey playing card, and the wallpaper behind it contains 7 hidden magician tricks.
Grand Floridian
- The lobby features a massive chandelier and live piano music throughout the day.
- Look for Hidden Mickeys in the ornate carpet patterns and architectural details.
Polynesian Village Resort
- The Village Staircase features art with multiple Hidden Mickeys woven into the design.
- Watch for the torch lighting ceremony at sunset—it includes storytelling about Polynesian culture.
Port Orleans Resort
- The musical notes attached to the check in counter translate to “When the Saints Go Marching In.”
- The resort’s architecture reflects authentic New Orleans French Quarter and Riverside designs with hidden details throughout.
Animal Kingdom Lodge
- The lobby features a real savanna with live animals visible from viewing areas.
- Ask Cast Members about feeding times and animal facts—they’re incredibly knowledgeable.
- Look for African art and artifacts throughout the resort—each piece has cultural significance.
Fort Wilderness Resort
- Look for the lawn mower tree. There’s a tree with a lawn mower embedded in it because the tree grew around it over the years.
- Ask Cast Members about the history of the resort and the stories behind various cabins and campsites.
Beach Club / Yacht Club
- The lighthouse pool slide is one of the most photographed resort features at Disney World.
- Look for nautical Hidden Mickeys in the rope work and architectural details.
Caribbean Beach Resort
- Each village at Caribbean Beach represents a different Caribbean island with unique architectural details.
- Look for pirate-themed Hidden Mickeys and nods to Pirates of the Caribbean throughout.
All-Star Sports Resort
- At the End Zone Food Court, there’s one of the smallest Hidden Mickeys in the world on a booth divider panel near the rear exit. Look on the last design panel for a caricature of Steve Barrett (The Hidden Mickey Guy) with a tiny Mickey on his shirt.
Art of Animation Resort
- The Finding Nemo courtyard features the largest resort pool at Walt Disney World (The Big Blue Pool).
- Look for Hidden Mickeys in the larger-than-life character sculptures throughout all four themed areas.
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EVERYWHERE AT DISNEY WORLD
- The two colors Disney paints the backstage areas and show buildings are Go Away Green and Blend In Brown. These two colors were made by Disney to paint things they did not want to be noticed.
- Most people think of WDW as being “in Orlando”. We Disney fans know that’s not true. But even a lot of Disney fans don’t realize that WDW is actually in two cities. The area that includes Magic Kingdom and Fort Wilderness is actually in the City of Bay Lake. The rest of the property is in Lake Buena Vista.
- There’s a Hidden Mickey that can only be seen from the air: Disney’s solar energy panels form the classic three-circle shape.
- Throughout all parks and resorts, ask Cast Members “What experience do most guests miss here?” You’ll discover torch lighting ceremonies, character appearances, observation decks, and more.
- In the Rapunzel rest area near the Tangled-themed bathrooms in Magic Kingdom, there are hidden phone chargers.
- Free celebration buttons are available at any Guest Services location. There are buttons to celebrate a first visit, birthday, anniversary, or generic “I’m Celebrating” buttons where a Cast Member can write in the details of your special celebration.
- The rarest Hidden Mickey at Walt Disney World is only visible once a year on Mickey’s birthday (November 18th) around noon. You need to be at Magic Kingdom in the queue for Under the Sea — Journey of the Little Mermaid. When the sunlight hits the rock formations at a certain angle, it creates a shadow on the wall in the shape of Mickey Mouse.