wacky wednesday - hidden mickeys

It is a not-so-well-kept secret that there are hidden Mickeys (as in the iconic Mickey Mouse shape of three circles and the side-view Mickey profile) at every Disney theme park - and they started at the original park, Disneyland, in Anaheim, California. The first ones were inside "jokes" created by the Disney Imagineers and then others got in on the act. It's fun to find them on your own but there is also a book to help you find many (but not all!) of them. Most hidden Mickeys are in or on rides.

For example, on this popular ride, you will pass the map on the left as you wait in line. If you look closely, you will find the hidden Mickey (shown on the right).

We asked several cast members at Disneyland what, exactly, denotes a hidden Mickey. In general, they can be planned or accidental but should look like a Mickey icon without having to have special lighting, squint and hold your head sideways. In other words, they should be recognizable when pointed out. Secondly, they are not obvious. The Mickey logo on the lamp posts is decor, not a hidden Mickey.

These hidden Mickeys are in the book "Disneyland's Hidden Mickeys: A Field Guide to Disneyland Resort's Best Kept Secrets" or were shown to us by cast members. Can you find them? Personally, I think the one on the lower left looks more like a "hidden Tigger."

After we get home from Disneyland, or sometimes just before we go, we start seeing hidden Mickeys in everyday items.

Sometimes the proportion of the circles isn't quite right, but it still reminds us of a hidden Mickey. 

And then, after awhile, you start making intentional Mickeys. 

Yeah, we've been told we should seek help...