Exploring Disney: Hidden Details Scavenger Hunt

There are many ways to describe Disney World, but one word that is particularly applicable is “iconic”. Even people who have never been to the parks know what the most popular sights and rides look like, and once you’ve been a few times, you probably feel like you could walk around with your eyes closed and know what you’re seeing. Here’s the thing— you’re probably wrong.

I know. Harsh. But that’s not what I meant. I’m talking about the hidden details and Easter eggs tucked around the parks that can make even the most familiar spots seem brand new once you discover these little gems are there.

Of course, everyone knows about Hidden Mickeys. My family, and probably a lot of other families, too, play a game to see who can be the first to spot a Mickey each trip. During our most recent trip I had the distinction of winning when I spotted what looked like drops of water on the sidewalk at Disney Springs forming the Mickey. Score! Anyway, those are the ones people know the best, but there are plenty more — and many that don’t even involve the iconic shape. Looking for them adds new excitement to your trip even if you’ve ridden the same rides a thousand times before.

And they make you feel very knowledgeable and special — bonus.

So, let’s go on a scavenger hunt, shall we?

Magic Kingdom

• Remember Mr. Toad and his Wild Ride? Take a peek at the Pet Cemetery at the end of the Haunted Mansion and you’ll see a memorial to him
• Another tribute to our favorite toady friend is on the ride that replaced his — The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Check out Owl’s house and you might catch sight of a picture of Mr. Toad handing over the deed to Owl
• Pay close attention to the queue of Journey Under the Sea with the Little Mermaid and you may just find a nod to the attraction that used to fill this space. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea sat here back in the day, and guests rode submarines called Nautilus. Look at the wall as you’re passing near the waterfall, and you’ll see a carving of one of the vehicles
• You can’t see it, but another way Disney honored this old ride was to save some of the water and pour it into the Little Mermaid ride when it opened
• If you notice a “courtesy” phone anywhere in the parks, pick it up. You might just get to listen in on a conversation, and learn more about the area where you’re visiting. Ever wonder what criminals might have gotten loose in Tomorrowland?

Hollywood Studios

• As you’re approaching Slinky Dog Dash, you’ll notice the standby time sign. Walk under it, then turn around and take a peek. It’s actually Buster’s nametag!
• Also in the Slinky queue, look closely at the Rex’s original toy box. You’ll see a price tag with 11 and 22 in the corners, and the price of $19.95. This is a reference to November 22, 1995, the day “Toy Story” premiered
• Pay close attention while you’re waiting in the queue for Tower of Terror, and you’ll notice tiny hints to various episodes of the Twilight Zone, including a pair of broken eyeglasses
• Ever notice the sign for ToT say there is a 13 minute wait? If so, jump in line — that means there’s no wait!
• Peek above your head while in the queue for Muppet 3D. You might see a net full of blocks of what looks like Jello. Try saying “a net full of Jello” several times fast, and you’ll get a little Disney message

Epcot

• Have you ever noticed the tiny town scene in World Showcase? Look even closer during Festivals, and you’ll notice the teeny streets are decorated for it
• Look down as you’re walking between Morocco and France. The area becomes darker to represent the Strait of Gibraltar (though that’s not geographically correct)
• Have you noticed all the rock formations throughout the World Showcase? While Illuminations is still going, watch these rocks carefully. Some open up to reveal light and sound equipment
• Hop on Living with the Land for a tour through different ecosystems and green houses actually used to provide food for the parks. While in those greenhouses, pay attention to the formations of the plants and decorations. They change with the season. You might even get to see the “melon trees” decorated for Christmas
• Look at the roofs in the Norway pavilion. That is real grass maintained by horticulturalists

Animal Kingdom

• While watching Kali River Rapids, look for the spray guns. Hit the red button to spray an unsuspecting rider from the elephants
• The building for Dinosaur houses a throwback to when this area was hosted by McDonald’s. Look at the pipes overhead and notice three are red, yellow, and white. Sound like familiar hamburger toppings? If you look up the chemical formulas printed on each, you’ll find out they are for ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise
• Take a second to look down at the walkways through Africa. You’ll notice prints of leaves, plants, paws, and even mud. They were all made using molds created from actual objects — including the mud
• Glance around Asia and you’ll see scarves hanging from trees and lines. These are prayer scarves and represent such values as peace and compassion. They are put where the wind will blow them to spread these virtues around to those nearby
• Also in Asia, take some time to look around Drinkwallah. This stand is named after the word referring to a seller or deliverer of drinks. If you check out the surrounding area, you’ll see a sign signifying the drinkwallah’s private residence, his personal delivery bicycle, and even a couple of boats at the dock for his use.

How did you enjoy our scavenger hunt? We’ll do some more exploring soon. Until then, pull out your vacation pictures and look close. You might just notice a few things you didn’t before.

Find out how the FREE services of a Disney World travel agent can make planning your Disney vacation simple and STRESS FREE!        

Taryn was born and raised, and still lives in Richmond, Virginia. Neither she nor her husband ever had the opportunity to visit Walt Disney World when they were children, but when their daughter Avalon came along, they decided she was not going to follow in their footsteps. They brought Avalon for the first time when she was 3 and have been hooked ever since. Now along with Taryn’s mother and equally Disney-loving older brother, they go “home” at least once a year, and by the time she is staring longingly at Cinderella Castle from the ferry on their last night, Taryn is well on her way to planning the next trip. As a group consisting of two adults with Asperger’s, including one who is also vegan, a very accommodating husband, an only child, a senior, and a service dog, they are a pretty special family, but Taryn is excited to show that the World really is The Most Magical Place on Earth and that there is a place there for everyone. When she isn’t thinking about her next Disney adventure and trying to come up with a Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party costume that will beat her Oozma Kappa nerd look, she is a professional blogger and novelist, but Taryn also likes to indulge her Disney passion on her Etsy shop It’s Better in Vinyl.

Want to know when Disney announces special savings and deals? Sign Up to Learn About the Latest Disney Promotions!

Wondering about vacations beyond the “world of Disney”? Receive alerts on the latest travel deals for Universal Orlando Resort, Sandals/Beaches and select cruise lines!