Archive for the ‘Hidden Mickeys’ Category

Small, golden Mickeys hidden in the bling of the beautiful lobby chandelier on Disney Dream

It’s a Walt Disney World treasure, and one that’s often overlooked – the magnificent miniature carousel located in the lobby of Disney’s Boardwalk Inn.

Years ago, salesmen carried mini versions of large items as samples so that prospective buyers would not need to purchase sight-unseen.  These tiny, perfect replicas or “salesman samples” were used to demonstrate the features and selling points of an amazing array of merchandise including furniture pieces, farm equipment, the household “technologies” of the day such as stoves and washing machines, coffins and canoes, shoes and eyeglasses, weathervanes, and various patented machinery.

Small, intricate reproductions of fabulous carousels were brought to fairgrounds around the country; used as a sales tool for the full-sized amusement rides.

There seems to be some conflicting information about the beautiful example on display in the resort.  Some sources claim it was made in the 1920’s by famous artist Marcus Illions, and there is wording on the piece itself to that effect.  Others insist it’s of a newer vintage – circa 1980 – reproducing one of his full-scale works.  Since Illions was a carver of full-sized pieces, it’s possible that this is a copy of one such ride.  It is very much in the style of the artist featuring the sense of natural motion, the lively poses, and the intricate detail that he was known for.  In either case, it has certainly been touched with pixie dust to suit its Disney home.

Most guests barely give it a second glance and, indeed, it’s somewhat difficult to see.  With a current value of more than $80,000.00, it’s perched up behind a circular seating area and protected by plexiglass. Sitting in opulent silence, it will suddenly burst into life, playing Disney themes and slowly moving as hundreds of tiny twinkling blue lights turn it into a scene from a fairytale.

The detail is extraordinary – jaunty and jewel-studded with a gaily-striped canopy, lavish gold embellishments, and gilded poles.  A dappled mare hides Hidden Mickeys on her coat and there is a splendidly subtle Hidden Mickey on another horse that’s a challenge to find.

Our favorite kind of Hidden Mickey – atmospheric and artistic; merged with surrounding themes and waiting for us to find it.  A wonderful capture from a new contributor, Kurt!

While the term “Hidden Mickey” has come to include almost all incorporations of a Mickey head, the best examples remain those which feature a subtle integration of the iconic shape rather than used as a purely decorative add-on.

 

We look for the clever arrangement of functional parts, the artful inclusion of two small ears in a mural, the meticulous placement of circular elements.  A great Hidden Mickey is not an addition but, rather, a cohesive part of the whole and should require a bit of searching before it’s discovered.

 

One of the loveliest representatives of this charming genre is tucked into the exuberant colors and shapes of Dale Chihuly’s beautiful chandelier, Festa Venezia, which graces the lobby of Disney Magic.

It takes a sharp eye to capture Mickey, hidden amongst all the amazing detail of the Great Movie Ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

It’s wiring made wonderful!  Make it your mission to track down this special Mickey, hidden in Future World at EPCOT.

A photographer with an eye for exquisite detail, Doug Saletnik shares his charming little Hidden Mickey, the smallest one in all the “World,” tucked away in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  Can you spot it?

Photographer Peter Lee shares his “noteworthy” discovery hidden at Mickey’s Philharmagic.