Hidden Mickeys at Art of Animation

Art of Animation is the most recent value resort, opening in 2012. While considered a value resort, most of the rooms are in the moderate or deluxe price range because they are family suites. Art of Animation is part of the Epcot area resorts and is accessible via the Skyliner. Across Hourglass Lake is Pop Century and in the middle of the lake is the Skyliner station providing access to Pop Century and Art of Animation.

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A very fascinating piece of history for these two resorts is that Pop Century spans the 1950s-1990s, the “Classic Years,” and what is now Art of Animation was supposed to span the 1900s-1940s, the “Legendary Years.” Construction on this resort had begun; however, due to 9/11 construction was halted. When the development of this resort was resumed, the decision was made to take the theme in a different direction. The completed buildings remained which is how the resort got the Little Mermaid rooms. The Little Mermaid rooms are the only non-suites whereas the Finding Nemo, Lion King, and Cars sections are all family suites.

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If you are staying at this resort, even if you do mobile check-in, take the time to visit the main lobby building, Animation Hall. You feel like you are stepping into the movies with storyboards all over the walls like the ones featured in the cover photo of this post. This is the one value resort that I have not stayed at for two reasons. One, because there are not many standard rooms, the Little Mermaid rooms, therefore they go quickly. Two, the family suites are priced almost at a deluxe resort and is not in our budget. There are not many Hidden Mickeys located at this resort, but when I was there looking for them, many other guests knew exactly what I was doing, which I do not always find to be the case.

Hallways

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The first Hidden Mickey listed in the book can be found along the interior hallways. As the Little Mermaid section was built in the same style as Pop Century, more like a motel with exterior hallways, Hidden Mickeys will not be found there. I was able to find the Hidden Mickey pictured in the book in the Finding Nemo section. This one reminded of the Hidden Mickeys located in the carpets at the Beach Club. I was also able to find two different Hidden Mickeys in the Cars section; however, I was unable to locate any in the hallways of the Lion King section. I have included an image, do you see a Hidden Mickey that I am missing?

Ink & Paint Shop

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Mickey can also be found hiding at the Ink & Paint Shop in Animation Hall. In my opinion, this should be considered a Real Tuffy. Not only is this one difficult to locate, it is also very difficult to capture. Behind one of the check-out counters there is a sign that says: “Package Pick-up.” Under the sign, look up and you can find Mickey hiding up there.

Landscapes of Flavors

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Landscapes of Flavors is the quick service location at Art of Animation. This dining option is considered the best quick service at a value resort because of the variety of food available. The dining room parallels the décor of the rest of the resort as there are four different sections: Lion King, Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, and Cars. First, I went into the Lion King section and gazed up at the light cover which features a beautiful mural. On one of the tress, there is moss that forms a Hidden Mickey. I remember when I first found this Hidden Mickey three years ago, I struggled to locate it and needed assistance from a Cast member. The second time around, I was able to locate it much quicker.

Next, I went over to the Little Mermaid section to search for what the book considers A Real Tuffy. I definitely disagreed with this classification as I had no difficulty finding a picture frame featuring a photo of Mickey in Ariel’s grotto. To locate this one you also need to look up at a light cover.

The last Hidden Mickey is found in the Finding Nemo section, which is represented by banners meant to portray the East Australian Current (EAC). Like in the movie, there are jellyfish, but look carefully as there are some that depict a Hidden Mickey.  

Main Lobby

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After leaving Landscapes of Flavors, I went back to the check-in area. The book depicts benches located across from the check-in desk that are white with black pencil tracings that form Hidden Mickeys. When I first went looking for Hidden Mickeys here three years ago, I was able to find these no problem. This time the benches seem to have been re-upholstered in the colors of the rainbow. I spoke with several Cast Members at this resort to determine when this change occurred. Two of the three Cast Members that I spoke to were not sure because they had only been at this resort for four months. The answer I received was that the benches changed over four years ago. I know this is not the case as I took my photo in the summer of 2018. The best answer I can give is that it occurred sometime in the last three years. Please enjoy my photo of another lost Hidden Mickey above, and below take a look at the current benches as well as more sketches along the walls.

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Pool

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The Big Blue Pool, like “In the Big Blue World” from Finding Nemo, features the last Hidden Mickey at Art of Animation. Similar to the Hidden Mickey that used to be in the lobby, I had no issues finding this Hidden Mickey three years ago, but was unable to find it when I went a few weeks ago. Surrounding the pool, there are large fish that are part of the theming. On a green fish with blue circles, Mickey is supposed to be found on the backside. If you follow the line of the fish’s mouth on the right hand side you should be able to find it. I included two photos, the first showing the whole fish and the second is a close up of the Hidden Mickey to help you find it. It seems like the fish have been recovered and I was not able to find a Hidden Mickey anymore. While I was looking at this fish, I was asked by other guests if I was able to find a Hidden Mickey. While I understand covering the white benches in the main lobby as I can see that those could easily get dirty, I was disappointed to find this Hidden Mickey disappear. 

Toni’s Favorite Hidden Mickey

Of the Hidden Mickeys located at Art of Animation, my favorite would be the picture of Mickey located in Ariel’s grotto. I am definitely biased as Ariel was my favorite princess as a little girl and I hope to have the opportunity to stay in a Little Mermaid room one day. I enjoy this Hidden Mickey because it is unique and it’s rewarding to have no difficulty finding a Hidden Mickey the book considers A Real Tuffy!

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Thank you for joining me, I will see you next week. Any requests on Disney resorts or areas of the theme parks you would like me to cover next, please leave in the comments!