7 Secrets Hidden in Plain Sight in Disney World

We spend an excessive amount of time in Disney World, which means we tend to notice more than the average guest.

When you’re mostly heading to the parks for a once-in-a-while vacation, it can be tempting to do the run-and-ride routine. But if you get the chance to take things slow at any point, there are plenty of unique and special details to soak in around the parks. And today, we’re sharing 7 secrets that are hidden in plain sight!

The Main Street Windows

On Main Street, U.S.A., you’ll find dozens upon dozens of windows, but some of them are special! As you walk down the street, you may notice that many windows have names on them — but do you know what they mean?

The windows are home to the names of people who have been particularly important to The Walt Disney Company. Many Imagineers, creatives, and Cast Members have been honored with windows along the street. There are even multiple windows for Walt Disney himself!

Galaxy’s Edge Trash Cans

You may have never noticed that all the trash cans in Galaxy’s Edge have the same number emblazoned on the side. But even if you did, did you know that it’s important?

The number on the trash cans is the same number for the trash compactor that Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Leia Organa, and Chewbacca got stuck in during Star Wars: A New Hope. So now we know where all the Galaxy’s Edge garbage is going!

A Nod to All Four Parks

There’s a fun nod to all four Disney World parks in Storybook Circus that you may have never noticed before! In the middle of the land, you’ll find the Casey Jr. Splash Pad, made up of four different circus-themed carts.

Each of these carts has a number on the back that corresponds with the opening year of one of the Disney World parks. There’s 98 for Animal Kingdom, 71 for Magic Kingdom, 82 for EPCOT, and 89 for Hollywood Studios.

The Flight of Passage Handprints

You’ve probably walked right past this next secret multiple times and didn’t know about its significance! As you’re exiting Flight of Passage, there are some red paint handprints on the wall to your right. Underneath each handprint is a set of initials.

These handprints were made by James Cameron, Joe Rohde, and Jon Landau. They were the director of Avatar, the lead Imagineer for Pandora, and the producer of Avatar, respectively.

Sneaky Animatronics

If you’ve ever ridden Spaceship Earth and thought to yourself, “hmm, those animatronics look familiar” then you’re not alone! In fact, Disney has reused some animatronic faces over the years, especially when building Spaceship Earth.

Inside this ride, you’ll find multiple faces that look eerily similar to some of the animatronics from Hall of Presidents in Magic Kingdom. It’s a good way for Disney to save money when creating new rides!

The Giant in Sir Mickey’s

Many of the stores in Fantasyland are themed to different iconic Disney movies and franchises. However, Sir Mickey’s is themed to a film that’s slightly less popular in today’s times — Mickey and the Beanstalk.

You’ll find Mickey Mouse in his iconic costume from the film hanging out near the checkout counter, but the detail that many seem to miss is Willie the Giant peeking into the store underneath the roof! Just look up toward the ceiling and you’ll be able to spot his fingers, nose, and eye.

Hidden Mickeys

Of course, we couldn’t finish off this post without mentioning hidden Mickeys in general! There are SO many of them to be found in Disney World, but you probably won’t notice them unless you train your eyes to spot them.

Some are much more obvious than others (like the giant plant Mickeys on Living with the Land), but you could spend DAYS searching for all the hidden Mickeys in Disney World. It’s almost like a scavenger hunt!

So there you have it — some fun details that you’re probably missing in Disney World! Stay tuned to AllEars for more hidden secrets and tidbits.