What are Hidden Mickeys, and why are they everywhere in Disney?

The answer

Hidden Mickeys are subtle three-circle silhouettes of Mickey Mouse's head and ears embedded throughout Disney parks, films, and merchandise. The tradition began in the late 1970s when Imagineers designing EPCOT Center were told that Disney characters should not appear in the new park, as alcohol and cartoon characters were deemed incompatible. Defiant Imagineers took this as a challenge, secretly incorporating Mickey silhouettes into ride designs and architecture. The practice evolved from rebellious inside joke to official Disney tradition. Over 1,000 Hidden Mickeys have been documented, though Disney has never released a complete list. The Lion King 1 1/2 DVD even included a bonus feature challenging viewers to spot 20 Hidden Mickeys in the film.