Easter eggs are hidden nods and references to other works, often within a movie, game, or book. They are a fun way for creators to reward observant fans and create connections between different works. Disney movies are no exception and have long been known for including Easter eggs in their films.
From hidden Mickeys to characters from other movies making surprise appearances, Disney animators have long enjoyed including these hidden gems in their films. These Easter eggs can range from subtle nods to outright cameos, and they can be found in everything from the backgrounds of scenes to the dialogue of characters. In many cases, these Easter eggs can be easy to miss, and it can take multiple viewings and close attention to spot them all. The use of Easter eggs in Disney movies is just one of the many ways that the studio has created a rich and interconnected world of storytelling.
20 Zootopia
In the hit Disney movie Zootopia, there’s a clever Easter egg that pays homage to the company’s beloved mascot. During one of the film’s chase scenes, when Officer Judy Hopps is pursuing a thief named Weaselton, he runs through a store called “Mousy’s.” This is a subtle nod to Mickey Mouse, the iconic character that’s been synonymous with Disney since the company’s inception.
The inclusion of this Easter egg is just one of the many ways that Zootopia pays tribute to Disney’s rich history and legacy. The movie is filled with clever references and nods to classic Disney films and characters, making it a joy for fans of all ages to watch. The inclusion of the Mousy’s store in Zootopia is a fun and clever way to acknowledge Mickey Mouse and his important place in Disney.
19 Frozen
Disney’s Frozen follows the story of Elsa, who has the power to create ice and snow, and her sister Anna as they embark on an adventure to save their kingdom from eternal winter.
In the movie there’s a brief but delightful Easter egg that links the film to another beloved Disney classic. During the scene where Elsa is crowned Queen of Arendelle, there’s a shot of the assembled guests that includes Rapunzel and Flynn from Tangled. The inclusion of these two characters is a fun nod to another popular Disney film and hints at the possibility of a shared universe where Disney’s various animated worlds coexist. It also rewards eagle-eyed viewers who are familiar with both films and are able to spot the cameo.
18 Toy Story
One of the most well-known and iconic Easter eggs in Pixar’s films is the Pizza Planet truck from Toy Story, which appears in almost every movie the studio has produced. The truck first appeared in the original Toy Story as the vehicle that takes Buzz and Woody to Pizza Planet. After its debut in Toy Story, the Pizza Planet truck became a staple of Pixar’s films, appearing in movies like A Bug’s Life, WALL-E, Up, and more.
The inclusion of the Pizza Planet truck in each movie is a fun way for Pixar to connect its films and create a shared universe, while also rewarding dedicated viewers who are able to spot the truck in each new movie.
17 Toy Story 2
The beloved movie where toys come to life, Toy Story 2, is filled with Easter eggs and references to other Pixar films, and one of the most subtle is a nod to A Bug’s Life. During a scene where Buzz Lightyear is running alongside a shelf of toys, ‘A Bug’s Life’ themed merchandise can be seen.
The inclusion of this Easter egg is a fun way to acknowledge Pixar’s previous film and creates a sense of continuity and connection between the two movies. It also rewards eagle-eyed viewers who are able to spot the reference and adds another layer of richness and depth to the film.
16 Ratatouille
Ratatouille tells the story of Remy, a rat with a passion for cooking who dreams of becoming a chef. He befriends a human chef named Linguini and together, they work to create culinary masterpieces while trying to keep Remy’s true identity a secret.
Its most clever easter egg is a subtle nod to the movie’s main character. During a scene where Linguini is trying to impress Colette, he knocks over a bottle of wine with a label that reads “Chateau Remy.” The inclusion of this Easter egg is a fun way to acknowledge the movie’s titular character. It also rewards eagle-eyed viewers who are able to spot the reference and appreciate the attention to detail that went into the movie’s creation.
15 Finding Nemo
Finding Nemo is a 2003 Pixar animated movie about a father clownfish named Marlin who sets out to rescue his son Nemo. Along the way, Marlin meets a forgetful blue tang fish named Dory who helps him on his journey. They encounter various obstacles and meet colorful characters like a vegetarian shark, a school of fish, and a sea turtle. The film features stunning underwater visuals and a heartwarming story about family and perseverance.
Disney’s Finding Nemo is full of hidden Easter eggs and references, and one of the most clever is a nod to the Johnny Cash song “Ring of Fire.” During a scene where the fish are discussing their escape plan from the dentist’s office, they mention that the exit is through “the ring of fire.”
14 The Lion King
The Lion King is known for its memorable music, stunning animation, and heartwarming story about family, loyalty, and bravery. It has become one of the most beloved Disney movies of all time and a cultural phenomenon.
Much to Scar’s distaste, Zazou sings “It’s a Small World After All” as he’s locked up by Scar. The song “It’s a Small World” was first written by the Sherman Brothers for the 1964 New York World’s Fair as a theme song for the UNICEF pavilion. It was later used in the Disneyland and Walt Disney World attractions of the same name, and in various Disney movies and TV shows.
13 Peter Pan
.jpg)
Peter Pan is a classic Disney film that tells the story of a young boy who never grows up and his adventures in Neverland with Wendy and her brothers. The film is known for its iconic characters such as Captain Hook, Tinker Bell, and the Lost Boys, and its memorable songs like “You Can Fly!” and “The Second Star to the Right.” The film also explores themes of imagination, the desire to stay young forever, and the importance of family. Overall, Peter Pan is a beloved Disney classic that continues to capture the hearts and imaginations of audiences of all ages.
During a scene where Peter, Wendy, and the Lost Boys are flying through London, they briefly pass by the Darling family’s house from Lady and the Tramp. The two movies, set in similar time periods, blend well together in this little easter egg snippet!
12 Aladdin
The story of Aladdin follows a street urchin who falls in love with a Princess and embarks on a magical adventure after finding a magical lamp with a genie inside.
The Sultan in Aladdin is portrayed as a playful and childlike character who enjoys playing with little figurines. One of these figurines happens to be the Beast from “Beauty and the Beast,” another popular Disney film. This is a subtle nod to the interconnectedness of the Disney cinematic universe, and a fun Easter egg for keen-eyed viewers to discover. The Sultan’s love for these toys and childlike wonder reflects his desire to maintain the innocence and joy of childhood, even in his role as a powerful ruler.
11 Lilo & Stitch
Lilo & Stitch is a heartwarming Disney movie about a young Hawaiian girl named Lilo who adopts an unusual pet – an alien named Stitch who has escaped from a faraway planet.
In Disney’s Lilo & Stitch, there is a hidden Easter egg that pays tribute to another beloved Disney movie, Mulan. In Nani’s bedroom, there is a poster of Mulan hanging on the wall, featuring the movie’s title character posing with her sword. Nani took on the role of caring for her younger sister Lilo when their parents died, when she was still very young herself. Therefore, it’s quite fitting to have the poster of one strong Disney female character hanging up on the bedroom wall of another.
10 Big Hero 6
Big Hero 6 is a 2014 American animated superhero film that follows a young robotics prodigy named Hiro Hamada who forms a superhero team with his robot friend Baymax, and his friends to protect the city of San Fransokyo from an evil villain. The film is a perfect blend of humor, heart, and action, with stunning animation and a compelling story.
Mochi is the pet cat of Hiro’s Aunt Cass and in one scene, Mochi can be seen wearing a hat that resembles the character Stitch from the Disney movie Lilo & Stitch. The hat features Stitch’s distinctive ears and blue fur with a red collar, just like the character in the original movie.
9 Treasure Planet
Disney’s Treasure Planet is a 2002 animated sci-fi adventure film that follows the story of Jim Hawkins who sets off on an epic journey across the universe in search of the legendary Treasure Planet. The movie features stunning animation, a memorable cast of characters, and an unforgettable score by James Newton Howard.
Early on in the movie, a younger Jim Hawkins is shown to have a Stitch plushie. The plushie can be seen in his bedroom, and it is a nod to the popular Disney character from the movie Lilo and Stitch. This subtle reference is one of many Easter eggs scattered throughout the movie. Despite being a box office disappointment,Treasure Planet received critical acclaim for its innovative blend of classic pirate tales with futuristic sci-fi themes.
8 Tarzan
Disney’s Tarzan tells the story of an orphaned boy who grows up in the jungle and becomes the king of the apes. Along the way, he falls in love with Jane, a young woman who has come to the jungle with her father to study the gorillas.
During the “Trashin’ the Camp” scene, Mrs. Potts and Chip from Beauty and the Beast briefly make a cameo appearance. As the song plays and the jungle animals are banging on various objects, a teapot and a teacup are clearly visible. This cameo has delighted fans of both Beauty and the Beast and Tarzan, who enjoy spotting these hidden references and uncovering the secrets of the Disney universe.
7 Hunchback of Notre Dame
The Hunchback of Notre Dame tells the story of Quasimodo, a deformed bell-ringer who dreams of experiencing life outside of the bell tower. The film explores themes of love, acceptance, and prejudice, making it a timeless classic.
During the song “Out There,” when Quasimodo is singing about wanting to leave the cathedral and explore the world outside, Belle from Beauty and the Beast makes a cameo appearance. She can be seen walking through the streets with a basket of books while Quasimodo imagines what life outside the cathedral would be like. This easter egg is a nod to the fact that both movies are set in France during similar time periods. It’s also quite fitting as both characters start off feeling somewhat trapped in their respective movies, and long for adventure.
6 Oliver and Company
Oliver and Company is a Disney animated film loosely based on the Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist. It tells the story of Oliver, a young orphaned kitten who joins a gang of dogs in New York City and befriends a human named Jenny. Together, they try to outsmart a ruthless villain named Sykes, who is trying to make a profit off of stolen goods.
A fitting easter egg includes characters Peg, Jock, and Trusty from Lady and the Tramp making a brief cameo appearance. They are seen equally as excited as other dogs during the song “Why Should I Worry?”. The trio provides a nostalgic nod to the classic Disney film and adds to the fun atmosphere of the scene.
5 The Great Mouse Detective
The Great Mouse Detective is a classic mystery-adventure story and follows the exploits of a mouse detective named Basil of Baker Street who is trying to solve the case of a kidnapped toy maker. Along with his trusty companion, Dr. Dawson, Basil embarks on a perilous journey through the sewers of London to find the clues and save the day.
There’s a scene where Basil and Dawson visit a toy shop. Among the toys, a small figure of Dumbo the flying elephant can be seen on the shelf. It’s a brief but fun Easter egg for Disney fans to spot. The inclusion of Dumbo is just one of many nods to other Disney films that can be found throughout the beloved classic.
4 Ralph Breaks the Internet
Ralph Breaks the Internet is the 2018 sequel to Wreck-It Ralph and it follows the adventures of Ralph and Vanellope as they venture into the digital world. The pair are on a mission to find a replacement part for Vanellope’s video game and on the way the encounter the vast and dangerous world of the internet. It’s a brilliant movie with many new faces and one very familiar face if you’ve ever seen Big Hero 6.
Although her cameo in Ralph Breaks the Internet can so easily be missed, Aunt Cass from Big Hero 6 does indeed show her face. Aunt Cass, the loving and supportive aunt of protagonist Hiro, can be seen very clearly at one point in Ralph Breaks the Internet posing on the cover of a digital magazine.
3 The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid is a classic 1989 Disney animated musical film about a young mermaid named Ariel who dreams of living on land and falls in love with a human prince. During the wedding scene where Ariel and Eric are getting married, the camera pans over to the audience, where The King and Grand Duke from Cinderella can clearly be seen in attendance. The two characters are easily recognizable by their distinctive appearance with extravagantly large moustaches and formal attire.
It is a fun nod to the Disney animated classic Cinderella, which was released in 1950, almost 40 years before The Little Mermaid. It is also a testament to the attention to detail that Disney puts into its films, even down to the smallest of details.
2 Moana
Moana is a 2016 computer-animated musical adventure film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. It tells the story of Moana, a young Polynesian princess who sets out on a journey across the ocean to save her people. Along the way, she meets the demigod Maui and together they face various challenges, including the wrath of the vengeful goddess Te Ka. The film is praised for its beautiful animation, memorable music, and empowering portrayal of a strong, courageous young heroine.
During the song “Shiny,” sung by the villainous giant crab Tamatoa, Aladdin’s lamp can be seen in the background. The lamp can be seen as part of Tamatoa’s collection of shiny objects. It is located towards the bottom of the screen, in a pile of shiny treasures.
1 Meet the Robinsons
Meet the Robinsons is a movie about a young inventor named Lewis who travels to the future to meet his eccentric and time-traveling family, the Robinsons, in order to find the missing piece of his latest invention. The film features imaginative and visually stunning environments, a heartwarming message that celebrates creativity and the power of family, a diverse and colorful cast of characters, including Goob.
Goob is a sympathetic figure who fails to catch the game-winning ball. As stands on pitch during the pivotal moment of the game, we catch a glimpse of a faded mural featuring Baloo and Mowgli from The Jungle Book some of your favourite characters from Toy Story. It sits quietly in the back-ground but if you keep your eagle eyes at the ready you should spot it.