Calling all Disney fans! Get ready to uncover a treasure trove of hidden gems. Check out the top Disney Easter eggs hidden throughout the new animated film, Wish.
As 2023 approaches, Walt Disney Studios gears up to celebrate 100 magical years. And what better way to mark the occasion than with the release of their newest movie, Wish?
The official summary states: "When young Asha makes a powerful wish, it is answered by a cosmic force in the form of a boundless energy ball named Star. With Star's assistance, Asha embarks on a mission to rescue her kingdom from King Magnifico and demonstrate that the combination of a brave human's will and the magic of the stars can lead to extraordinary outcomes."
Wish not only stands on its own as a story, but it also contains numerous references to classic movies. Here's a list of the top Disney Easter eggs found in Wish. Caution: major spoilers ahead!
Best Easter eggs in Disney’s Wish
Below you’ll find a list of the best – and our favorite – Easter eggs found in Disney’s centennial celebration movie, Wish.
Having said that, this list does not cover every single detail in the film. As any Disney fan will tell you, Easter eggs are a delightful surprise that you can continue to enjoy with every rewatch. Watch the full trailer for Wish here:
Storybook intro
Disney
Once upon a time, every animated Disney movie started with a storybook introduction, making this a classic Disney Easter egg in Wish.
Flipping through the pages of a storybook, Wish sets in scene in the traditional manner, ending the movie with the pages closing in iconic “The End” fashion.
Asha’s friends
Disney
Viewers might feel like Asha’s friends – Dahlia, Dario, Safi, Bazeema, Simon, Hal, and Gabo – all look familiar, and that’s because they are.
Each friend is based on a different character from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, with best friend Dahlia a mix between Doc and Snow White herself.
Past Disney characters are back
Disney
Not only are the Disney Easter eggs in Wish hidden in the small details, but they also lay waiting in plain sight.
Past Disney characters come back to say hello in the kingdom of Rosas, with Little John from Robin Hood, Bambi, and Peter Pan among them.
Wish’s talking animals
Disney
Once Star grants Valentino the goat’s wish to be able to talk, plenty of the other animals in Rosas begin to follow suit.
This is the ultimate nod to the whimsical talking animals in Disney’s past, present, and future, resulting in a banging musical number to match the studios’ best.
The forest and wishing well
Disney
As wishing is a central theme in Asha’s journey, it makes sense that a Disney Wish Easter egg would be a wishing well.
This is a clear nod to Snow White, with Asha’s trip through the forest of Rosas possibly similar to Once Upon A Dream in Sleeping Beauty.
Valentino’s wish
Disney
Towards the end of Wish, Valentino states that his new wish is for there to be a safe haven where all talking mammals are alike – while wearing clothes.
This is a clear reference to Zootopia, which came out back in 2016.
Mickey Mouse motifs
Disney
Throughout Wish, Star can often be seen making or drawing different Mickey Mouse motifs.
Much like you might try and find hidden Mickeys in one of Disney’s many parks, the mouse motifs feature in unfinished drawings and bubbles – to name a few.
The wishing tree
Disney
As Asha reminisces about a moving speech from her deceased father – reminiscent of Mufasa's words to Simba in The Lion King, "the stars are there to guide us" – the “wishing tree” may also bear a striking resemblance to an iconic Disney landmark.
The tree looks somewhat like the Tree of Life, which is featured in the Animal Kingdom park in Walt Disney World, Florida.
King Magnifico’s ‘lab’
Disney
While he harbors Rosas’ wishes, King Magnifico’s lab in Wish is stacked full of potential Disney Easter eggs.
The books reference The Sword and the Stone, the animated objects from Beauty and the Beast, and the dungeon stairs are reminiscent of Snow White’s house. Asha’s time there resembles scenes from Fantasia. When Asha’s friends try to release the kingdom’s wishes by opening the lab’s roof, the notion of jumping off a balcony with a rope could allude to The Hunchback of Notre Dame. One of the friends also lets out the iconic Tarzan yell.
Star’s yarn
Disney
When Star meets Asha and Valentino, it is happily playing with a ball of yarn. As the day goes on, Star uses the yarn to create fun disguises, like a mustache and a jumper.
This could be a nod to the Aristocats, with Marie often playing with a similar pink ball of yarn, making it a possible Easter egg from Wish Disney.
King Magnifico turns bad
Disney
King Magnifico’s powers are deteriorating, resembling classic Disney villains. He utilizes crushing motions to annihilate wishes, dwells in a traditional villain’s lair with green eyes, and exhibits powers reminiscent of movies like Aladdin. His obsession with and eventual confinement in a mirror echo the classic line, "Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?" Clearly, it’s not him.
Queen Amaya
Disney
Queen Amaya not only played a key role in rescuing Rosas from her husband but also has her own hidden Disney Easter eggs throughout Wish. In the movie's last scene, a speaking mouse imparts a crucial message to her, making reference to Cinderella's well-known sidekicks. Additionally, she bears a striking resemblance to Queen Elinor in the 2012 film Brave.
The kingdom of Rosas
Disney
Rosas kingdom is a complete Disney experience, incorporating elements from Arendelle in Frozen, Corona in Tangled, and the vibrant spirit of Casa Madrigal in Encanto. The kingdom flag also resembles Tangled, with Wish bubbles released into the night sky reminiscent of Corona's lanterns. The overall structure, particularly the castle, also mirrors the iconic Disney logo.
Asha’s hair
Disney
Have you ever heard the wolf's cry to the blue full moon? Asha's hair is certainly reminiscent of Pocahontas, a tribute that pays homage to the connection she has with nature during an epic ballad scene.
Aurora’s dress
Disney
When Asha and the kingdom of Rosas start to uncover their desires, a fortunate townspeople has their wish fulfilled. During the wishing ceremony, she announces her goal to create the most stunning dresses ever seen, using Aurora's dress from Sleeping Beauty as inspiration to bring her dreams to life.
Wish heads to theaters on November 22 and worldwide on November 24. Check out other hubs below:
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I am excited about the upcoming release of Disney's Wish. The movie looks like it will be a magical adventure filled with heart and humor. I am especially looking forward to seeing all the hidden Easter eggs that have been teased in the trailer.
I think it's so cool that Disney is celebrating its 100th anniversary with this movie. It's a great way to show how far the company has come and to give fans a chance to see some of their favorite characters in a new way. I can't wait to see what other surprises Disney has in store for us in the coming year.