Specialty license plates can be found across I-95 as a typical driver moves down the Connecticut coast. Brightly colored cars, amusing and unusual bumper stickers, and thousands of tricked-out cars adorn the roadway. But what about a familiar character…one with big ears and a familiar chuckle? What about a character that made Walt Disney famous? What about a Mini Mickey? A West Haven woman is cruising around town in a very unique vehicle.

Roseanne Greco said she saw a special Mickey Mouse Mini Cooper on eBay and just had to have it. The car was once used in parades at Disney World in Orlando, Florida and is considered one of a kind. At first glance on the road, one might not notice its unusual features. The windows and upper portion of the car are painted black. The body is almost all red, with yellow and white markings on the front hood. Big deal.  But on closer examination, one would notice that these yellow and white dots are actually short buttons, and the yellow marks are meant to represent Mickey’s characteristic shoes. There are areas near the handles that highlight his bright white gloves, and two unmistakable Mickey Mouse ears sit right above the driver and passenger windows.

Greco says she gets her fare share of comments as she drives on the road, from honking cheers to disgruntled travelers. She says she isn’t bothered, however, and continues to take the vehicle on the road. She is not afraid to drive the Mini Mickey, as it’s been termed, to places as simplistic as the post office and the grocery store. In recent weeks, however, Greco has begun to loan the car out to charities. “Who doesn’t love Mickey Mouse?” questioned Greco, “I love driving in a little piece of Disney History.”

Next time you happen to travel in West Haven, be on the lookout for the Mini Mickey, an innovation in Disney marketing and cute automobile travel!

And, if you find it as interesting as local residents, tell us about it! Just email us at [email protected]