Theme Park Scavenger Hunts

Many people who have never been to Disney World like to ask people like me why and how I can still enjoy the parks after so many visits. The reason is because there are always new activities to discover-many of which have been there for ages but are hidden gems that average visitors miss. Scavenger hunts are my favorite “hidden” secrets, and here is why:

Little-to-No-Lines – I first discovered the scavenger hunts when my son was at that age when he was too old for a nap but still young enough that he needed a “break” from standard theme park day. I have never had a scavenger hunt experience when there has been more than two other families in the area, so there is no waiting for the fun to begin. Best of all, they are either spread out over the entire park to enjoy periodically throughout the day, or they are in a limited area/neighborhood so you are not running and becoming more exhausted.

Usually Free or Very Low Cost – Most scavenger hunts are free of cost and included with your standard theme park access. The only ones that cost anything are either the Epcot’s festival hunts or the guided tour at Magic Kingdom.

Fun Factor – Unfortunately, not every park is going to be everyone’s favorite park. Crazy, I know. Hunts are a great way for everyone to get in on the fun. I often hear people say that kids don’t enjoy Epcot, but that has been my son’s favorite park since he was 6; much of his Epcot fandom revolves around its scavenger hunts. At the other parks, hunts are also a great way to bring the fun together, especially when your party may be divided on thrill rides.

Magic Kingdom’s A Pirate’s Adventure – Treasures of the Seven Seas

Grab your free treasure map from the activity kiosk in The Crow’s Nest between Tortuga Tavern and Peco's Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe and pick up a talisman that magically allows you to read a secret treasure map. Then it’s all hands on deck as you fend off enemies, evade capture and hunt for treasure. When you complete each mission, you’ll receive a souvenir treasure finder card.

~Use your MagicBand or card or pick up a magic talisman—a special card for this attraction—at The Crow’s Nest in Adventureland.

~Each of the 5 missions takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.

~Missions have no time limit. In addition, you can stop and restart each raid at your convenience throughout the day.

Kidcot Fun Stops

We love sandwiching Epcot into the middle of our vacation in order to take a break from the lines and relax. Although the name suggests this for kids, you’ll find just as many–if not more–adults with their complementary Ziploc baggie “suitcase” traveling around the world showcase.

The best part of this is…everything! You can start at any of the pavilions in the world showcase to begin collecting unique traveler’s cards with fun facts about each of the eleven countries with little coloring scenes (markers/crayons included). The best part are the cast members who can tell you about their home countries, teach you a few words, or write your name in their language.

Epcot Festival Scavenger Hunts

In addition to the permanent Kidcot Fun Stops and semi-permanent World Showcase Adventures, the park is also home to a seasonal rotation of Epcot festival scavenger hunts. Since it is likely there will be a festival at Epcot happening while you’re in town, join the festivities with one of these interactive adventures. For ten bucks, you can pick up your map, which can then later be checked upon completion for a festival souvenir, which will likely be one of the least expensive but most treasured souvenirs of your trip!

Typically, each festival usually offers at least one festival-themed scavenger hunt as well as a foodie scavenger hunt or food stroll. These include Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration and Garden Graze at the Flower & Garden Festival, Figment’s Brush with The Master and Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine at the Festival of the Arts, Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak and the forthcoming Emile’s Fromage Montage at the Food & Wine Festival, and Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition and Holiday Cookie Stroll at the Festival of the Holidays.

Animal Kingdom’s Wilderness Explorers

This scavenger hunt is a great way for nature lovers of all ages to take their Animal Kingdom experience to the next level. For this hidden gem, you’ll set out on a nature-themed scavenger hunt across the park. After completing interactive, self-guided challenges like observing animals and learning wilderness survival skills, you can leave with over 25 different badges!

To get started, talk to a cast member at one of the Wilderness Explorer Outposts headquarters—located on the bridge between the Oasis and Discovery Island—or drop by Wilderness Explorer Troop Leader locations in Africa, Rafiki’s Planet Watch, Asia, Dinoland U.S.A. and Pandora.