Scavenger Hunts at Disney Resorts

During a perusal of two my favorite things~Disney Vacation Club Resorts and scavenger hunts~I threw together some tips from Freeman about free fun to be found at the resorts with some of the current dedicated reservations which are available. (My next article will cover scavenger hunts in Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom theme parks!)

While several Disney World scavenger hunts can be found throughout the parks, you don’t need a park ticket to get in on the fun. Disney scavenger hunts are offered at many Disney resorts too! And best of all, they’re free, and you don’t even need to be a hotel guest to participate. However, if you are going to be staying (or eating) at the same Disney resort, these scavenger hunts are great for killing time while waiting for your room (or table) to be ready, hanging out at the resort after checking out, soaking up more of Disney’s incredible theming, or taking a break from the parks.

Some scavenger hunts at Disney World hotels vary with the seasons (both in terms of theming and availability), the time, and the day of the week. So, if you’re going to be checking in at one of the resorts below, refer to the activities guide provided or talk to a cast member about what’s going on at that time. Here are some of the Disney hotel scavenger hunts that have been offered in the past:

Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge scavenger hunt is a lengthy endeavor, clocking in at around an hour to finish, and a great use of the resort’s animal-filled savannas, cultural activities, and African-inspired design. Grab your scavenger hunt clues from the Front desk at Jambo House; then, once you’ve finished, return for your pick of prizes including things like tiny animal toys and various animal-printed knick-knacks.

Polynesian Village Resort

The scavenger hunt at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort proves that more of something isn’t always a good thing. Usually held only on Tuesdays at 5pm, what this weekly Disney scavenger hunt lacks in flexibility, it more than makes up for with the quality of the prize (such as a complimentary ride on a Sea Raycer at the Seven Seas Marina). In contrast to other scavenger hunts at Disney World, however, to only the victor goes the spoils. That’s right, the only way you’re getting a prize here is by getting first place.

Throughout the Polynesian resort scavenger hunt, you’ll take pictures around the resort based on hints from a series of laminated clues sheets. This team-based scavenger hunt usually takes around 40 minutes and is a great way to see the resort, take some fun pictures, and make some memories with the rest of your scavenger hunt squad whether you win or not.

Wilderness Lodge

You don’t need to go to multiple Disney resorts to maximize your scavenger hunt fun – just go to the Wilderness Lodge instead! This deluxe resort is home to 2 different Hidden Mickey scavenger hunts: one in the main Wilderness Lodge hotel area and the other in their Disney Vacation Club Boulder Ridge Villas.

Hidden Mickeys are one of Disney Imagineers’ most enduring traditions, with the famous silhouettes being sprinkled throughout the parks ever since Epcot first opened its doors. The Wilderness Lodge and Boulder Ridge Villas scavenger hunts are the only official Disney scavenger hunts on property which feature the iconic visual Easter eggs. Both are on the shorter side, no more than 20 to 25 minutes each.

Start out with the easier Wilderness Lodge scavenger hunt (great for kids of all ages), then head next door for the decidedly more difficult one at the Boulder Ridge Villas (best for families and adults). After that, return to the front desk to claim your reward: An autographed photo of Mickey and Minnie and Magical Moment certificate.

Message me anytime for more details on secure reservations like these and so many more!