Guide to Hidden Character Hunts at Disney Resorts
How It Works:
➔Find the hidden character. Every single resort offers this activity, so start by searching for the character cut-out in the main public spaces of any Disney resort.
➔Take a photo. Take a selfie with the character, and make sure you can see some background in the photo so a Cast Member can easily confirm the location. Do not move the character or take it away from its hiding spot - doing so will ruin the game for other guests!
➔Get your button. Visit the designated redemption location - Front Desk, Community Hall, or Activity Center - and show a Cast Member your photo. They’ll confirm that it’s a current photo of the character in today’s specific hiding place, and then they’ll give you a button as a prize.
➔Collect daily stickers. Each button has four dedicated spots for stickers. Find the hidden character on four separate days to collect all four stickers and complete your button!
Frequently Asked Questions:
➔Where will they be hiding? Characters can be found hiding in the major resort public spaces - like the lobby, gift shop, food court, Community Hall, or arcade - so while it’s not difficult to see the character once you’re close to it, it may take some time to explore most of the resort’s public spaces until you find the right location. While it’s possible they could be outside, they’ll most likely be found in indoor spaces - so this is a fun activity for a rainy day or a really hot day when you’re in need of an air-conditioned activity. They’re moved to a new spot every day.
➔Does this activity need to be completed four days in a row? No, it doesn’t need to be completed over four consecutive days, so if you happen to be visiting a resort for a meal or only at a resort for a very short stay, you can still participate! You’re welcome to start your button on one visit, then bring it back later to finish up on your next visit.
➔What do the characters look like? They’re a foam cut-out that’s 10-12 inches tall. The character cut-outs are easy to see, and it’s a perfect “starter” hunt for younger children who aren’t quite ready for a more advanced Hidden Mickey hunt.
➔I’ve looked all over and can’t find it! What do I do? Ask a Cast Member in the gift shop, lobby, or Community Hall. There’s an unpublished, internal schedule used for hiding the characters (Mondays - Food Court, Tuesdays - Gift Shop, etc.) so CMs will know the general area and be able to give you a hint. Some CMs are more informed about this activity than others, so you may need to ask a few different CMs before you get a really helpful hint. It’s often in a spot that’s out of reach, so look up high!
➔Is there a prize for completing the button? Depends on the resort. Some resorts consider the button itself a prize, and some resorts will have a small bonus prize for you when you collect all four stickers.
➔Can I collect stickers from multiple resorts on the same button? No, each resort has its own specific button and stickers. You’ll need to get a different button for each resort you visit.
➔Can I still join the character hunt if I’m not staying at the resort? Of course, this activity is open to everyone! Just keep in mind that if you plan to drive or Uber to a resort, you need to have a dining reservation booked there in order for Security to let you through in most cases. If you don’t have a reservation, you’ll need to arrive at the resort via Disney transportation.
Hidden Characters at Every Resort:
Flounder
Beach Club Resort
Goofy
BoardWalk Inn Resort
Sebastian
Caribbean Beach Resort
Edna Mode
Contemporary Resort
Chip ‘n’ Dale
Fort Wilderness Campground & Resort
Penguin
Grand Floridian Resort
Orange Bird
Old Key West Resort
Hei Hei
Polynesian Village Resort
Goofy
Pop Century Resort
Pascal
Riviera Resort
Maximus
Saratoga Springs Resort
Chip ‘n’ Dale
Wilderness Lodge Resort
To add an extra element of fun while resort-hopping, visit a few different resorts to try to find all the characters connected to one of your favorite movies! You’ll find multiple characters from Tangled, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, and Princess and the Frog.
Tangled
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Maximus
Saratoga Springs Resort
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Pascal
Riviera Resort
The Little Mermaid
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Sebastian
Caribbean Beach Resort
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Max
Yacht Club Resort
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Flounder
Beach Club Resort
The Lion King
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Nala
Art of Animation Resort
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Timon
Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort - Kidani Village
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Pumbaa
Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort - Jambo House
Princess and the Frog
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Ray
Port Orleans - Riverside Resort
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Louis
Port Orleans - French Quarter Resort