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Disney World Brings Back Paid EPCOT Holiday Experience for 2026

Do you want to build a snowman? Okay, maybe not. But do you want to go on a holiday scavenger hunt with Olaf? Because that’s happening at EPCOT, and we’re so in.

Disney just announced the dates and price for the 2026 Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt at EPCOT. And with Food & Wine wrapping up, it’s officially almost time for the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays.

When Can You Go?

The scavenger hunt runs from November 27 all the way through December 30, 2026. That’s the same time as the Festival of the Holidays, which kicks off the day after Thanksgiving. So go ahead and walk off that turkey with a little Olaf hunting.

Twinkling Christmas trees in the Germany World Showcase Pavilion at EPCOT.
Credit: Steven Miller, Flickr

How Much Is It?

Maps and stickers are $11.99 plus tax. Good news, that’s the same price as last year.

Disney bumped scavenger hunt prices from $9.99 to $11.99 back during the 2025 Food & Wine Festival, and it hasn’t changed since. This fall’s Halloween hunt, Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit, was also $11.99. So at least it’s consistent.

Wait, What Is This Scavenger Hunt?

If you’ve never done it, here’s the deal. Olaf is traveling around World Showcase learning about how different countries celebrate the holidays. Your job is to find him.

There are little Olaf figures hidden in the pavilions, and each one is paired with a holiday tradition from that country. So you get to explore, learn something new, and hunt for a tiny snowman. It’s honestly the cutest.

This hunt first showed up at EPCOT in 2020, and it’s come back every single year since. So it’s basically a holiday tradition at this point.

Olaf on a small sled with red lanterns at the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays.
Credit: Disney

How Does It Work?

First, grab a map and stickers from select shops, such as Creations Shop or Disney Traders. Then head out into World Showcase and start looking for Olaf. Every time you find him, use a sticker to mark the tradition he discovered.

Back in 2024, there were 13 Olafs to find, including one at CommuniCore Hall. Disney hasn’t said where Olaf will be hiding this year, so we’ll just have to go look.

You Don’t Have to Find Them All

Here’s the best part. You don’t need to find every single Olaf to get a prize. Even if you miss a few, you can still turn in your map.

Just bring it to Disney Traders, Creations Shop, or World Traveler, and you’ll get a keepsake that Disney says is “worth melting for!” We see what you did there, Disney.

So What’s the Prize?

Disney hasn’t revealed this year’s keepsake yet. In 2024, guests got Frozen character stencils that you could use to decorate a seasonal drink. Super cute. We’re excited to see what they come up with this time.

Some Fine Print

You can buy up to five maps per person, and each map gets you one keepsake. You can redeem maps through December 30, or until the keepsakes run out. So if you really want that prize, don’t wait until the very last week.

Oh, and you’ll need a valid EPCOT ticket, plus a theme park reservation if your ticket requires one.

Why We Love It

The Olaf scavenger hunt is perfect for families. Kids go wild trying to spot Olaf, and it gives everyone a reason to slow down and actually explore all the holiday decorations around World Showcase.

And honestly? It’s not just for kids. Plenty of adults do it too, especially while snacking their way through the Holiday Kitchens. No shame.

Our Tips

Do it early in the festival before keepsakes run out. Start at one end of World Showcase and work your way around so you don’t backtrack. Take pictures with Olaf when you find him. Grab a holiday snack or two along the way. And don’t stress if you miss one, because you still get your prize.

Olaf wearing sunglasses relaxes under a beach umbrella on sand, sipping a drink with a straw and lemon slice.
Credit: Disney

Some People Are Worth Melting For

Between Olaf, holiday traditions, and a cute keepsake at the end, this scavenger hunt is one of the easiest ways to make your EPCOT holiday visit extra magical.

So, are you going hunting for Olaf this year?

Erica Lauren

Erica Lauren is a theme park writer and content creator based in Orlando, Florida, allowing her easy access to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and other attractions. As a frequent park visitor, she offers an authentic perspective from her experiences in the parks. A dedicated runDisney participant, Erica combines her love for running with theme parks, making unforgettable memories on their magical courses. When she's not writing or racing, she’s planning her next adventure with the goal of discovering new theme parks. As a thrill ride enthusiast, her favorite spot is always in the front row of the fastest coaster, with plenty of trip reports to share.

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