The 2024 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is underway, and that means the return of the popular Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt! This scavenger hunt invites guests of all ages to keep a keen eye out for Olaf as he explores various holiday traditions from around the world.
We made it out to EPCOT recently to take a stroll around the park to find Olaf and the holiday traditions that he’s celebrating. Here’s everything you need to know, including a look at all of the locations where you can find Olaf.
2024 Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt
Guests can participate in the scavenger hunt by purchasing a special map and sticker set at select locations within EPCOT. The map will guide them through the World Showcase (and beyond), where they will search for Olaf statues representing different global holiday traditions. Each statue is creatively designed to showcase a unique tradition, from festive foods to special holiday customs celebrated in different countries.
Using the stickers on your map, mark the “tradition” that Olaf has found in each Pavilion around World Showcase. At the end of your adventure—even if you don’t find all of the holiday traditions—you can bring your map to Disney Traders, Creations Shop or World Traveler and redeem your map for a gift worth melting for!
Of course, you don’t need to purchase a map to be able to look for Olaf, but you do need to purchase the map to be eligible for the prize.
Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Expedition Scavenger Hunt is $9.99 plus tax, and you can pick up a game map from various merchandise locations including Creations Shop and World Traveler. Maps, stickers, and game boards are available while supplies last. Limit 5 game board purchases per Guest. One surprise per game board. Game board is valid for redemption from November 29 through December 30, 2024, or while surprise supplies last.
First, here’s a look at the map, followed by a look at the prizes.
2024 Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Map
2024 Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Prizes
This year, the prizes are “stencils”, which are shown as being able to decorate a seasonal beverage! On display were an Olaf stencil and a Sven stencil, but there was also an Anna stencil and Elsa stencil available during the festival as well.
2024 Olaf’s Holiday Tradition Locations
Mexico
We’ll start our hunt in Mexico, working clockwise around World Showcase. Just like with years past, you’ll have to be sure to look up to find Olaf in Mexico. Olaf can be found with Poinsettias above the archway into the quick-service area for La Cantina de San Angel.
Poinsettias, known as “Flores de Nochebuena” (Flowers of the Holy Night) in Mexico, are a cherished symbol of Christmas and hold a deep connection to Mexican holiday traditions. Their vibrant red and green colors make them a quintessential decoration during the festive season
Norway
In Norway, we can find Olaf in a sled with a straw yule goat on the grassy rooftop of Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe. As the tradition goes, the Julbukk is a goat made of straw to guard Christmas trees as the holidays draw near every year.
China
In China, guests can find Olaf with floating lanterns on a second-floor perch near the House of Good Fortune. Floating lanterns can be found filling up, and lighting up, the night skies creating breathtaking displays of glowing light marking the beginning of the New Year.
Germany
Germany is up next and you can find Olaf in his traditional spot up on a window sill above Der Teddybear. Olaf can be found with a number of candy canes. A common story about the origins of candy canes dates back to 1670s Germany when a choirmaster was said to have given them out as gifts during the holiday season. The end goal was to get children to be quiet while enjoying the candy canes instead of making noise during Mass.
Italy
In Italy, guests should head over to the Fontana Di Nettuno to find Olaf on a wall nearby. Olaf has a Panettone! The Panettone is a tall, dome-shaped sweet bread studded with dried fruits and candied citrus, and is a beloved centerpiece of Italian holiday celebrations. Its rich flavors and festive presentation make it a cherished treat during Christmas and New Year’s, embodying the warmth and joy of the season.
The American Adventure
There is only one Olaf to find in The American Adventure this year thanks to the opening of CommuniCore Hall, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The first and perhaps best place to look for a holiday tradition is next to a giant Christmas tree, and that’s where you’ll find Olaf along with sheet music for “Jingle Bells”.
Japan
Heading to Japan next, we can find Olaf near the back of the pavilion in a small garden area. Olaf is spotted with Kagami Mochi.
Kagami Mochi, or “mirror rice cake,” is a traditional Japanese New Year decoration and food. Its presence in homes, shrines, and businesses during the New Year symbolizes prosperity, harmony, and blessings in the coming year.
Morocco
Our next stop is in the Morocco Pavilion, where we can spot Olaf on a window overhang toward the back of the pavilion.
In Moroccan holiday traditions, olives transcend their culinary value to symbolize unity, blessings, and the enduring connection between people and the land. Olives are a key ingredient in Moroccan cuisine, featured in iconic dishes like tajines, salads, and spreads. During holidays, olives are often part of elaborate feasts, showcasing their versatility and significance in Moroccan gastronomy.
L’Chaim
In between the Morocco Pavilion and the France Pavilion is the L’Chaim Holiday Kitchen. It’s here that the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah is celebrated. Olaf can be found with dreidels.
In modern times, the dreidel is associated with a game traditionally played during the holiday season. The four-sided top is spun to determine the outcome of each player’s turn.
France
In the France Pavilion, we can find Olaf perched near a second-story window above La Signature. Olaf can be spotted with a Yule Log, which is more of a symbolic dessert nowadays than in the past. The bûche de Noël is a festive dessert that resembles a log and is traditionally enjoyed on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom Pavilion, you’ll want to take a stroll back toward the Winnie the Pooh meet and greet to spot Olaf on a second-floor ledge. Olaf is carrying “Holiday Crackers”, which are colorful, paper-wrapped tubes, which “crack” open with a small pop when pulled apart. Typically, a small gift or sweet can be found inside the tube.
Canada
To find Olaf in Canada, head toward the gift shops and take a look at the low roof. Olaf can be found with Gingerbread cookies. As you know, Gingerbread cookies are not only delicious but hold a special place in holiday traditions.
CommuniCore Hall (NEW)
An all-new location is in use this year at CommuniCore Hall. The placement of Olaf is near the restrooms (why, Disney?), and the holiday tradition celebrated is Kwanzaa. Olaf can be found with a Kinara, which is a seven-branched candle holder that holds the candles that represent the seven principles of Kwanzaa.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
