Searching around Epcot's World Showcase

Have you ever experienced one of Epcot's search activities? They involve a map, some stickers, a keen eye, and a prize at the end! These special search activities have been offered during some of Epcot's special event periods. A map and sticker set can be purchased for about $6 at various locations in the park. The idea is to search around the park for a featured item hidden in each country. You then place a corresponding sticker on your map, to track your progress. Bring your map back to a redemption location (either full of stickers or not- finding the hidden items is not actually required, though it's definitely more fun!), to claim a prize. You get to keep the map, though it's stamped on the back to show you've received your prize.

Redemption stamps

My first search was Remy's Ratatouille Hide & Squeak, during the 2015 Food & Wine Festval. While strolling World Showcase, I had to keep my eyes peeled for Remy, who was hiding throughout the countries with ingredients for ratatouille. Can you spot him with his garlic, hiding among the flowers in France?

Each hidden location had a corresponding sticker,
which could be placed on the map to chart your progress.

The prize was your choice of an authentic Disney Pin, featuring Remy and a selection 

of various ratatouille ingredients. I went with the onion! 

I just completed another search- this time it was Disney's EGGstravaganza, offered during the 2016 Flower & Garden Festival. This one was an old fashioned Easter egg hunt!

Eggs representing various Disney characters were hiding all around World Showcase. Some were easy to spot, while others were a bit more challenging.

The prize at the end of this mission was a miniature character egg! I had read about the 6 main character choices- Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Woody, and Jessie- so I was very surprised to see a 7th choice when I went to redeem. Mr. Toad!! The choice was clear. I did this year's Eggstravaganza on the day after it opened, and Mr. Toad was plentiful. Always keeping my Plus the Magic readers in mind, I purchased a second map and sticker set, which I once again redeemed for Mr. Toad- to do a giveaway on the blog next week! Check back for details....

Mr. Toad egg!

Have you done a World Showcase search? What do you think about the pin and egg prizes? 

Tell us about it in the comments...

Disneyland- Do Not Disturb

The 239th thing I loved about Disneyland Hotel? The Do Not Disturb sign found in my room...

Wordless Wednesday: Flowers & Gardens

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Thanks to Deb @ Focused on the Magic  for hosting 

the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop! 

If you hopped over, I invite you to check out my other posts, 
and please consider joining the blog or following on twitter.

Check out all the other Wordless Wednesday links by clicking below, 
and remember to share some comment love...

Hidden Oswald

Most people are familiar with Hidden Mickeys, but have you ever come across a hidden other character in the parks? Ever since visiting Disney's California Adventure a few months ago, I've been pretty much in love with Oswald. This made it even more exciting when I found this Hidden Oswald along the walkway in New Fantasyland during a recent visit to Magic Kingdom.

If you'd like to find this little guy, search the middle of the main walkway, close to the 

entrance to Maurice's cottage at the Enchanted Tales with Belle attraction. 

If you'd like to find the real thing- you'll have to head to Buena Vista Street at 

Disney's California Adventure...

Have you ever found any hidden representations of characters other than Mickey? 

Are you as in love with Oswald as I am? Tell us about it in the comments...

A Disney Keepsake Box

Speaking of where to keep all that ephemera... have you seen these keepsake boxes? I'm not sure how long they've been around, but I first saw them last month at Disney's Boardwalk Inn. There were two styles- a medium size featuring Wishes, and this larger version- Once Upon a Time.  

Designed to look like a book and fit nicely on a shelf, the cover features a slot to slip a photo in (though I really like the look of the default picture of Sleeping Beauty Castle). The inside features a spot for writing down dates, info, or special memories  from your visit. There's plenty of room for holding a variety of items, ephemera and souvenirs alike. The magic band in the photo below will give you a size reference.  

The spine is nicely designed, with faux leather and goldtone detailing. 

Have you seen these keepsake boxes? 

Which style is your favorite? 

Tell us about it in the comments.