If you’re looking for a fun and free thing to do at Walt Disney World beyond the parks, the Disney Resort “Find a Friend” game is an excellent option for families! This character scavenger hunt is simple and easy for kids to enjoy! This is a free activity available at Disney resorts where kids and adults can request a button, look for the hidden character, collect stickers, and turn it in at the end of their stay for a surprise.

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What I love about this is that it feels like one of those hidden Disney details that not everyone knows about. It is not something Disney lays out on a big official planning page, so many families only hear about it once they arrive.

Each resort has their own character to hunt for, that matches the theme of the resort!

What Is the Disney Resort “Find a Friend” Hidden Character Hunt?

The Disney Resort “Find a Friend” Hidden Character Hunt is a scavenger hunt-style activity offered at Disney Resort hotels. Guests can ask at the front desk for the current details, then head around the resort looking for the hidden character. Each child, and even adults, can request a button and join in on the fun.

Every resort at Walt Disney World offers this free scavenger hunt for families! So regardless of whether you’re staying at a Value Resort, Moderate Resort, or Deluxe Resort, this is a fun activity you could add to your trip!

What “Find a Friend” Characters are at Each Resort?

One of the fun parts of this activity, is that every resorts has its own character to find! There will be a sign at the front desk showing the image you need to look for. The characters generally match the theme of the resort as well too! Download our free reference printable to bring on your trip!

Here’s which character you’ll find at each resort:

• Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House: Pumbaa
• Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village: Timon
• Beach Club Resort: Flounder
• BoardWalk Inn Resort: Goofy
• Contemporary Resort: Edna Mode
• Fort Wilderness: Chip & Dale
• Grand Floridian: Penguin
• Old Key West: Orange Bird
• Polynesian Village Resort: Hei Hei
• Saratoga Springs Resort: Maximus
• Riviera Resort: Pascal
• Wilderness Lodge: Chip & Dale
• Yacht Club Resort: Max

Moderate Resorts

• Caribbean Beach Resort: Sebastian
• Coronado Springs Resort: Bruno
• Port Orleans – French Quarter: Louis
• Port Orleans – Riverside: Ray

Value Resorts

• Art of Animation: Nala
• Pop Century Resort: Goofy
• All-Star Sports: Goofy
• All-Star Music: Goofy
• All-Movies: Goofy

We love this as a fun add-on to our trip, during a resort day or in an evening before a dinner.

How the Disney Resort Scavenger Hunt Works

This is the kind of activity that is easy to fit into your trip. Start it near the beginning of your stay, since the character moves each day, and you will want multiple chances to look for it.

Once you get started, each member of your family can request a collectible button. As you find the hidden character, you collect stickers on that button during your stay. At the end, you turn it in for a surprise. Each resort has its own unique button, which makes it feel like a fun little souvenir, too.

Since the format can differ from one resort to another, it is best to treat the front desk as your starting point for the current version at your hotel.

Where Can You Find the Hidden Character?

Part of the fun is that the hidden character can pop up in places you might not expect. We have found characters in quick-service areas, near phone areas, and even close to the front desk. They are in main public spaces, which makes the hunt manageable for younger children, too.

That is one of the reasons this works so well for families. It gives kids something playful to do without feeling too hard or too structured. Instead of turning into a big mission, it feels more like a fun little game while you are already enjoying your resort.

Why Families Love This Free Disney Resort Activity

There are so many reasons this one is worth doing! First, it is FREE! That alone makes it a great option for a resort day, arrival day, or slower afternoon.

Also, it gets families exploring the resort together. A scavenger hunt is a really fun way to slow down and notice more of the resort itself, rather than just using it as a place to sleep.

The activity works for a wide range of ages. Younger kids can help look in common areas, older kids still enjoy the challenge, and adults can join in, too. This is something both children and adults can request and enjoy together.

A Fun Souvenir to Bring Home

Each resort has its own unique collectible button. That means even the button itself becomes part of the experience and a fun keepsake from your trip.

That also makes this extra appealing for families who visit Walt Disney World often or like trying different resorts.

Tips for Doing the Disney Resort Hidden Character Hunt

Start early in your trip. Since the character moves each day, beginning early gives you the best chance to fully enjoy it.

Ask at the front desk as soon as you check in to get the details.

Keep your eyes open in the main resort areas. The hidden character is often in places families already pass through, like quick-service spots, near the front desk, or in other common areas.

Let your kids take the lead. This is one of those simple Disney activities that becomes even more fun when kids get to do the searching and spotting themselves.

Is the Disney Resort Hidden Character Hunt Worth Doing?

Yes, especially if you are staying at a Disney Resort hotel and want an easy, low-key activity that feels special without adding cost. It does not take over your day, but it adds a little extra fun to your time at the resort.

It is especially nice on a non-park day, during a midday break, or on your arrival day when you want something fun to do without a big commitment. It’s a great way for parents and kids to get silly together while exploring the resort.

Quick FAQs About the Hidden Character Scavenger Hunt

Is the Disney Resort Hidden Character Hunt free?
Yes, it is free family activity available at some Disney resorts.

Where do you sign up for the Disney Resort scavenger hunt?
The information is given out at the resort’s front desk.

Does every Disney resort have a scavenger hunt?
Scavenger hunts can be found across Disney Resort hotels, but offerings vary by location and are subject to change.

Do adults get to participate too?
Yes. Each child and adult in the family can request a button.

Does the hidden character move?
Yes, the character moves each day!

Adding Disney Resort Fun into Your Day

The Disney Resort Hidden Character Hunt is one of those small Disney extras that can end up being such a memorable part of a trip. It is free, it gets everyone exploring together, and the stickers and collectible button make it even more fun. The hidden character moves each day, which gives families a reason to keep looking throughout their stay!

Fun activities like these are one of the many reasons why each Disney Resort trip can feel a little different each time you return to Walt Disney World!