When I tell my non-Disney Nerd friends I’m headed back to Walt Disney World, I get the same reaction and puzzled look, again? My answer is always the same, “Yep, again!” I’ve given up trying to convince most of them. It does bother me to know the only experience some of them will have is a single hot summer day in the Magic Kingdom with huge crowds, no Fast Passes, no dining reservations, and no pre-planning. Ouch! That’s not Disney World at all! Everyone reading this knows exactly what I mean!
So why go back? No matter how many times you visit, you’ll discover something new. Case in point, after dozens of trips into Epcot’s Canadian pavilion, I discovered something I hadn’t noticed before… At the top of the steps next to the totem pole on the left, you’ll find the Northwest Mercantile, a sleepy little gift shop that’s a little out of the way (a little being at the top of the steps). Inside that small shop, you’ll find a hidden adventure that isn’t publicized. You won’t find it on any park map, and you’ll have problems finding references to it on the internet. In fact, you’ll need to ask a cast member or find one of the clues to complete the adventure and become an Honorary Canadian Forest Ranger!
You may have noticed some of the clues last time you visited, but just didn’t ask the next question. There is a series of 6 hidden stuffed animals with small Canadian references hidden throughout the store. The best part, is they are NEVER in the same place… they are moved by guests and by cast members throughout the day. Can you find all of the animals and name them? The only thing that will give them away is the name tag they are wearing. Look up, look down, look behind things… they are in the store someplace, sometimes in plain sight.
I’ll give you my favorite, but you’ll need to find the others…
Justin Beaver. You’ll need to find them all. Who could the others be? Make that part of your next adventure in Epcot, and maybe a reason to check out a part of the Canadian pavilion that you may not have explored otherwise! Way to go Canada, ah!
Look out, Lumber Jacks have invaded Epcot’s Canada Pavilion, The Flower and Garden Festival is a Great Time to visit Epcot with Holidays around the world an outstanding recent addition.
