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Families Caught Off Guard by Disney’s Surprise EPCOT Price Hike

A day at EPCOT has become a staple for families wanting a break from the traditional castle-and-fireworks experience at Magic Kingdom.

With its mix of futuristic attractions, cultural showcases, and fan-favorite festivals, EPCOT offers something for every member of the family—even the little ones.

Spaceship Earth as seen from the EPCOT World Showcase at night.
Credit: Jess Colopy, Disney Dining

That’s why many families are surprised, and a bit frustrated, by the latest move from Disney: a price increase on one of EPCOT’s most kid-friendly offerings. Starting with the 2025 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, the cost of the Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt is going up to $11.99, a $2 jump from the $9.99 it’s been since 2021.

While it may not sound like much, families with multiple children are definitely noticing.

What Is the Hide & Squeak Hunt?

For those unfamiliar, Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak is a themed scavenger hunt that takes place during the International Food & Wine Festival. Kids (and adults!) buy a map with stickers and then search around World Showcase to spot hidden Remy statues. It’s a fun, interactive way to keep younger guests entertained while parents explore the festival booths.

Goofy dances with young kids at EPCOT
Credit: Disney

And even if you don’t finish the hunt, you still get a prize just for participating.

The $11.99 price now applies to each map, meaning a family of four could end up paying nearly $50 before tax just to take part in this optional experience. While some see it as a worthwhile souvenir, others are starting to ask if every fun extra at Disney now comes with a growing cost.

EPCOT: More Family-Friendly, But at a Price

EPCOT has been slowly evolving into a more family-oriented park. With rides like Frozen Ever After, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and Journey of Water Inspired by Moana, it’s not just about cultural exhibits and thrill rides anymore. The scavenger hunts were a key part of that shift—affordable, easy fun that let kids feel like they had their own special mission.

But as with many elements of a Disney vacation, prices are inching upward.

The new scavenger hunt price follows a trend across the parks, where even small, optional extras are seeing cost increases. And for families budgeting their vacation, the little things start to add up.

A large topiary sculpture of a woman, lush and green, set in a vibrant garden with trees, colorful flowers, and a view of a large geodesic sphere in the background under a sunny sky.
Credit: Disney

Is the Experience Still Worth It?

That depends on who you ask. Some parents are happy to pay for something that keeps their kids engaged while they enjoy the Food & Wine booths. Others say the price increase feels unnecessary—especially when the prize remains relatively modest.

One parent summed it up by saying, “We love the scavenger hunts, but we’re thinking about skipping it this year. It’s just one more price hike we weren’t expecting.”

It’s a reminder that while Disney magic still exists, it’s coming at a higher cost—sometimes in ways guests don’t see coming until they’re already in the park.

Andrew Boardwine

A frequent visitor of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Andrew will likely be found freefalling on Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or enjoying Pirates of the Caribbean. Over at Universal, he'll be taking in the thrills of the Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Revenge of the Mummy

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