The Amazing Race Around World Showcase

A few weeks ago I shared one my family’s favorite Walt Disney World vacation traditions — “The Amazing Race Around Disney World”. If you happened to miss the other article, I’ll catch you up. My family loves competition, Disney World, and reality TV; specifically the popular series “The Amazing Race“.

Each year during our summer Disney World vacation, we create our own version of the “Amazing Race” where we compete in challenges while racing around Walt Disney World. In the last article, I included a complete version of a race that my family had used in the past and mentioned that I was working on another one. We received an overwhelming response to the post and many requests that I share my newest race. So for all of you fellow Disney World and “Amazing Race” fans, please read on for my latest and greatest “Amazing Race Around World Showcase”!

If you need more information about how to setup your own “Amazing Race Around World Showcase”, be sure to check out my previous article where I go into detail about choosing teams, team attire, rules, and prizes. Now that we have the basics out of the way, let’s dive right in to this year’s race. Please feel free to copy, share, and use this race on your next Disney World vacation. I hope you have as much fun as we did!

“The Amazing Race Around World Showcase”

The Mission

To be the team with the most points at the end of the race.

The Basics

• All teams will travel together to Epcot.
• Once inside the park, each team will have 150 minutes to complete as many challenges as possible and return to Sunshine Seasons.
• All teams must complete the “Buy It” challenge as it will be used for a tie breaker.
• Teams must complete an entire challenge in order to earn points for it. There will be no partial credit.
• All challenges must be completed and documented as noted (with photo, object, etc.).
• Challenges may be completed simultaneously, but team mates cannot split up.
• You may ask Cast Members and other guests for help, but they cannot complete your challenges for you.
• No running.
• Read each challenge carefully and follow the directions exactly to earn your points.
• Teams will receive a 1 point deduction from their score for every minute they are late to Sunshine Seasons.
• Teams will tally scores and a winner will be announced while enjoying a snack at Sunshine Seasons!

Prizes

The first place team will receive a $50 Disney Gift Card.
The second place team will receive a $25 Disney Gift Card.
The third place team will receive a $15 Disney Gift Card.

IMPORTANT CHALLENGE INSTRUCTIONS

There are 11 country pavilions in World Showcase. Some challenges will require you to visit more than one country to complete the task. Here’s where it gets tricky, you may only use each country in ONE challenge for the entire race. For example, if you choose to complete the “Find It” challenge in Mexico you cannot ride Gran Fiesta Tour in Mexico in order to complete the “Ride It” challenge. Another example would be, if you choose to complete the “Stamp It” challenge in Canada, United Kingdom, and France, those countries cannot be used for any other challenges. That means no tasty French pastries for the “Eat It” challenge. Your team will need to think carefully and plan your route strategically in order to complete as many challenges as possible in the 150 minutes. It is not possible to complete all of the challenges.

Eat It – 20 Points

For this challenge, teams must eat something in three countries. The food items must be representative of the country. For example, a French pastry from France will work, but Chip and Dale pretzels will not. The item may be of any size and may be eaten by one or both racers. Document this by taking a photo of the racer eating the item near something that represents the country.

Watch It – 15 Points

For this challenge, each team must watch one entire World Showcase show (Reflections of China, American Adventure, Impressions de France, or O Canada). Document this by taking a photo (no flash, please) of one racer in the theatre.

Stamp It – 15 Points

For this challenge, each team must have their “Amazing Race Around World Showcase” booklet stamped at the Kidcot Stop in three countries. Document this by bringing your stamped booklet to Sunshine Seasons.

Spy It – 20 Points

For this challenge, teams must complete one Phineas and Ferb: Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure. You can pick up a handheld device and sign up for a mission at the Odyssey Bridge, Italy Pavilion, or near the International Gateway. Missions can be completed in Mexico, China, Germany, Japan, France, or United Kingdom. Document this by taking a photo of one racer with the handheld device.

Ride It – 10 Points

For this challenge, each team must ride Gran Fiesta Tour in Mexico. Document this by taking a photo (no flash, please) of one racer in the boat.

Find It – 15 Points

For this challenge, teams must find three hidden Mickeys in one country. These must be truly “hidden” Mickeys in order to count. No obvious Mickeys allowed. Here’s the definition of an official Hidden Mickey: a partial or complete impression of Mickey Mouse placed by the Imagineers and artists to blend into the designs of Disney attractions, hotels, restaurants, and other areas. Document this by taking a photo of each Mickey.

Drink It – 5 Points

For this challenge, teams must drink something in one country. The beverage must be representative of that country. For example, a Ramune soda in Japan counts, but a bottle of water does not. The drink can be of any size and may be consumed by one or both racers. Document this by taking a photo of the racer drinking the beverage near something that represents the country.

Color It – 15 Points

For this challenge, teams must completely color one Duffy from a Kidcot Stop and then take a photo of one racer with the completed Duffy in three countries. Document this by bringing the colored Duffy and photos to Sunshine Seasons.

Press It – 10 Points

For this challenge, teams must make a pressed penny in three countries. Pressed coins made at the African Outpost, International Gateway or Trader Shops will not count. They must be made in a country. Document this by bringing the coins to Sunshine Seasons.

Buy It – Tie Breaker

ALL TEAMS MUST COMPLETE THIS CHALLENGE

For this challenge, teams must buy two souvenirs with a total cost including tax less than or equal to $19.82. The team closest to $19.82 without going over will win the tie breaker. (Amount is based on the year Epcot opened – 1982.)

Follow these important guidelines to get credit:

• This is a separate Tie Breaker Challenge so you may shop in any country even if you have used that country to complete another challenge.
• Each team must purchase a total of two items.
• These items must be purchased somewhere in World Showcase.
• Each item must be purchased at a different store, but not necessarily a different country.
• You may not purchase a gift card (or similar item) to get to exactly $19.82.
• Items must be purchased during the race.
• You may use a calculator.
• No prescouting of souvenirs allowed.
• Document this challenge by bringing your items and both receipts to Sunshine Seasons.

Our Experience with “The Amazing Race Around World Showcase”

This year’s “Amazing Race” was a big success! We ran it on June 8 when the weather was hot and humid, but we arrived at World Showcase promptly at 11:00am when it opened so crowds were not a factor. Keeping it to a much shorter two and a half hour time frame seemed to work very well for my family that ranges in age from nine to 67 years old. In the past, we’ve done races that have covered multiple parks, and most everyone was exhausted by the end. This race wasn’t as physically demanding, but required a lot more strategy which was a perfect fit for my group. I’m happy to report Team Pluto 2015 squeaked out another win, but it was a close one. It came down to the tie breaker, and we only beat Team Mickey by 2 cents! If you get the chance to add a little of this kind of Disney magic to your vacation, I highly recommend it. Our races are some of our most cherished Disney memories!

Have you ever done a challenge at Disney World?
Please leave a comment, we would love to hear about it!