During the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort, guests can help Earl the Squirrel solve a puzzle by finding unique nutcrackers throughout the parks and CityWalk with the Earl’z March of the Nutcrackers scavenger hunt.
Earl’z March of the Nutcrackers Details
Guests can purchase a scavenger hunt map and ornament for $14 at any of the following locations:
Universal Studios Florida
- Universal Studios Store
- Tribute Store Plaza (to the left of Mel’s Drive-In)
- MIB Gear Shop
- San Francisco Candy Factory
- Holiday Tribute Store • Five and Dime (at the exit of the Horror Make-up Show and The Bourne Stuntacular)
- Sahara Traders
Universal Islands of Adventure
- Islands of Adventure Trading Company
- Island Market and Export Candy Shoppe
- Comic Book Shop
- DinoStore
- Treasures of Poseidon
- Wossamotta U
- All The Books You Can Read
Universal CityWalk
These are also the locations of the nutcrackers. The maps are available at the registers.
With the map, guests receive an Earl’z March of the Nutcrackers ornament — basically their prize for the hunt. The front features Earl dressed as a nutcracker in front of a green background with snowflakes. The name of the scavenger hunt is at the bottom. The other side is red with snowflakes and “Universal Studios” in white.
The front of the map resembles a storybook with gold foil designs. Earl has stuck a picture of his own face over the face of the nutcracker on the cover and added his name above the title.
Inside, Earl the Nutcracker images mark the locations of the different figures. Each nutcracker is numbered, and a key of the store names is at the bottom of the map.
The nutcrackers have come to town, and Earl has hidden a puzzle among them. Use the map to locate each one and find their festive holiday couplet.
Use the first letter in each rhyme to solve Earl’s puzzle.
The rhymes appear on signs near the nutcracker figures in each store. The puzzle with numbers for each letter is in the lower right corner. The secret phrase ends with “Earl!”
On the back is an ad for Earl the Squirrel’s book.
We found all the nutcrackers and solved the puzzle. If you don’t want spoilers, read no further!
Universal Islands of Adventure Nutcrackers
All the Books You Can Read
We purchased our map at All the Books You Can Read and then found our first nutcracker.
There are cardboard cutouts of Earl holding a sign, which is what’s used to solve the puzzle.
The first rhyme reads, “Come one, come all, it’s time to hear, tales for this festive time of year!” The first letter, “C,” is what we’ll put down on our map. This location is number 13, so we’ll put “C” in the 13 space.
Each store’s nutcracker is themed to match the location. Since this one is in Seuss Landing, it has a Who-like nose. It wears a purple and pink uniform with white furry trim and gold elements.
A pink feather sticks out of the nutcracker’s lilac-colored soldier hat.
Treasures of Poseidon
Next we visited Treasures of Poseidon in The Lost Continent. This location is number 3 on the map.
The nutcracker stands on a golden base covered in treasure and holds a trident. He wears aqua and silver-colored clothing with gold accents and red gems.
In his fishing net is a bronze medallion featuring the Poseidon’s Fury trident symbol.
Earl’s rhyme here is, “Rising from beneath the sea, are glittering gifts for you and me!”
DinoStore
The DinoStore in Jurassic Park actually has two nutcrackers, although only one rhyme by Earl.
The first nutcracker is inspired by the Dilophosaurus. It’s painted green with the dinosaur’s signature wing-like crests sticking out of the back of its head.
It wears a red hat and caution tape across its chest.
Claws were added to the nutcracker’s feet. The base is decorated with darts and a skull.
The second nutcracker is dressed in black and brown, ready to hunt down the dinos. Instead of a tall soldier’s hat, he has a cap with a faux furry brim.
An image of a Dilophosaurus is on the top of the cap. His nametag identifies him as Timber Declan, a dinosaur handler with “Carniverous Industries.”
He holds a dart gun — that must be where the darts by the dino nutcracker came from. A hatched golden egg, binoculars, and skull are on his green base.
Earl’s rhyme states, “Marching with a rumbling sound, the nutcrackers are all around!”
Wossamotta U
The Toon Lagoon nutcracker is in a sunny corner of Wossamotta U.
Earl’s sign reads, “In every place you look around, there is magic to be found!”
The nutcracker is dressed in all pink, with a sparkly white base. A shiny snowflake is on its cap and the end of its beard. It has silver pauldrons and decorations.
Comic Book Shop
The Comic Book Shop on Super Hero Island has its nutcracker stating atop a merchandise display. The Earl cardboard cutout is on the ground next to it.
Heroes come from far and near, to celebrate with holiday cheer!
The nutcracker is painted with shadowing details like a comic book character. He has sparkles in his eyes and a comic strip on the back of his hat.
Island Market and Export Candy Shoppe
Once again, there are two nutcrackers in this shop but only one Earl.
His rhyme is, “Sweets, treats, & baked goods galore, who would want anything more?”
Both nutcrackers are covered in sweets and treats. The first one has a red gummy bear on his hat. Candies are on his chest instead of medals and crushed peppermints are on the toes of his boots. He carries a candy cane staff.
The second nutcracker has a similar design, just with slightly different colors. His gummy bear is green.
Islands of Adventure Trading Company
A trio of nutcrackers are in the park’s main gift shop. They wear different outfits and are different heights.
The tallest wears a green jacket and brown top hat. He holds a staff with a globe on top and stands on a map-inspired base.
The second adventurous nutcracker is a pirate, with a skull on the front of its hat and an eyepatch over one eye. At his feet is a treasure chest with colorful gems.
Lastly is a pilot wearing goggles and with a propellor at his side. The box he stands on is labeled “North Pole Air.”
Earl’s rhyme is, “Navigate your way to see, a world of holiday fantasy!”
CityWalk Nutcrackers
There are two nutcrackers in CityWalk, one at Toothsome and one at the Universal Studios Store.
Toothsome Chocolate Emporium
In Toothsome, you’ll find the steampunk nutcracker in the gift shop, standing on a gear-covered base.
He wears a black top hat with bronze and gold elements. A bronze monocle is on his left eye. His right hand wears a medieval-style gauntlet while his left hand has a cuff with a built-in compass.
Gather round, it’s time to eat, a wonderous array of sweet treats!
Universal Studios Store
There are two nutcrackers in the Universal Studios Store. They’re atop merchandise displays opposite each other in the same room as the cashiers.
One wears a red plaid hat and vest. He carries an ax, ready to chop down some trees.
The other has a fluffy white beard, green hat, and green jacket. He carries a small tree in a sack on his back.
Trees are decorated and ready to go, all we need is a layer of snow!
Universal Studios Florida Nutcrackers
Universal Studios Store
The Universal Studios Store in Universal Studios Florida has three black-and-white nutcrackers. The two smaller ones are identical. All three stand on film reel canister-inspired bases.
The smaller nutcrackers wear film reel sashes. They have snowflakes with bells painted on their hats.
The taller nutcracker’s staff features the Universal Studios Florida globe logo on the end.
The earl sign is behind the nutcracker display. It reads, “Magic of the movies lasts all through the year, but holiday magic brings special cheer!”
Five & Dime
The two nutcrackers in Five & Dime are inspired by Frankenstein’s Monster and the Creature from the Black Lagoon, matching the surrounding Universal Monsters merchandise.
The Frankenstein’s monster nutcracker wears all black. Instead of a tall hat, he just has a tall head with a star emblem.
The Creature is all green with gills on its face and fins on its cap. It stands on a swampy base.
Although these monsters may seem scary, they still celebrate and try to be merry!
Summer Tribute Store
The Summer Tribute Store remains open in the park’s Hollywood section. It has two nutcrackers inspired by the dragons of Dueling Dragons: Blizzrock (blue) and Pyrock (red). They’re next to the wizard figure in the Mega Castle Arcade room.
Both dragon nutcrackers wear scale-patterned tunics and hats. Their sashes feature dragon symbols.
Their scales and green eyes glow under the room’s backlights.
These dragons are born from fire & ice, but which one is naughty & which one is nice?
Holiday Tribute Store
The Holiday Tribute Store has a pair of nutcrackers inspired by “The Nutcracker” ballet. One is a more traditional nutcracker and the other is the Mouse King. They stand on a drum-like bases.
The Rat King has whiskers, round ears, and gray fur. He wears a velvet red cape around his shoulders and a crown on his head. In his right hand is a wooden sword.
The Nutcracker wears a green tunic with red gems. He has a gold and red crown.
Everyone knows this classic story, of a toy and a dance done in wondrous glory!
Sahara Traders
At the exit of Revenge of the Mummy are two themed nutcrackers. The one on the right wears red and gold with a black hat featuring Anubis.
Gold stripes on his hat draw inspiration from pharaoh headdresses. Gold hieroglyphs are painted on his sleeves. A scarab hangs from a large yellow gem on his belt.
The other nutcracker appears to have been mummified — except for the top of his head. Red eyes show out from the dirty bandages and his black hat is wrapped in a gold snake decoration.
Imported from a land far away, these treasures and gifts can fill a whole sleigh!
San Francisco Candy Factory
In San Francisco Candy Factory is a nutcracker wearing a light blue uniform with candy cane-striped accessories.
Peppermints trim his hat and run down his tunic. A pair of candy canes stick out of the hat. Crushed candies are around his shoes.
Any candy is possible in this delicious shop, candy canes, peppermint, and even gumdrops!
MIB Gear Shop
Lastly, there are two nutcrackers in the Men in Black: Alien Attack retail location, MIB Gear Shop. One looks like an agent and the other is an alien.
Earl’s rhyme reads, “Over the moon & beyond the skies, are holiday wonders to dazzle your eyes!”
The first nutcracker is dressed in a black suit with a tie. He wears a tall black hat with a star decoration and has black sunglasses over his eyes.
In his right hand is a gun resembling those used on the ride. His silver base features green and red eyes.
The alien nutcracker is all blue with extra arms sticking out of its back and tentacles for feet. The crown resembles the candy crown of the San Francisco nutcracker but it’s all silver with blue gems. He also has an extra eye.
Guests can celebrate the Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort with “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular,” the Grinch meet and greet, Universal’s Holiday Parade Featuring Macy’s, an Earl the Squirrel meet and greet, and more.
For more Universal Studios news from around the world, follow Universal Parks News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news, visit WDWNT.