If you frequent Universal Orlando Resort, especially during the holiday season, guests are likely to wander upon some Earl the Squirrel merchandise and festive decor. However some guests, like myself during my first visit in a holiday season, had no idea who Earl the Squirrel was or the meaning behind him. Are you ready to discover the history of Earl the Squirrel and how he came to be such a large icon of the holiday season? Let’s go!
Inside the large decked out Christmas tree that towers the streets of the New York area, a little stuffed squirrel peeks out, but why? The story began long ago, over 15 years ago, when Santa came through to light the tree, but a section of the tree would not light up. The Technical Management team climbed into the tree to discover that a nest, where a squirrel had built its home, contained a strand of blue Christmas lights. Out shot the squirrel and the team recovered the strand.
The Entertainment Team ran with the story and then added the stuffed squirrel to the tree, which now continues the tradition each year. Now, each year the Entertainment Team places the squirrel in a different spot for guests to seek. As the years went on, the squirrel became such a big part of the parks, that the team expanded the character. A poem called “A Holiday Tail of Earl the Squirrel” was even created in honor of the mischievous furry friend.
In 2020, the very first Holiday Tribute Store was coming to life, and there was one particular holiday decorated room that needed a theme, when the visual merchandising director thought of presenting Earl the Squirrel as the theme. The room design then expanded to a tree farm theme and the Earl addition came to life!
Over the years, Earl the Squirrel has grown to be a main character of the holidays inside Universal Studios. Earl has been featured on merchandise such as cups, sweatshirts, and even stuffed animals. He is such a beloved character inside the park, he even has a brand new storybook retelling his story!
Have you ever found Earl inside the tree at Universal Studios? Did you know who Earl the Squirrel was? We had the pleasure of visiting Earl at our annual conference in 2022! If you are ready to experience all things holiday and Earl the Squirrel for your next holiday vacation, reach out to Marvelous Mouse Travels today!
