Today guests can look forward to seeing a very special holiday guest at Universal Orlando. The popular Christmas mascot of Universal Orlando, Earl the Squirrel will be strolling around Universal Studios Florida. Earl will be dressed in a special “I Love Acorns” holiday sweater.

What many don’t know is that Earl the Squirrel is based on an actual furry friend that had been “nestled in the theme park’s Christmas tree.”  According to the Universal he liked blue Christmas Lights and would take the strands back to his nest.

Earl’s origin began more than a decade ago, when Universal Orlando’s Entertainment team discovered a squirrel nestled in the branches of its iconic Christmas tree. Surprisingly, the squirrel had an affinity for blue Christmas lights, often stealing strands and bringing them back to his nest. Over the years, Universal has paid homage to this remarkable incident by placing a lifelike squirrel in the Christmas tree for guests to discover and creating merchandise inspired by its fuzzy friend.”

I adore squirrels so the story just makes it that much more.

If you want to see Earl, he will be a walkaround character during the holidays and will do meet and greets on select days. His appearances will run from today, December 11  through Jan 2 at Universal Studios Florida.

Of course there will be merchandise as well in the Holiday Tribute Store. You can find them in Earl’s Christmas Curios Museum and Emporium section.

It just amazes me that a tiny squirrel with a love of blue Christmas lights has led to such a beloved icon for the park. Just like another park owes it all to their furry little mouse.

What do you think? Comment and let us know!

Source: Universal Orlando