The holiday season has arrived, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom is roaring with festive fun and wild excitement around every corner. Before you step inside, a towering 55-foot Christmas tree, packed with animal-themed ornaments, greets guests at the entrance. That’s more than the height of three giraffes stacked one atop another!
But perhaps one of the park’s most enchanting holiday experiences awaits just beyond: the Merry Menagerie.
What is the Merry Menagerie?
Merry Menagerie is a magical daytime experience that brings Discovery Island to life with artisan-crafted animal puppets.
Carefully designed by Disney Live Entertainment, these life-size arctic creations – polar bears, reindeer, foxes, penguins, and more – are brought to life through skilled puppeteers who make them walk, blink and even soar above each guest.
“What makes Merry Menagerie special is how up close and personal it is. Guests aren’t just observers, they really can interact with these puppets,” said Chris Iannuzzi, Disney Live Entertainment Puppetry Director. “When someone reaches out to pet a polar bear, even though you can see the puppeteer right there, the puppet still feels so alive in that moment. Creating that believable interaction is a testament to not only the skill of our performers, but the power of puppetry.”
See These Animal Puppets in Merry Menagerie
Guests can interact with these wintry friends for unforgettable moments you can only find at Animal Kingdom:
- Take a selfie with a reindeer
- Give a polar bear a gentle chin scratch
- Greet a playful penguin waddling around
- Say hello to a friendly fox
- Watch a baby seal dance and play
- Wave to a pair of seagulls
Adding to the charming scene, skilled musicians like violinists and steel pan performers play festive tunes that sweep soundly alongside the puppet interactions.
When Does Merry Menagerie Happen?
Merry Menagerie appears select times during the day on Discovery Island now through December 31 – just one of the holiday delights waiting for you and your family at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
The Merry Menagerie animals may vary, as they drift in and out to say hello.
Find Merry Menagerie Merch at Animal Kingdom
To remember your one-of-a-kind Merry Menagerie experience, stop by the Island Mercantile in Discovery Island to uncover exclusive merchandise. This year’s collection includes a wintry blue spirit jersey, T–shirt, collectible pins, and beautiful ornaments – all featuring the flurry of fun and the puppets in the park, while supplies last.
Located just outside the shop, don’t miss artist Rob Kaz’s new piece, “Merry Moment,” a festive celebration starring Mickey Mouse and the Merry Menagerie animals in front of the Tree of Life.
“The puppeteers are truly so talented in making the moment between Guest and animal so special,” Rob described. “Wintry lighting and colors, sounds of the holidays… it’s just pure joy. That’s what I hoped to convey in Merry Moment.”
“With Mickey representing each of us feeling immersed and joyful amongst the Merry Menagerie family, I used color and light, especially around the Tree of Life, to make us immediately feel the cooler air that is so often experienced this time of year. I truly hope this painting lets people take home and remember the warmth they felt during the holidays at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.”
See if you can spot Rob’s signature frog, Beau, hidden in the artwork.
How Merry Menagerie Spotlights Conservation
As the Merry Menagerie adds magic to Disney’s Animal Kingdom this holiday season, Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) continues its long-standing mission to work with communities to safeguard animals in the wild – including some of our friends that live in some of the chilliest areas of the globe just like the animals featured as whimsical puppets. For 30 years, DCF has been a leader in protecting wildlife and their habitats around the world.
Through past/historic support of organizations like Polar Bears International, DCF has helped protect polar bears, their cubs, and their sea ice home. DCF also supported the National Geographic Society and the Global Penguin Society to advance penguin conservation across Argentina, Chile, and New Zealand.
Click here to discover ways to help wildlife at home and inspire action.
From towering trees to playful puppets, the holidays at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are full of wonder and wild beauty. Celebrate the season with magical moments, unique keepsakes, and even ways to help wildlife. Bring your holiday spirit and let the adventure begin.
For more information on all the holiday happenings across the resort, visit DisneyWorld.com/holidays.
