LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – The Merry Menagerie is Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s enchanting holiday offering that transforms Discovery Island into a winter wonderland filled with life-size animal puppets. Designed by Disney Live Entertainment, this magical experience features polar bears, reindeer, foxes, penguins, and more, all brought to life by skilled puppeteers. See why it’s a must-see during the holiday season, running now through Dec. 31.
Unlike traditional holiday displays, the Merry Menagerie invites guests to interact with these arctic creatures. Visitors can pet a polar bear, take selfies with reindeer, and watch playful penguins waddle and dance throughout the day. The puppeteers not only operate the animals but also engage with guests, creating a lively and immersive atmosphere.
Chris, the puppetry director at Disney World, explains that the idea behind the Merry Menagerie was to create a holiday experience unique to Animal Kingdom. “We imagined the residents of Discovery Island building their own holiday magic,” he says. The animals were chosen in partnership with the park’s animal care team to reflect the park’s spirit and the winter season.
Adding to the festive mood, musicians perform holiday tunes on instruments like violins and steel pans, complementing the puppet interactions. The Merry Menagerie is running now through Dec. 31, performing daily throughout the holiday season, making it a must-see for families and Disney fans alike.
For those visiting, the holiday fun extends beyond the puppets with seasonal food and drink offerings, including frozen hot cocoa topped with toasted marshmallows and holiday sprinkles, and dinosaur-themed sugar cookies. Guests can also meet Santa Claus at Restaurantosaurus in DinoLand U.S.A., where the setting is decked out in festive decorations.
At night, the holiday magic continues with the Tree of Life Awakenings, a mesmerizing light show that brings the iconic park centerpiece to life with colorful animations and stories of animal spirits.
The Merry Menagerie offers a unique blend of artistry, storytelling and holiday cheer, making it a standout attraction during the festive season at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.