Step into a Holiday Dream at Animal Kingdom

This holiday season, Disney’s Animal Kingdom invites guests to a celebration like no other. Right at the entrance, a magnificent 55-foot Christmas tree adorned with animal-themed ornaments sets the stage for festive fun—taller than three giraffes stacked up!

But the real magic begins just beyond Discovery Island, where the Merry Menagerie brings winter wonder to life.

What is the Merry Menagerie?

Merry Menagerie is a daytime delight where handcrafted animal puppets enchant guests of all ages. Designed by Disney Live Entertainment, this interactive spectacle features lifelike arctic creatures—polar bears, foxes, reindeer, penguins, and more—brought to life by talented puppeteers.

These charming animals blink, stroll, and even soar, inviting guests into an experience that feels truly magical.

As Puppetry Director Chris Iannuzzi explains, “The beauty of Merry Menagerie is how real the puppets feel. You see the puppeteer, yet the connection still feels alive. That’s the magic of great storytelling through puppetry.”

Meet the Menagerie

Guests can enjoy delightful encounters with these frosty friends:

• Snap a selfie with a gentle reindeer

• Give a polar bear a scratch under the chin

• Say hi to a waddling penguin

• Greet a curious fox

• Watch a playful baby seal dance

• Wave to a pair of soaring seagulls

As music fills the air, live violin and steel pan performances create a festive soundtrack to these unforgettable interactions.

When to Catch the Magic

Merry Menagerie appears on Discovery Island at select times throughout the day, now through December 31. Each appearance offers a different mix of puppets, so no two visits are exactly alike!

Take Home the Memories

Guests can keep the spirit alive with exclusive Merry Menagerie merchandise available at Island Mercantile. This year’s winter-themed collection includes:

• A frosty blue spirit jersey

• Cozy T-shirts

• Collectible pins

• Charming ornaments featuring the puppets

And just outside, don’t miss the new artwork "Merry Moment" by Rob Kaz. The painting captures Mickey Mouse surrounded by the Merry Menagerie cast beneath the Tree of Life—bursting with color, warmth, and holiday cheer. Eagle-eyed visitors can even spot Kaz’s signature frog, Beau, hidden in the scene.

Magic with a Mission: Conservation in Action

Beyond the joy, Merry Menagerie also shines a spotlight on conservation. Through the Disney Conservation Fund, Disney supports global efforts to protect animals like the ones featured in the puppets—from polar bears to penguins.

For three decades, the fund has backed organizations such as Polar Bears International and the Global Penguin Society to safeguard wildlife and their habitats in cold climates worldwide.

Celebrate the Season, Disney-Style

From soaring seagulls to snowy foxes, the Merry Menagerie offers a whimsical world of wintery magic at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It’s a heartwarming way to celebrate the season—with unforgettable memories, festive keepsakes, and a deeper connection to the natural world.

Let the adventure begin!