Merry Menagerie Brings Holiday Magic to Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is filled with festive energy this season! Guests can experience everything from a 55-foot Christmas tree covered in animal-themed ornaments to holiday decor that transforms the park.
Once on Discovery Island, guests can step into the world of Merry Menagerie, a unique experience filled with life-size, artisan-crafted animal puppets that bring the season to life in a whole new way!
Arctic Fun
Disney
Designed by Disney Live Entertainment, these arctic friends come out during the day and include polar bears, penguins, reindeer, foxes, seals, and soaring seabirds.
Disney
Skilled puppeteers give each creature lifelike movements, creating moments where guests feel connected to the animals. “Guests aren’t observers; they really can interact with these puppets,” said Chris Iannuzzi, Disney Live Entertainment Puppetry Director.
“Even though you can see the puppeteer right there, the puppet still feels so alive in that moment.”
Disney
You can interact with a penguin, scratch a polar bear under the chin, wave to dancing seagulls, or snap a photo with a reindeer. The ambiance is perfect, with musicians playing festive violin and steelpan melodies throughout the island.
Merry Menagerie appears at select times through December 31, with animals rotating throughout the day.
Merry Menagerie Merchandise and More
Disney
This exceptional daytime experience also includes special merchandise available at Island Mercantile- MickeyBlog shared some of the amazing finds earlier this month!
The new offerings include a winter-blue spirit jersey, festive T-shirt, collectible pins, and puppet-themed ornaments.
Disney
Guests can also observe artist Rob Kaz as he debuts his new piece “Merry Moment,” featuring Mickey with the Merry Menagerie animals beside the Tree of Life.
“Wintry lighting and colors, sounds of the holidays… it’s pure joy,” Rob shared. He used cool tones and bright highlights to capture the season’s mood and hopes guests spot his signature frog, Beau, hidden in the art.
Disney Conservation Fund
Disney
The experience also supports a deeper story of insignificant meaning. Disney Conservation Fund has spent 30 years working with partners to protect wildlife and their habitats, like the ones you see at the Merry Menagerie.
Through past support from Polar Bears International, the National Geographic Society, and the Global Penguin Society, DCF works to safeguard species across regions such as Argentina, Chile, and New Zealand.
Celebrate the Season
Disney
Merry Menagerie brings together festive storytelling, art, music, and conservation in a special way. Celebrate the season with these interactive moments, unique keepsakes, and a look at the wildlife efforts behind the magic.
Stay tuned and follow along with us at MickeyBlog to stay updated on this and all things in Disney.
Photo: MickeyBlog
Thanks for visiting MickeyBlog.com! Want to go to Disney? For a FREE quote on your next Disney vacation, please fill out the form below, and one of the agents from MickeyTravels, a Diamond Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, will be in touch soon!
Article Source/ Feature Photo: Disney
