It may only be October, but Disney is READY to celebrate the holiday season!
We’ve spotted holiday merchandise online, a holiday Starbucks mug, and holiday decorations. Now, Disney has shared more details about what to expect during the holiday season in one particular park.
We’ve already heard about Disney’s Very Merriest After Hours event, which will be taking place in Magic Kingdom, and some other holiday details.
But Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be getting in on the holiday festivities too! Earlier today, Disney announced that the Merry Menagerie will be returning to Animal Kingdom this holiday season.
If you’re not familiar with it, the Merry Menagerie is a form of holiday entertainment that takes place on Discovery Island. As part of the Merry Menagerie, various winter animals are transformed into life-size puppets.
Cast Members maneuver these puppets around to greet guests as musicians accompany them. The puppets include reindeer, foxes, polar bears, penguins, and more, and they are SERIOUSLY adorable.
We can’t wait to see these puppets back in action!
Just look at them!
As part of the holiday season, guests will also find characters like Goofy and Chip ‘n’ Dale dressed in festive costumes as they float through Discovery River. And be on the lookout for Santa in Animal Kingdom too as he voyages down the river.
At night, the Tree of Life awakenings will also return with some wintery tales complemented by a “holiday-inspired musical score.” Between those awakenings, the Tree of Life will sport its “Beacons of Magic” look that was created as part of the 50th Anniversary.
We’ll keep an eye out for more details about the holiday season celebrations coming to Disney World. Be sure to check back with us for more updates!
Click here to see more about how parades are coming back for the holidays in Disney World!
DON'T MISS A MOMENT
OF HOLIDAY MAGIC

Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World.
It includes all the must-have information for navigating the holiday season at Disney World, including:
- The COMPLETE schedule of events for the Holiday Season
- How to avoid the crowds on Disney World's busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!)
- ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM.
- And, of course, we'll tell you where to eat!
Save 20% on the Holidays at Disney World: DFB's Merriest Guide with code PEPPERMINT.
MORE Disney World Holiday INFO!
Learn About Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Get the Latest Information About the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Get All the Details About Disney Jollywood Nights
Everything You Need to Know About Disney World Holiday Dining and Events
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Have you ever seen the Merry Menagerie? Tell us in the comments!
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