Disney’s Animal Kingdom is rolling into the holiday season at Walt Disney World with returning entertainment and a strong slate of new Merry Menagerie merchandise. The park’s Discovery Island experience features handcrafted arctic animal puppets, live musicians, and winter décor, but this year’s retail lineup adds an expanded way for guests to bring the magic home after their vacation.
Merry Menagerie appears on Discovery Island at select times now through December 31. The daytime experience fills the area with life-size polar bears, reindeer, foxes, penguins, seals, and seagulls, each operated by skilled puppeteers. Guests can walk beside the puppets, take photos, and enjoy short interactions – it’s truly the cutest thing! Disney Live Entertainment leaders note that the up-close approach helps the puppets feel alive, even with the performers in full view.
Guests can engage with these wintery friends for unforgettable moments that are only available 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
New merchandise tied to the experience is available for sale at Island Mercantile. The collection centers on a cool blue color palette and features a spirit jersey, T-shirt, plush, collectible pins, and ornaments. The designs highlight the wintery characters, giving guests a way to mark their visit with items that match the style and tone of the puppets.
Island Mercantile also displays a new art piece by Rob Kaz titled “Merry Moment.” The painting features Mickey Mouse with the Merry Menagerie animals in front of the Tree of Life. Kaz uses light and color to capture a sense of winter air and the joy of the experience. Fans can look for his hidden signature frog, Beau, tucked into the artwork.
Merry Menagerie also reinforces the park’s conservation message. Disney Conservation Fund support has aided protection efforts for polar bears, penguins, and other animals represented in the puppets. This holiday offering gives guests the opportunity to celebrate the season while learning about wildlife.
The holidays at Disney’s Animal Kingdom combine décor, entertainment, and merchandise to create a unique seasonal atmosphere across the park. Have you had the chance to see these adorable puppets yet?
