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Merry Menagerie Brightens Discovery Island for the 2025 Holiday Season
The holidays have arrived at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and with them, the joyful return of the Merry Menagerie! First introduced in 2019, this unique and heartwarming entertainment offering has quickly become a fan-favorite tradition, transforming Discovery Island into an arctic wonderland.
For the 2025 holiday season, guests can once again delight in the whimsical, freestyle performance featuring a colorful cast of artisan-crafted arctic animal puppets and live musicians.
Related-Disney’s Animal Kingdom Confirms Return of Merry Menagerie and More Holiday Offerings for 2025
An Interactive Arctic Encounter
The heart of the experience is the interaction between the puppets and park guests. Expert puppeteers guide these beautifully sculpted creatures—including an arctic fox, reindeer, penguins, polar bears, birds, and seals—as they wander Discovery Island, typically between Island Mercantile and Riverside Depot.
These gorgeous puppets feature a base color of white, accented with striking highlights of light blue, purple, and gold, giving them a festive, storybook appearance. While most creatures are brought to life by a single puppeteer, the larger animal figures require the cooperation of multiple performers.
Adding to the enchanting atmosphere are live musicians who roam alongside the menagerie. Dressed in white outfits that perfectly complement the puppets, they perform holiday music, creating a continuous, magical soundtrack for the freestyle “show.”
Related-Merry Menagerie Merchandise Magic! A Festive Find at Animal Kingdom!
A Whimsical Schedule
The Merry Menagerie is not a sit-down show with a strict curtain time; it’s an immersive, spontaneous experience. The performers interact with guests periodically throughout the day.
While there is no fixed time for each puppet’s appearance, the general operational hours for the menagerie are as follows:
- Morning/Noon: 9:45 a.m. to 12:25 p.m.
- Afternoon: 1:25 p.m. to 5:10 p.m.
Guests are encouraged to check the My Disney Experience app on the day of their visit for the most up-to-date schedule, but remember that the magic is in catching them as they roam!
Matching Merchandise and Decor
The festive spirit of the Merry Menagerie extends beyond the performers. Discovery Island is adorned with complementary holiday decor, featuring lanterns and stylized figures that perfectly match the aesthetic of the puppets.
And for those who want to take a piece of the magic home, a dedicated line of Merry Menagerie merchandise is available at Island Mercantile. Guests can often find plush versions of the beloved animals, such as the penguin and polar bear puppets, as well as themed apparel and ornaments.
This spectacular celebration of art, nature, and the holiday season is a true gem of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Make sure to set aside time to slow down, wander Discovery Island, and experience the pure joy of the Merry Menagerie this holiday season!
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