Disney’s Animal Kingdom Welcomes The Return Of The Merry Menagerie
- Michele
- Nov 15
- 2 min read
The performances highlight artistry while celebrating the 2025 Holiday Season
Merry Menagerie has officially kicked off its return to Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the 2025 festive season, once again enchanting guests with its blend of arctic animal puppets and live musicians.
Debuting in 2019, this whimsical entertainment offering features skilled puppeteers guiding beautifully crafted artisan puppets as they roam Discovery Island between Island Mercantile and Riverside Depot. These performers interact playfully with guests, creating spontaneous and heartwarming moments throughout the day.
Although the Menagerie appears periodically between 9:45 a.m. and 5 p.m., exact set times are not predetermined. Generally, performances take place from 9:45 a.m. to 12:25 p.m. and resume from 1:25 p.m. to 5:10 p.m. With the holiday season running from November 14 through December 31, 2025, guests have plenty of opportunities to catch these delightful encounters.
The collection of creatures includes an array of Arctic-inspired animals including penguins, polar bears, reindeer, seals, birds, and an arctic fox. Each animal is designed in a signature palette of white with soft blue, purple, and gold accents. Most puppets are performed by a single puppeteer, while some of the larger animals require multiple performers working in harmony.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, live musicians dressed in coordinating wintry costumes stroll alongside the puppets, performing holiday music that enhances the seasonal charm.
Guests who want to bring home a bit of the magic can find plush penguin and polar bear hand puppets, along with other Merry Menagerie merchandise, at Island Mercantile. Discovery Island is also decorated with lanterns and sculpted figures inspired by the puppets, extending the artistry of the Menagerie throughout the area.
Which animal are you most excited to see in the Merry Menagerie?
Source & Pictures: WDW News Today