PHOTOS & VIDEO: Why You MUST Go to Animal Kingdom During the Holiday Season

The holiday season has officially started in Disney World, and there are LOTS of things to see, do, and eat!

We’ve already spotted Christmas trees up in the parks, holiday decorations galore, holiday merchandise, and holiday snacks. But today, a beloved holiday entertainment option finally returned to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

This is not a drill. The Merry Menagerie puppets are BACK!

The Merry Menagerie Puppets are out greeting guests today! ❄️?‍❄️ pic.twitter.com/mwtYztv8uB

— AllEars.Net (@AllEarsNet) November 12, 2021

If you’re not familiar with it, the Merry Menagerie is a holiday entertainment offering at Disney’s Animal Kingdom where Cast Members maneuver GORGEOUS holiday-themed puppets around and interact with guests.

We actually spotted some plushes themed to these puppets in the park recently.

It might sound silly, but something about these puppets is truly magical. As you interact with the puppets, you may just find yourself forgetting entirely that there is a Cast Member behind the interaction. The Cast Member truly seems to fade away as the puppet in front of you seemingly comes to life.

Before you know it, you might find yourself petting the puppets and talking to them directly as if they were true animals standing before you. Sit back and watch as fully grown adults and kids of all ages giggle and interact with these incredible puppets.

Just watching them be maneuvered around is also quite the sight.

You’ll find the Merry Menagerie in the Discovery Island area of the park at various times throughout the day. When we visited today, were were informed that the Merry Menagerie would be out and about at various times between 10AM to 1PM and between 2:30PM to 4:40PM. But, those times can vary.

There are a variety of different animals you can see when the Merry Menagerie is out…

…including some animals that are up in the sky.

The Merry Menagerie is also typically accompanied by some musicians playing a few holiday tunes, so be sure to look for them too. We didn’t spot the INCREDIBLY adorable penguins during our visit today but we hope those come back this year!

These adorable puppets are a big reason why you might want to stop by Animal Kingdom during the holiday season. They’re unique, adorable, and really fun to see.

If you do stop by and see them, be sure to tell us about your experience below. And stay tuned for more Disney holiday news!