Walt Disney World Holidays at Animal Kingdom
Note: The holidays will be celebrated at Walt Disney World from November 12 through December 30. At Animal Kingdom, the celebration will include seasonal Character Flotillas!
The holidays are a special time across Walt Disney World, and in 2019, Disney’s Animal Kingdom introduced a new, one-of-a-kind winter holiday celebration.
Each area of the Park features distinctive decor, and holiday-specific experiences and entertainment aim to delight. As in the other Parks, guests can enjoy holiday-inspired foods and merchandise, too.
Holidays in Discovery Island
Decor in Discovery Island
In Discovery Island, buildings feature brightly-lit swag garland and beautiful ‘paper’ lanterns.
The lanterns depict animals in pastel shades and are simple but lovely additions to the land.
Holiday Decor at Animal Kingdom
Entertainment in Discovery Island
Discovery Island also features visits from Cast Member-controlled arctic animal puppets called the Merry Menagerie.
These might not sound like much, but they are so charming and worth a visit.
After dark, the Tree of Life Awakening — Holiday Edition receives a holiday treatment with some scenes depicting Arctic animals and an accompanying holiday soundtrack. This show runs continually through Park close each night.
Holidays in Africa
Decor in Africa
Harambe received the most dynamic holiday decor overlay, with the backstory being that the villagers used found objects to create wreaths, garland, and even a colorful tree!
The creativity of the creations in Harambe’s decor is endless.
This wreath is crafted from a bike tire and colorful balls.
Across the entrance to Harambe, an atypical garland made of torn, reused fabrics was one of the more understated items.
And at night, the Village glows with lights just about everywhere!
Holidays in Asia
Decor in Asia
Asia features the least noticeable decor, with a small area dedicated to Diwali decorations.
These colorful flowers and lanterns were strung between Anandapur Theatre and the waterfront stage.
Holidays in DinoLand USA
Decor in DinoLand USA
Donald’s Dino-Bash is the name of the game in this quirky land, with decor that’s as colorful and energetic as the titular duck!
For sparkly pink throwback-style wreaths and garland, the Dino-Bash is the place to be for the holidays!
And found objects are used in this land, too, including this tree made out of old rakes!
Entertainment in DinoLand USA
Guests can party with Chip ‘n’ Dale at the Holiday Hoopla Dance Party and meet some of Donald’s closest pals!
Holidays in Pandora
Decor in Pandora
Even the Na’vi people and expats on Pandora are in the holiday spirit! Pongu Pongu is draped in kitschy garlands and bobbles.
Even the Pandora Utility Suit gets into the holiday spirit, with a Santa hat and beard and some colorful lights!
Character Flotillas
In 2021, Animal Kingdom guests will be able to enjoy four different Character Flotillas as they make their way down Discovery River.
- Santa Claus Festive Flotilla: Santa bops downriver to a “jolly, world-beat holiday soundtrack”.
- Donald’s Dino Bash Festive Flotilla: Donald Duck and his pals will wave to the crowd as they float down the river for their holiday celebration on the water.
- Chip & Dale’s Festive Flotilla: Everyone’s favorite ‘munks “jingle through the jungle” with “festive flair.”
- Discovery Island Drummers Festive Flotilla: Get in the seasonal spirit as percussionists entertain from their float on the river!
For more tips and information about Disney’s Animal Kingdom visit:
-
the AllEars Animal Kingdom main page
-
the AllEars Parents’ Guide to Animal Kingdom
