After its absence last year due to COVID-19, the Merry Menagerie performers have finally returned to Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the holiday season! This delightful experience features multiple life-size, artisan sculpted puppets brought to life by their performers as they create a playful atmosphere of festive fun.

First Set

The show opens with the birds on sticks, followed by a friendly gathering of winter animals such as polar bears and foxes portrayed by life-size handmade puppets.

Guests are free to both interact with the puppets and pet them as though they are real animals. Performers will also choose Guests out of the crowd to direct their animal puppets towards.

Polar bears and foxes headline the first round’s puppets, and the performers are excellent at bringing their animals to life.

A violinist underlines this set of puppets as well to set the tone for their interactions.

Second Set

Reindeer, penguins, and seals are the key players in the second set of the Merry Menagerie. These sets aren’t consecutive so you may have to come back at a later time to see them.

Two reindeer make up the full-body puppets in the second set.

Guests can also meet a fluffy and absolutely darling little seal, handheld by its performer.

The fluffy penguins are also absolutely amazing in detail and craftmanship. There are two of the baby penguins, one on its own and two together.

A full-body mama penguin roams around as well looking for her babies.

And when she finds them, its an adorable and heartwarming scene sure to make you go “awww”!

The second set of puppets is underscored by a steel drum player as well.

And of course, you can watch our full video of this year’s performances below courtesy of our YouTube channel.

Are you excited to see the Merry Menagerie return to Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments below!

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Katie Francis