Work began on repainting the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom earlier this month, meaning some pathways around the tree are now closed. Over 300 animals are carved into the tree, reflecting Earth’s varied biodiversity. Most of the work is set to take place after operating hours, so it’s unlikely guests will witness the … Read more
The 2022 holiday season has officially arrived at Walt Disney World and one of our favorite offerings has returned: Merry Menagerie! This puppet show happens periodically throughout the day on Discovery Island at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Two different sets of puppeteers alternate “shows.” They walk among guests, alongside musicians. Two puppeteers operate birds that fly … Read more
The holiday season is fast approaching, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom is already getting ready for the season as Merry Menagerie-themed decorations begin to appear. Riverside Depot Right now, the decorations mostly adorn the roofs of shops. They’re themed to the Merry Menagerie, the park’s holiday offering featuring artistic animal puppets. Lanterns of the animals featured … Read more
Disney’s Animal Kingdom opened to guests this afternoon following Hurricane Ian. While the park seems generally okay, we did notice that no character flotillas were traversing Discovery River. It turns out several trees were knocked into the river during the storm, preventing flotillas from sailing their usual course. Near Discovery Island, we saw these downed … Read more
Lightning Lane signage was removed from Adventurers Outpost in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, suggesting that the upcharge service may no longer be used at the character meet-and-greet. The sign used to be above the door on the left, matching the one for the Stand-By entrance. Though currently closed, the meet-and-greet spot is one of the few … Read more
Art from “Moana” is now on display on a wall in Discovery Island at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The wall is actually a large backstage door next to the Discovery Island stage, across from Flame Tree Barbecue. There is a sign about “A World … Read more
Kevin from “Up” is once again roaming Disney’s Animal Kingdom, after returning in January for a stationary “sighting.” We caught Kevin entering the park from next to the Discovery Island stage. She walks among guests, with Wilderness Explorer handlers. She made a loop over to the Caravan Theater. Cast Members indicated that Kevin does not … Read more
Last week, we reported how Kevin, the giant walk-around character, from Disney Pixar’s “Up” would be making her return to Disney’s Animal Kingdom today. Well, she has indeed returned today, but not like we hoped. We’re used to seeing Kevin roam around Discovery Island interacting with guests. But today, she has returned as a stationary, … Read more
Viva Gaia Street Band is performing once again at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Viva Gaia can be seen on the stage in Discovery Island, across from Flame Tree Barbecue. According to the Walt Disney World website, Viva Gaia will be performing every hour on the 45 minute mark, starting at 10:45 a.m. Their final performance each … Read more
With the latest Disney animated film, Encanto, about to hit theaters, a new mural inspired by the film is now on display at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The new piece of artwork can be found near a backstage entrance at Discovery Island, between Pizzafari and Creature Comforts, not far from the mural inspired by the puppets … Read more
The Merry Menagerie is one our favorite things about the holidays at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We have already reported that the puppets will be returning soon. We also found new Merry Menagerie pins. Now we found a set of three light up Merry Menagerie ornaments. Merry Menagerie Light Up Ornaments — $29.99 The set contains … Read more
It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Just days after the first decorations arrived at the park, even more décor is now in place to welcome the season. Let’s take a tour around the park to see how the park is looking! Parking Entrance Wreaths and garlands have been … Read more
The popular “Merry Menagerie” puppets will be returning to Disney’s Animal Kingdom this holiday season. Discovery Island will spring to life with a Merry Menagerie of winter animals, realized in the form of life-size, artisan-sculpted puppets. Reindeer, foxes, polar bears, penguins, and more will interact with guests, accompanied by serenading musicians as they create a whimsical display … Read more
The circle of Walt Disney World 50th anniversary banners is complete as the decorations have finally been installed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Several banners have been installed outside the park entrance, just before the security screening area. Some of the banners sport the “Ear-idescent” rainbow pattern that has comprised much of the artwork for “The … Read more
With Raya and the Last Dragon releasing soon, Walt Disney World guests can experience the fantastical world of Kumandra a little early! This weekend, guests can watch as a team of artists works on a 40-ton sand sculpture dedicated to the animated film at Discovery Island Stage. The artists began working on this display yesterday. … Read more
Disney is known for its quick-change acts, seamlessly moving from one holiday to the next. Despite it being Halloween Day, Christmas decorations are being installed throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom. These decorations join the Christmas decorations we spotted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and backstage at the Magic Kingdom. Let’s take a look at the holiday decorations … Read more