Animal Kingdom is the theme park at Walt Disney World that’s most neglected at Christmas. This information to the vacation season at DAK covers decorations, overlays and leisure–with one thing in each land–together with what’s new for November and December 2024. Right here’s our opinions of every particular providing, pictures, data & suggestions for benefiting from your go to to Animal Kingdom this Christmas.
Christmas 2024 is just the fifth or sixth 12 months (relying upon the way you depend) that Animal Kingdom is providing marquee vacation leisure and decorations all through your complete park, so it’s straightforward to see why Walt Disney World diehards would overlook this vacation hidden gem. There was a few decade when Animal Kingdom wasn’t even open after darkish in the course of the vacation season!
With that mentioned, it’s hardly the start of vacation choices at Animal Kingdom. Who amongst us doesn’t nonetheless sing the tune from the enduring Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade?! Mickey to Rafiki. Are available in, Rafiki! (No person? Okay, I’ll cease. Your loss, although.) It’s been over a decade since Jingle Jungle Parade final ran, so we’ll forgive you in case you by no means skilled that foolish and enjoyable daytime parade overlay.
Extra not too long ago, as we cowl in our Final Information to Christmas at Walt Disney World, Animal Kingdom has celebrated the vacations and multicultural winter traditions from across the globe, albeit in refined methods. There was clearly the icon Christmas tree exterior the park, however even inside the lands, you may discover on-theme decorations, many “crafted” out of discovered supplies by native artisans.
This has been evident in Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama, Asia, and Africa, the place decorations had a home made sensibility consistent with the tales of these lands. These wreaths, garland, and different decor blended in rather well…just a little too properly, the truth is. Until you had a eager eye on the lookout for particulars, you would possibly’ve missed them.
Extra not too long ago, Discovery Island and Pandora – The World of Avatar have obtained added decorations. Not that the entrance of the park didn’t have them earlier than, however it was on the refined facet. The park is already superbly layered, begging visitors to take their time, linger, and peel again layers of particulars. There was arguably a bit an excessive amount of peeling again prior to now–now Christmas at Animal Kingdom is extra apparent.
Animal Kingdom is a hidden gem not within the sense that you have to look onerous to identify the seasonal celebration, however that extra visitors skip Animal Kingdom at Christmas than every other park. A part of that’s the still-shorter hours, however fortunately, Animal Kingdom can be open within the night each evening in the course of the vacation season.
With that in thoughts, let’s begin by overlaying what’s new for Christmas 2024 at Animal Kingdom…
Over the previous couple of years, you’ll have seen Kris Kringle waving to visitors as he sailed across the waterways of Disney’s Animal Kingdom in the course of the vacation cavalcades. This 12 months, you may meet Santa Claus on the seventy fifth Annual Dino Institute Vacation Occasion on the patio at Restaurantosaurus.
Because the visitor of honor himself, Santa’s checked his checklist twice and invited everybody to hitch him on this festive new location as the scholars and school of the Dino Institute have a good time the season in (pre)-historic vogue from November 12-December 24. Deliver the entire household, as a result of a Santa sighting is ideal for the little ones!
I simply need to say that I really like this. I do know I’m completely going to spoil my “avenue cred” with common readers as Dino-Rama’s #1 hater. But when I’m being sincere, I really get pleasure from this time of 12 months in Dinoland, and a lot of the purpose for that’s on the Dino-Rama half of the land. The kitschy decorations and character costumes simply work, and I normally make some extent of solely visiting at evening, when the general ugliness of Dino-Rama is tougher to discern.
What I actually love about this, although, is that it’s a loving send-off for Dinoland. Now, some would possibly argue {that a} metaphorical dumpster fireplace doesn’t deserve a fond farewell earlier than being bulldozed and brought to the literal landfill, however I feel that’s a bit harsh!
In case you missed it, Walt Disney World introduced that the Dino-Rama facet of the land closes in early 2025. The Dinoland facet received’t shut instantly, however it’s nearly actually going extinct someday in 2025. (See When Will DINOSAUR & Dino-Rama Shut at Disney World? for introduced cut-off dates and predictions for the opposite half.)
Accordingly, Christmas 2024 is the final 12 months of Dinoland/Dino-Rama. Usually, Walt Disney World wouldn’t create a brand new vacation providing figuring out that it’ll be a one-and-done, however I actually admire that they’ve opted to take action right here. Busting out my Christmas want checklist, I’d additionally like to see this accompanied by a particular menu for Restaurantosaurus. I’d love for my final meal right here to be, you understand, really edible!
Talking of vacation meals and Dinoland, I’d additionally love to say goodbye to Dino-Bites Snacks with the Double Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream Sandwich. This isn’t confirmed as returning for Christmas 2024, however I actually hope it does–we should always have a meals information for the vacation season very quickly.
In contrast to the opposite parks, Animal Kingdom doesn’t do many Christmas snacks, however this one is a doozy that we extremely advocate! This wealthy and decadent because of these double chocolate cookies (one in every of which is partially dipped in white chocolate), however with a refreshing kick because of the sweet cane crunch overlaying the vanilla ice cream.
The next is pictures and data from previous vacation seasons at Animal Kingdom. Walt Disney World has not confirmed the particular decorations which are returning–and doubtless received’t. It’s our expectation that Dino-Rama and each different land get their full decor packages for Christmas 2024, however building may influence issues adversely. We’ll replace the next shortly after Christmas 2024 at Walt Disney World kicks off!
Along with that superb ice cream sandwich, Dino-Rama options kitschy Americana meets dinorific vacation enjoyable. The spotlight right here is Dino-Sue absolutely wrapped in Christmas lights and full with a Santa hat and beard.
Different enhancements embody an enormous snowman, tinsel timber, lights at Restaurantosaurus, and a few enjoyable gags and shows all through the land. Even Dino-Rama seems good at Christmas.
Moreover, Donald’s Dino-Bash will get into the spirit with eclectic Christmas decorations within the fashion of Donald Duck and every of his buddies. These might be discovered each on the meet & greet spots and the characters themselves.
At evening, visitors can collect ‘around the “Truck-O-Saurus” for the Vacation Hoopla Dance Occasion, that includes loads of interactive enjoyable and video games plus Chip ‘n’ Dale, who’re sporting dinosaur costumes…with Christmas costumes on prime of these. (Costumes on prime of costumes on prime of costumes!)
The village of Harambe in Africa blends the inspiration and magnificence of western traditions with the colours and textiles of genuine African celebrations. Harambe’s performers showing all through the day introduce holiday-inspired enhancements, together with costume additions and new music.
The vacation enjoyable continues at Tusker Home, the most effective and most bold character meals at Walt Disney World. There, Mickey and associates could have a lightweight vacation overlay for this character buffet.
In Asia, the residents of Anandapur have embellished the theatre district in celebration of Diwali, the vacation competition of lights in India. Glowing flowers, lanterns, and extra illuminate the sq. between Anandapur Theater and the waterfront stage.
This debuted final Christmas and was an underrated gem that actually gave life to this space of Animal Kingdom at evening. It’s an important spot for a household vacation photograph at evening, because it’s usually devoid of individuals, however affords vivid and vibrant lighting.
Notably, the vacation spirit stretches off-planet to Pandora — The World of Avatar. There, the ex-pats working for Alpha Centauri Expeditions who inhabit Pandora deliver a style of Christmas to their alien residence, with cheeky vacation decor at Pongu Pongu.
Essentially, cheeky solely describes a few of this decor, which is like Jingle Cruise meets Disney’s Yacht Membership Resort (an odd combo, we all know).
On the one hand, there’s the homesick crew members stranded 1000’s (or thousands and thousands, because the case could also be) miles from residence bringing a classic slice of Christmas to an unique locale–like Jingle Cruise.
On the opposite, there are meticulously handcrafted gadgets–just like the yachts that adorn the Christmas timber and garland at Yacht Membership.
There’s not a ton of vacation decor in Pandora – World of Avatar, however pay cautious consideration to the garland overhead.
This options superbly carved banshee and different alien creatures from Avatar. If solely Walt Disney World offered these as ornaments within the reward store! There’s a lot bizarre merchandise nobody desires, but we will’t get a pleasant wooden banshee decoration!
Saving the most effective for final, the unequivocal spotlight of of the vacations at Animal Kingdom is Christmas on Discovery Island. Strolling out of the Oasis and crossing the bridge to Discovery Island is definitely a tad like stepping out from underneath the tunnel and stepping foot onto Principal Road USA at Christmas, albeit in a really completely different manner.
This space is within the midst of a celebration of winter, with vacation decorations which are hand-crafted by the eclectic neighborhood of artists who make Discovery Island their residence. Discovery Island is brimming with glowing white vacation decorations, animal luminaries on rooftops, wireframe bird-shaped lanterns, and themed garland adorning the buildings all through the land.
Through the day, Discovery Island is alive with a life-size “Merry Menagerie” of artisan-sculpted puppets that embody reindeer, foxes, polar bears, penguins, birds, seals–and doubtless different critters we missed.
These winter animals are accompanied by serenading reside musicians who mingle amongst visitors and the Merry Menagerie of critters to create festive environment.
The obvious comparability for the life-size animal puppets is Kevin the chook from Up. This walk-around character debuted in Discovery Island this 12 months and has been a smash hit with visitors with spontaneous interactions and shortly posing for enjoyable pictures.
The Merry Menagerie of animal puppets is like Kevin, however much less quirky and humorous, and extra majestic and awe-inspiring. These are some sturdy phrases for what you may dismiss as seen people transferring round animals. You completely shouldn’t dismiss them, although.
Within the sense that their human puppeteers are plainly seen, the Merry Menagerie can also be like Discovering Nemo Large Blue & Past. The puppeteers emote as they management the animals, and the road between performer and critter is blurs, as every takes on the character and feelings of the opposite.
It’s actually exceptional how efficient that is, and the way straightforward it’s for visitors to droop disbelief. The Merry Menagerie of animals is mesmerizing as you watch the creatures work together with visitors and each other. This isn’t hyperbole on our half, both.
We noticed extra visitors than we may depend pet the animals, and genuinely react when a fox pounced or a seal snuggled them. A number of children have been stunned by the polar bears, and some requested their mother and father if it was okay to method and contact the light giants.
The Merry Menagerie is hilarious and interesting; these animals add character and substance to Discovery Island. Merry Menagerie is one thing healthful and pure for the vacations that makes a big impact on visitors.
It’s leisure like this that showcases how Walt Disney World can do one thing particular with out being a blockbuster new attraction that price $150 million and 5 years to construct.
These Merry Menagerie puppets are the sort of factor that can be an indelible reminiscence for some visitors.
Merry Menagerie is the brightest star of the Christmas season at Walt Disney World–and that’s not one thing I say evenly. These little puppies–or foxes, polar bears, and so forth, because the case could also be–are the actual purpose why Animal Kingdom is the vacation hidden gem at Walt Disney World.
I’m not even kidding. I contemplate Merry Menagerie to be the #1 spotlight of Christmas at Walt Disney World–at the least, of the issues included in common admission.
Now a part of that’s as a result of Walt Disney World has lower a lot from the opposite parks. Merry Menagerie just isn’t higher than the Cinderella Fort Dream Lights, Osborne Household Spectacle of Dancing Lights, or the Lights of Winter (hmmm…anybody spot a commonality amongst my extinct faves?), however all of these issues are gone.
“Magical” is a time period we don’t usually use, because it will get thrown round by Walt Disney World so haphazardly that it’s nearly devoid of all which means and significance. All the things from new cupcakes to purchasing in your cellphone is worthy of that superlative, in Disney’s view.
Merry Menagerie is magical, actually and actually. This can be a information so I received’t overdue it on the editorializing, however I’d implore you to learn Merry Menagerie: Actual Christmas Magic at Walt Disney World in case you’re nonetheless on the fence about doing DAK in the course of the holidays.
Severely. Merry Menagerie is a type of issues that’s deceptively easy however surprisingly efficient at inflicting visitors to droop disbelief. These animals mesmerize visitors as they work together with them, having pure and healthful enjoyable. Very similar to the aforementioned lights, Merry Menagerie packs an emotional punch that hits your coronary heart far tougher (?) than it ought to on paper. These pictures don’t do it justice!
The enjoyable on Discovery Island doesn’t finish when the Merry Menagerie heads off to hibernate for the evening. The rooftop luminaries round Discovery Island create a heat and festive glow all through your complete village.
Lovely vacation background music continues to play, imbuing Discovery Island with a ‘winter wonderland’ class. On the heart of Discovery Island, the Tree of Life is projected with a shade of deep blue, whereas snow collects on its trunk.
Starting half-hour after sundown and persevering with till park shut, the Tree of Life Winter Awakenings inform a sequence of seasonal tales, full with a well-recognized and heartwarming holiday-inspired musical rating. In every vignette, you’ll see a few of the identical wildlife from the Merry Menagerie engaged.
As at all times, the Tree of Life Awakenings are superior.
These transient scenes throughout which the animals on the Tree of Life come alive through projections are superior. That is pure Disney magic, and the expertise jogs my memory a whole lot of (a technologically extra spectacular model of) the Kiss Goodnight at Magic Kingdom.
The assorted Winter Awakenings solely final a couple of minutes every, however they’re lovely–each in story and visuals. These seize the spirit of the season at Animal Kingdom, and we undoubtedly advocate making an effort to see a few them. They’re completely on-theme for the park–and the proper strategy to finish a vacation day at DAK.
By way of technique, not a lot is feasible and even needed. Our greatest piece of recommendation could be timing your go to to see the Merry Menagerie when crowds are lowest. It’s nearly unattainable to get ‘clear’ pictures with the animals and puppeteers with out different visitors within the background.
Nonetheless, avoiding excessive visitors instances of day on Discovery Island may help with that. In our expertise, Discovery Island is most busy as visitors are arriving and after they’re leaving. This leaves the center of the day, from round 1 pm to three pm, because the candy spot. Notice that the Merry Menagerie ends earlier than sundown, with their final set at the moment ending at 5 pm.
With that mentioned, we’re additionally large followers of Afternoon Arrivals at Animal Kingdom (see that put up for step-by-step technique). For those who present up in mid-afternoon, you may simply benefit from the seasonal leisure and most (if not all!) rides within the park.
Wait instances lower after about 2 pm, which occurs largely as a result of Animal Kingdom opens early and there isn’t sufficient for many visitors to fill a whole day within the park proper now.
It’s completely real looking to reach at 2 pm or so, knock out a couple of low-wait sights, leap in line for the Pandora – World of Avatar sights within the final hour the park is open, after which slowly make your manner out of Discovery Island after Animal Kingdom has closed.
This method means you’re essentially watching the Tree of Life Winter Awakenings round–and even after–park closing. That is what we usually do.
With that mentioned, we do advocate watching the Tree of Life Awakenings as quickly as they start if you need the most effective pictures. That is normally half-hour after sundown, at which era there’s nonetheless a glow and little bit of shade within the sky. (That’s when the entire Tree of Life Awakenings pictures right here have been taken.)
The draw back is that that is unquestionably when Discovery Island is most crowded, as many visitors don’t appear to appreciate the Tree of Life Awakenings happen constantly till after park closing.
Total, the Christmas and different vacation leisure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are implausible. Whereas the extent of ambition and thoroughness varies, every land is embellished with thematic integrity, and the look is sensible in context. Most significantly, the Merry Menagerie puppeteers on Discovery Island are easy however entrancing, and one in every of (if not the!) the vacation highlights in all of Walt Disney World.
We’ll be spending many afternoons on Discovery Island, watching them work together and listening to the reside musicians earlier than heading to Dino-Rama to say farewell and (hopefully!) seize a type of ice cream sandwiches after (hopefully!) an really edible meal and meet & greet with Santa Claus at Restaurantosaurus, after which returning for the Tree of Life Awakenings. Animal Kingdom goes to be a large number all through 2025 and 2026, making this vacation season the final time to see the park as “regular” for the following few years. We’d encourage you to do precisely that, because the park has quietly cemented its spot because the sleeper hit of the vacation season at Walt Disney World.
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YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you consider Animal Kingdom moving into the festivities this Christmas season? Are you excited to bid a fond farewell or gleeful good riddance to Dino-Rama throughout December? Assume Merry Menagerie seems as superior as our reward for it, or is it overrated? Any questions we may help you reply? Agree or disagree with our evaluation of DAK in the course of the vacation season? Listening to your suggestions is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
