At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the holiday season comes alive with the enchanting Merry Menagerie, a festive display blending artistry, storytelling, and a commitment to conservation. This heartwarming spectacle transforms the front of the park into a winter wonderland, with an emphasis on nature’s beauty and the creatures that inhabit our world. 

A standout feature of the Merry Menagerie is the puppeteers who bring the magic to life. Dressed in cozy winter attire, these skilled performers operate intricate life-sized animal puppets made of natural and sustainable materials. Polar bears, foxes, penguins, and reindeer parade through Discovery Island, enchanting guests of all ages. These puppets are meticulously designed to mirror the movements of real animals, creating a seamless illusion that connects visitors to the wildlife they represent. The puppeteers also interact with guests, fostering a sense of wonder and encouraging a deeper appreciation for the natural world. 

One such puppeteer is Mary Boatman, who has been with the Merry Menagerie for 4 years. “I love puppetry! I’ve been doing it for like, 10 years. My favorite thing about it is it’s one of the only art forms where you can recreate something that is animated in like, the right proportions so that it actually looks real…if you were to make this fox a costume for a person to where the proportions wouldn’t be right and not as realistic. But for a puppet you can get everything exactly accurate so it looks like a real fox. This is Scout the arctic fox, a lot of people think he’s a dog but he’s a fox.”

When asked about her most memorable moments as a part of this show, Mary said, “It’s especially memorable when you meet guests who are blind and getting to hold the puppet up to them and take their hand and show them all of the features with their hands. That is a very magical moment to be a part of.”

Beyond the holiday cheer, Disney’s Merry Menagerie underscores the park’s dedication to conservation. Animal Kingdom has long been a champion of protecting wildlife and their habitats, with efforts ranging from the Disney Conservation Fund to educational programs aimed at inspiring stewardship. Through this festive display, Disney subtly reminds guests of the importance of respecting and preserving Earth’s creatures. The puppets symbolize animals often affected by climate change, such as polar bears and Arctic foxes, aligning the experience with broader ecological themes.  A particularly fun fact Mary shared with us is that, “you won’t see the Penguins and Polar Bears in the same set together because Polar Bears eat Penguins so to keep our friends safe and keep the show they are separated.”

The holidays at Walt Disney World are a major draw, with millions of people flocking to Orlando each year to partake in the seasonal celebrations. Data from Visit Orlando reveals that the city sees over 70 million visitors annually, with the winter months serving as a peak travel period. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike journey from across the globe to experience the unique blend of magic and tradition that Disney parks offer. Animal Kingdom’s Merry Menagerie adds a distinctive touch to this festive landscape, offering a meaningful and immersive experience. 

Through a blend of artistry and environmental advocacy, Disney’s Merry Menagerie is more than just a holiday celebration; it’s a call to action. By inspiring awe and appreciation for the natural world, this seasonal offering reminds guests that the spirit of the holidays is about giving back — to each other and to the planet.