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 evaluations of every particular providing, pictures, information & ideas 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 all the park, so it’s simple to see why Walt Disney World diehards would overlook this vacation hidden gem. There was a couple of decade when Animal Kingdom wasn’t even open after darkish through the vacation season!
With that stated, 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 one? Okay, I’ll cease. Your loss, although.) It’s been over a decade since Jingle Jungle Parade final ran, so we’ll forgive you if you happen to by no means skilled that foolish and enjoyable daytime parade overlay.
Extra lately, 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 might 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 very well…a bit too properly, the truth is. Until you had a eager eye searching for particulars, you would possibly’ve missed them.
Extra lately, 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, nevertheless it was on the refined aspect. The park is already superbly layered, begging company to take their time, linger, and peel again layers of particulars. There was arguably a bit an excessive amount of peeling again previously–now Christmas at Animal Kingdom is extra apparent.
Animal Kingdom is a hidden gem not within the sense that that you must look onerous to identify the seasonal celebration, however that extra company skip Animal Kingdom at Christmas than some other park. A part of that’s the still-shorter hours, however fortunately, Animal Kingdom shall be open within the night each evening through the vacation season.
With that in thoughts, let’s begin by masking what’s new for Christmas 2024 at Animal Kingdom…
Over the previous couple of years, you could have seen Kris Kringle waving to company as he sailed across the waterways of Disney’s Animal Kingdom through the vacation cavalcades. This 12 months, you possibly can 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 listing twice and invited everybody to affix 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. Convey 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 wreck my “road cred” with common readers as Dino-Rama’s #1 hater. But when I’m being trustworthy, I really get pleasure from this time of 12 months in Dinoland, and a lot of the motive for that’s on the Dino-Rama half of the land. The kitschy decorations and character costumes simply work, and I often 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 believe that’s a bit harsh!
In case you missed it, Walt Disney World introduced that the Dino-Rama aspect of the land closes in early 2025. The Dinoland aspect gained’t shut immediately, nevertheless it’s virtually actually going extinct someday in 2025. (See When Will DINOSAUR & Dino-Rama Shut at Disney World? for introduced deadlines 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 listing, 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 realize, 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.
Not like 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 due to these double chocolate cookies (one in all which is partially dipped in white chocolate), however with a refreshing kick due to the sweet cane crunch masking the vanilla ice cream.
The next is pictures and information from previous vacation seasons at Animal Kingdom. Walt Disney World has not confirmed the precise decorations which might be returning–and doubtless gained’t. It’s our expectation that Dino-Rama and each different land get their full decor packages for Christmas 2024, however building may impression issues adversely. We’ll replace the next shortly after Christmas 2024 at Walt Disney World kicks off!
Along with that wonderful ice cream sandwich, Dino-Rama options kitschy Americana meets dinorific vacation enjoyable. The spotlight right here is Dino-Sue totally wrapped in Christmas lights and full with a Santa hat and beard.
Different enhancements embody an enormous snowman, tinsel bushes, 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 type of Donald Duck and every of his friends. These might be discovered each on the meet & greet spots and the characters themselves.
At evening, company 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 elegance 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, top-of-the-line and most formidable character meals at Walt Disney World. There, Mickey and buddies may have a light-weight vacation overlay for this character buffet.
In Asia, the residents of Anandapur have adorned 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 basically gave life to this space of Animal Kingdom at evening. It’s an incredible spot for a household vacation photograph at evening, because it’s typically devoid of individuals, however provides 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 convey a style of Christmas to their alien residence, with cheeky vacation decor at Pongu Pongu.
In fact, 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 tens of millions, 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 bushes 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 bought these as ornaments within the present store! There’s a lot bizarre merchandise nobody desires, but we are able to’t get a pleasant wooden banshee decoration!
Saving the perfect 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 below the tunnel and stepping foot onto Essential Road USA at Christmas, albeit in a really totally different manner.
This space is within the midst of a celebration of winter, with vacation decorations which might be 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 stay musicians who mingle amongst company and the Merry Menagerie of critters to create festive environment.
The obvious comparability for the life-size animal puppets is Kevin the fowl from Up. This walk-around character debuted in Discovery Island this 12 months and has been a smash hit with company with spontaneous interactions and rapidly 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 might dismiss as seen people shifting round animals. You completely shouldn’t dismiss them, although.
Within the sense that their human puppeteers are plainly seen, the Merry Menagerie can be like Discovering Nemo Huge Blue & Past. The puppeteers emote as they management the animals, and the road between performer and critter is blurs, as every takes on the persona and feelings of the opposite.
It’s actually exceptional how efficient that is, and the way simple it’s for company to droop disbelief. The Merry Menagerie of animals is mesmerizing as you watch the creatures work together with company and each other. This isn’t hyperbole on our half, both.
We noticed extra company than we may depend pet the animals, and genuinely react when a fox pounced or a seal snuggled them. A number of youngsters have been shocked by the polar bears, and some requested their dad and mom if it was okay to method and contact the light giants.
The Merry Menagerie is hilarious and fascinating; these animals add persona and substance to Discovery Island. Merry Menagerie is one thing healthful and pure for the vacations that makes a big impact on company.
It’s leisure like this that showcases how Walt Disney World can do one thing particular with out being a blockbuster new attraction that value $150 million and 5 years to construct.
These Merry Menagerie puppets are the sort of factor that shall be an indelible reminiscence for some company.
Merry Menagerie is the brightest star of the Christmas season at Walt Disney World–and that’s not one thing I say frivolously. These little puppies–or foxes, polar bears, and so forth, because the case could also be–are the actual motive 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 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 typically use, because it will get thrown round by Walt Disney World so haphazardly that it’s virtually devoid of all which means and significance. The whole lot from new cupcakes to procuring in your telephone is worthy of that superlative, in Disney’s view.
Merry Menagerie is magical, actually and actually. It is a information so I gained’t overdue it on the editorializing, however I’d implore you to learn Merry Menagerie: Actual Christmas Magic at Walt Disney World if you happen to’re nonetheless on the fence about doing DAK through the holidays.
Severely. Merry Menagerie is a type of issues that’s deceptively easy however surprisingly efficient at inflicting company to droop disbelief. These animals mesmerize company as they work together with them, having pure and healthful enjoyable. Very like the aforementioned lights, Merry Menagerie packs an emotional punch that hits your coronary heart far more durable (?) 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 all the village.
Stunning 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-known and heartwarming holiday-inspired musical rating. In every vignette, you’ll see among the similar wildlife from the Merry Menagerie engaged.
As at all times, the Tree of Life Awakenings are superior.
These temporary scenes throughout which the animals on the Tree of Life come alive by way of projections are superior. That is pure Disney magic, and the expertise jogs my memory quite a lot of (a technologically extra spectacular model of) the Kiss Goodnight at Magic Kingdom.
The varied 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 positively advocate making an effort to see a few them. They’re completely on-theme for the park–and the right approach to finish a vacation day at DAK.
When it comes to technique, not a lot is feasible and even essential. Our largest piece of recommendation can be timing your go to to see the Merry Menagerie when crowds are lowest. It’s virtually unattainable to get ‘clear’ pictures with the animals and puppeteers with out different company within the background.
Nevertheless, avoiding excessive site visitors instances of day on Discovery Island will help with that. In our expertise, Discovery Island is most busy as company are arriving and once they’re leaving. This leaves the center of the day, from round 1 pm to three pm, because the candy spot. Be aware that the Merry Menagerie ends earlier than sundown, with their final set presently ending at 5 pm.
With that stated, we’re additionally huge followers of Afternoon Arrivals at Animal Kingdom (see that submit for step-by-step technique). Should you present up in mid-afternoon, you possibly can 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 company to fill a whole day within the park proper now.
It’s completely life like to reach at 2 pm or so, knock out just a few low-wait points of interest, leap in line for the Pandora – World of Avatar points of interest 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 stated, we do advocate watching the Tree of Life Awakenings as quickly as they start if you would like the perfect pictures. That is often half-hour after sundown, at which period there’s nonetheless a glow and little bit of colour within the sky. (That’s when all the 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 company don’t appear to appreciate the Tree of Life Awakenings happen constantly till after park closing.
General, the Christmas and different vacation leisure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are incredible. Whereas the extent of ambition and thoroughness varies, every land is adorned 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 all (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 stay 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 multitude all through 2025 and 2026, making this vacation season the final time to see the park as “regular” for the subsequent 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.
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Find out about lodges on our Walt Disney World Inns Evaluations web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Evaluations. To economize on tickets or decide which kind to purchase, learn our Suggestions for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets submit. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys submit takes a novel take a look at intelligent gadgets to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Trip Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the perfect place to begin is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for all the things that you must know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you consider Animal Kingdom stepping 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 will help you reply? Agree or disagree with our evaluation of DAK through the vacation season? Listening to your suggestions is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!