One of the sweetest holiday traditions at Walt Disney World is returning to Disney’s Animal Kingdom! The Merry Menagerie first debuted in 2019, bringing extra holiday magic to Discovery Island through a collection of beautifully handcrafted animal puppets that interact with guests throughout the day.
If you haven’t experienced this unique entertainment offering, it’s definitely worth adding to your holiday park visit. The roaming experience features adorable Arctic animals, including baby penguins, polar bears, reindeer, arctic foxes, and more. Accompanied by live musicians, the puppets interact with guests, pose for photos, and bring plenty of personality to the area in front of the Tree of Life.
There are also a few festive details to look out for as you explore the park. Along the pathway leading toward Pandora – The World of Avatar, you’ll find a large mural celebrating the Merry Menagerie. Featuring the adorable puppets, it’s a wonderful photo opportunity, and Disney PhotoPass photographers are often stationed nearby to capture your visit.
As you enter the park, look up at the merchandise shops on either side of the entrance. Their rooftops feature colorful lantern decorations inspired by the Merry Menagerie characters.
Because these little puppets have developed quite the following, Disney has expanded the merchandise collection once again! This year’s assortment features pastel colors, whimsical animal artwork, and several keepsakes inspired by the characters. You can experience Merry Menagerie starting November 13, 2026, with appearances throughout the day on Discovery Island. Here’s a look at the new merchandise!
2026 Merry Menagerie Merchandise
Merry Menagerie Ear Headband – $38.99
These adorable ears feature a sleeping white arctic fox on one side and a blue penguin-inspired design on the other. Between them is an iridescent bow decorated with snowflake details. The removable bow offers two different ways to wear this festive accessory!
Purple Merry Menagerie T-Shirt – $36.99
This purple shirt features a colorful collection of the Merry Menagerie animals. The front has a smaller illustration of the Tree of Life, while the back showcases the full group, including penguins, polar bears, foxes, and reindeer.
Light Blue Merry Menagerie Crewneck – $54.99
Perfect for cooler holiday evenings, this light blue sweatshirt features a small Tree of Life design on the front. The back showcases two reindeer against a beautiful pink and orange sunset-inspired background, with glittery accents adding extra sparkle.
Rob Kaz Artwork Prints – Starting at $49.95
Disney artist Rob Kaz has created beautiful artwork inspired by the Merry Menagerie. These collectible prints feature the beloved characters and their whimsical holiday setting, making them a lovely addition to any Disney art collection. Pricing varies by print style and size.
Merry Menagerie Christmas Ornament – $26.99
Bring a little Animal Kingdom magic home with this sculpted ornament featuring the Tree of Life and several familiar Merry Menagerie friends. With its colorful details and 2026 lettering, it’s a sweet way to commemorate the season.
Annual Passholder Exclusive
Merry Menagerie Annual Passholder Pin – $21.99
Passholders have their own special collectible this year! The gorgeous pin features several of the Arctic animals, including a reindeer, seal, fox, and penguin, surrounded by colorful details inspired by the Merry Menagerie. Special Passholder lettering makes it a fun addition to your Disney pin collection.
Whether you’re visiting to see the puppets, take photos in front of the mural, or pick up a new souvenir, Merry Menagerie remains one of the most charming parts of the Animal Kingdom holiday season. Be sure to stop by Island Mercantile to check out the collection while supplies last!
Photos: Izi K.
Written by
Izi K
From hunting for Hidden Mickeys to trading pins with anyone who had a lanyard, Izi grew up finding joy in the little details of Walt Disney World. That love for the parks eventually led to roles as a Cast Member on both coasts – at Disneyland and across several teams in Florida. These days, you’ll often find Izi wandering Disney resorts, diving into bits of park history, or finding the perfect spot to relax and soak in the atmosphere in the parks.
