PHOTOS, VIDEO: Merry Menagerie Returns to Disney’s Animal Kingdom for 2022 Holidays

Shannen Michaelsen

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Merry Menagerie Returns to Disney’s Animal Kingdom for 2022 Holidays

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.

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Two different sets of puppeteers alternate “shows.” They walk among guests, alongside musicians.

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Two puppeteers operate birds that fly over guests.

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The violinist provides calming background music to the wintry scene.

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The puppets are all white with accents of blue and teal green. They’re textured and some have faux fur attached to them.

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The puppeteers are in matching white outfits.

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Among the first set of animals is this fox.

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There is also a pair of polar bears: a mom and baby.

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This bear has golden designs on its face.

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The puppets are even able to blink.

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Most of the puppets are operated by one person but the mother bear is operated by two puppeteers.

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They happily pose for photos with guests and accept cuddles.

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The fox can get a little mischievous, jumping up on walls and benches.

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A steel drummer also joined the violinist for a performance.

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This first set of performers eventually exits and the second set enters.

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Among the second set are three baby penguins. Two of them like to stick together.

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The baby penguins are fluffy and white with blue heads.

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A lute player joined this team of puppeteers.

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One puppeteer was holding a shy but mischievous seal.

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Another baby penguin is liable to run off on its own.

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They love meeting kids.

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There’s also a parent penguin, who is bluer than the babies.

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Finally, there’s two large caribou.

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Watch our video of this year’s Merry Menagerie below.

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Author

  • Shannen Michaelsen

    Shannen has been a Disney Parks fan and lover of dogs since childhood, despite Pluto's attempt to eat Shannen's Minnie Mouse doll the first time they met. They've made up now. You can email Shannen at shannen@mail.hkdrnt.com.